Staff Matters June 19, 2020 Issue 262 Week 51
CARING ABOUT OUR STAFF 3.5% WAGE INCREASE FOR ALL STAFF As an Employer of Choice, Afford is always looking for ways to reward staff achievements, recognise exceptional staff efforts and celebrate success. We are so proud of the hardworking staff that we have and we would love to reward you all with an addition to your annual wage increase.with an addition to your annual wage increase. The Fair Work Commission has not yet passed down a decision on an increase to modern awards and the minimum wage however, our CEO, Steven Herald has made the decision to continue to apply a 3.5% increase, effective the first full pay period of July 2020. This means a 3.5% increase to the wages and allowances of ALL staff. Afford prides itself in being an Employer of Choice and is very excited to pass this increase to our staff. This is another way for Afford to show gratitude for staff going above and beyond to truly make Afford the best disability service provider in Australia. Remember – you will see the wage increase from the first full pay period of July 2020. Well-deserved team! Keep striving for your best!
In This Issue 1
Wage Increase For All Staff Afford Trivia Ask Our CEO
2
3
ADEs Magical Celebrations Staff Profile
Affordians Head Back to Work! Reminder
4
Fitness Passport Important Update Handyman Timetable Selfies of the Week Upcoming Events Trivia Answer
I am receiving workers compensation. am I eligible for the JobKeeper payment? If you are still working reduced hours then you will be eligible to receive it, however, if you are not currently working due to incapacity and supported through workers’ compensation then you will not be eligible.
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Staff Matters
STAFF PROFILE NAME: Krystal Heckenberg POSITION: Lifestyle Assistant LOCATION: Far West Accommodation FAVOURITE MUSIC/SONG? Don’t Worry Be Happy - Bob Marley FAVOURITE MOVIE? I don’t have one FAVOURITE HOBBIES? Salsa Dancing, meditation, yoga and jet-skiing FAVOURITE FOODS? Greek and Lebanese food IF YOU COULD BE AN ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE? A wolf WHAT IS YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY DESTINATION? Greek Islands & Bora Bora IF YOU HAD THE POWER, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT THE WORLD? I would love it if no person was able to lie.
June 19, 2020 Issue 262
ADES MAGICAL CELEBRATIONS
Our ADEs recently spent 3 exciting, fun-filled days with giveaways, magicians and of course PIZZA! Getting together to recognise, award and celebrate our staff achievements is so important and our factories did it in style! The factory floors were cleared so everyone could take their socially-distanced seat in anticipation of a delicious pizza lunch. There was no shortage of food as Pizzeria On The Road delighted everyone with a variety of flavours and toppings. Supported employees got to experience a magical show which left them delighted and in awe. Groups of four people at a time were invited to join magician Andrew Nunn as he performed card tricks that left everyone mesmerised! But the fun didn’t end there, Afford Goody Bags were handed out to all, filled with an incredibly warm brand new jumper just in time for winter, a coloured beanie and some hand sanitiser. It was a fun day had by all and in the traditional Afford Way! This was a timely event that delivered some much-needed excitement into the lives of many who have been experiencing social isolation through COVID-19. Congratulations to all of our Supported Employees who received an award, thanks for all of your hard work!
IF YOU HAD TO TEACH SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD YOU TEACH? How to have good integrity no matter where you are or who you are with. SOMETHING NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT ME? I dislike Tacos
www.afford.com.au
June 19, 2020 Issue 262
Staff Matters AFFORDIANS HEAD BACK TO WORK!
As regions start to open up again, people will now begin to go back to working in their offices. Afford have a strong work culture and we are excited to bring the team back together with a definite return to work date of the 1st of July 2020. In just a few months, best practices and etiquette have changed. These lifestyle changes not only apply to our personal lives but to the workplace as well. Returning to work after COVID-19 may be scary, difficult and stressful. To ease the transition, there will be changes in our workplace health and safety to make sure all our employees are safe to return. All staff have free access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), AccessEAP, which offers a confidential counselling service if you feel you need support to make the transition. We have already implemented safety measures which we will continue, adhering to all government advised regulations. Some of the changes we need to continue to follow are: • Monitoring and maintaining proper social distancing guidelines. • Establishing stringent cleaning and sanitation protocols for desks, meeting rooms, bathrooms, end-of-trip facilities and shared kitchen spaces. • Ensuring your staff are provided with the facilities and personal protective equipment (PPE) to maintain personal hygiene, such as face masks, gloves, alcohol wipes, handwashing stations and hand sanitisers. • Our risk management process that factors in contact tracing, travel policy reviews and tracking of employee compliance with health regulations.
Our official return to work date is Wednesday 1st JULY 2020, as of this date, all working from home arrangements will cease. We encourage you to prepare for that return and reach out if you need any support. If you have any questions or concerns, speak with your direct reporting manager. Let’s get our Affordian teams and tribes vibe back on track for 2020! Contact Details for AccessEAP Website: https://www.accesseap.com.au/ Telephone number: 1800 818 728
Reminder! Staff please be reminded about the importance of social distancing while we out with our clients in the community or in a vehicle. • In a HiAce van there should only be max of 2 staff and 3 clients. • In an iMAX there should only be max of 1 staff and 3 clients. • Standard car there should only be max 1 staff and 1 client.
Help stop the spread and keep safe Affordians!
www.afford.com.au
June 19, 2020 Issue 262
Staff Matters FITNESS PASSPORT IMPORTANT UPDATE
We know many of you are keen to start or resume training at your favourite gyms and pools. For those of you that are Fitness Passport members, read below! Due to the limited number of people allowed in a facility under current restrictions, Fitness Passport has decided to stay closed until further lifting of COVID-19 restrictions has occurred. Fitness Passport anticipate that this won’t be more than a few weeks away. We know this news will disappoint some members however we are working to ensure that FP resumes as soon as is practical, with fewer restrictions, for a smooth and enjoyable member experience. In the interim, remember that some of your local gyms and pools will be open, please contact your preferred facility to see if they can offer you casual access or a short-term pass. Up until now we haven’t been accepting new member applications to Fitness Passport, with restrictions easing we are now accepting applications. If you would like to sign up so you are ready to attend your favourite facility when we re-open you may do so. You will not be charged for your membership until then. https://www.fitnesspassport.com.au/SignUp/
Handyman Timetable Meet Our Handyman Tahier
Our Handy Man, Tahier, will be at the following sites this week: - Monday 22nd June:
Green Valley, Oran Park & Eaglevale
- Tuesday 23rd June:
Woodbine & Ingleburn
- Wednesday 24th June:
Rouse Hill, Kings Park & Blacktown
- Thursday 25th June:
Belmore & Bexley
- Friday 26th June:
Weekly catch up and urgent requests
SELFIES OF THE WEEK
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UPCOMING EVENTS DATE:
EVENT:
26th June
Bring Your Dog To Work Day
30th June
World Social Media Day
17th July
National Pyjama Day
1-31 July
Dry July
A: A Key
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