Well work

I’m on a mission to increase wellbeing in work places.

As a social worker, we spend most of our time supporting others to be healthy, happy and achieving their goals. However, stress, time constraints and multiple priorities bring additional barriers to employees being healthy, happy and achieving their own sense of purpose and achievement in their role.

I started wellness initiatives for staff in multiple government schools and in a regional local community service organisation. I have seen the impact a wellness focus has had on staff feeling belonging, connected, respected and appreciated. The initiatives improve work-life balance and support employees to take that much needed 5-10 minute break away from the screen.

How did I start Work Well in my community service organisation?

I was talking to a colleague, who was sad, burning out and disliking the job. In fact we both were. I asked them what they were doing for lunch. They said they were going to buy the second Bridgeton book, I squealed excitedly. As I had told my husband that same morning I wanted to read the book. I asked her if she wanted to start a book club with me, and she said Yes!

On our first book club meeting, another colleague came and said it’s so nice to have a break from all the violence. 

We were working in the family violence field. It wasn’t just a book club, it was a structured, fun, meeting place that gave employees a 10 minute break from the hard stuff. Refreshing them to get back into the work, focused and happier. I was in a graduate position, had probably the least amount of organisational control, but was able to start making changes to the organisations culture. Your position does not stop you from influencing these initiatives.

So how do you get started?
Each month pack has a theme with mostly printable activities including a range of posters, wall infographics, email templates and explanation of activities. 

Give it a go in your workplace and see what happens

It may take some time to build the traction. I have found the biggest wellbeing barrier, is for staff to feel they have the permission to engage in the activities during work hours. I encourage you to work with leadership, and team leaders. As time went on, I would ask someone else in leadership to send the emails to create that permission. Always get permission from a team leader or manager, it gets them on board and they get to be part of making change in the culture.

#YouGotThis 

You can help be a part of making your work well

Claire

Disclaimer

• Resources do not substitute therapy and do not replace medical advice.