Yesterday, industry professionals gathered at the Business Event Centre at 4 Parramatta Square for an impactful Health and Wellbeing seminar. The event featured insights from notable figures like Jelena Dokic and Allan Watkinson and highlighted crucial strategies for enhancing workplace mental health and engagement.
Engagement and Wellbeing in the Workplace: Insights from Experts
Jelena Dokic, a former professional tennis player ranked world No. 4 in August 2002, shared her inspiring journey as a tennis commentator, author, and survivor of domestic violence. Her story underlined the seminar’s theme of resilience and personal growth. Attendees, including Theresa Armstrong, Angela O’Neill, and Verdiana Riolo, found her narrative both moving and motivational.
In addition, Allan Watkinson from Gallup presented valuable findings from 2023, focusing on workplace engagement and mental health. He emphasised that meaningful conversations are essential, likening engagement to a “contact sport” that requires active participation and sincere interactions.
Framework for Managerial Success: Reducing Psychological Risks
Watkinson provided a straightforward framework aimed at helping managers excel in their roles while minimising the risk of psychological injuries at work. He recommended managers consistently ask their team members three critical questions:
- How are you going?
- How’s your work going?
- What support do you need?
The Role of Hybrid Work Environments in Employee Engagement
The seminar also covered the dynamics of hybrid work environments, suggesting that such arrangements succeed when team members are clear on the expectations. Watkinson noted the importance of team members attending the office despite flexible hybrid working arrangements for various reasons:
- To foster personal development and maintain connections.
- To support colleagues.
- To enhance client relationships.
These practices, he argued, are key to investing in the team’s success and ensuring a supportive, engaged workplace.
This seminar at Parramatta Square serves as a reminder of the continuous need to prioritise mental health and engagement in every work environment, especially in demanding sectors like legal and corporate settings.
