Tag: Your health at work

“SAY YES TO YOU” A FATHER’S PERSPECTIVE ON JEAN HAILES WOMEN’S HEALTH WEEK

Posted on by Laurie Innerst

This Women’s Health Week, we sat down with our Managing Director, Luke Webber, to discuss the personal significance of this year’s campaign theme, “Say yes to you”, as both a leader and a father. We hope that you enjoy our meaningful conversation and embrace the message to prioritise women’s health and wellbeing (and take action!) – whether for yourself or the important women in your life.

 

“I want Labourpower’s community of candidates, clients and colleagues to feel supported in these choices. Saying yes does not just help women maintain good health. It strengthens families, enriches workplaces and nurtures communities. ” – Luke Webber

 

Each year, from 1 to 5 September, Australia marks Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week. It is a time when we devote ourselves to conversations, actions and awareness that support the health and wellbeing of women, girls and gender-diverse people. This year’s theme, “Say yes to you”, calls us all to pause and put ourselves first for once. It is a powerful reminder of what truly matters: reclaiming time, energy and intention for our own health. (jeanhailes.org.au)

 

HOW LABOURPOWER WILL SAY YES TO YOU!

 

At Labourpower, we are committed to being more than a recruitment service. We want to embody care, respect and empowerment in the workplace. To honour Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week, here is how we will stand with women:

  • We will share reminders on LinkedIn, echoing the week’s message so that our candidates, staff, and clients can pause, reflect and act.
  • We will encourage open conversations, perhaps over a coffee or Zoom catch-up, about health, wellbeing and the barriers women face.
  • We will make available Jean Hailes resources such as fact sheets, posters and tips to inform and support everyone’s health journeys.
  • We invite our community to host or attend local events, such as webinars, walks or wellbeing expos, all designed to encourage saying yes to women’s health.

 

For the complete story, including Luke’s perspective and personal messages, please be sure to check out the article above.

 

CONNECT WITH LABOURPOWER

 

Want to learn more about working with Labourpower to find your next great job or terrific candidate? Reach out to your nearest Labourpower branch today! Click here for a complete list of locations and contact details.

Follow us on your favourite socials and stay on top of all our latest news and opportunities. Connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook and/or Instagram!

 

 

 

 

HEALTHY SOCIAL MEDIA HABITS

Posted on by Nicki Davies

Social media has a key role to play in today’s modern world. So let’s take a closer look at the importance of developing healthy social media habits.

Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation.

POST WITH CARE AND THINK BEFORE YOU SHARE

Social media has a key role to play in today’s modern world. It lets us connect with each other any time and anywhere. On the flip side social media can have a negative effect on our health and wellbeing. Therefore, it’s important to develop some healthy habits around our social media use such as setting daily limits, and:

  • Not checking your social media accounts as soon as you wake up, or
  • Measuring your success by the number of new likes or followers

TIP: Get the most out of social media by following people that have a positive effect on you. Also finding content that informs, inspires and makes you smile.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND LOOKING FOR WORK

Social media is a great way for job seekers to stay up-to-date with the latest opportunities. But while it’s a popular way for recruiters to engage with their talent pool, social media can trip you up if you don’t follow some basic protocols including (but not limited to):

  • CENSOR YOURSELF: Make sure your posts portray you in a positive light, just in case a potential employer searches your name.
  • UNDERSTAND SETTINGS: Be savvy with your privacy settings and know exactly what information people can see about you online.
  • BE SECURE: Keep your passwords secret and accounts secure and avoid your account being hacked by a prankster friend.

REMEMBER: The internet has a long memory, so if you’re applying for work it’s always a good idea to Google yourself and see what pops up.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH

When used properly, social media can be a great tool to help in your job search and stay up-to-date with everything your recruitment agency has to offer. Keep great opportunities coming your way by checking out Labourpower’s social pages, including Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!

MORE TIPS FOR HEALTHY SOCIAL MEDIA HABITS
  • ENGAGE WITH PURPOSE: Know exactly what you want to achieve before you login e.g. connecting with friends and loved ones, looking for a job, or staying up-to-date with events happening in your local area.
  • REMEMBER – REAL LIFE ISN’T PERFECT: Try not to follow accounts that make you feel envious or inadequate. Keep a sense of reality and avoid comparing your normal life to other people’s holidays.

