World Day for Health and Safety at Work

This year’s theme, led by the International Labour Organisation, is around creating a healthy psychosocial working environment.

A safe working environment where we feel supported helps our mental wellbeing, which means we can work productively and go home safely everyday.

Have a safety conversation and check in with your workmates

Safety conversations are genuine two-way conversations to encourage good behaviours and correct unsafe behaviours. Part of safety conversations is to check in around wellbeing, to make sure you and your team are able to continue working safely.

Plus, if you check in with your workmates, they’ll appreciate you taking time to get to know them, and you’ll get a boost from the social connection – it’s a win-win. Here’s some questions you can ask:

• How’s work going?

• Is there any way I can support you?

• What’s going well for you right now?

• What’s been on your mind lately?

• What challenges are you facing at the moment?

• What’s made you happy recently?

• What helps you work at your best?

• How’s your work-life balance?

If you or a workmate needs help with your mental wellbeing at work, talk to a supervisor or manager. You can also get in touch with Vitae, ANZCO’s Employee Assistance Programme, on 0508 664 981, or at www.vitae.co.nz.