In response to the recommendations arising from the 2002 Workplace Safety Summit, WorkCover NSW commissioned research into Work Related Stress: Causes, Impact and Solutions in 2004. The overall aim of this study was to provide WorkCover with contemporary, evidence-based options for the effective prevention and management of psychological injuries.  The findings from this study proposed an organisational or systems approach as key to reducing the negative impact of stress.

Following on from this research WorkCover NSW made a commitment to developing and testing a practical improvement program in HACS sector workplaces that are experiencing staff wellbeing and performance related issues.

WorkCover has now commissioned Insight SRC to deliver a demonstration project designed to engage workplace leaders and staff in working together to achieve sustainable improvement in organisational health – leading teams:working well.

This project is overseen and supported by a Steering Committee with representatives from WorkCover NSW, NSW Department of Health, Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care, Department of Community Services, NSW Nurses' Association and the Public Service Association.

Three HACS sector workplaces are taking part in this demonstration project.  It is anticipated that the tools and strategies developed in this project will be made available for all HACS workplaces following completion of the project.

What is it about?
leading teams:working well

• uses an evidenced based approach to ensure teams and leaders, address the right issues, and in ways that are meaningful
• uses an action-learning process that develops new habits of teamwork and leadership practices, while at the same time focusing on achieving core business outcomes
• integrates new knowledge, skills development and coaching, with the use of feedback data for the evaluation of employee wellbeing and team performance
• improves the way staff work and learn together in a professional environment
• builds leadership and management capability
• builds commitment among staff to a ‘whole team’ approach to achieving team goals
• is both ‘bottom up’ and ‘top down’ driven

What’s involved?
The three organisations participating in this demonstration project have committed to a nine-month action-learning program that involves:

• a review of how leaders and teams are working in the participating workgroup, including individual development feedback for leaders to enhance leadership and team effectiveness
• processes and activities to inform and engage all staff throughout the program
• workshops for the leadership team and staff in the participating workgroup to build critical shared understanding about what makes a difference to staff well-being and performance
• an in-depth analysis of the team feedback results
• a staff led action learning project focused on improving critical aspects of staff well-being and core business
• support for leadership and project teams from external coaches throughout the program

How do I find out more?
Contact the WorkCover Information Centre on 13 10 50 or via email at  leadingteams.workingwell@workcover.nsw.gov.au