Women's Network July 2018 | Page 43

business clique Working Together: Promoting mental health and wellbeing at work, a comprehensive guide published by the Australian Government, offers good practice and practical information to this complex area of resilient workplaces and teams. This online resource acknowledges that resilient individuals are flexible, adaptive and optimistic, and a resilient team is one of support based on mutual trust and participation. staff to be heard, acknowledged and recognised. Comprehensive training and support are offered during times of change and flexibility and autonomy are encouraged. Team members are given access to resources that promote skills they can use as individuals to take care of themselves and manage stress. Skills such as goal setting, meditation, mindfulness, taking regular ‘me’ breaks, eating well and being kind to self. Most importantly, communication in the workplace is effective and open, and social interaction with other employees is enjoyed. These positive relationships promote good mental health and problem- solving solutions among the team. YOUR PLAN Whether you are a solo-preneur, not for profit organisation or a large company, building a resilient workplace will have benefits for you, your workers and your business. To begin to build your healthy, happy and productive workspace practical strategies can include: • Identify areas of concern and areas of improvement. • Gain involvement, acceptance, and commitment from all. • Provide clear expectations and goals, tools and support that promote resilience, individually and professionally. • Take an active role. • Have clear role descriptions, outlining all responsibilities and opportunities. • Have effective and regular communication methods in place. • Encourage social interaction and self-care check-ins. • Promote a fair, inclusive workplace. • Set up peer support and mentoring opportunities. AUTHOR Kirsty O’Callaghan UNITY WORDS CONTACT 0402 889 648 EMAIL [email protected] WEBSITE unitywords.com.au Now that you have considered how performance affects productivity, and how building a resilient workplace can benefit each one of your workers in a positive way, what would you consider the most important change or improvement you could make now? Women’s Network Magazine 43