Welcome to the October 2019 eNews - Mental Health Month edition Upcoming WayAhead Workplaces Member MeetingsThe next meeting for WayAhead Workplaces members in Sydney will be on Wednesday 27th November from 9:30am-12:30pm. The meeting will be hosted by Reserve Bank of Australia at 65 Martin Place, Sydney CBD 2000. Guest speakers include:
The next meeting for WayAhead Workplaces members in Brisbane will be on Wednesday 13th November from 10:00am-1:00pm. The meeting will be hosted by Workplace Health and Safety QLD (WHSQ) at the Glasshouse Room, 347 Ann St, Brisbane CBD 4000. Guest speakers include:
Further guest speakers for both meetings will be announced soon. Please check the links above for updates. You must RSVP to Lynley if you want to attend these meetings. Did you miss our September meeting, or love it so much you wish you could share the presentation slides with your team? Simply log in to our website to view the presentation slides from all of our previous meetings. These are visible only to WayAhead Workplaces members as part of your member benefits with us. New on the WayAhead Workplaces WebsiteOctober is FULL of interesting conferences, from the Frontline Mental Health Conference (20-22 Oct in Townsville) and the Australian Rural and Remote Mental Health Symposium (28-30 Oct in Adelaide), to the Best Places to Work Conference (29 Oct in Sydney). Find out more about these and other conferences in the sector in our 2019 Conferences Calendar. This month NSW celebrates Mental Health Month, coordinated by WayAhead, and the Biketober Business Challenge, a partnership between Get Healthy at Work and Love to Ride, while QLD celebrates Mental Health Week (5-13 Oct), and all Australians are encouraged to Ride2Work (16 Oct) and Try for 5 (13-19 Oct). Find out more about these and other events in our 2019 Events Calendar. We are continually adding to the Resources section of our website. Some of the newest resources include the 4 Day Week website which features a white paper, research, articles, videos and more supporting the case for this groundbreaking flexibility model, and Improving Access and Inclusion in Employment for People with Disabilities, a research report published recently by the Centre for Workplace Leadership. To access the member-only resources on our website, simply log in from the homepage using the username and password we emailed you when you signed up with us. If you can't find that, contact Lynley. Don't forget you can also view all previous eNewsletters on our website. WayAhead Workplaces Members SpotlightOur Members Spotlight is a page dedicated to promoting the wonderful members of the WayAhead Workplaces network. Our most recent spotlight shone on Pamela Seraskeris, Mental Health Consultant at Reserve Bank of Australia, who are kindly hosting our Sydney November 2019 meeting. Sector Spotlight - Awards, Events, Webinars, Workshops and ConferencesMental Health Month, 1-31 October 2019, NSW and Mental Health Matters Awards - WayAheadFor the third and final time, this year's theme for Mental Health Month in NSW is Share the Journey. Each year WayAhead encourages the community to put together events that encourage community connectedness and aim to reduce the stigma associated with mental health. This year's official Mental Health Month events calendar showcases a range of interesting community events you can check out. If you are hosting an event of your own, you can register your event here. This year's Mental Health Matters Award winners were announced on 27 September! These individuals and organisations have worked to improve understanding, awareness, service provision and the general mental health of communities in NSW over the previous year. View all the amazing winners from this year, including the winner of the WayAhead Workplaces Wellbeing Award, named in honour of our program this year.
Mental Health Week, 5-13 October 2019, QLDThe week of 5-13 October was QLD Mental Health Week. The week helps to promote the importance of mental health and wellbeing and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. The QLD Mental Health Week Achievement Awards were presented at a ceremony on Friday at Brisbane City Hall. Find out more here. This blog post links to further reading and resources in regards to the cross-promotion of Mental Health Month and Safe Work Month.
National Safe Work Month, 1-31 October 2019, AustraliaOctober is also National Safe Work Month - a time to commit to building safe and healthy workplaces for all Australians. Download the campaign kit, find events and activities happening in your area to raise awareness of Workplace Health and Safety (WHS), and become a WHS champion at your workplace! Click on your state for more information and events happening in NSW, QLD and TAS - including free webinars! Read this short blog post for research and tips on improving mental wellbeing at work.
Safe Work Month Breakfast Forums, 9-31 October 2019, QLD - Workplace Health and Safety QLD (WHSQ)WHS professionals and business leaders are invited to attend Safe Work Month Breakfast Forums held throughout QLD in October. With an extended half-day program and high profile keynote presenters covering a diverse range of hot topics, the forums will provide delegates with new ideas and practical strategies to take back and implement in the workplace.
In Harmony Festival, 14-18 October 2019, Sydney - Mostly Mad MusicEnjoy a series of classical music pop-up concerts as the In Harmony festival takes music from the concert halls to the streets of Sydney, from Newtown to the CBD.
