Welcome to the December 2018 eNewsUpcoming WayAhead Workplaces Member MeetingsThe next meeting for WayAhead Workplaces in Sydney will be on Thursday 28th February 2019 from 9:30am - 12:30pm. The meeting will be hosted by Australia Post at Isaac Nicholls Room, Ground level, 219-241 Cleveland St, Strawberry Hills, NSW 2012. Guest speakers TBC soon. The next meeting for WayAhead Workplaces in Brisbane will be on Tuesday 5th February 2019 from 10:00am - 1:00pm. The meeting will be hosted by University of Queensland at the Mayne Medical School Building, School of Medicine, Herston Rd, Herston Campus. Guest speakers TBC soon. You must RSVP to Lynley lynley.hurst@wayahead.org.au if you want to attend these meetings. Remember members, as part of your membership with us, you can log in and view the speaker presentations from all our previous meetings. New on https://workplaces.wayahead.org.au/If you've recently signed up to receive these eNewsletters, or you've been meaning to read something that caught your eye in a previous one, you're in luck! You can now view all eNewsletters from this year in one convenient place on our website. The 2019 Conference Calendar and Events Calendar are now visible to members, and will be updated monthly. Check out what's on near you, what's worth travelling for, and save the dates for next year now. We have posted our Christmas Stress Less Tips again on our home page as they were so well received last year. There are some good pieces of advice in that resource that we could all do with being reminded of at this time of year. Please feel free to share the link with your family and friends. Have you perused the Resources section of our website lately? Did you know that we publish hundreds of resources from apps to articles, blogs, research, reports, and more? You can search our resources by tags including ergonomics, financial awareness, happiness, leadership and management, relaxation, return to work, and more. You told us that you wanted to know more about who was in the WayAhead Workplaces network, so we now dedicate a page on our website to Member Spotlights. So far, we have featured Q&As with 15 members across NSW and QLD, with a new profile published every fortnight! To access the member-only resources on our website, just log in from the home page using your member username and password from the email we sent you when you signed up with us. If you can't find that, contact Sharon at workplaces@wayahead.org.au Annual Members Survey 2018Annual Members Survey 2018 – for paid members to fill out Your feedback on our program evaluation is very important to us as we use it when we create the strategic plan for WayAhead Workplaces each year. We take great delight in being able to deliver on the feedback you give us and this is reflected in some of the meeting topics we chose this year and the information we sought out for our newsletters. We have also chosen the Annual Members Forum theme and meeting topics based on what you told us you wanted to learn more about. This year we have a separate prize draw you can enter once you have completed the survey, so your name is not linked with your responses. We ask that in exchange for the services and support we give you over the year that you please take 10 minutes to fill out the survey and help us to improve the program. It is very important that we collect this information because as a charity we need evaluations to help demonstrate we provide good value for money to our members and to justify ongoing funding from our funding bodies. If you have any problems with the survey or the link please contact me at workplaces@wayahead.org.au The survey will be open throughout January to allow those people already away on holiday to come back and fill it in. Thank you so much to those that have already filled it in! Here is the link to the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XJK5ZXV Sector Spotlight - Awards, Events, Webinars, Workshops and ConferencesManaging Fatigue and Health Outcomes, 26-27 February, Sydney - Discount for WayAhead Workplaces MembersWorkplace fatigue is a familiar and ongoing challenge for those in 24-hour industries. However, the rise of technology and the ability to work from almost anywhere has led to an increase in fatigue-related incidents across a number of sectors. Gain knowledge with takeaways from cross-sector presentations and case studies on how to address regulations, efficiently and effectively manage schedules, reduce fatigue and improve the ongoing health of the workforce. Contact Sharon at workplaces@wayahead.org.au for the discount code.
Happiness and Its Causes Conference 24-25 June, Sydney - Discount for WayAhead Workplaces MembersHappiness is important. It’s important for your own life satisfaction and enjoyment. And it is equally important for your family, the people in your care and the people you work with. Join us at Happiness & Its Causes 2019 for a rich and inspiring experience, connecting with like-minded delegates and speakers. Explore the big questions in life and uncover what will bring lasting, genuine happiness for you, those you love and those in your care. It is equally relevant to individuals and professionals. Contact Sharon at workplaces@wayahead.org.au for the discount code.
