EAP Assist

When an interaction or conversation doesn’t go your way, you’ll often walk away from the situation physically, but mentally you continue to replay it. Holding onto those anxious thoughts can make you feel like you’re walking around with extra weight on your...

Remote working has been shown to provide tangible employee benefits including flexible scheduling, increasing employee morale, and reducing commuting stress. However, teleworking can present unique challenges to employees, most notably, feeling social and professional...

Resilience is a key skill for managing stress, overcoming adversity and adapting to challenges. Resilient workforces have higher levels of engagement and a higher capacity to adapt to change and learn from difficulties, increasing their innovation and success....

Work can be stressful from time-to-time, even for the most laid-back person. Below are nine quick and easy tips to help you de-stress and relax:1. Just Breathe… and Smile. Taking 30 to 60 seconds to breathe can be calming and relaxing. When taking a breath, take...

Loneliness is a negative experience, an absence of something we need and want—a relationship, a sense of belonging. Technology alone can never solve our belongingness need. Belonginess is found in families, friendships and community. We can be engulfed in technology...

Even if you exercise regularly, long periods of sitting increases the risk of health issues in both the short and long term, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, depression and early death.The good news is that the early findings from a...

Spending time with animals is a research-backed way to lower stress and anxiety. And yet, you don’t need to own a pet to reap the stress-reducing benefits. If pet adoption isn’t an option for you, you can still find comfort in visiting a friend’s pet,...

Good sleep habits are often referred to as good sleep hygeine. There are many things that can be done to improve sleep. Here, we will give you some guidelines for what you should and should not do for a good night's sleep. Many people have trouble with their sleep. If...

If you are resilient you understand that setbacks and challenges are part of life and you accept that life is sometimes hard or painful. Your mental outlook allows you to work through difficulties and recover. Resiliency gives you the strength to address problems...

Anger is an unpleasant emotion ranging in intensity from irritation or annoyance to fury or rage. But what makes people angry is different for everyone. Things that infuriate some of us don't bother others at all. Yet we all regularly experience events that could make...

What is mindfulness? Mindfulness involves bringing awareness to the present moment, through non-judgmental noticing and observing, with the goal of being fully present in the current moment.  Benefits of Mindfulness There is plenty of research evidence showing...

What Is Anxiety?Anxiety is a mixture of uneasy feelings, including nervousness, worry and fear, about yourself or others. It can be a response to your thoughts about things that have already happened, or that are on the horizon. That's why you might find yourself...

Conflict between employees may be difficult to resolve where employees are required to discuss disagreements face to face. This may be intimidating or overwhelming. Here is an alternative process to consider. (This approach can help resolve conflicts between employees...

No one is immune to making mistakes. But if we simply apologize and carry on as before, we're in danger of repeating the same errors. When we don't learn from our mistakes, we inflict unnecessary stress on ourselves and on others, and we risk losing people's...

Recent research which followed many thousands of people across seven years has found that people who eat more fruit and vegetables have a better state of mind. Eating just one extra portion of fruit and vegetables per day is enough to measurably improve mental...

We all have bad days at work. But some days are much worse than others. With worst-case scenarios running through your head, it may be hard to pull yourself together and start planning your next move. But that's exactly what you have to do. You must dig deep and find...

It’s natural to feel concerned if you’ve noticed a change in yourself. Recognizing this feeling and addressing it is the first step toward feeling better. Finding ways to stop feeling empty may depend on what’s causing it. Gently acknowledge the emptiness If you’re...

Research shows that workers with a high degree of resilience are less susceptible to burnout and psychological distress. But “resilience” is a broad term that raises the question, “What are the qualities that allow us to overcome challenges, obstacles, hardship and...

Emotional Intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, interpret and process emotions in yourself and others. While genetics, upbringing and environment all play a role, there are steps you can take to develop your emotional intelligence over time. Get to know...

Feeling confident doesn’t always come naturally, but it’s something we can actively work on and improve. Regularly practicing certain rituals and habits — like surrounding ourselves with people who believe in us or celebrating even our smallest of wins — can help us...

Our personal boundaries set the limits that separate us from other people – not necessarily to exclude interaction, but to protect what matters to us, and to control who enters our psychological space, as well as our physical space.Boundaries also foster more...

The WHO has described burnout as “a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” This language acknowledged that burnout is more than just an employee problem; it’s an organizational problem...