What You Need to Know About Pre-injury Average Weekly Earnings (PIAWE) Reforms - icareThe NSW Government has published the Workers Compensation Amendment PIAWE Regulation 2019. The Regulation aims to reduce PIAWE-related disputes by simplifying the way in which an injured worker’s* PIAWE is calculated. The Regulation commences on 21 October 2019 and will apply to workers injured on or after that date. Click here to register for the live webinar on 17 October 2019 or to receive a recording. Over the coming weeks, icare will release a range of PIAWE-related resources and an online training option on their website. For further information on the PIAWE reforms, download SIRA’s PIAWE quick reference guide or visit SIRA's website. * Note: PIAWE amendments do not apply to exempt categories of workers (i.e. police, firefighters and paramedics).
Economic and Community Participation Program, Australia - NDISUp to $30million of funding is available for projects which provide a catalyst for increasing access and inclusion for people with disability across
Australia. Applications close 21 October 2019. The two streams are:
The Big Anxiety, 27 September–9 November 2019, Sydney - UNSW SydneyThe Big Anxiety is a radically new kind of international arts festival, in which every project is an open conversation designed to promote curiosity, awareness and action. Events across Sydney will bring together artists, scientists and communities to question and re-imagine the state of mental health in the 21st century.
Mental Health Recovery @ Work Program - State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA)SIRA have recently launched the Recovery @ Work program, which involves:
Small Business Campaign, 2 September–30 November 2019 - Beyond BlueThe Beyond Blue Small Business Campaign was designed to raise awareness about the important role that small business advisers (e.g. accountants, bookkeepers, tax agents, industry associations and representative bodies) or family and friends can play in supporting small business owners to improve their mental health. The campaign is running until 30 November 2019 across LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, through established stakeholder networks and other digital channels. The main resource can be found here. The campaign supporter page can be found here.
Wellness Wise™ Practitioner Training Program - Wellness Wise Academy, Discount for WayAhead Workplaces MembersRegistrations are open for the next round of nationally accredited Wellness Wise™ Practitioner training programs. A few of our members have completed this course now and found it to be of great benefit to their work and it is the only one of its kind in Australia.
Following the initial 2-day course, participants will have access to 1-on-1 mentoring, networking opportunities and access to an online “Hub” to help embed key learnings back into the workplace. We have a discount for our paid WayAhead Workplaces members. Contact Lynley for the discount code.
The Public Sector Workplace Mental Health Strategies Conference, 3–5 December 2019, Canberra - Criterion ConferencesThis conference will empower you to address workplace mental health challenges at your organisation with a greater level of confidence and knowledge. It will provide an appreciation for the positive benefits of investing in mental health and wellbeing, insights from senior leadership champions of employee wellbeing, lessons from evidence-based case studies in designing and implementing mental health initiatives and strategies to develop a comprehensive, relevant and effective mental health strategy. This conference is open to all organisations, not just public sector ones. For more information, visit the website or email the Customer Care Team.
New Zealand Mental Health Conference, 16-17 March 2020, Christchurch - Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association, Discount for WayAhead Workplaces MembersWe are delighted to have been invited to sit on the committee for a New Zealand Mental Health conference in Christchurch 2020. Discover the latest research, projects and technological developments in mental health and wellbeing. Hear from more than 50 presenters, network with fellow mental health professionals, and unite with a community passionate about helping others in a city that has experienced great challenges to its resilience. We encourage Australian organisations to join us in New Zealand for this stimulating and meaningful conference. The call for abstracts is now open and you can apply under 8 different streams, including workplace wellbeing. Early bird discounts are available now and we have a discount for our paid WayAhead Workplaces members. Contact Lynley for the discount code.
Join the Stand at Work Revolution with BeUpstanding™!The free BeUpstanding health and wellbeing program provides everything a workplace champion needs to help their team stand up, sit less and move more. BeUpstanding are currently recruiting for a national evaluation of the BeUpstanding program and are seeking teams from across Australia to take part. Be one of the first to sign up and you will gain access to free, expert coaching to help deliver the program and be part of world-first research. Find out more on their website or email the BeUpstanding team directly.
What Makes You An Expert? Learn How to Build Your Brand & Grow Your Profile, 15 October 2019, Sydney - The Lifestyle SuiteThis is a message from one of our members who have an event coming up: Are you an expert who’s passionate about health and wellbeing? Are you keen to build your profile and influence in your area of expertise? The Lifestyle Suite is Australia’s only talent agency representing credible qualified health and lifestyle experts. If you‘re looking to build your brand in the media and ensure your expert voice is heard, register for this free information evening on 15 October 2019 to find out more. For those not based in Sydney and keen to learn more, please email the Lifestyle Suite team. Resource SpotlightFree & Low-Cost Exercise Program For Anxiety and Depression - Mood ActiveMood Active is a community service provider that aims to address a much needed treatment gap for those diagnosed with depression and anxiety. They run free and low-cost small group exercise programs in various locations in Sydney for people age 18-65 who are diagnosed with mild to moderate anxiety and mood disorders who are not experiencing psychosis.
