Following on from our CEO Feature, Domestic Violence, A Workplace Issue.

A key component of creating a zero-tolerance to violence in the workplace is to develop and/or review workplace policies and procedures that address gender equity and violence against women. The next step is to develop strategies to promote a more inclusive, respectful workplace that explicitly values staff experiences, such as a code of conduct, training on communication and decision making, and democratic conflict resolution processes.

In addition, training and raising awareness can go a long way to create the kind of culture that is required. Investing in this sends a powerful message to employees and other organisations, that you care and take this seriously.

It can be confronting when someone tells you they’ve experienced harassment and violence. You’ll probably have feelings of your own to deal with and might not think there’s much you can do to help. The good news is that your colleague/employee trusts you enough to talk about their experience, and there are many things you can do to support them. The most important ones would be to:

Listen: Hear what they say and try not to interrupt. Let them talk at their own pace. Show them you are listening by making eye contact and nodding. Don’t worry if they stop talking for a while – silences are OK.

There are many things which can get in the way of prioritising ourselves and our own wellbeing on a daily basis. Whether it be dependent family members, a demanding job, or both, at the end of the working day it may seem that there is little time or energy for looking after ourselves. Eventually however the costs of not prioritising our own wellbeing can be significant.

Here are some tips for creating and maintaining a self-care routine:

1.  Recognise that not prioritising self care is a common reaction during times of stress or in emotionally demanding jobs, and learn from your peers about different ways of building resilience.

2.  Look for the good in people and situations.

3.  Allow time for healthy distractions away from work e.g. a “feel good” movie, listening to comedy, hobbies, sports, and social outings.

This November it's time to talk about Men's Health. The Movember Foundation is taking a stand to Tackle Prostate Cancer, Testicular Cancer, Mental Health And Suicide Prevention. To challenge the stigma of Mental Health they encourage everyone to Talk, Ask, Listen, Encourage Action and Check In.

We often hear from men that they feel pressure to be seen as invulnerable, stoic, and fearless. This can lead to unrealistic expectations that as a man you should be able to cope no matter what, and “get on with it”. Emotions become synonymous with weakness and powerlessness. Men may also dismiss their feelings as unimportant and worry about burdening other people with their concerns.

Men experience emotions just as much as women do, however the pressure not to show emotion or vulnerability means that emotions will build-up and result in what appear to be random and unexpected behaviour. Reluctance to talk about or acknowledge emotion can manifest in all sorts of unhelpful ways including:

• Excessive alcohol use
• Addiction to gambling or betting
• Ending relationships prematurely
• Resigning suddenly from their job
• Stopping activities of interest e.g. sports
• Neglecting friends and family
• Working longer hours
• Communication only via emails or text messages
• Aggression or violence
• Excessive time watching fantasy, films, or gaming

Click here for more information about Movember and how to get involved.

For more information or to book an appointment, call us on 1800 818 728 or visit our website, www.accesseap.com.au

Employees with mental health issues report that that they are unlikely to tell their managers about their issues for fear of being judged. There is still a stigma around mental health is some workplaces. This fear and not speaking out creates more stress for employees and possibly impacts on absenteeism and presenteeism. While many companies are making an effort to move mental health and wellbeing to the top of the agenda, a lack of time and resources are often used as excuses for not following through.

The 10th October is World Mental Health Day and encourages us to unite in efforts to improve the mental health of people around the word and challenge the misconceptions about those experiencing mental illness.

According to research, 45% of Australians have experienced mental health issues in their lifetime[1], and while the workplace is not the main reason for people developing a mental health issue, it is definitely a contributing factor. Long hours, stressful workloads, job insecurity and lack of engagement are sometimes normalised within companies, yet they affect the mental wellbeing of employees and can lead to issues such as anxiety or depression.

“As a manager, you are in a unique position to promote positive mental health at work, explains Marcela Slepica, Clinical Director here at AccessEAP. “Given the prevalence of mental health issues in Australia, it is likely that at any given time someone in your team will either be experiencing symptoms or will be vulnerable to developing symptoms.