Anxiety disorders are treatable. The key is to find the right treatment that works for you and stick with it. Two common treatments for anxiety disorders are psychotherapy and anti-anxiety medication, but there are also many lifestyle changes that may help you find...

Prolonged sleep deprivation can affect your mental and physical health, increasing risk of depression, weight gain, diabetes and heart diseases. It also reduces productivity at work and reduces the quality of your life. If you’ve been struggling with sleep take the...

Below are strategies to try to stay calm and centred when those around you seem stressed and irritable. Take three deep breaths Take several deep breaths, breathing in and out as deep as possible. This prevents your body from reacting to the stress around you. ...

Often there are red flags or warning signs that this may not be the right partner for you. And learning how to spot these red flags can help you avoid a heartbreaking or dysfunctional relationship in the future. There are three types of red flags that to look for:...

It is estimated that up to 70% of employees experience impostor syndrome at some point in life, the feeling that you’re not as good in your career as others think you are has nothing to do with skill level or competence, but the impossibly high standards people set...

If you or someone you love are going through a loss, the new emotions may feel overwhelming and confusing. Feeling this way is natural and even necessary. These emotions are forward steps in the healing journey, even when it doesn’t feel like it at the moment. Healing...

Ten tips for developing healthy habits for a good night's sleep:  Try to wake up at the same time every morning, this will establish and maintain a healthy circadian rhythm.Do not sleep late in the mornings trying to make up for lost sleep.Do...

The one constant in life is change. That doesn't mean we ever get used to it or fully embrace it, though. Here are eleven tips for coping with big changes in your life and coming out a better person for it.  1. Acknowledge that things are changing. Sometimes we...

Passion is contagious and passionate people energize the workplace. Passion is even more important when times are tough. Here are five tips to encourage passion in the workplace:1. Create connectionsNew research reveals that passionate people like to connect with...

Whether you’re wanting to cut back because you’ve noticed your one glass of wine every couple of nights with dinner has turned into every night, or you’re wanting to lose weight or feel better overall, cutting back on the amount of alcohol you drink can benefit your...

Depression affects one’s cognitive, emotional, behavioural and physical functions. One of the most insidious aspects of depression is that it tricks you into thinking that nothing will help, or that the relief will be temporary, and it will keep you in a cycle of...

Quick Tips for Managing your Anger Acknowledge and identify your angerAnger is a feeling. It resides in the body. It is a natural body response. There is no shame and nothing to feel guilty about in expressing a feeling. The cause of the guilt and shame is in the...

While we can’t control the forces that disrupted our lives, we can take steps to maintain our mental resilience and help ourselves be productive. Here are six ways to stay engaged even when we’re just not feeling it:Take it one day at a timeDon’t focus on the whole...

Recent research has indicated that while many workers are consumed by stress, those struggling the most are: 1) the youngest employees and 2) those who have found themselves working at home. While companies have implemented virtual solutions and process changes to...

Studies reveal that the main lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy are reducing stress and avoiding smoking, heavy drinking and type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented naturally by doing regular physical activity, healthy eating and getting enough...

Studies reveal that the main lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy are reducing stress and avoiding smoking, heavy drinking and type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented naturally by doing regular physical activity, healthy eating and getting enough...

When challenges arise it’s easy to fall prey to negative thinking — but it’s in those moments where we need optimism the most. Below are five tips that will help you maintain perspective when things get tough.Incorporate pauses into your dayOne way to stay positive is...

Are you able to get excited about every task you need to do? Or do you sometimes need a bit more help to make a start, never mind getting the task done? The longer you delay doing something, the more stress and pressure you're likely to feel. After a while, you may...

How often have you spent hours on a task that, with more focus, you could have finished in half the time? Most people want to be more productive. But the trick is to learn how to get more done in less time, without sacrificing quality. Below are five steps you can...

There are things that you can do for yourself that will help you to overcome low self-esteem. These include: Testing your anxious predictions, approaching situations that you have been avoiding, reducing your safety behavioursIdentifying and challenging your...

How can I help myself to grieve?There are many things that you can do for yourself that will help you to work through your grief. We describe a selection of tasks and activities below that you might like to try. Some of the suggestions might make more sense at...

Some people are naturally happy alone. But for others, being solo is a challenge. If you fall into the latter group, there are ways to become more comfortable with being alone. Regardless of how you feel about being alone, building a good relationship with yourself is...