Mentally Healthy Workplaces Toolkit And Other Resources - Office of Industrial Relations (OIR) and WorkCover QLDHere you will find a toolkit employers, managers and leaders can use to create and maintain mentally healthy workplaces, guidance and tools to assist you to prevent and manage work-related psychosocial hazards, relevant legislation and more.
Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Worker Wellbeing Resources - Network of Alcohol and Other Drugs Agencies (NADA)Designed for the non-government AOD sector, NADA has launched a series of worker wellbeing resources which encourage workers to invest as much time and care looking after their health as they do others'. Download the resources here.
Best Practice Management of Work-Related Psychological Injuries Podcast - OIR and WorkCover QLDListen to consultant psychiatrist, Dr Andrew Khoo as he discusses best practice management of patients presenting with workplace psychological injuries, with a specific focus on post traumatic stress disorder.
Prevention and Management of Work-Related Violence and Aggression In Health Services - WHSQAlthough it can happen in any industry, exposure to work-related violence and aggression is a particular concern in the health industry. Healthcare workers regularly experience violence and aggression from patients and residents, visiting friends and family and even bystanders. This handbook provides a framework to identify, prevent and manage aggression and violence in health industry workplaces.
Preventing and Managing Risks to Work-Related Psychological Health - WHSQThe Work Health and Safety Act 2011 imposes a duty on persons conducting a business or undertaking to do what is reasonably practicable to eliminate or minimise risks to psychological health and safety. This duty extends to the risk of harm from psychosocial hazards and factors at work. This handbook will help you implement a risk management approach to identify, assess and control work-related psychosocial hazards and factors.
Various Resources - Making Work Absolutely Human (mwah)Check out these resources from mwah: How To Turn Around a Toxic Workplace, a short article about the simple actions every leader can take to turn around a toxic culture, and Wellbeing Without The 'Woo Woo', a webinar with Sean Hall, Founder and CEO of Energx. Compassion At Work - The GroundSwell Project1 in 4 people are grieving in the workplace right now. An average of 30 days a year are lost by employees who do not receive adequate support from their workplace. These statistics are sobering and must be addressed. We all have a responsibility to respond to the people in our lives facing loss. Is your workplace compassion-ready? For more on this topic, register for a free webinar on 7 November 2019.
Workplace Adjustments Best Practice - Australian Network on Disability (AND)Learn about workplace adjustments, what is 'reasonable' when making adjustments, and how JobAccess and the AND can help your workplace. For the latest research on best practice implementation of workplace adjustments, read Improving Access and Inclusion in Employment for People with Disabilities, by the Centre for Workplace Leadership.
Framework for Mental Health in Multicultural Australia - Embrace Multicultural Mental HealthThe Framework is a free online resource developed to support Australian mental health services, practitioners, Primary Health Networks and others to evaluate and enhance their cultural responsiveness. Register for free to access the online modules and self-reflection tools.
Careers & Mental Health - Insight Episode and Career Development Centre PodcastWe recently came across a 2017 Insight episode which explores how mental illness is being managed in the workplace - and how it can be better managed. Viewers will need to sign in or create a free SBS on Demand account. We thought you may also enjoy a free podcast series by the Career Development Centre which discusses a range of topics focused on the modern work environment, career guidance and mental health in Australia.
The Ageing Workforce and Health, Safety and Wellbeing - OIR and WorkCover QLDManaging an ageing workforce is becoming an important factor to consider in all workplaces in Australia. This resource covers Benefits of age diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, Physiological changes that occur with age, Where to start and more.
Five Ways for Workplaces to Support Employee Happiness - The Greater Good Science CenterThis year's World Congress of the International Positive Psychology Association offered research and practical tips on the keys to wellbeing at work. Read 5 takeaways that can help your organisation support employees and help us all thrive in our professional lives. Research SpotlightNSW Community Only - Wellbeing Survey 2019 - WayAheadThe NSW Wellbeing Survey 2019 asks you about what contributes to good mental health and wellbeing, stigma and discrimination, anxiety, the public understanding of mental health, the needs and experiences of carers, the role of workplaces, and what regional and remote parts of NSW need. The survey is open now until 31 October 2019. The results will be publicly released in early 2020 and will help inform the future work of WayAhead. Please help us understand your views and share the survey with your NSW networks.
