On Friday last week, the Prime Minister and National Cabinet released the Federal Government’s Roadmap to a COVIDSafe Australia.

This Roadmap outlines a three step pathway to easing restrictions and provides for a continued reduction of restrictions within each subsequent step. It is important to note that the roadmap advises that for both Steps 1 and 2 to “Work from home if it works for you and your employer”.

Whilst the Prime Minister and National Cabinet have released a national framework, state and territory governments are required to develop their own plans for moving towards a COVID safe society and economy. These plans also need to encompass geographical based considerations and regionalised outbreak risks. The state and territory based plans currently continue to support the Federal Government’s message of working from home.

In order to prepare for a future return to the workplace for the WFH community members, Calvary has begun planning on how that might occur, including any relevant considerations. Specific plans will need to be developed based on the work location.

Although the impact of COVID-19 on the workplace was forced upon us, the quick adoption of new technology and work practices has had many benefits. As such, it is important that we review both the positives and negatives of our changed work practices as there may be many initiatives that we may want to adopt on an ongoing basis.

In order to capture your experiences and opinions, a pulse survey will be distributed later this week.

I strongly encourage you to complete this survey and provide feedback. In addition to this survey, there will be a number of focus groups that will be facilitated in order to further capture your feedback, as well as any other work practices that could be adopted.

In regards to returning to the workplace, we will continue to monitor the advice provided by the state and Federal governments, and activate return to workplace plans when required. Please ensure you adhere to the ongoing advice being provided by government and health authorities in order to keep you and your family healthy and safe.

The Employee Assistance Program remains available for confidential counselling and wellbeing support to all employees and their eligible, immediate family members should you wish to access this service.

Damien Johnston, National Director, People & Corporate Services