Awareness Co.

Here’s what one of our clients has to say about a recent Focus Group Program that we ran...🙂

Our independently facilitated Focus Groups allow participants to connect in small, safe, inclusive environment either face to face or virtually. This allows us to gain feedback, insights and opinions that will ultimately identify current workplace stressors, priorities for strategic action planning, improve culture, work practices, systems, and so much more!

Leaders must take PROACTIVE steps to address psychosocial hazards and create an environment where employees feel psychologically safe and supported to speak up 🗣️

So...why waste time guessing what your people are thinking when you can get real insights now….➡️ Contact us today https://loom.ly/HYlkGZs

"I didn't sign up for this" 🤨

Many employees are feeling this way, as Gallup's 2024 State of the Global Workplace report reveals stagnated employee engagement and declining wellbeing. The report highlights significant challenges impacting mental health and wellbeing at work.

📌 Key insights:
- Global employee wellbeing declined from 35% to 34% in 2023.
- 70% of team engagement variance is due to managers/leaders.
- Engaged managers lead to higher employee engagement: 23% engaged, 62% not engaged, 15% actively disengaged.
- 52% of workers are exploring new job opportunities.
- One in five employees globally feel lonely daily.

This highlights the important need for psychologically healthy workplaces, emphasizing role clarity's impact on engagement and wellbeing.

Read the full report here: https://loom.ly/-2a4l6A

Want to create a healthier, more engaged workplace? Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help!

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State of the Global Workplace Report Get the workplace trends, global engagement metrics and advice on how organizations can improve the workplace in the State of the Global Workplace Report.

Is your workplace culture suffering due to unaddressed stress? A stressful environment can create tension and conflict among team members, damaging trust and cooperation. This negatively influences engagement and commitment to organisational goals, ultimately impacting your company's reputation and success.

Read the full blog:
https://www.awarenessco.com.au/stress-issues-in-the-workplace-impacts-on-health-and-productivity

Book a free consultation with Awareness Co. to proactively improve your workplace environment.
https://www.awarenessco.com.au/book-a-free-consultation/

The Cost of Ignoring Workplace Stress: Impacts and Solutions Uncover the cost of ignoring workplace stress, from health risks to compliance issues. Explore solutions to improve employee well-being and productivity.

Are Psychosocial Hazards Impacting Your Team's Wellbeing?

We help you identify and address psychosocial hazards in your workplace while fostering a culture of safety and care.

Our Services:

➡️ Identifying Psychosocial Risks & Hazards
➡️ Facilitating Workplace Focus Groups
➡️ HR & Change Consulting
➡️ Leadership & Wellbeing Workshops

Let’s Connect!
Schedule your free 30-minute consultation with us today!
https://www.awarenessco.com.au/book-a-free-consultation/

📢 New look, same excellence!

Since 2017, our team of experienced Human Resources, Leadership, Mental Health, Work Health and Safety (WHS) and Change professionals have been leading the way with practical solutions that support workplace wellbeing strategies and help leaders meet Work Health & Safety obligations.

With our founders, Anna and Kristy's, dedication to helping leaders create cultures of safety and care, and to minimise psychosocial hazards in their workplace, we are committed to providing cutting-edge resources and strategies. Their vision and expertise drive our mission to foster environments where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

And here at Awareness Co., we've got exciting news...

You will notice a refreshed look and feel across our social platforms, showcasing our dedication to transforming workplace cultures by reducing psychosocial hazards and enhancing workplace wellbeing.

Stay tuned as we reveal innovative strategies and insights designed to cultivate safer, more nurturing workplace environments.

Follow us for more exciting updates on all our socials!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awarenessco.team/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awareness.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/awareness-co
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/.3089

Imagine a workplace where every leader inspires, motivates, and supports their team. Our newest blog post discusses how leadership development programs can create such an environment, enhancing the overall corporate culture and driving business success. It highlights the direct correlation between strategic leadership development and enhanced employee productivity.