“There are so many ways in which you can actively challenge stigma and help a person in your team remain connected, stay productive and feel valued at work, whilst they experience mental health concerns. One simple action that organisations can take is to nominate a mental health or wellbeing ambassador, someone within the team who can have peer-to-peer conversations with colleagues about mental health issues and encourage them to seek help.”

Natural disasters: How can HR help? Published in Human Resources Director 28th September, 2019.

Natural disasters such as the recent Queensland and Northern NSW bushfires impact entire communities, including organisations, their employees and their families. 

Marcela Slepica Clinical Director at AccessEAP says a tragic disaster such as a bushfire can have a damaging effect on people, and it is common to experience a range of intense emotions following a traumatic event like a natural disaster. 

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This November Support Act is partnering with triple j and the Australian Recording Industry Association for AusMusic T-Shirt Day. It's a great way to show support for Australian music - and the people who make it. The day will be held on Friday the 15th of November and will help raise funds to provide crisis relief and mental health services to artists, crew and music workers who are doing it tough.

The Support Act Wellbeing Helpline is a free, confidential counselling service that is available to anyone working in Australian music (all genres), or the Australian Performing Arts, who needs to talk to someone about any aspect of their wellbeing. It is delivered in partnership with Access EAP, and is staffed by professional counsellors who offer expertise in all areas related to mental health (e.g. depression, anxiety, addiction, suicidal feelings) as well as issues which can be mental health related (such as loneliness, relationship breakdown, financial worries, illness and workplace conflict).

AusMusic T-Shirt Day-Watch out for when the official website for this year goes live in October so you can register your company and create your page.

Join our AccessEAP Ambassador^® Program^.

Find out more information here.

Are you:

- Approachable - Empathetic - Reliable - Respectful of confidentiality - A believer in the power of peer support?

Do you:

Published in Lifestyle 9th August, 2019.

“We’ve become an ‘always-on’ society and while it may seem like a win for businesses, what they gain in hours is lost in efficiency,” says Marcela Slepica, Clinical Director at AccessEAP.

“Keeping our phones and laptops within arm’s reach at all times to work at any given time has a significant impact on our mental and physical health. In this fast-paced environment, something has to give, and for many it’s sleep. We are in a dangerous cycle of not getting all of the work done because we’re sleep deprived, and not sleeping because we’re not getting all of the work done,” Marcela tells.

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The only way to truly reduce the stigma associated with Mental Health symptoms is through education.

During Mental Health Month this October, AccessEAP would like to partner with you to put your People in Focus and ensure we connect with as many people as possible. We have developed a variety of options to spread Mental Health Awareness and reduce the stigma associated with Mental Health.

 To book in any of these options contact your Relationship Manager today.

FACE TO FACE TRAINING

Mental Health Awareness

• 1 hr Standard Training Session - Download Training Outline
• 2 hr Manager Session - Download Training Outline
• Ask your Relationship Manager for a quote.
• Signed quotes must be received two weeks from your delivery date, so we can coordinate resources, and allow you time to communicate and promote the training. 

Stress Awareness and Building Resilience

• 1.5 hr Training Session - Download Training Outline
• Ask your Relationship Manager for a quote.
• Signed quotes must be received two weeks from your delivery date, so we can coordinate resources, and allow you time to communicate and promote the training. 

Introduction to Mindfulness

• 1 hr Training Session - Download Training Outline
• Ask your Relationship Manager for a quote.
• Signed quotes must be received two weeks from your delivery date, so we can coordinate resources, and allow you time to communicate and promote the training. 

LIVE WEBINAR

Mental Health Awareness

• 30 mins Webinar - Download Webinar Outline
• Running at 11am on Thursday the 10th of October.
• This can be purchased for only $300 + GST or 2 hours from your pre-purchased allotment, for unlimited employee attendance.

Published in Safety Solutions 3rd September, 2019.

Ahead of R U OK? Day on 12 September, we at AccessEAP are advising workplaces to focus on mental health issues, to normalise and have meaningful conversations to try to identify, help and avoid potential incidences of suicide. And while the day marks the starting point of communication within the workplace, it’s imperative to consider that a long-term commitment to suicide prevention is vital and should be instilled within every workplace.