We all experience moments that irritate us. And although we can’t avoid life’s frustrations, how we react can completely change our mood, perspective and the course of our day. Below are some tips and tools to help reframe and stay calm when feeling frustrated:...

Most of us feel cranky and sluggish at one time or another but a lack of sleep and stress aren’t the only culprits. It may be the foods you’re eating or not eating! You know that organs such as your stomach and heart are affected by what you eat. Your brain...

If you spend too much time staring at your screen you can suffer from screen fatigue. This is caused by repetitive eye movement and can give you blurred sight or double vision. Screen fatigue is also associated with neck and back pain, headaches and general...

Discrimination, bullying and harassment at work is unlawful and can be extremely damaging to employee mental health. In Australia, there are national anti-bullying laws and state or territory health and safety bodies that assist people with bullying and harassment in...

Unwanted thoughts can cause plenty of frustration and distress and you’re not alone in wanting to make them go away. It’s normal to have trouble convincing yourself to look up when feeling downcast in the face of stress and other challenges. The nine strategies...

Meetings are a fact of business life. We meet to discuss new initiatives, brainstorm, get feedback on an idea or solve a problem. Face-to-face contact is important for forming good relationships with colleagues, and for gathering input from a variety of sources. There...

Getting a good night’s sleep can be easier than you think, if you just keep in mind some of these helpful tips. Remember, sleep is supposed to be relaxing. Good daily sleep helps to renew your body every night. Do not make sleep a competition or skimp for too...

Stress is a normal part of daily life. It is the body’s response to changes in your environment, physical needs, thoughts and feelings, and relationships.  Adapting to a “new normal” has brought it’s own changes and stress. Many of you have had to cope with...

Stress is one of the top contributors to insomnia, which impacts around 30% of adults at any given time. If you’ve experienced a nerve-wracked night, it’s not too hard to understand why: Stress makes it hard to mentally wind down and physically relax both before...

Certain kinds of mindful breathing can activate your Parasympathetic Nervous System which initiates the relaxation response, depresses heart rate, blood pressure and respiration, and allows your body to engage in reparative and restorative functions. While not...

Waging a battle against stress doesn’t make much sense and it’s a sure way to increase the stress. Mindfulness lets us interrupt the stress cycle and let in some space and air. Here are 10 easy ways to take time for what matters and put stress in its place. 1. Take a...

The stress response is supposed to be short-lived because it wears down your body, your health and your energy. Stress makes us narrowly focused, preventing us from seeing the bigger picture. When we’re calmer, our attention becomes broader. The question becomes,...

Modern working practices can encourage sedentary lifestyles, which can lead to physical and mental health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, stress and depression. Here are four simple ways to make changes as part of your daily routine: 1.Build more activity...

Personal Development Goals are goals intended to increase one’s development – mentally, emotionally and socially. Setting up a development goal is a way for you to assess your capabilities, consider your aims in life and maximize your potential. Below are 40 personal...

Resiliency theory has posited resiliency as being a trait, a process, a set of outcome behaviours or an interconnected combination of all three which additionally include both internal and external constructs. Internal constructs may include things like having a sense...

When you really want to achieve something, have you ever tried closing your eyes and imagining yourself "there"? In your mind's eye, you can touch it, feel it, and see every detail clearly. But when you open your eyes, the image quickly fades, and it can take real...

Do you ever find yourself dwelling on the past? Perhaps you can't stop replaying a conversation in your head and thinking about what you should have said. Or, maybe you're anxious about the future, and ask yourself endless "what if" questions. It can be...

Here are five suggestions that might help you to overcome adversities and develop an attitude of optimism and hope to gently move forward each day: 1. The one thing you can count on is you. The one thing you can count on is you. I know that might sound cliche,...

Despite the increasing amount of stress that we are all experiencing, stress is a normal component to life. Although stress is often associated as being negative, there actually is an opportunity for individuals to use stress and turn it into something productive....

Resilience includes our ability to bounce back from adversity and come back stronger, and while that may not come effortlessly, it is achievable. Here are five tips to help you get started: Accept change. We all got a good dose of change in 2020! Whether we were...

Practice gratitude Practicing gratitude first thing in the morning helps prepare your brain for positivity for the rest of the day: Immediately after waking up, take a few minutes to close your eyes and run through what you are grateful for. No matter how large or...

