Published on 14 January 2022

We are two weeks into 2022. We all know just how busy we have been, and, as a result, how work could be challenging us.

When our energy reservoirs are low, our behaviour can change and sometimes we are not as tolerant as usual. If that sounds like you, or a colleague, please check in on each other.

Take a moment to pause, breathe and, if you can manage, smile. If there is one thing that COVID-19 has taught us is that kindness is key.

For more practical tips on how to care for yourself and each other, visit the Microsite, or the Westerly.

Help is at hand when you need it most

When our Intensive Care Units (ICUs) were facing extreme demand and staff were experiencing unprecedented levels of occupational violence, Director Professor Craig French had a simple message for his team.

“I am feeling distressed and overwhelmed- we all are. This is to be expected and it’s okay to ask for help.”

Prof French spoke to the Workplace Strategy and Wellbeing team who helped set up weekly and biweekly group sessions with a psychologist at Sunshine and Footscray ICUs. It was a safe place to talk about the pressures they were facing and to find coping strategies that worked for them.

Individual staff members were also given the name and number of their dedicated psychologist, so they could access free, confidential counselling.

“I have been extremely pleased with the responsiveness of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and its ability to improve the health and wellbeing of the ICU workforce during a period of very high demand. It was an incredible help.”

Psychologist on-site and tailored support packages

The Workplace Strategy and Wellbeing team is offering a suite of interventions to help support our staff, including:

  • On-site psychologists who have supported staff in our Intensive Care Units (ICU), Emergency Departments (ED) and Women’s and Children’s in regular group or individual sessions.
  • Stress stocktakes and tailored sessions for managers to understand symptoms of burnout, recognise stress in others and advocate for their teams.
  • Customised support is available upon request. If you’d like more information on workshops, strength profiling, cultural improvements or broker coaching, email us.

Urgent needs will be escalated

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides free, confidential counselling to staff and volunteers and their families, will escalate urgent calls for assistance.

Please call the EAP and let the triage team know that your query is time critical. If you can’t get through straight away, leave a message and let them know it is urgent. You will receive a response within one hour.

Phone: 1800 099 444 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days)
Email: work@caraniche.com.au
Online booking: https://work.caraniche.com.au/make-a-booking/

You can also access our Pastoral Care support staff who offer emotional and spiritual support during times of change and challenge and many of our staff have found their support hugely beneficial.

Workplace Wellbeing – a snapshot of the support delivered to staff

Kind regards,
Suellen Bruce
On behalf of the Executive Team