Read the full blog: https://www.awarenessco.com.au/the-impact-of-a-leadership-development-program-on-corporate-culture/

Interested in transforming your leadership approach? Book a free consultation to get personalised advice from our experts.

Impact of Leadership Development Programs | Awareness Co. Transform your corporate culture with a transformative leadership development program. Enhance leadership skills, boost engagement, and foster collaboration.

We are thrilled that our Director, Anna Broadhead will be taking on the role of Community Coordinator for Mentor Walks Wollongong! 👣

Mentor Walks provides great opportunities to make valuable connections before work. Aspiring women tackle career challenges such as building confidence as young female professionals and navigating career crossroads. Each mentee is eager to learn from a wealth of diverse experiences from both mentors and other like-minded women.

If you're looking for a safe and supportive space to brainstorm ideas, tackle work challenges, rebuild confidence, or simply connect with inspiring women, our community is here for you!

Mark your calendar! Join us next time in Wollongong on Wednesday, 28 August ➡️ https://bit.ly/3V6Rhhg

Awareness Co. are proud to support local sport in our community. New singlets and shorts for the under 12’s girls basketball team for their weekly competition 🏀

Pic 📷 Emily Broadhead

We are thrilled to announce that we have been named finalists in the Business xCellence Awards! 🏆✨ in the Business Consulting category.

It is a privilege to support leaders and workplaces in fostering cultures of safety and care. This recognition highlights the dedication and hard work of our team in making a positive impact. We are deeply grateful to our clients, partners, and community for their unwavering support and trust, which have been crucial to our success.

We are looking foward to celebrating this achievement at the Awards Night on August 2nd.

Change Management is the systematic approach to dealing with changes in the workplace, including both the practical aspects of implementing change and the human aspects of helping our people adapt to it 🤝

Poor change management is one of the most experienced psychosocial hazards in the workplace, leading to stress and reduced productivity. Without proper support and communication, people may feel overwhelmed and disengaged, exacerbating the negative impact on both their wellbeing and the organisation's overall performance.

Leaders can support their people by fostering open communication, providing adequate resources and training, and actively involving employees in the change process to ensure a smoother transition and maintain morale.

📣Need help to get started managing your workplace change? Book a free consultation today! https://loom.ly/HYlkGZs

Are you aware of how stress in the workplace affects employee health? Chronic stress leads to serious health issues such as cardiovascular disease, anxiety, and depression, significantly impacting absenteeism and productivity. Moreover, stressed employees are more likely to seek jobs elsewhere, increasing turnover rates and recruitment costs. It’s crucial to address these issues proactively to maintain a healthy workforce.

Read the full blog: https://www.awarenessco.com.au/stress-issues-in-the-workplace-impacts-on-health-and-productivity

If you're ready to take action, Book a free consultation with Awareness Co. to learn how we can help create a healthier workplace environment.

Stress in the Workplace: Impacts on Health and Productivity - Awareness Co Uncover the true cost of ignoring stress in the workplace, from health risks to compliance challenges.

As we reflect on National Reconciliation Week, we extend our deepest gratitude to our Indigenous clients and communities who continue to stand strong and speak their truth through the sharing of stories, knowledge and experiences 💪❤️

We are a member of Supply Nation and are proud to be made up of beautiful, brilliant Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who are committed to keep learning from, and walking with, each other.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2024, "Now More Than Ever," reminds us that the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must go on, no matter what.

To explore how you can take part, visit https://loom.ly/8miyGNM

Job Demands cause stress, while Job Resources protect against it. Balancing these is key for well-being and productivity. Stress responses occur when job demands exceed our coping abilities, risking burnout 💼

To manage stress:
1. Identify Stressors: Recognise job aspects causing stress, like workload, deadlines, or unclear expectations.
2. Leverage Resources: Use available resources such as team support, training, and flexible work arrangements. Ask for help when needed.
3. Communication: Maintain open communication with managers and colleagues to discuss workload and support needs.
4. Self-Care: Take breaks, set boundaries, and engage in activities that recharge you.

Balance is key to managing job demands and resources 🙂 Recognise stressors, leverage available resources, communicate openly, and prioritise self-care. Creating a healthy work environment starts with understanding and addressing these challenges together.

