Workplaces as communities – WayAhead Workplaces Annual Forum 2019

Workplaces as Communities. Workplaces as part of Communities. What is our Impact?

That is the question that was asked at this year’s WayAhead Workplaces Annual Forum. The yearly meeting brings together members of the WayAhead Workplaces Network to meet peers, learn from the latest research and hear about the newest programs encouraging good workplace wellbeing.

[For professional photos from the event, visit: wayahead-workplaces-annual-forum-2019]

This year, attendees had the opportunity to hear from, and engage in conversations with, a range of different speakers. Presenters included Pete Jensen from The Art of Work, Dr Michelle Lim from the Australian Coalition to End Loneliness and Swinburne University of Technology, Carmen Betterridge from Suicide Risk Assessment Australia, Mark Pittman from Allianz, and Steve Kimmens from my career habit.

“By making mental health a priority in your organizations, you’re making a great impact…one theme that I’ve heard through our consultations is the power of meaningful work.” @CatherineLourey of @MHCNSW #WayAheadWorkplaces pic.twitter.com/AprbR755IM

— WayAhead (@mentalhealthnsw) June 17, 2019

Catherine Lourey, NSW Mental Health Commissioner, and Robyn Hobbs OAM, NSW Small Business Commissioner, opened the day with insights from their work speaking with people about their concerns around NSW.

“The biggest difference you can make is to remember that there are communities out there, our neighbours…spare a thought, because you can make a difference”. @RobynHobbsOSBC of @NSWSmallBizCom on drought-affected communities and workplaces in NSW #WayAheadWorkplaces pic.twitter.com/7KnJ27iGgA

— WayAhead (@mentalhealthnsw) June 17, 2019

Pete Jensen, Director of Wellbeing at Art of Work, spoke about the importance of treating the causes of unhappiness in the workplace. He used the analogy of using paracetamol to treat a headache, when it is caused by dehydration and can be more effectively treated by drinking water. In the same way, he encouraged workplaces to cultivate environments where employees and employers could have open and supportive conversations.

“85 per cent of Australians hate their work…are our workplace wellbeing initiatives responding to people’s needs? Our job is not to heal, our job is not to fix. It is to create the right conditions.” Pete Jensen of @artof_work #WayAheadWorkplaces pic.twitter.com/NTmWzGQtaY

— WayAhead (@mentalhealthnsw) June 17, 2019

Carmen Betteridge, psychologist and Director of Suicide Risk Assessment Australia, spoke about the importance of workplaces working with managers, staff and families to put practices in place to support employees, including normalising difficult conversations. She spoke about workplaces as having an important role in the community in breaking down stigma.

“Suicide prevention is everyone’s business…how do we foster an environment where family can come to us and tell us our workers need help…we have to have more conversations and make them less scary.” Carmen Betteridge of Suicide Risk Assessment Australia #WayAheadWorkplaces pic.twitter.com/zhxD4uT7pC

— WayAhead (@mentalhealthnsw) June 18, 2019

Dr Michelle Lim, the Scientific Chair of the Australian Coalition to End Loneliness and Clinical Psychologist and Head of the Social Health and Wellbeing (SHAW) Laboratory at Swinburne University of Technology, spoke about her research and findings into loneliness and it’s impact in the workplace. She drew out the differences between loneliness and social isolation, busted myths about which ages felt most lonely and encouraged people and workplaces to destigmatise loneliness by recognising it as a need, like hunger or thirst, to connect.

Loneliness can have a negative impact on the workplace across a number of areas. @drmichellehlim of @EndLonelinessAU at the #WayAheadWorkplaces Annual Forum pic.twitter.com/XSYC2bbJF9

— WayAhead (@mentalhealthnsw) June 18, 2019

Mark Pittman, General Manager at Allianz working in government services and workers compensation, spoke about a trial of a new workplace wellbeing initiative, Here’s a Thought, run by Matthew Johnstone. The program involved brief emails being sent to program participants to encourage them to engage with topics like stress and sleep.

As an insurer, Allianz often works with clients on mental health but what do they do as an employer and how can they encourage the wellbeing of their staff? “You need a safe work environment”. Mark Pittman of @allianz_au speaks about the company’s Here’s A Thought program trial. pic.twitter.com/EQHGqUNUXx

— WayAhead (@mentalhealthnsw) June 18, 2019

The last speaker, Steve Kimmens, Career Wellbeing Facilitator and founder of my career habit, spoke about the importance of building connections at work for both personal mental and physical wellbeing, but also for the wellbeing of organisations. In fact, you can hear about what he spoke about in his own words.

Fantastic forum to speak & share about the importance of connecting with our colleagues #CareerWellbeing. Great job @WayAhead #WayAheadWorkplaces pic.twitter.com/Ni9bZS2ied

— Steve Kimmens (@stevekimmens) June 19, 2019

Attendees enjoyed the topics covered and the theme of the day.

“I love the whole theme around the communities, it’s so, so important and vital…we did some research at the end of last year on leaders in workplaces and what it is that enables them to thrive,” said Sophie Hart of The Serenity Collective.

“Community and connection…came out as the most important thing for them so [the Forum] is certainly really topical.”

The team at WayAhead would like to extend a big thank you to Aon Australia for hosting us again.

For professional photos from the event, visit: wayahead-workplaces-annual-forum-2019

 

 

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