Sabina Schlegel is the Director of Organisational Change & Culture at the Queensland Department of Health and will be speaking virtually as part of our panel discussion on strategies for a connected workforce on day two of the Wellbeing at Work Australia & New Zealand Summit on 8-10 November and we wanted to get her thoughts before she takes to the virtual stage.
We are thrilled that you will be speaking at our Wellbeing at Work ANZ Summit in November. Our first and most important question is, how are you doing today?
Trying my best! Am grateful for the life I have especially my family. I have lots I want to achieve today at work but have to remember to be kind to myself and others.
As a leader based in the region, what are the main challenges your you are facing when it comes to employee wellbeing?
Whilst taking small and simple steps to encourage wellbeing at work is critical, there are many systemic challenges (both in terms of the organisation and individual) that take a much longer time to address, change or improve.
Why is employee wellbeing so important to you personally?
We all have our own personal struggles and challenges and sometimes the smallest act of care, kindness or acceptance can change someone’s life without you ever knowing.
What are you most looking forward to about the Summit in November?
Hearing about the different ways other people are addressing wellbeing in their workplaces, but also being part of a community of people passionate about wellbeing.
Tell us, what is your vision for the workplace of the future, in terms of employee engagement, health and wellbeing?
My vision for the future is a workplace that supports people to thrive, where we learn how to adapt our ways of working and being, not matter what life or work throws at us, and the stigma of mental health disappears!
What areas do you think employers should be focused on over the next 12-18 months?
Connecting with their workforce, providing time for wellbeing and creating psychologically safe workplaces.
How has your organisation been leading the way?
One of our programs of work “Adaptive Team Cultures” was nominated as a finalist for the Queensland Health Awards. This program is about enabling the organisation to build adaptive capacity by supporting managers to build team cultures centred on wellbeing and building not just resilience but skills and mindsets to be prepared and able to adapt to whatever the future holds. A lot of stress at work occurs from poor work practices, poor workplace relationships and circumstances beyond our control. The program of work includes helping people adapt the way they work especially in a hybrid environment, fostering good working relationships and being ‘ready for anything’.
Join us at the Wellbeing at Work Australia & New Zealand Summit between 8-10 November 2022 in Sydney, Melbourne and virtually and hear from Sabina and over 50 expert speakers from across the world. Further details here.