What is International HR Day? It's all about recognising and celebrating the value and positive impact that HR brings to our workplaces and people. As ex-corporate HR professionals, we understand the challenges our HR colleagues face every day, supporting and navigating the complex systems of work to ensure people can do their best work safely.

Today, we celebrate the vital role of HR professionals in shaping thriving workplaces that promote psychologically safe cultures where everyone feels valued and heard. Let's appreciate their efforts in building better work cultures and supporting our professional journeys 🙌

Workplace stress, according to Safe Work Australia arises where workers perceive the demands of their work to exceed their ability or resources to cope.

In fact, "Australian workers experienced some of the highest stress rates in the world… 47% of employees experienced daily stress” Gallup, State of the Global Workplace 2023.

👊 Work stress greatly impacts physical health, leading to cardiovascular issues, high blood pressure, digestive problems, and weakened immunity. It can also take toll on our mental and emotional health as well. Leading to anxiety, depression, burnout, and a decrease in overall life satisfaction.

Here are five strategies to manage workplace stress effectively 🙌

1. Prioritize and organize tasks to reduce overwhelm.
2. Set clear boundaries between work and personal life.
3. Practice self-care with regular exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient sleep.
4. Incorporate stress-relieving activities like meditation or deep breathing.
5. Seek support from colleagues, supervisors, or counselors when needed.

To learn more about this, please check out the full article here https://www.awarenessco.com.au/work-stress-effects-on-health-an-epidemic/

Focus Groups are facilitated discussions with a small group of participants who share common characteristics or experiences. It is ideal for consultation with workers and enable the collection of rich information about people’s perceptions of their work environment.

SafeWork Australia suggests utilizing 'externally facilitated focus groups' to effectively consult, ensuring impartiality, confidentiality, and informality to comply with legislative standards 🙋‍♀️🗣️

Reasons to use focus groups:
1. To get more detailed information about psychosocial hazards.
2. To understand opinions and issues about the workplace and how work is organized.
3. To create a safe place where people can talk openly about survey results.
4. To include a wide range of ideas and experiences.
5. To come up with plans to deal with psychosocial hazards in the future.

📣 Elevate your workplace culture and productivity. Our evidence-based Focus Groups will allow you to connect in small, team building/group exercises in a safe, inclusive environment. This helps us start discussions with evidence-based questions, gathering valuable feedback to pinpoint workplace issues, prioritise actions, and improve overall culture and practices. Why guess what your team thinks when you can get real insights now?

To learn more, click on this link https://www.awarenessco.com.au/focus-groups/

Last week Kristy Duffy and Anna Broadhead had the pleasure of attending an evening with Dr. Michelle McQuaid (MAPP), Sue Langley and Dr Suzy Green at the Collective Insights event in Sydney 🙏🏻

So much energy in the room as we unpacked psychosocial hazards in three very different ways and discussed proactive strategies on what it takes to actually support people, and create a psychologically & psychosocially safe workplaces! 💡

Also an opportunity to connect with Siân Mertens for some professional development 🙌

As we kick off a new month, we reflect on the number of people we connected with through our "Safety Circles" and appreciate the value that these little circles give back to the organisations that invest in them.

What's a Safety Circle you say? Great question.

By now you have heard us on repeat about how employers have an obligation to proactively identify, measure and control hazards as far as reasonably practicable rather than reacting to incidents, grievances or complaints. The best way to be compliant and meet these obligations is to consult with your people! Our Safety Circles are just one aspect of our consultation programs but in a quick snapshot they:

✅ continue your positive duty
✅ demonstrate leadership and management commitment to psychosocial safety
✅ demonstrate proactive measures to meet your obligations through ongoing consultation, monitoring, and review

Sounds very strategic but our favourite thing about them is not just ticking the compliance box...

It's the connection, discussion, empathy and co-creation of actions that all contribute to reducing stress and improving psychological health and safety of workers that make them so valuable. The power to make work safe always exists amongst it's workers and we love nothing more than facilitating a forum for this to happen.

