In June 2020 Glen Eira Council, Victoria, partnered with Right Management to conduct a Working from Home (WFH) questionnaire which was sent to more than 440 employees. The questionnaire’s aim was to gain invaluable insights from employees, and to see how they were coping with working from home.
The 73 percent response rate was pleasing and helped to guide initiatives that the People and Culture team could introduce during the pandemic.
A COVID-19 staff Communication, Connection and Wellbeing Plan was developed in response to the findings which included development of a Mental Health and Wellbeing Action Plan focusing on supporting mental health support and activities during COVID-19.
A weekly 10@10 (10 questions at 10am) with Chief Executive Officer, Rebecca McKenzie delivering a live online session gave an opportunity for staff to ask questions anonymously.
Mental health workshops and webinars were developed and a check in and chat program paired employees from different Council areas to encourage greater incidental interactions.
Signing up to the 10,000 Steps challenge encouraged employees to be physically active by joining a team and walking virtually from Northern Queensland to Hobart.
Executive Manager People and Culture, Mary-Anne Palatsides said while they knew the workforce was experiencing various challenges with the pandemic impact, the WFH survey ensured the organisation it was focusing support in the right way and targeting the right areas.
