Published in The Daily Telegraph 9th March 2022
Marcela Slepica, AccessEAP Director, Clinical Services
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It shouldn't have taken a global pandemic to take mental health and wellbeing seriously, particularly in the workplace. But after two years of COVID, it’s important we take a moment to reflect on the lessons learnt and where we go from here.
Mental health and wellbeing support is essential
How many of us can truthfully say that we regularly feel fully rested and refreshed after the last few years we’ve had? Many people often underestimate the importance of sleep to our overall mental health and wellbeing.
It’s important to have sufficient, regular, good quality sleep for our physical and mental health. Short periods of unsettled sleep can often be managed with well-researched tips however, longer periods may require a consult with your GP.
Some Useful Tips
It is worth formulating your own list of practical, healthy, accessible, common-sense ways to soothe your body and mind, so you can zero in on and practice what works for you.
Shari Walton, Organisational Development Consultant
During 2021 we identified the value in organisations investing in building and nurturing strong, resilient leaders to enable their workplace to prosper.
Our Wellbeing Model is specifically designed to build positive mental health and a psychologically safe environment. Focusing on the leadership sector of the model, transformational leadership consistently encourages the relational components of leadership resulting in employees feeling valued and empowered.
Transformational leadership is invariably associated with a greater sense of general wellbeing impacting a range of metrics including stress, burnout, sick leave, absenteeism, employee engagement and overall productivity.
To support our customers, we will be publishing a monthly Leadership series blog covering each of the main transformational leadership capabilities. This series will include a snapshot of the relevant theoretical framework along with practical tips to apply the skill.
AccessEAP Video Series: Manager & Leader Hotline
Embedding Link: https://vimeo.com/672172696
Harmony Week on the 21st-27th of March, celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. Harmony Day which falls on the 21st of March coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
With around 45 per cent of Australians born overseas or with at least one parent who was, Harmony Week has always been a popular way for workplaces to showcase and acknowledge their cultural diversity. Celebrating Harmony Week can take any form you wish – big or small, simple or challenging. Events can be a simple multicultural morning tea or a guest speaker at an all staff meeting. It creates an opportunity to think, talk about and recognise how our differences and our similarities make our workplace stronger.
For more information see the Harmony Week Website.
One of our favourite ways to celebrate at AccessEAP is over food! Whether that means bringing in different cultural dishes or sharing recipes, it's always such a wonderful time to learn something new about your colleagues and of course try some amazing food!
As managers and leaders discuss and plan for a transition back to the workplace, many of us may be starting to think and experience a range of feelings at the thought of what this means. We also recognise the many people that have continued to go to the workplace over the last two years. All our thoughts and feelings during these uncertain times are normal as we are all different, and there is no right or wrong way to feel. For those of us who may be feeling a little anxious or uncertain about returning to the workplace, here are some ideas to think about while you are preparing for the transition:
1. Acknowledge your feelings and anxieties. Be kind to yourself and give yourself time to process your feelings. Do not judge yourself and tell yourself how you “should” be feeling.
2. Identify your concerns and think about what you can control and what is out of your control. Focus on what you can control, e.g. how will I manage being around more people? What can I do to keep safe? Plan and think about what will help you.
3. Take it day by day - you are not returning to “normal” there may not be a normal like it was. Recognising that things will be different is important. Try to go slow and avoid doing too much. Give yourself time to adjust, share stories and talk about how you are feeling. This is reassuring and helps with the awkwardness of the transition, which doesn't feel normal or comfortable yet.
4. Ask your manager for information, ask questions, share your concerns, connect with peers and share problem-solving. Others are probably feeling similarly, and there is comfort in sharing and problem solving together.
AccessEAP In The Moment Video Series: Turning Negativity into Positivity
Embedding Link: https://vimeo.com/679006929
AccessEAP In The Moment Video Series: Groundhog Day
Embedding Link: https://vimeo.com/679010461
AccessEAP partners with organisations to promote positive organisational behaviour, enhance employee well-being and improve workplace productivity. As an Australian owned, profit for purpose Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provider their outstanding success is based on understanding the unique needs of customers and tailoring services to support and prevent mental health issues in the workplace. Due to continued growth we need to recruit a passionate and team-oriented person keen to develop their Relationship Management skills and progress their career.
