Name
Sandra Keeley
Job title
Health and Wellbeing Manager
Organisation
What are you/your organisation currently focusing on in terms of workplace health and wellbeing?
We are now in the recovery phase from COVID and have returned 60% of employees back to the office. We are now working through a new way of working both in the office and the home and keeping teams connected.
We continue to focus on Physical, mental and financial health and how hybrid working can affect these three areas as well as the continued uncertainty of COVID.
What aspect of workplace health and wellbeing does your organisation do well in?
We are strongly focused on all three areas of physical, mental and financial health. Being a life insurer and helping over 4 million Australian in their time of need we can have open discussion and have reduced stigma especially in Mental Health. We have shared many lived experiences with our employees and have a strong recovery at work program.
What’s your biggest challenge working in workplace health and wellbeing?
The different capabilities of leaders to manage their team’s wellbeing and create a flourishing environment.
How does WayAhead Workplaces add value to your organisation’s health and wellbeing program?
I have been a member of Way Ahead for over 4 years and I continue to learn and grow from others. By hearing case studies and success stories I am able to reflect and challenge our own programs and make changes where necessary.
How do you deal with stress?
I don’t deal with it, I own it 12 and recognise when its unhealthy. Not all stress is bad, and I thrive under pressure. However, I know where my limits are and when needed I lower my expectations and reconnect to what’s important (my family and health)
What are the key issues and considerations for people in workplace health and wellbeing roles?
Keep learning and growing. There are so many wonderful people sharing research and knowledge in this digital world so soak it up. Health and wellbeing mean very different things to people – never have a one size fits all approach!
How do you switch off from work?
Getting outdoors with kids and hubby and not taking the phone with us
What is your best time-saving tip?
I follow the barefoot investor and it has worked wonders for our family.
What do you think the future of work health and wellness programs look like?
The world changed forever in 2020 and people have never been more engaged about creating a balance with work and their home lives. There will continue to be a focus on Mental Health but with financial health and relationships a high contributor and need for support and education. The recovery of COVID and employees having family across the world and not physically connected for a couple of years is going to also affect people’s Mental Health.
I think the term wellness programs as a separate program will fade and wellbeing will become the main focus of all safety programs with psychological risk management a top priority.
