Navigating Organisational Change

Kia ora koutou katoa,

In the ever-evolving landscape of our organisations, change is a constant companion. Whether it’s embracing new technologies, restructuring departments to achieve greater efficiencies, or shifting focus areas, change is inevitable. However, amidst these shifts, we must prioritise worker wellbeing.

Currently, we are witnessing significant changes underway across the sector, with more to come in the following months. Recognising this, the Heads of Human Resources network worked with the Public Service Commission, Te Kawa Mataaho and have established a Change Resource Hub, hosted by the Public Service Commission, Te Kawa Mataaho. This hub aims to assist those practitioners managing these changes within our agencies.  It is a one-stop-shop for agencies to share resources, knowledge and experiences on leading change.

Changes, both internal and external, can disrupt established routines, roles, and relationships in the workplace, potentially amplifying psychosocial risks if not managed effectively. Therefore, it’s crucial to focus on:

1. Engagement and Communication: Involving workers in the change process through transparent communication and visible leadership builds trust and reduces uncertainty about the reasons for the change, expected outcomes, and individual impact.
2. Support and Resources: Providing adequate support, such as training, coaching, counselling services, or flexible work arrangements, helps workers cope with the demands of change and adapt effectively.
3. Empowerment and Participation: Empowering workers to contribute and participate in planning and problem-solving related to the change fosters a sense of value and inclusion, increasing their willingness to embrace the changes.
4. Monitoring and Feedback: Continuously monitoring the impact of change on employee wellbeing through surveys, feedback sessions, and regular check-ins allows for adjustments to the change strategy to address emerging concerns and ensure employee support.

Mentally healthy work, or psychological health and safety, is a key focus for the Government Health and Safety Lead. The GHSL website has a range of resources to support agencies and build capability. GHSL leads an ongoing programme of work to support agencies to build capability, share good practice, and connect with others across the sector. We also provide helpful tools and resources to support agencies in their efforts.

Mentally Healthy Work Programme Update

The Mentally Healthy Work Programme Report (link below, for those who haven’t seen it) highlights the positive outcomes from the pilot phase, leading to increased understanding of psychosocial risks among participants. Liam Bourne has joined our team to deliver the programme into business as usual, based on feedback from the pilot.

GHSL Internship Programme

The GHSL Summer Internship Programme reached a new milestone in its seventh year, with over 100 students and recent graduates having been introduced to health and safety work in the public sector. Over half of these have gone on to work in the public sector and your ongoing support for this programme is invaluable. Running from November to February, I encourage you to consider hosting an intern this year to tackle specific health and safety projects as well as ensuring we continue to create a pipeline of new practitioners.

GHSL Annual Publication – “Keeping our People Safe”

Stay tuned for the launch of the new Annual Publication, “Keeping our People Safe 2023” which will highlight health, safety and wellbeing initiatives from across our agencies. Thank you to the contributing agencies for their participation in the inaugural edition, which demonstrates some of the great work underway to keep our people safe and well.

H&S Representative of the Year Conference and Awards Event

The 2024 GHSL Health and Safety Representatives Conference and Awards Event, being hosted at Shed 6 in Wellington on 6 June, will focus on Worker Engagement, Participation, and Representation. Join us as we explore how collaboration between workers, representatives, and organisations enhances risk management. Don’t forget to support those outstanding H&S Reps within your organisation for their contributions to health and safety.

GHSL Annual Fees

Your ongoing support for the GHSL is greatly appreciated. In recognition of the financial constraints, we are all facing, we are maintaining the 20% fee reduction introduced during the pandemic. The GHSL has reached out to your Heads of Health and Safety to confirm agency sizes for fee calculations, invoicing for the 2024/25 year will commence in July.
 

Ngā mihi

Ray

Additional Reading