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• Leading Employee Assistance Program provider
• Relationship development focus
• Let your passion and commitment shine

At AccessEAP our mission is to create thriving workplaces. We partner with each customer to promote, positive organizational behaviour, enhance employee well-being, improve workplace productivityand effectively manage the mental health of every employee. As an Australian owned not for profit Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provider, our emphasis is on understanding the unique needs of our customers and tailoring our services to support and prevent mental health issues in the workplace. Due to continued growth we are expanding the clinical services team and need a passionate and committed professional to help ensure the provision of best practice counseling and ancillary services that meet or exceed customer and client expectations.

Your role will be to develop strong relationships with key customers to understand their needs and work on tailored solutions to solve specific or complex people issues.  You will provide a range of clinical services including: Face to Face, telephone and emergency counseling, mediation, manager support, critical incident response, EAP briefings and webinars. Additionally you will provide key operational management support to the Director Clinical Services, Clinical Services Manager and work with the broader AccessEAP team to build relationships and provide quality services such as consulting, coaching, reflective supervision and training.

With a degree in Psychology or Social Work and professionally registered your track record of success will reflect your impartial and insightful thinking capabilities.  You will be adept at engaging with a broad range of people, comfortable working autonomously, and respond well under pressure to balance multiple priorities.

Your key skills will include your rapport building, analysis, judgment and outstanding interpersonal skills. 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 0414 551 795 or to apply send your resume to dwilliams@kurtispaige.com.au

The purpose of the survey is to identify how the health and safety of people at work may be improved.

At AccessEAP, we are excited to be a part of and contribute to this Australian first. So, what does this mean for your organisation? Your employees who book in for counselling will be offered the opportunity to be a part of this study. Participation is entirely voluntary and optional and will be conducted by the University of South Australia, a respected and impartial research institution. The link to the study will remain open for the month of September. Participants can opt out at any time. 

The survey is designed to take five minutes and will include a follow up survey 4 weeks later. Data will be handled by UniSA in accordance with their strict data protection policies. All answers will remain anonymous and confidential to the researcher and no identifying information of any individual will be released.

If you have any further questions, please contact us on 1800 818 728.

AccessEAP continue to be White Ribbon approved trainers and are in the process of the White Ribbon Workplace Accreditation Program. The Workplace Accreditation Program recognises workplaces that refine workplace practices to prevent and respond to violence against women, accrediting them as a White Ribbon Workplace. The initiative is globally recognised and award winning. The Workplace Accreditation Program supports workplaces to meet 15 criteria under three standards, adapting organisational culture, policies and procedures to create a safer, supportive and more respectful workplace.

AccessEAP provides White Ribbon approved training programs and trainers to assist organisations in their commitment to support the victims of domestic violence in the workplace. This training may form part of your DV Plan or may be part of your White Ribbon accreditation process. AccessEAP supports companies in educating employees as part of creating a domestic violence action plan based around three elements; Recognise, Respond, Refer. The training includes raising awareness and understanding and challenging stereotypes.

In addition to White Ribbon Approved training AccessEAP also run trainings for Domestic and Family Violence Awareness and our recently developed, Sexual Harassment training.

Domestic and Family Violence Awareness - This training provides the latest information around Violence against Women (VAW). Participants will gain a much greater insight into what women and children go through when exposed to domestic violence and learn how to look for the signs that a fellow colleague is struggling with this issue as well as a best practice approach to recognise, respond and refer them for help and support.

Sexual Harassment - This training explains what sexual harassment is and what it is not, an overview of the laws designed to prevent sexual harassment at work and practical case studies illustrating what sexual harassment is and the consequences of this behaviour for employers and individual employees.

You don’t have to be an expert to support someone going through a tough time. You just need to be able to listen to their concerns without judgment and take the time to follow up with them.

10 Tips on How to Have a Conversation on R U OK? Day

1. Know your colleagues

Relationship building is very important when it comes to mental health in the workplace. You will need to feel comfortable to approach a colleague that you may be concerned about. Also in order to pick up that someone is behaving out of character you will need to know how they usually behave.

