Making time for personal wellbeing in a high-octane industry like real estate can be tough, but Ouwens Casserly Real Estate is redefining what it means to be a successful, people-first business.
The South Australian real estate business, which has more than 100 property professionals, has taken an innovative approach towards health and wellbeing in the workplace.
It’s a meaningful move in a world where success is often measured by sales figures, market share and hustle, and it has been serving the group well.
The firm’s wellbeing program has helped the group win the Wellbeing Initiative of the Year title at the 2024 REA Excellence Awards, earning nationwide recognition for its approach to workplace wellness.
But for managing director Nathan Casserly and chief operating officer Belinda Butterworth, it’s not about the accolades. It’s part of a much larger goal: to create a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive – both professionally and personally.
“We’ve never been about being the biggest or the highest-value agency,” Mr Casserly said.
“For us, success is about impact – on our customers, our community, and most importantly, our team. If we can get that right, everything else falls into place.”
Ouwens Casserly Real Estate has more than 100 property professionals. Picture: Supplied
A culture of care
Real estate is an industry known for long hours, high stakes, and relentless competition.
Yet Mr Casserly, Ms Butterworth and the rest of the leadership team have worked hard to create a culture that attracts top talent and keeps them engaged and motivated for the long haul.
Their wellbeing program promotes healthy physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, which in turn has enhanced performance, mitigated burnout risks, and increased both engagement and retention of talent.
The program offers a range of benefits including a $200 gift card to put towards the gym, yoga, massages and other health and wellbeing activities, as well as additional time off for things such as recharge days and anniversary leave.
The business offers also flexible working arrangements, health and wellbeing discounts and more.
“It’s not just about offering perks or ticking boxes,” Ms Butterworth said.
“It’s about creating an environment where people feel seen, heard, and supported – no matter what’s happening in their lives.”
How it started
The seeds of the wellbeing program were planted during a period of profound personal challenge for the company’s leadership.
Two years ago, two senior members of the business simultaneously faced family health crises, with both having loved ones undergo cancer treatment.
The experience was a stark reminder of what truly matters – and it sparked a shift that would redefine the company’s approach to employee care.
“It was a traumatic time, but it also forced us to reflect on our priorities,” Mr Casserly said.
The Ouwens Casserly Real Estate team at the 2024 REA Excellence Awards in Melbourne last year.
“We realised that if we wanted to build a business that could weather life’s storms, we needed to start by taking care of our people.”
What began as a response to crisis has since evolved into the wellbeing program that has been setting a new standard for workplace culture.
A blueprint for the future
As the business continues to grow, the company is committed to evolving its wellbeing program to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse workforce.
From flexible work arrangements to innovative wellness initiatives, the goal is to create a workplace where everyone feels they belong.
“We’re not just building a business – we’re building a community,” Ms Butterworth said. “And that starts with putting people first.”
Alex Ouwens and Nathan Casserly (L-R) established the business in 2014. Picture: Supplied
For Mr Casserly, the journey is far from over.
“This isn’t a destination; it’s a continuous evolution,” he said.
“We’re constantly learning, adapting, and striving to do better – because our people deserve nothing less.”
In an industry often defined by deals and dollars, Ouwens Casserly Real Estate is proving that success also lies in the wellbeing of its people.
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