To find out how we can help click on the link below

Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like further information from an expert.
Phone: 9981 9888 or email vanessacariss@nabenet.com.au or markmanokaran@nabenet.com.au

During this time of change and remote working employers and employees still need to consider the psychosocial elements of good work design; work demands, job control, supervisor / peer support, role variables, managing relationships (remotely), recognition and reward, management of change and organisational justice.

The management group should develop strong, robust guidelines to support staff during this time and to address the above areas which are likely to be causing angst amongst the workforce. Employers should consider the likely changed and even increased mental demands on employees particularly when considering the change to the family and social dynamic and various stressors which have presented and are likely to develop over the course of the current landscape and social distancing precautions.

Key strategies and activities for management should include;

• Keep employees informed with regards to business changes and response to COVID-19 landscape. This may include changes to the way services are to be delivered or the products themselves or how employees are to engage with clients.
• Address clear expectations regarding work tasks and maintaining a routine. Structured work days support connection, certainty and positive mental health function
• Create times for genuine check-ins with employees, not out of ‘need’ but of ‘want’
• Set clear expectations around communication (the method, times of availability, parameters)
• Understanding that each employee is going to have a different home situation and demands such as looking after children and other domestic requirements
• Make time for self-care

Nabenet Health is continuing to provide health, safety and well-being consulting through ‘tele-health’ means – get in touch for more information at markmanokaran@nabenet.com.au or (03) 9981 9888.

The landscape of the workspace has certainly changed over the last few weeks. Many people are now working from home, a space familiar for home and domestic activities, and unfamiliar for occupational tasks. The elements of good work design (Biomechanical, Physical, Cognitive and Psychosocial) pertain to whatever environment is chosen to be the workspace and due consideration must be given by both employers and employees to manage the occupational health and safety risks.

Regarding the biomechanical elements (force, movement, posture and vibration) – staff should conduct a risk assessment or self-evaluation of their intended home workspace. Parts of the workspace that should be reviewed are;

• Location – avoid performing tasks where awkward postures are likely to be sustained e.g. bed, couch, recliner chair, outdoor setting
• Check for appropriate lighting, ventilation and temperature
• Try to replicate your usual workstation set up with a chair, desk, phone and documents within close reach
• Use headphones if utilising a mobile phone or even landline if able
• If using a laptop – consider utilising a second larger computer monitor and / or raise the laptop up to eye level and at the appropriate distance. Consider an external keyboard and mouse also.
• Make time for appropriate posture breaks and to perform exercises and stretches

Nabenet Health is continuing to provide ergonomic workspace consultation through ‘tele-health’ means –get in touch for more information and also a working from home checklist. markmanokaran@nabenet.com.au or (03) 9981 9888.

Congratulations to the Nabenet staff who recently won the following ARPA Victoria Excellence in Workplace Rehabilitation Awards.

Best New Starter, New Employer

Outstanding RTW Achievement, Psychological Claim

Outstanding Consultant, New Employer

Nabenet has achieved the highest rating possible from WorkSafe for our OES and NES return to work services, a total of 6 stars out of a possible 6 stars. Congratulations to our entire team for assisting more injured Victorian workers back to work.

If you would like to hear more about our latest rating or how we are assisting more Victorian workers back to work please contact Vanessa Cariss vanessacariss@nabenet.com.au or call the Nabenet office on 9981 9888.