NEWS
Improving workplace psychological health By Marie Kinsella
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ince the impact of Covid-19 there has been an increasing focus on people centric policies in workplaces across all industries. Companies who demonstrate that they care about positive mental health and wellbeing of their employees, attract and keep the most talented staff. Understanding the science A key focus of the dynamic Education Program in the upcoming Workplace Health and Safety Show, 25-26 May 2022 in Melbourne is promoting psychological health and wellbeing. Appellon founder Sue Jaunsey is presenting at the collocated AIHS National Conference on psychological health. It is imperative that leaders and management teams understand the science behind what constitutes a happy workforce. Sue will provide a presentation highlighting the importance of understanding the body of evidence that exists within the discipline of behavioural and neuropsychology. If we create a workforce environment based on achievement
and connection, intrinsic self-worth is a natural outcome and stress and anxiety decreases. When stress and anxiety decrease, employees can access creativity and are more able to see the solutions and opportunities available to them. Also featured in the co-located AIHS National Conference is Culture Smart CEO, Karen Walker presenting on employees co-creating their workplace wellbeing strategy. Recent research by Deloitte found that the highest return on investment in workplace mental health and wellbeing initiatives are those tailored to the needs of teams. It’s people who collectively create healthy and safe cultures, and teams working together who can deliver such a high return on investment – average of $7 for every dollar spent – on their team’s mental health. Wellbeing in the workplace is far more than an on-trend buzz word. The World Health Organization (2014) defines wellbeing as “a state in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her
International Exhibition & Conference CEO Marie Kinsella, has told Industry Update that wellbeing in the workplace is far more than an on-trend buzz word.
own community.” Presenting at the free Education Program held within the Workplace Health and Safety Show Melbourne is Mental Health First Aider, Carli Phillips. Her offering includes a simple, easy to follow corporate wellbeing checklist, tips to make your program super-efficient, and action plans with ideas for a wellbeing calendar to
ensure a mentally healthy workplace. Looking after each other’s health not only contributes to a better workplace and indeed a better society, it also returns better economic outcomes. Money spent in the area of improving mental health for employees should be treated as an investment not an expense. IU
Weld Australia supports local electric bus investment
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eld Australia fully supports the award of a $70 million New South Wales Government contract for electric buses to a western Sydney manufacturer.Weld Australia is the peak body representing the local welding industry. On Tuesday, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet announced that another 79 electric buses would be ordered from Custom Denning, as part of its commitment for the state’s fleet of more than 8,000 buses to go green by 2030. This takes the Government’s total order to 100 vehicles. Weld Australia has long urged all state governments to support local manufacturers, welders and fabricators in their procurement processes. Local procurement has the power to create thousands of jobs, a solid local supply chain, and an industry equipped to export world-class vehicles all over the world. According to Weld Australia CEO Geoff Crittenden, “There is a real opportunity for the state governments
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to invest in creating a robust, resilient manufacturing industry that can compete on the world stage.” “State government procurement practices that support local welders and fabricators will create thousands of jobs, supporting local economies in a post COVID-19 world. This contract with Custom Denning is expected to result in the employment of 40 new apprentices, plus many more skilled tradesmen.” “With a long-term procurement commitment from the state governments, Australian manufacturers will have the confidence to reinvest in their own capabilities, strengthening the industry from within. This type of business innovation strengthens businesses and creates new and better jobs, which together support a move to higher living standards. Innovation investment by business is crucial to our ongoing prosperity.” According to Crittenden, in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, this type of economic expansion is essential; both the Federal Government and the Reserve Bank
Weld Australia said a nationally consistent procurement process would create thousands of jobs.
of Australia have emphasised how important it is for state governments to spend money. “And yet,” he said, “Our state governments consistently spend our money overseas.” “For example, all of New South Wales’ trains are manufactured overseas; the $900 million Waratah 2 trains are being fabricated in China, the $2.3 billion Intercity fleet of trains is being fabricated and built in South Korea, and the inner west light rail trains were built in Spain. Incredibly, services on the inner west light rail only just resumed over the weekend after they were suspended in November, because sizeable cracks were discovered in the fleet.” “Worth well over $4 billion, had these three projects been awarded
to local fabricators, they would have created thousands of jobs in New South Wales alone, and seen the development of cutting-edge new technology.” “Offshoring manufacturing, welding and fabrication work to China, South Korea and Spain weakens Australia’s economy.” “If all our state governments adopted a nationally consistent procurement process that considered whole of life costs and prioritised local content, not only would it create thousands of jobs, it would deliver better quality public transport. Locally fabricated trains would adhere to all relevant Australian and international Standards, reducing expensive rework and repair. Cheap imports from overseas often cost more in the long run,” Crittenden added. IU FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022