There are so many situations that can trigger anger, worry and doubt such as a slow computer, a disrespectful boss, an annoying neighbour or a stack of bills to pay. How is one supposed to remain calm and at peace during these turbulent moments?  The ego-mind, or...

New research has found that teaching people to focus on positive emotions helped them deal with stress. The researchers focused on 170 caregivers for people with dementia. People were taught classic positive psychology exercises such as keeping a gratitude journal,...

1. Talk to a friend or relative for at least 15 minutes. 2. Do a pleasurable activity (listen to music, read a book, engage in a hobby, etc.) for at least 30 minutes. 3. Take a walk or do some other form of exercise for at least 20 minutes. 4. Do a random act of...

Fourteen tips for leaving work at work: Make lists to prioritize Create a to do list for the beginning of the week and edit it every morning then look at it before you leave work so I can check off everything you have done and know what to prioritize the next...

What Is Burnout? Burnout is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion. It can occur when you experience long-term stress in your job, or when you have worked in a physically or emotionally draining role for a long time. You can also experience burnout when your...

Even when work fulfills us and aligns with our personal sense of purpose, falling into the traps below can contribute to stress and burnout. Most of us are guilty of letting our busy lives get in the way of being as mindful as we can or should be. Pay close attention...

The upcoming month is all about focusing on self-care and finding ways to make physical and mental health a bigger part of your life, which may sound like a lot but in practice is pretty simple. We've designated one easy task per day, so you'll never feel too...

Optimists have been proven to be happier, healthier, more productive and more successful than pessimists. The good news is that optimism is a skill – you can learn how to be more optimistic. Below you will see how to use the ABC Technique to develop a more optimistic...

Here are some simple suggestions for leading a happier life: Socially engage with people  Humans are social creatures. We’re meant to interact with others. One of the issues people complained about during the lockdowns was that they were unable to engage in...

Twenty percent of women and twelve percent of men report losing sleep because of time spent on their mobile phone. In women, these figures have increased by a multiple of 8 since 2005. The results come from a survey of 709 Australians in 2018. The answers were...

A study where researchers looked at over 8,000 websites found the following common assumptions about sleep: The top myth about sleep is that it is possible to get by on just five hours a night. This myth is not just wrong, it is also potentially dangerous to people’s...

Compassion is one way to make us stronger in the face of the challenges we face in life, even the seemingly vast ones that we see all around us today. Consider the guide below to examine your values: 1. I’d like to invite you to consider what’s present...

Self-esteem is defined as how we feel about ourselves and has to do with how we value ourselves. It has to do with almost all of the choices we make in life, from partners to jobs to choosing friends.  If you were raised in a dysfunctional family it is likely...

Too much sitting down is killing people and it is on the rise, according to the latest data. Inactivity is linked to a wide range of diseases including heart problems, obesity, diabetes and certain cancers. Getting up and moving about, though, is linked to less...

Recent research suggests that new and diverse experiences make people the happiest. People felt more positive emotions when they spent more time in locations that were novel to them. The boost to happiness was seen in increased brain activity in regions critical to...

New research has found that people who know more positive words relating to the emotions are likely to have better mental health and those who naturally use words like glad, joyful, gleeful, perky and jolly are also likely to be in better physical health and those who...

The holiday season is often a busy time with much to do, attend and plan, which can bring up feelings of being overwhelmed, anxious, stressed and depressed. Here are some tips bought to you by the Black Dog Institute to look after your wellbeing this holiday season....

Poor-quality sleep can quickly lead to reduced performance at work from reduced concentration, poor memory and diminished motivation, impaired judgment and irritability. Lack of sleep can also cause the body to crave high-calorie foods, potentially leading to weight...

Below are twelve strategies that you can use to control anger when you experience it: 1. Acknowledge That You Have a Problem If you find it difficult to manage your anger, the first thing you need to do is to be honest with yourself and acknowledge that you have a...

Improving self-esteem is a very personal journey. It's a key part of feeling happy within ourselves, and of feeling that we're succeeding in the things that matter to us. Positive self-esteem helps you to be yourself, handle adversity, and believe that you'll win...

1. Understanding Thought Awareness You're thinking negatively when you fear the future, put yourself down, criticize yourself for errors, doubt your abilities or expect failure. Negative thinking damages your confidence, harms your performance and paralyses your...

A massive 40% of workers say their jobs are very stressful. Such stress levels may be even higher for leaders and managers, who are typically burdened with more responsibilities. Whether you’re an employee picking up a pay-check, a manager leading a team or an...