Workplace Wellness Summit 24-25 June, Sydney - Discount for WayAhead Workplaces MembersThe world of work is changing. Technology is disrupting, new business models are evolving and expectations of employees are rising. Business is responding by becoming more agile and productive, and by embedding health and wellbeing into their culture. This event is curated to squarely focus on the needs of workplaces with a major industry conference, big expo show floor, training & development forum and ample opportunities for networking. Contact Sharon at workplaces@wayahead.org.au for the discount code.
National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces - Australian Human Rights Commission, submissions close 31 January 2019On 20 June 2018 Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Kate Jenkins, announced a national inquiry into sexual harassment in Australian workplaces. The Commission wants to hear from as many people as they can in conducting the inquiry. To facilitate this, the inquiry will involve a submission process, as well as public consultations held in all Australian capital cities and a number of regional cities. The Commission will be accepting submissions until 31 January 2019.
Ethics At Work - The Ethics Centre, 14 February 2019, SydneyIn today’s hyper-connected world, people are expected to make split-second decisions. The experience of being drawn in multiple directions has become part of everyday decision making. Not many people feel comfortable negotiating this complexity. Ethics At Work is a half-day professional training workshop that will equip you with the tools to identify and resolve complex ethical dilemmas. Mentally Healthy Workplaces Workshops - Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, January-June 2019, BrisbaneThese free half-day workshops will equip frontline managers and supervisors with foundational skills to identify, assess and manage risks to psychological health and safety within their team.
Return to Work Program Workshops - SafeWork NSWIs your return to work program up to date? SafeWork NSW are running free workshops to help you comply with the new guidelines by the 31 May 2019 deadline. Resource SpotlightMental Health at Work Website - SafeWork NSWThe NSW Mentally Healthy Workplaces Strategy 2018 -22 is the NSW Government’s long-term plan for mentally healthy workplaces and represents the single-biggest investment in workplace mental health in the nation’s history. This new website launched by SafeWork NSW provides access to prevention-focused practical guidance and evidence-informed tools and resources to help create mentally healthy workplaces.
Have Your Say – Conversation ToolkitThe Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins has launched a new toolkit to help businesses and organisations to hold productive conversations about workplace sexual harassment. Open and respectful conversations about workplace sexual harassment is a first step towards changing the culture of Australian workplaces. Download the conversation toolkit here.
Contribute to Mental Health Reform - Mental Health Commission of NSWThe Commission would like your feedback on what is important for you. What do you need to know to see if mental health in NSW is really improving? The survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete and will be open until 20 December 2018.
Resources on Sleep - SleepFit and Graeme CowanCourtesy of one of our members, Melissa from SleepFit, delve deep into resources on sleep, including The Top 8 Reasons You Don’t Wake Up Refreshed, and a detailed article on How to Treat Insomnia. While you're at it, check out Graeme Cowan's 3 Tips For a Better Sleep which he considers "the simplest way to drastically improve your life."
Your Health Newsletter - Queensland HealthQueensland Health is excited to launch its first public newsletter, Your Health, with the first edition hitting inboxes this week. The fortnightly newsletter will feature advice and tips on general health as well as health alerts and specific interests including child health, pregnancy, fitness, nutrition and mental health. While you're on their website, check out Queensland Health's News and Alerts page, and the free health care services for Queenslanders and their survival guide for how to deal with stress this holiday season,
Resources from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, Office of Industrial RelationsOur members WHSQ, Office of Industrial Relations, have recently published some really useful resources, including a Mentally Healthy Workplaces Toolkit and tip sheets to manage work-related stress and a safety culture and leadership seminar on their website.
Guide for Safe Chemical Storage - Safe Work AustraliaA new guide has been released by Safe Work Australia to help workplaces store their chemicals safely. It is designed to teach businesses how to safely identify, position and manage the risks of chemicals.
Unpack Your Lunch - 10 Day Salt ChallengeAustralians are consuming nearly double the recommended daily salt intake, which greatly increases the chances of developing heart disease and stroke. Join the challenge to learn how you can reduce your salt intake.
Drought Tool Kit - LifelineRural people are known for their resilience, but prolonged drought can really put this to the test. Click here to access a drought toolkit designed to provide practical tips to assist those living in drought affected areas to care for themselves and those around them. Research SpotlightProductivity Commission Inquiry into Mental Health Terms of ReferenceThe Australian Government has released the terms of reference for the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into mental health. The inquiry will consider how mental illness can affect all aspects of a person’s quality of life including physical health, social participation, education, employment and financial status. The inquiry has broad aims that clearly include occupational health and safety and may set some evidence challenges for some of those in the workplace wellbeing sector: "It will look at how governments across Australia, employers, professional and community groups in healthcare, education, employment, social services, housing and justice can contribute to improving mental health for people of all ages and cultural backgrounds." The Treasurer Josh Frydenberg MP has written that "the Commission should consider the role of mental health in supporting economic participation, enhancing productivity and economic growth."