QLD Workers Only - Workplace Psychological Health Survey - WHSQWHSQ needs your help to better understand the drivers and barriers for organisations in implementing workplace psychological health programs and initiatives. This information will be used to better target future programs and to make sure they are providing practical guidance and support to workplaces in relation to psychological health at work. They are conducting a survey so they can gather this information directly from you! It will only take about 10 minutes to complete and responses will be completely anonymous. And, you can also choose to go into the draw to win either a Mentally Healthy Workplaces workshop or a psychosocial risk assessment for your organisation! Click here to complete the survey.
Are Wellbeing Practitioners Burning Themselves Out? - Michelle McQuaidWhile it is often said that doctors make the worst patients, might it also be true that wellbeing practitioners - those of us who research and teach others how to improve their wellbeing - are the people least likely to be taking care of themselves? Read the Positive Psychology Playground survey results.
Employers Should Set Targets For Men In Flexible Work & Help Dads Manage The Juggle - Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA)"Gender inequality... is not an issue of men versus women. If we are serious about addressing gender inequality, we also have to re-examine the conversation around men, fathers and caring responsibilities," argues WGEA Director, Libby Lyons, citing research into discrimination against men in the workplace related to parental leave and flexible working arrangements. Learn about the current parental leave situation in Australia by downloading these guides.
8 in 10 Aussies Are Willing to Forgo a Pay Rise for Work Perks - Business Insider AustraliaAccording to the latest survey by recruiter Robert Half, 80% of Australian workers say they’d accept a job with a lower salary if there were work perks attached. Here's what perks they're looking for to sweeten the deal.
1 in 3 Young Adults Is Lonely – And It Affects Their Mental Health - Dr Michelle LimYoung adulthood can be a lonely time. Is social media use to blame? Is loneliness a cause or effect of mental ill health? What can we do about it? These questions are answered by Dr Michelle Lim, who was our wonderful guest speaker at our Annual Members' Forum this year. Articles of InterestTownsville To Be Australia's First Mentally Healthy City - Tropical Brain & Mind Research FoundationTownsville, a city in North QLD, is aspiring to become Australia's first "Mentally Healthy City". Find out what this means and why Townsville was selected.
To Fight Or Flight – Using Parkrun To Help With Anxiety - ParkrunRead about how Parkrun is giving community members opportunities to connect and help manage their anxiety through exercise, volunteering or even a post-run coffee.
English Ruby Player, Jonny Wilkinson Shares His Mental Illness Story - The Guardian“I lived a huge amount of my career thinking I was going to achieve joy through suffering, but all I did was create a habit of suffering..." Jonny Wilkinson, England’s World Cup winning fly-half, speaks about his battle with mental illness and why no amount of trophies can ease the pain of depression.
How I Work Podcast - Dr Amantha ImberDr Amantha Imber is host of the #1 ranking business podcast How I Work, where she interviews some of the world’s leading innovators about their habits, rituals and strategies for structuring their day. Every episode contains practical tips and insights on how the world’s most successful people manage their day.
I Am Not Wonder Woman, And Neither Are You - Dr Jenny BrockisIn this article Dr Jenny Brockis explores the state of mental health in corporate Australia, shares her observations of the problem from a medical perspective, and her own self-care tips for managing stress and burnout.
How Investing in Caring For Others Helps Us All - Dr Jenny BrockisEmpathetic leaders command greater trust and respect, boosting engagement and motivation. Learn what psychiatrist and researcher, Helen Reiss considers the three components to empathy and the "EMPATHY" model now taught in a variety of medical schools. Is empathy evident in your workplace?
Read Michelle Williams’ Powerful Emmys Speech About Equal Pay - GlamourThis speech got a lot of attention a few weeks ago on the subject of equal pay, a subject that has been much discussed over the last year or so in Australia. There were 2 keys lines in the speech that got my attention: “when you put value into a person, it empowers that person to get in touch with their own inherent value. And then where do they put that value? They put it into their work," and “thank you for allowing her to succeed because of her workplace environment and not in spite of it." How can we all be putting value into our colleagues?
A Proactive Approach to Inclusive Employment at The University of Sydney - Australian Network on Disability (AND)"Stepping Into" is a national internship program that matches skilled university students with disability to roles at leading organisations. We were delighted to see our members, the University of Sydney, featured on AND's website as a recent host organisation. Something a little different...The Kindest Thing I Ever Saw - The UpSideThe Guardian’s Upside series asked its readers to write in with stories of the kindness of strangers. Here is the best from the mailbag. We at WayAhead Workplaces love random acts of kindness, with research telling us that three people benefit from every act: the person doing the act, the person receiving it and anyone who witnesses it 😊
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