Completely banishing stress from your life may never be an attainable goal. Nor, some would argue, should it be. If you consistently try your hardest and seek new endeavours, you will naturally feel challenged and sometimes even stressed. This is all part of personal...

While loneliness is a common human emotion, during the global coronavirus pandemic many of us are feeling acutely, severely alone — an extreme loneliness that we may never have experienced before. Whether you live alone or are sharing your space during lockdown, the...

EAP Assist Whistleblowing Service  EAP Assist provides an Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) compliant Whistleblower Service to help achieve resolutions & solutions for employees & organisations. This is a free addon service available...

You know those days when it feels as though life is kicking you in the teeth? You get an unexpected bill for hundreds of dollars. You lose concentration and back into a parked car. You have a fight with your partner. A relative keeps forwarding you conspiracy...

Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.Eat well-balanced meals. Do not skip any meals. Do keep healthful, energy-boosting snacks on...

Depression affects one’s cognitive, emotional, behavioural and physical functions. One of the most insidious aspects of depression is that it tricks you into thinking that nothing will help, or that the relief will be temporary, and it will keep you in a cycle of...

There are many stressors we face in life — from relationship problems and job issues to the uncertain state of the world. Whether it’s just a little stress or a big ball of panic in the pit of your stomach, learning how to calm down is essential for all of us. The...

There is a way to disagree with colleagues without ruining work relationships. Try these three tips: Dialogue, not hostility  Workplace conflicts can have severe negative impacts if not handled correctly. Work conflict has been linked to decreased...

Many of us are living at a level of stress and anxiety that damages the quality of our work, relationships and health. People keep striving and struggling, only to be left feeling stuck and frustrated because they can’t figure out how to reach the place in life...

Many things about the workplace have changed this year but the need to get the best from employees has not. Below are some suggestions how to do that remotely. Trust Many leaders are managing their teams remotely for the foreseeable future. For those managers used to...

One of the greatest attributes any child can have is resiliency. Personal resiliency is about our assets — the resources, attributes and skills that help us recover from negative experiences or emotions, cope with challenges and adversity and look after ourselves when...

By playing the game of taking back my life, you can get your burnout rating down to something far more manageable. Play well and you may even steal back enough time, energy and mental focus to feel calm, relaxed… and possibly even inspired. Before you get...

Australia is forecast to see an increase in suicide deaths of “at least” 13.7% over the next 5 years, according to a new report released by the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre. Maintaining employment programs such as JobKeeper, investing in education...

Enjoying greater happiness at work has been shown by research as being associated with an average 31% higher level of productivity, 23% lower levels of stress related illness, 37% higher sales and x3 the level of creativity. Moreover, a metanalysis of 200 studies...

Having a digital-detox every now and then can be a good way for workplaces to support their teams to bring their A-game to work. Does your phone go wherever you go? Do you get distracted by email notifications long after you’ve left work for the day? Perhaps you dream...

While the stress of losing a job can seem overwhelming, there are many things you can do to take control of the situation, maintain your spirits and find a renewed sense of purpose. The stress of losing a job Whether you’ve been laid off, downsized, forced to take...

It can be hard to see the red flag for mental health issues when you’re in the moment, but it’s impossible to see them if you don’t know what to look for. Below are three important signs of poor mental health: Red flag 1: Sleeplessness and fatigue Fatigue is...

Use this brief check list to check and correct your working habits and posture: Are your keying and mouse activities interspersed with a variety of other activities? (i.e. filing)Are you including micro pauses as a deliberate attempt to reduce tension by relaxing...

According to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) survey data, almost half of all Australians working over the last month have done so from home, and more will continue to do so as states such as Victoria go back into lockdown. With more uncertainty, numbers and...

Over the past few months workplaces across Australia have changed dramatically due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. For some, it’s meant transitioning to working from home, and for others there are some rigorous new restrictions and practices in place. However,...

One of the greatest things parents and caregivers can do for children is to help them manage stress. That doesn’t mean bubble-wrapping our kids so they never experience any stress. It means helping them understand, cope with and recover from the inevitable, normal...

When you experience emotional overwhelm, it can feel all-consuming. For the many people who will face this feeling at some point in their lives, it entails being completely overcome by an intense and unruly emotion that something is too challenging to manage and...

Managing stress through a combination of strategies, such as physical activity, meditation and getting support from people who can offer solid advice are all important. However, a less-common strategy is eating to manage stress more effectively. Stress is...

