The Victorian Public Sector Commission (VPSC) is celebrating the one year anniversary since the launch of the accessible and inclusive Wellbeing toolkit.
Launched during Mental Health Month in 2020, the VSPC developed the toolkit in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, to support the wellbeing of Victorian public sector employees in these challenging circumstances.
"The positive mental health and wellbeing of public sector employees is critical in continuing to deliver government services uninterrupted to all Victorians, particularly at a time when the community needs it the most," says Adam Fennessy PSM, Victorian Public Sector Commissioner.
What is the toolkit?
The Wellbeing toolkit is an online platform that provides tips, tools and activities that support managers in creating a positive environment for the wellbeing of employees in their teams. There are numerous topics explored in the toolkit, including a section on supporting employees with disability.
Topics in the toolkit include:
- Why inclusive language matters as a manager
- Quick and easy ways to make work accessible for your team
- Accessibility scavenger hunt
- Audio description empathy exercises, plus more.
Managers and team leaders are invited to use the toolkit to support their team members. Each section explores why the topic matters, the importance of prioritising the topic, the legal obligations of managers, and the impact inaction could have on the personal wellbeing of team members.
The toolkit has been designed to be used in offices, while working remotely, or in hybrid environments, so that it is inclusive and accessible.
The toolkit was reviewed by Carfi Consulting, an experienced, independent workplace psychology consultancy along with Accessible Action consultancy. The Victorian Public Service Enablers Network also reviewed the toolkit.
AND also provided guidance and feedback on the content.
The impact of the toolkit
This easy to use, read, and access resource has received positive feedback from staff across the Victorian public sector.
Commissioner Adam Fennessy says it has been such a success because "the toolkit provides practical ways to influence wellbeing through authentic human connection, such as conversation building empathy and trust. It provides people managers with tips, tools and activities they can use in many work environments, and with little to no forward planning, to help people feel well at work."
For organisations that are building support systems for their employees' mental health, the VSPC advises:
"Engage with the people you want to support. The consultation process for the Wellbeing toolkit was one of the most insightful and informative steps in our process. Understanding what people actually need, rather than making assumptions about their needs, is a crucial distinction to make, especially when it comes to wellbeing."