FINALLY: Organisations such as Beyond Blue have valuable tips on how to manage social media in a positive way. Visit their website for more information www.beyondblue.org.au

 

WELLNESS GOES 24/7

If you or someone you know needs help, it’s important to speak to your Supervisor, Labourpower Representative or Labourpower HR.

Labourpower values your health and wellbeing and is committed to wellness in the workplace. We are proud to partner with Workactive to bring you safety and wellbeing programs throughout the year.

Look out for our regular Toolbox Tuesday and Wellness Wednesday posts on Facebook, LinkedIn and the Labourpower website.

 

 

COPING DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON

Posted on by Nicki Davies

It’s the festive season which can be a fun time for some but a stressful and challenging time of year for others.

Shift workers often find themselves working around the clock and missing out on time with loved ones.  While COVID-19 has added another level of chaos with many missing out on those catch-ups planned with family and friends to celebrate.

This year it’s more important than ever to make sure that you’re looking after your health and wellbeing.

SELF-CARE
  • Make sure that you prioritise your wellness by eating healthily, drinking lots of water, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep
STAY-CONNECTED
  • If you can’t spend time with friends and family in person, make sure you find other ways to stay connected such as a phone message or a video call (Facetime, Zoom etc)
CHANGE YOUR EXPECATIONS
  • Avoid putting pressure on yourself to create the perfect celebration and instead change your expectations. It’s okay to say no to events or to arrange a special catch-up on another day.
SPEND TIME OUTDOORS
  • Studies show that spending time outdoors can have a positive impact on mental health. Go for a walk, have a picnic in a park, spend time at the beach (and don’t forget your sun protection)
GET SUPPORT
  • If you’re feeling alone or lonely, it’s important to reach out and talk to someone.

The mental health professionals at Beyond Blue’s Support Service are available over the holiday period 24/7 on 1300 22 4636. Also, they are available via online chat (3pm-12am AEDT) or email responses (within 24 hours). There are also other services to contact for support over this time if you need someone to talk to.

Sources:

 

WELLNESS GOES 24/7

If you or someone you know needs help, it’s important to speak to your Supervisor, Labourpower Representative or Labourpower HR.

Labourpower values your health and wellbeing and is committed to wellness in the workplace. We are proud to partner with Workactive to bring you safety and wellbeing programs throughout the year.

Look out for our regular Toolbox Tuesday and Wellness Wednesday posts on Facebook, LinkedIn and the Labourpower website.

 

 

SURVIVING THE 2020 SILLY SEASON

Posted on by Nicki Davies

Tips for surviving the 2020 silly season in what has already been a challenging year. 

Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation

GOOD HEALTH AND GOOD CHEER AT THE END OF THE YEAR

It’s been a year like no other, with plenty of people keen to see the back of 2020. But before we look forward to a new year, we need to survive the silly season, and that means taking time to look after our health and wellbeing:

  • The number one rule for the festive season has to be everything in moderation
  • Keep this top of mind and it will help you maintain a healthy balance.

IMPORTANT: If you do get to enjoy an end of year function with work colleagues remember that on-site company rules and policies also apply to events held off-site too.

NEW ALCOHOL GUIDELINES

New national guidelines recommend that to reduce the risk of harm from alcohol-related disease or injury, healthy men and women should drink no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day. So it’s important to know your standard drinks:

  • 285 ml of full strength beer – 4.9% alc/vol
  • 425 ml of light beer – 2.7% alc/vol
  • 100 ml of wine -13% alc/vol
  • 30ml of spirits (e.g. vodka, gin, whisky) – 40% alc/vol

IMPORTANT: The less you drink, the lower your risk of harm from alcohol. For more information about the new Australian guidelines visit https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/health-advice/alcohol

TIPS TO MAINTAIN GOOD HABITS

Firstly, start the day with a healthy breakfast (check out our Breakfast Benefits  post for tips of what to eat).

Also, go easy on the alcohol (try alternating each alcoholic drink with water).

In addition, try to stick to an exercise routine throughout the silly season.

If you do get to enjoy a party or two, always be careful with your social media posts. Tagging people in photos or videos that they don’t know about or posting drunken antics online may not seem like such a good idea the next day

Finally, remember to manage the silly season at a pace that works for you. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to look after your own physical and mental health and wellness.