Worrying is a normal part of the human experience — everyone experiences it from time to time. But left unchecked, it can have effects on both your physical and mental health. But what exactly is worrying? Worry is defined as distress caused by something...

One of the biggest factors impacting your health when working from home is prolonged sitting. When you sit too much, your blood flows slower, your muscles burn less fat, your metabolism winds down, and your brain function slows, which can lead to some serious short...

How can we work online from home, stay connected and keep mentally and physically healthy? Those of us working from home are now firmly ensconced, tapping away on keyboards in studies and on dining tables and kitchen benches as offices close their doors due to social...

Work related stress represents a ‘huge cost’ for worker health and productivity. The costs to Australian business of over stressed employees from being absent from work or under-performing at work is estimated at $12B annually. Employees with job‑related...

Anger is a tough emotion. It feels so urgent and all-consuming. And we feel like we have to act on it. Right. Now. And so, we do. We say something cruel or sarcastic. We yell. We slam doors. We become stone-cold silent and refuse to communicate. We replay the...

Perfectionism makes us feel inadequate Perfectionism – the relentless pursuit of being flawless in an effort to prove our worth and avoid criticism — adds unnecessary stress and pressure to our already demanding lives. When we strive for perfection rather than...

Burnout’s tell-tale symptoms are: 1) Low energy or exhaustion 2) Disengagement or negative/cynical feelings about the job 3) Reduced workplace efficacy Burnout is an occupational phenomenon, not a medical condition. We can’t cure burnout with doctors. It’s up to...

Tired, frustrated, lacking motivation? You’re not alone, especially right now. Mindfulness is a psychological technique that can help. It involves refocusing yourself on the present moment; on what’s happening both inside your body and in your external surroundings....

The idea of practicing self-love can be daunting. We’re constantly facing internal and external challenges, such as busy schedules that make pausing for self-love or self-care seem impossible. However, taking small steps each day or week to take care of and love...

The key to getting through this tough time is to be "gentle and generous" with yourself. Here are some ways to do that. Pay attention to your breathing; it’s a regulatory system for our bodies.  Often when people are in distress, they either forget to breathe...

Here are 10 things you can do throughout the day and night to help get a better sleep. 1. Stick to a sleep schedule If you want to be a better sleeper, having a sleep routine should be at the top of your list. For adults aged 18-64 years, it’s recommended to aim for...

Diet can have a very real effect on mental health, according to the latest review of the research. People eating the right diet experience better mental health and a stronger sense of wellbeing. For example, there is good evidence that the Mediterranean Diet can...

Whether you’re a one-person practice, a small business owner leading a team, or driving the performance of a larger organisation, it’s up to you to make people feel amazing, to bring out the best in them. As a leader you have the capacity to unleash the brilliance in...

Psychological safety fosters a sense of belonging among team members—a fundamental human need that contributes to greater empathy, cooperation and accountability. Those qualities, in turn, build trust. Unfortunately, much of the common bad behaviour we see inside...

Understanding the needs of your employees is essential to a functional workplace. Not only does it increase your likelihood to achieve the company's goals and maximize productivity, but it also ensures that employees feel understood and appreciated.  That is why...

It's estimated that around two million Australians each year suffer from anxiety, and one million have depression, according to the Diversity Council of Australia. The Council says when mental health issues are left untreated, it costs employers in Australia around...

The following screening tools have been proven by research to help identify symptoms of a mental health disorders. These screening tools provide an anonymous, free & private way to learn about your mental health & if you are showing warning signs of a mental...

Ergonomics is the science of designing a safe and efficient job environment to work in, whatever that environment might be. Whether on a construction site, manufacturing floor or the office, any worksite can be set up so as not to cause you pain. Watch out for...

Employees who start early, stay late, don’t take breaks and work on the weekends can end up burning out. Other factors can be large workloads, difficult colleagues and endless deadlines. These can all lead to a loss of motivation, productivity, positivity, passion and...

How will I feel in one year about this current conflict in my relationship? That is the first question that makes people feel better about their relationship conflicts. After asking this question, people feel more positive about their relationship, research reveals....

Here are four toxic ways of communicating that are bound, if left unchecked, to end a marriage or relationship. Understanding them and being able to identify them are key to not just keeping your relationship healthy but to assuring its future. They...