You will be responsible for working with customer organisations (mainly via phone) to help ensure the value they gain from the relationship is maximised and gather information to help further develop services and initiatives. Managing a broad based portfolio of customers you will develop and implement account management plans that contribute to developing their workplace culture and workplace wellbeing.
Probably with a customer service background your success to date will reflect your strong interpersonal skills, relationship building capabilities and potential. Your key skills will also include planning and organisation. Most importantly you will enjoy working in a team environment that is driven by respect, collaboration and accomplishment.
AccessEAP take the health of employees seriously and you will be working in an environment that genuinely cares about the wellbeing of all employees
For more information call David Williams on 0414551795 or to apply send your resume to dwilliams@kurtispaige.com.au
AccessEAP In The Moment Video Series: Grief & Loss
Embedding Link: https://vimeo.com/677978034
AccessEAP Video Series: Specialty Coaching and Consultation for Wellbeing
Embedding Link: https://vimeo.com/672147610
Put yourself in control of your mental health and wellbeing with our monthly Wellbeing Tools. Each quarter you will have access to 3 tip sheets, a connection tool and a wellness spotlight.
This Quarter the wellness spotlight focuses on Mindfulness. Access meditation recordings via the AccessMyEAP App or Employee & Employer Login Areas, designed to help with Mindfulness for Wellbeing.
Our 2022 Wellbeing in Focus Calendar is available through the Employer Login Area of the AccessEAP website. The Wellbeing Tools will also be added to the Employee Login Area and AccessMyEAP App.
With a New Year often comes a sense of new beginnings. Many of us start with resolutions for change, to turn over a new leaf, to bring fresh energy to our work and life.
This time of year is a good time to reflect on our mindset. Change is inevitable, but the way we approach it depends very much on our mindset. When we apply a growth mindset to change, we are more likely to discover a way to flourish.
As we continue to adapt and learn to live with COVID our mindset may be challenged, and we may push up against an inner “I can’t”. A growth mindset is framed around relying on and building on our strengths, taking one step at a time, and knowing that the viewpoint we take is always within our control. An “I can’t” may be an indicator that you’ve discovered one of your fixed mindsets. When that happens, it can be worthwhile to first take a step back and assess whether this is actually true; if you then see a possibility that “I can...”, ask yourself, what would be different if you saw this challenge as an indication you’re now learning something new, rather than simply a block that you can’t overcome? Then you might choose to take steps forward and lean into that challenge.
When learning about your different mindsets, the support of a counsellor or coach can be invaluable. You will have a person who listens attentively, without judgement. You will know that your conversation is completely confidential. And you will know that the person you are talking with has your best interests uppermost in their mind. It can be extraordinarily liberating to have conversations like this – when the other person has no agenda other than helping you to find the best possible outcome for you.
So as this work year gets underway, consider calling us and discovering how a counsellor or coach can support you as you work on those resolutions to make positive change in your life and to bring fresh energy to the people and projects that are important to you.
AccessEAP partners with businesses to promote positive organisational behaviour, enhance employee well-being and improve workplace productivity. As an Australian owned, profit for purpose Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provider their outstanding success is based on understanding the unique needs of customers and tailoring services to support and prevent mental health issues in the workplace. As a growing organisation undertaking significant change, we need an engaging accountant to provide financial management support to projects within the digital transformation program.
Your role will be to provide full accounting support and analysis to help ensure the achievement of project and program financial objectives and manage risk. Working as an active partner to project managers you will assist with the preparation of budgets & ongoing monitoring of costs. You will generate and interpret financial records and reports, Investigate cost variances and forecast future funding requirements
Degree qualified your track record of success your strong understanding of project management methodologies will reflect your proven ability to form and maintain collaborative working relationships with stakeholders. Your key strengths will include your analysis, judgement, planning and organising skills.
Most importantly you will enjoy working in a team environment that is driven by the values of Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, Curiosity and Accomplishment. AccessEAP takes the health of employees seriously and you will be working in an environment that genuinely cares about the wellbeing of all employees.