SURVIVING THE 2020 SILLY SEASON AND COVID-19

If you are able to enjoy some end of year festivities with friends or colleagues, don’t forget to follow COVID-19 safety protocols, including:

  • Good hygiene practices
  • Social distancing, and
  • Wearing a face mask when required.
WELLNESS GOES 24/7

Labourpower values your health and wellbeing and is committed to wellness in the workplace. We are proud to partner with Workactive to bring you safety and wellbeing programs throughout the year.

Look out for our regular Toolbox Tuesday and Wellness Wednesday posts on Facebook, LinkedIn and the Labourpower website.

 

 

DRINKING WATER: THE IMPORTANCE OF HYDRATION

Posted on by Nicki Davies

Drinking water is often the most convenient and cheapest way for you to stay hydrated and rehydrate. 

Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation

DRINKING H2O IS THE WAY TO GO

The body is made up of 50 to 75 per cent water, and as it can’t store water, you need fresh supplies every day. Most tap water in Australia contains fluoride that helps prevent tooth decay. Water is also a great choice for your health and hydration as it has:

  • No sugar
  • No carbohydrate

Drinking water on a regular basis helps keep you hydrated so that you stay more energised and awake.

HYDRATION AND WHY IT’S SO IMPORTANT

Good hydration is essential for good health and plays a key role in how your body functions each day. Dehydration can also affect your alertness which in turn can lead to mistakes, especially when you’re using machinery and sharp objects. If you don’t drink enough water, you might experience signs of dehydration including (but not limited to):

  • Confusion
  • Dark urine
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Muscle cramps
  • Thirst or dry mouth
  • Tiredness

IMPORTANT: Keep an eye out for your co workers when working in hot conditions or physically demanding roles as they may not know they are getting dehydrated. 

TIPS TO HELP YOU STAY HYDRATED

Drink plenty of water instead of sugary drinks like energy drinks, soft drinks or cordial.

Have a reusable water bottle with you during the day that you can refill, or keep a spare water bottle around (especially during hot days and/or when working in physically demanding roles).

Try to get into a water drinking routine. For example, drink water when:

  • You wake up
  • At breakfast, lunch and dinner,
  • Also, when you go to bed

Also, remember that you will have access to a tap or water cooler at every work site.

MONITOR YOUR URINE

Finally, the NSW Health Urine Colour Chart is a useful resource to help give you an idea of whether you are drinking enough water.

WELLNESS GOES 24/7

Labourpower values your health and wellbeing and is committed to wellness in the workplace. We are proud to partner with Workactive to bring you safety and wellbeing programs throughout the year.

Look out for our regular Toolbox Tuesday and Wellness Wednesday posts on Facebook, LinkedIn and the Labourpower website.

 

 

TIPS FOR YOUR FINANCIAL WELLBEING

Posted on by Nicki Davies

Financial wellbeing is about managing your money now and into the future, as well as being in control of it.  Take a look at these tips to help improve your financial wellbeing. 

Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation

MANAGING WEALTH FOR BETTER FINANCIAL HEALTH

To improve your financial wellbeing, you need to:

  • Know where, when and what you spend your money on
  • Have a budget and savings plan in place to help you successfully manage your finances

Financial wellbeing is one of the most important elements of your mental and physical wellbeing so setting achievable financial goals is an important step to helping you gain control.

NAVIGATING TOUGH TIMES

Money worries can be all consuming so it’s important to take steps to look after yourself and your finances. This includes understanding your debt level and how you plan to manage and make repayments (a financial advisor can help you with this). You can also look for ways to help with spending such as:

  • RENT/MORTGAGE: Ask your landlord or mortgage provider about rent or repayment options
  • UTILITIES (gas, water, electricity): Ask your provider about payment options, look for providers with better deals
  • FOOD: Advance meal  planning and prep  (e.g. cook a big batch that you can divide into portions and freeze
TIPS FOR CONTROLLING YOUR FINANCES
  • Create a budget that works for you and your circumstances (try using one of the free budgeting apps available)
  • Review any non-essential spending
  • Don’t be afraid to seek professional advice
  • If you’re feeling overwhelmed by financial issues, you can start by calling the free National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007. The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm
LOOKING AFTER FINANCES DURING COVID-19

Bills to pay and essentials to buy during challenging times can feel overwhelming. Financial support is available to help you manage the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Visit https://moneysmart.gov.au/covid-19/financial-assistance

SAFETY GOES 24/7

Visit the Labourpower website for more information or check out our regular Toolbox Tuesday and Wellness Wednesday posts on Facebook and LinkedIn