You can read more about them here: https://www.awarenessco.com.au/safety-circles or better still, reach out and have a chat to us!

Mindfulness is “paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.”

Practicing Mindfulness at work can help us reduce our stress and be fully present and engaged in our tasks. It involves paying deliberate attention to the present moment allowing for greater focus, clarity, and effectiveness in our work.

Here are some tips to be mindful in the workplace:

🙋‍♀️ Start your day with mindfulness practices, e.g. a short meditation session or breathing exercise
⏸️ Take short mindful breaks throughout the day, take a moment to pause and notice your breath or surroundings
😊 Focus on one task at a time. E.g. Try to complete a report without checking your email to avoid distraction
👂 Practice active listening in conversations. E.g. Give your full attention during a one-on-one discussion with coworker
🧗‍♀️ Incorporate mindfulness into everyday movements. Stay present in the moment, letting go of any distractions or worries about future tasks
😌 Manage stress mindfully by taking 3 deep breaths and assessing situations calmly
✍️ Reflect on your day to cultivate gratitude and awareness. Journal or mentally review your day before leaving the office.

You can help create a mindful workplace where focus, clarity, and positivity grow. Start now and lead the change!

Are you feeling the pressure of workplace stress? Our latest blog, "Understanding Stress in the Workplace," sheds light on the root causes of stress and offers practical solutions for a healthier work environment. Learn how excessive workloads, lack of autonomy, and unclear job expectations contribute to stress and what you can do to address these issues 📃

Read the full blog: https://www.awarenessco.com.au/8-issues-causing-workplace-stress

Don't let stress hold back your team's potential! Book a free consultation with Awareness Co. today to explore customised solutions for your business.

A Deep Dive into Stress in the Workplace: Understanding Causes and Solutions - Awareness Co Understand the causes of stress in the workplace and learn practical strategies to create a healthier, more productive work environment.

This Sunday, April 28, 2024, marks World Day for Safety and Health at Work and Workers Memorial Day. This years theme explores the impact of climate change on occupational safety and health.

Let us honour the memory of those we have lost and raise awareness of the importance of preventative work, health, and safety measures ❤️

Here are tips to get involved:

1. Learn about workplace safety issues by asking your workplace experts or via online resources
2. Share safety messages on social media
3. Support safety measures at work
4. Actively get involved in campaigns for safer workplaces.

📢 By taking these actions, we can contribute to creating safer and healthier workplaces for all workers, while also honouring the memory of those who have been impacted by work-related incidents.

Are you aware of the role employers play in addressing workplace stress? In "The Silent Epidemic: Workplace Stress Effects on Health and Wellbeing," we emphasise the importance of a supportive work culture and resources for stress management 📑

Read the full blog: https://www.awarenessco.com.au/work-stress-effects-on-health-an-epidemic

If you're an employer looking to be compliant and create a healthier work environment, book a free consultation with Awareness Co.

Addressing the Silent Epidemic: Understanding Work Stress and Its Effects on Wellbeing - Awareness Co Delve into the impact of the silent epidemic of work stress on health and wellbeing. Find strategies for a more balanced work environment.

A great read on improving workplace culture, offering valuable tips for engaging employees through four key types of conversations! 📑

https://www.hrmonline.com.au/culture/4-types-of-culture-conversations/

4 types of culture conversations to have with your employees - HRM online Leadership and culture expert Shane Hatton shares how to design a culture change program that excites and engages employees.

As we wrap up another leadership program, we have been privileged to work with some great leaders as they create cultures of care and safety in their workplace. This article has some great insights around the role HR and leaders can play in building trust 🤝

Building trust is a collective effort that requires active participation from everyone within a workplace, with leaders playing a central role in setting the tone and leading by example.

They can contribute to trust-building initiatives by implementing people-centric strategies and coaching leaders to create supportive and psychologically safe workplaces 😊

https://www.hrmonline.com.au/section/featured/build-trust-in-the-workplace/ =eJfrAO0J7WMuFSCspDQ4QHuhz8MIC6xX4Dw8kEN6cjo

How can HR help build trust in the workplace? - HRM online Neuroscience tells us that building trust requires leaders to invest in employees, redefine failure and champion shared accountability.

