Last week on 9 September, was RUOK? Day, a time for all of us to stop and ask our colleagues and loved ones if they’re really ok.
To mark the day, we hosted a special employee wellbeing forum where we were joined by Lauren Stapleton, Acting Deputy Director of Psychology at Monash Health, and Andrew Jones from Converge International.
Lauren shared an important reminder that it is okay to not be okay. There are support services and resources available to help you if you need them. It is a normal response to experience feelings of anxiety, stress and frustration in these abnormal circumstances.
We also heard directly from our own teams, with Melissa Goschnick, Acting Nurse Unit Manager, 31 North at Jessie McPherson and Jessica Woodward, Registered Nurse at Dandenong ED sharing how their busy teams have found meaningful ways to check in on one another every day.
Health and wellbeing at Jessie McPherson, 31 North
As Acting Nurse Unit Manager at 31 North at Jessie McPherson, Melissa Goschnick and her team have been implementing health and wellbeing strategies for some time.
For these to be successful, she notes that regular communication and demonstrating visible leadership in the area are key.
“When there are so many things out of our control, regular communication gives us a sense of being in control. Good, clear communication has given our staff the knowledge of what we can do through this fluid and every changing situation.
It is also important for staff to feel they aren’t alone and that there is someone looking out for them.”
In addition, Melissa said she encourages her team to make conversations about psychological health and how they are feeling, part of their daily routines.
“We look to normalise discussions on mental health through including messages in daily huddles. We also promote other resources if more help is needed through posters, emails, and wellbeing sessions, including mediation- which have been well received.
It is also important to schedule health and wellbeing on your team’s calendar to keep the conversation going and to be available to bring attention to important topics.”
One quick and fun strategy that Melissa’s team uses to create a supportive environment?
“For different occasions, we wear the same scrub hats. This helps build a sense of belonging and comradery amongst the team.”
Prioritising mental health at Dandenong ED
As a team member of a busy department, Jessica Woodward knows the importance of supporting the health and wellbeing of all those in Dandenong ED.
She’s passionate about implementing useful self-care strategies that will not only sustain her team at work but also in their personal lives too.
The fast-paced nature of the ED means it can be difficult to find a moment to check in with one another, but Jessica said her team have found some creative ways to do just that.
“We have a ‘Cheers to’ board in the team room. If we want to acknowledge someone who has done something great or has been helpful, they can be acknowledged on the board, and everyone can read those acknowledgements when they can.”
Jessica also shared some Friday rituals the team has in place to create a supportive environment in the face of changing demands and pressures.
“On a Friday we wear funky scrubs. Everyone in the team is encouraged to wear something bright and colourful – including nursing, medical and clerical staff. This creates a sense of coming together, being supported and lifting morale.
We also have a dedicated welfare time for 30 minutes. We engage in an activity, it might be colouring, stretching or meditation and we are creative where we can. It allows the team to bond, move and offers a chance to reset.”
In addition, Jessica shared that the team has a buddy system called ‘Who’s your mate?’ in place to provide another channel for peer support. The team also formally schedule check-ins once a fortnight, alongside their other initiatives.
Whether you are working remotely or onsite, we can all implement similar strategies to prioritise our health and wellbeing.
Remember it’s always a good time to have a conversation about your mental health.
The Monash Health COVID-19 employee website has a number of health and wellbeing resources available to provide you with support or to refer to someone you may be concerned about.
Approved by Karen Lowe.