2. Approach the person

It may be difficult to do, feeling a little anxious about approaching a colleague to ask them if they are OK is normal, it is necessary that we do it none the less. Think about whether you are the right person to approach your colleague, and if for any reason you think you may not be the best person, employ the appropriate person to approach your colleague you are concerned about. Make sure this is done with discretion and confidentially.

Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week is a week dedicated to all women across Australia to make good health a priority. The two biggest barriers for women not maintaining a healthy lifestyle is ‘lack of time’ and ‘health not being a priority’. Women’s Health Week is the time to do something for your health and start making positive changes that can last a lifetime! Click the below calendar for the more information about the daily activities.

With so many competing demands and expectations, the struggle to keep up with both work and home commitments can be extremely stressful. When stress persists to a point that a person feels they aren’t coping, it can affect the functioning of their day-to-day life as well as their overall wellbeing. The stressors of too much ‘juggling’ together with trying to do things well and be ‘good’ at everything is impacting on women and their ability to sleep, think clearly and make decisions.

For more information about Women's Health and Wellbeing contact your Relationship Manager who can go through our Women's Wellbeing Training and Webinar options.

Published in Human Resources Director 22nd August, 2019.

Over the course of an adult’s life, they will spend up to 4,821 days at work.

This creates an opportunity for managers and HR leaders to start a dialogue with their staff, according to Marcela Slepica, Clinical Director at AccessEAP.

Employees may be struggling to cope and employers can play a role in creating an environment of acceptance and to normalise asking for help. “Managers can ensure they are providing helpful information and the support structures which employees may need.”

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Published in The Music Network 6th August, 2019.

Support Act Ltd’s Wellbeing Helpline celebrates its first year of operation – and with some encouraging statistics. The free, confidential phone counselling service has been used by 150 artists, road crew and music workers from all genres to talk about any aspect of their mental health or wellbeing.

“We are very happy with the take up rate, and the feedback from service users has been extremely positive,” said Clive Miller, Sydney-based CEO of Support Act. “Having a dedicated helpline that is staffed by friendly, qualified clinicians who understand the challenges of working in the music industry can be an enormous help to someone who is struggling with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, addiction, suicidal feelings; or issues which can be mental health related such as loneliness, relationship breakdown, financial worries, illness and workplace conflict.”

The Helpline is implemented by AccessEAP.

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Published in the Education Review 1st August, 2019.

Educators play a vital role in the community and we collectively need to support them so they can do their job. Learning the skills to respond to emotionally charged situations is crucial for today’s teachers. To tackle this, AccessEAP has designed training programs for frontline employees who may face situations where they could potentially be at risk of physical or psychological harm, to learn skills to know how to respond. 

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H.O.P.E. continues to be the main recipient of our charitable funding for vulnerable families and children. At AccessEAP we are very proud of the donation of more than $500,000 for HOPE and programs to support vulnerable families, which was announced last month. Our contribution has been able to grow substantially each year and AccessEAP would like to recognise the support of our customers in making this donation. Through partnering with AccessEAP, you not only support your employees’ wellbeing but you also directly contribute to our chosen welfare programs in Australia.

We are pleased and proud to report that over the past 12 months the H.O.P.E. Program continued to exceed targets and these are very special targets because they are about helping more mums and bubs. 

Idle scribbling is just one way that creativity can help boost workplace performance. Encouraging creativity has a number of beneficial effects that can drive positive change in workplaces. For example, a simple exercise like thinking of different uses for an object, can encourage a mindset that will help you to think of new ways to approach and improve processes and outdated practices. Moving from ‘this is how it’s always been’, to ‘this is how it could be better’.”

Scribbling, doodling and colouring focuses the mind without being cognitively taxing, which allows the brain to be present and in the now. This gives our brains a break, as when our thoughts are racing, or we’re given to much stimulus to process, we may struggle to think clearly and absorb information. As such, mindful doodling can help with concentration, decision making and overall mental health.

Another way to boost creativity is with writing. Check out the Forbes' article How To Write Your Way To Wellbeing. Which explains the below three ways you can use writing to increase your wellbeing.

1. Write morning pages
2. Tap into your artist's brain
3. Always carry around a notebook and pen