Published on 11 February 2022
When was the last time someone thanked you or did something to help you? Remember how happy it made you feel?
We know that when someone supports us, or shows their appreciation for our efforts, it shifts our perspective, reminding us of all the positive aspects of our lives. Expressing gratitude also has benefits. It helps us feel more positive emotions, enables us to savour good experiences, improves our health, bolsters our ability to deal with challenges, and builds strong relationships with others.
Next time you have a moment, think about who you would like to thank, or express gratitude or appreciation to – you will be surprised by how much happier it makes you feel and the positive impact it has on your relationship with your colleagues, family and friends.
Find more practical wellbeing tips on the Microsite, or the Westerly.
Sweet! More than 4,000 reasons to smile
We were delighted to see so many staff enjoying their free ice creams earlier this week. More than 4,000 free soft serves were handed out at Western Health sites over our three day blast. It was small gesture to thank staff for the huge effort that they are continuing to put into caring for our community.
Staff told us they were big softies for ice cream and loved the chance to chat to each other about their favourite flavours and take a moment to chat and connect outside their workplace.
And, while Paul Zinzo (aka Mr Whippy) from Melbourne Ice Cream was busy keeping our staff ice cool, our wonderful staff were warming his heart. The seasoned ‘events man’ was so moved by his visits to our sites, he took the time to thank us for the opportunity. Paul said he had never encountered such polite, happy and grateful customers. You really demonstrated what a great culture we have at WH.
Thank you to everyone who made the event a success, there are a lot of logistics and time involved in setting up an event like this, so a big thank you to the members of staff who ensured the event ran smoothly.
Check out our picture gallery of staff enjoying their ice creams.
Lifting spirits- caring for our emotional and spiritual wellbeing
They are there for all of us. For the parents of a baby who never gets the chance to take their first breath, the patient and their loved ones grappling with a terminal diagnosis, or a staff member suffering trauma. Meet Mary Anastasiou, a member of Western Health’s Pastoral Care team, the emotional and spiritual backbone for our patients, families and staff.
Not feeling like yourself lately?
You are not alone. In fact, hundreds of Western Health staff and their families have felt like you. The good news is that there are so many ways to help you get back to your old self. Here are just some of the ways we have helped our staff in the past four months.
Email the Wellbeing team for customised support for you and your team.
Kind regards,
Suellen Bruce
On behalf of the Executive Team