Physical and Psychological Safety at Work - Online SurveyYou are invited to take part in the next phase of research on physical and psychological safety at work, conducted by researchers at the Asia Pacific Centre for Work Health & Safety, University of South Australia. In the short online survey, you will be asked to sort and rate a small set of behaviours related to physical and psychological health at work. The survey should only take 5-10 minutes to complete and can be completed on your tablet or smartphone.
Why Millennials Are Good For Employee Well-Being - ForbesMillennials are slowly taking over the workforce, and their desire for a flexible environment, a sense of community, and personal development, is pushing companies to evolve their culture. Find out how to connect with Millennials, and how this culture shift is good for every generation's wellbeing.
Open-Plan Offices Make Workers Less Collaborative, Harvard Study FindsAccording to new Harvard research, open-place offices reduce the amount of time people spend talking face-to-face and instead drives them to interact by text or email. Is working from home and in public spaces such as cafes and libraries the way of the future?
Create a Thriving Workplace - SuperFriendSuperFriend surveyed over 5,000 Australian workers in a broad range of industries and occupations, exploring 40 scientifically-validated indicators of thriving workplaces, to produce the 2018 Indicators of a Thriving Workplace Report. For more on how to create a thriving, respectful workplace culture, this article unpacks seven essential steps.
The Cross Sector Project: Mapping Australian Systems of Income Support for People with Health-Related Work Incapacity - Monash UniversityIn Australia during the 2015/16 financial year an estimated 786,000 people who were unable to work due to ill health, injury or disability received income support from a commonwealth, state, territory or private source. This project mapped ten major systems of income support in Australia. The executive summary (pages 7-11) says workplace prevention and early intervention is key.
Tackling Bullying - Safeguard Magazine, New ZealandIs all unreasonable behaviour bullying? What’s the best advice to give someone being bullied? This article unpacks these questions and more.
Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Media, Marketing and Creative Industries - EverymindOur member, Everymind partnered with Never Not Creative and UnLtd to conduct the first major study into the mental health and wellbeing of the media, marketing and creative industries. Click here to access a summary of the key findings.
Research from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, Office of Industrial RelationsWHSQ has published a new range of industry work injury claims snapshots analysing and specifically comparing claims with 60 or more compensated work days. On their website, they've also highlighted key findings for Queensland from Safe Work Australia's recently released National Return to Work Survey Report. Articles of InterestInside Victoria's Courts as Magistrates' 'Oppressive' Caseloads Pile Up - ABC NewsAn Australian-first study has found that the nation's judiciary has a growing problem with stress. But with more police on the streets, tighter bail laws, and both parties talking tough on crime, their "oppressive" caseloads show no sign of abating. This is one sector struggling with managing the wellbeing of their staff.
Financial Wellness in the Workplace - Financial Advice MattersOne of our members in Queensland, Darren Smith, Managing Director of Financial Advice Matters, recently had two items published regarding financial wellness in the workplace; a 20-minute podcast with the ifa Show, and an article on retirement training with Wellness Daily. Well done Darren, keep up the great work.
The Accessibility and Inclusion Tipping PointThis article is a nice summary from bluenotes about some of the big issues that have occurred around disability and inclusion in 2018.
Nine Great Books About Living With Mental Illness - The SANE BlogReading can be a tremendous source of solace as people navigate the ups and downs of life. Great books teach people new ways of seeing themselves and the world. They help people remember they're not alone; that others have gone through similar struggles and survived. Something to make you smile...'Dancing Doctor' Busts a Move to Cheer Up Sick Kids - YouTubeTo end on a nice note... Who knew you could learn how to dance in the hospital? A pediatric neurosurgery physician's assistant helps patients heal by dancing!
Thank youAnother year of work in workplace health and wellbeing has come to an end. We want to thank our members, eNews subscribers and supporters for their support and feedback! Each year we commit to improving our work and staying relevant for you. Please tell other people about us so we can continue to help support all workplaces. Your word of mouth feedback is worth its weight in gold! |