For more information call David Williams on 0414551795 or to apply send your resume to dwilliams@kurtispaige.com.au
AccessEAP partners with organisations to promote positive organisational behaviour, enhance employee well-being and improve workplace productivity. As an Australian owned, social enterprise Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider, our success is based on understanding the unique needs of customer organisations and their people. We tailor services to help organisations support the mental health and wellbeing of people, especially in the workplace. Due to continued growth we need a passionate professional to engage with our customers and help ensure they gain optimal value from our initiatives in developing their workplace culture and employee wellbeing.
Your role will be to provide consultative advice to customers across the full spectrum of AccessEAP mental health and wellbeing initiatives. Managing a portfolio of accounts you will develop and implement growth and retention strategies, evaluating the success of programs and initiatives and translating this evaluation into meaningful improvement/expansion of initiatives.
Your track record of success will reflect your impartial and insightful thinking capabilities and ability to engage with a broad range of people. Your key strengths will include your planning and organising, analysis, judgement and outstanding interpersonal skills. Most importantly you will enjoy working in a team environment that is driven by respect, collaboration and accomplishment.
AccesssEAP takes the health of employees seriously and you will be working in an environment that genuinely cares about the wellbeing of all employees.
For more information call David Williams on 0414551795 or to apply send your resume to dwilliams@kurtispaige.com.au
AccessEAP Meditation Series: Body Scan Meditation
Embedding Link: https://vimeo.com/666980266
AccessEAP Video Series: How to psychologically separate from work after a busy day
Embedding Link: https://vimeo.com/665847753
AccessEAP partners with businesses to promote positive organisational behaviour, enhance employee well-being and improve workplace productivity. As an Australian owned, profit for purpose Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider their outstanding success is based on understanding the unique needs of customers and tailoring services to support and prevent mental health issues in the workplace. As a growing organisation currently going through a transformation we need a passionate and talented person to join the Projects & Innovation team.
Your role will be to coordinate and document progress on a digital transformation project using the AccessEAP project management methodology. This will likely result in a number of additional projects. Working closely with the external vendor you will plan, communicate and monitor all project activities and ensure deadlines are met. Importantly you will engage with all stakeholders to manage project issues, risks and change to deliver enhanced outcomes for customers, clients and the AccessEAP team.
Your track record of success leading digital system development and implementation projects will reflect your strong influence and relationship building skills. You will have experience developing and implementing Salesforce systems. Your key strengths will include your analysis, judgement, planning and organising skills. A strong understanding of project management methodologies and change leadership are prerequisites.
Most importantly you will enjoy working in a team environment that is driven by the values of Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, Curiosity and Accomplishment. AccessEAP take the health of employees seriously and you will be working in an environment that genuinely cares about the wellbeing of all employees
For more information call David Williams on 0414551795 or to apply send your resume to dwilliams@kurtispaige.com.au
As we reach the end of 2021 there has been an increase in cases in some parts of Australia. We appreciate that for many people this may be a time of heightened emotions, particularly as festive celebrations commence and for some, plans will need to change. We, as always, are here to support you through this. Tools and resources can be accessed via our website to support your mental health and wellbeing through the Employee and Employer login areas. Additional resources, including our Wellbeing Check, are also available on our app, AccessMyEAP.
It is important to remember that feeling anxious, fearful, stressed, angry or irritable are common and normal feelings during uncertain times like these. It is important to monitor your own physical and mental health during these times. Download our Self-care and Managing Stress Postcard for signs to watch out for and self-care strategies.
If you do need support, reach out to us here at AccessEAP on 1800 818 728. As always, our people are here to help support you and your people be their best in life and work.
AccessEAP acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the First Peoples of the lands we live and work on throughout Australia. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, culture and community as we pay our respects to the Elders past, present and future. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples who connect with this website.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are advised that this website may contain images, voices and names of people who have since passed away.
AccessEAP acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the First Peoples of the lands we live and work on throughout Australia. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, culture and community as we pay our respects to the Elders past, present and future. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples who connect with this website.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are advised that this website may contain images, voices and names of people who have since passed away.