In case you missed it...we are FINALISTS in the 2024 Illawarra Women in Business Awards! 🤩

Awareness Co. are in the running for Best Small Business.

We had the privilege of attending the IWIB Networking lunch today to accept our certificate and meet lots of other local, outstanding women in the process.

Wishing our team the very best of luck at the awards ceremony in May...even though we already feel like winners! 🎖

Thank you, IWIB, for continuing to connect and celebrate Illawarra women.

Today is the International Day of Happiness 🤗 Research shows that happiness leads to success in nearly every area of our lives from health to career, creativity and relationships. This year’s theme is ‘Happier Together’ which reminds us that happiness comes from feeling connected to others and being a part of something bigger.

A quote from Chris Peterson that we love to share with the people that we work with through our focus groups and leadership programs is that “other people matter”. So your call to action is to think about the people around you and what is one small thing you can do to have a positive impact on them? How do other people impact you? Sit with that for a minute...

Practice this not just today but every day and see just how much the science of happiness impacts you! 🙌

⭐ GUEST BLOG ⭐ What is psychological safety and how do you build it in your workplace? Kylie McLerie defines this concept for us by explaining the four stages of psychological safety that teams can move through defined by Timothy R. Clark.

The blog goes on to share Kylie’s tips on how to build psychological safety in your team for leaders.

Kylie is the Director of Collective Culture Consultancy which specialises in harnessing the collective wisdom of people, teams and organisations and uses this data to plan innovative ways forward. Kylie has worked across sectors to champion employee and organisational wellbeing and links this as an imperative for productive workplace cultures.

https://www.awarenessco.com.au/what-is-psychological-safety-and-how-do-you-build-it-in-your-workplace/

Psychological Safety in Your Workplace: How Do You Build It? Enhance your workplace and empower your team with psychological safety. Cultivate trust, innovation, resilience for success to maximize your team's potential.

We are excited to be a FINALIST in the Illawarra Women In Business Awards 2024. As a proud member of the Illawarra Women In Business, we are excited to be participating in the process and to have the opportunity to connect with like-minded business owners ✨

Wishing all the finalists the best of luck with the awards and we look forward to celebrating you all because together we can achieve great things!

An empowered woman empowers women 💪🌸

👩 On this International Women’s Day, here’s to championing women across the world. May all women, without exception, feel safe, supported and valued 🙋‍♀️

🤚 Let’s pledge to create an environment that prioritises the wellbeing, progress, and success of every woman in our lives and in future generations to come.

Here are five easy and enjoyable ways to celebrate International Women's Day:

🗒️ Thank-You Notes: Express gratitude to the women around you with simple thank-you notes.

💜 Casual Day in Purple: Have a casual day where everyone wears something purple to support women's achievements.

🎶 Favourite Female Artist Playlist: Create and play a playlist featuring songs by favourite female artists.

🍵 Virtual Tea Chat: Host a virtual Tea break to celebrate and discuss inspiring women.

📖 Share Stories!: Share positive experiences, stories messages or quotes about the women in your life to create that positive ripple.

🙎‍♀️Who is a woman that has inspired you, and how has she made an impact on your life?

👉 Share your answers in the comment section using and tag the incredible women who have shaped your journey. Your story might just inspire others too! 😍

📣 In this blog, we share practical strategies to help you engage with your people to assist with the proactive and early identification of workplace stressors your people might be experiencing at work 🙋‍♀️

Leaders - Are you prepared to understand what your team truly feels? 🤔

✨ Explore our blog for valuable tips to ensure that two-way communication is prioritised and every voice is heard 🗣️
www.awarenessco.com.au/leading-by-listening/

9 Practical Ways To Ask Your People - Awareness Co In this blog, we share practical strategies to help you engage with your people with 9 practical ways to ask your people what’s really going on in the workplace