Good Teams Start With Care and Connection

In the Community Living Services, team culture is nurtured through everyday actions that reflect care, connection and communication. Jon Swindle, Deputy Registered Manager, shared how he and Karyn McNaughton, Registered Manager, work together to create an environment where people feel valued and supported. Thoughtful monthly updates, from wellbeing tips to reminders about STAR celebrations and benefits help staff feel appreciated. Jon explains, 

“It’s about keeping people informed. Staff stay with us because we are caring and nice to work for. I think the ‘enjoyable and rewarding’ value plays a lot into what we do.”

The team regularly celebrates their everyday work, noting down success (no matter how small). This helps to set expectations for new team members and shows what a good life looks like for the people they support and what a good day working in care looks like.

Communication is key: “Communication is the team strength” one colleague said. Another added, “We work as a team, communication in a friendly way, is key.” This approach is supported by leadership: “We are led with openness and an open-door culture. 

All staff feel comfortable talking to management, good and bad. Mistakes are seen as learning. We are human and mistakes will be made; it’s how we act after. Things are put in place and lessons learnt.” Karyn’s leadership is central to this culture. “She’s proactive,” Jon said. “We don’t let small problems grow, we put things in place early.” Monthly meetings offer space for connection, often with small treats, like fruit or chocolate. Respect, fun, and learning are central. “All the team respect each other and if people have different skills they are used,” one said. “Try and retry and change until something works.”

These everyday moments, a shared shift, a celebration of good care, a conversation over coffee, build a culture where people feel heard, respected, and part of something meaningful. It’s not just about doing the job well, it’s about showing up for each other in ways that matter.