Recognition in the workplace has many research-proven benefits such as increasing engagement, retention and overall employee morale. However, recognition can go far beyond improving employee engagement. Latest research has shown that employee recognition in the...

Race and racism have rightfully been at the forefront of most people’s mind because of the attention recently being paid to it. It is sad that it took a cluster of public injustices and travesties to bring it to the forefront. Racism causes inequality and damages not...

Employees are more likely to turn to alcohol when experiencing work-related stress at home than switch off their work phone, research has found. Just 25% said they would switch off their phone when they felt overwhelmed by work, but 26% said they would have an...

One of the biggest problems from working at home can be inactivity. There’s no walking to get a cup of coffee, visiting a nearby colleague, taking the stairs to the bathroom or those incidental types of activity that come from being in a workplace with people and...

We’re lucky technology does such a great job of connecting us when working from home, but it’s also wearing us down.Working from home means we’ve had to adjust the way we communicate with co-workers. For many, that means back-to-back meetings with face-to-face screen...

Only read, watch or listen to news when you want to. That means turn off push notifications on your phone and set aside only an hour per day to stay informed from credible, balanced sources, such as the World Health Association. While you can’t be together physically,...

Managing fatigue is an issue for many workplaces, but through COVID-19, it’s a problem for many of us who ordinarily wouldn’t be exposed to this risk. We might be working from home and have extended workdays where there is no differentiation between work and home...

Individuals respond to trauma differently suggesting a variety of coping techniques. Coping activities can increase the ability to bounce back from negative events and free up mental resources to deal with ongoing stressors and changing situations. The coping...

It’s normal for families to have difficulties during stressful events or tough times. Most families can become stronger following tough or challenging times, but first, you need to understand and deal with any issues that may emerge over the coming weeks or months....

The lockdown in response to the COVID-19 crisis, has mandated that we practice social distancing by staying at home. However, this means that those who are vulnerable to family violence are in situations where they are spending a great deal of time at home with the...

COVID-19 is impacting our workforce and organisations are rightly concerned about their employee’s psychological health and safety. Social isolation and social distancing requirements have seen businesses actively working to safely maintain operations and a productive...

If you’ve been laid off you’re not alone. Not having a job during the pandemic can feel especially devastating due to the sheer magnitude, loss of control and uncertainty. You might be wondering: When will this crisis end? Which jobs and businesses will survive?...

A new report from The Wellbeing Lab and AHRI reveals the impact of recent tragedies, and shows workers need HR’s support now more than ever. Over eighty per cent of workers say their struggles increased in the months covering the bushfires and the onset of the...

There is a whole new challenge for companies in the age of working from home during the coronavirus pandemic. Because every employee is isolated and may even be home alone, the mental health ramifications are quite profound. There are adjustments to be made when...

During these unprecedented times many employees are looking for ways to reduce stress. For some, it might be tempting to turn to alcohol as soon as the work day is over. But rather than help us cope, alcohol can actually make us feel more stressed and anxious. It can...

With social distancing and isolation, it can be tough to keep stress and anxiety at a manageable level. With all the things you have to do, including working from home, it is challenging to keep everything in order, but here are some tips on how to manage stress in...

Calming yourself with Progressive Muscle Relaxation In the exercise below you will learn and practice progressive muscle relaxation, a technique that involves tensing specific muscle groups and then relaxing them. Progressive muscle relaxation is a technique that...

Right now you might be feeling anxious, restless and scared. The coronavirus pandemic is so surreal and shocking. You also might be angry with yourself because you can’t seem to get it together. Even though there are moments of competence and confidence, you may...

How can workplaces support staff who experience domestic violence behind closed and locked doors? For many of us, after the government ordered us to “stay home”, we felt disgruntled, but we understood the importance of doing so. However, those same words sent chills...

In these difficult times let us embrace these daily braveries: Existing in an Ever-Changing World.  To paraphrase a Buddhist saying: The only thing that never changes is the fact that everything changes. And right now, to paraphrase another saying, we live in...

In these difficult times let us embrace these daily braveries: Existing in an Ever-Changing World.  To paraphrase a Buddhist saying: The only thing that never changes is the fact that everything changes. And right now, to paraphrase another saying, we live in...

While many of us might think of “grief” as being a response to losing someone we love, grief is actually a much more complex phenomenon. Grappling with any kind of loss can involve a grief process, even if that loss isn’t exactly tangible. There’s a lot to be...

Most Australians are currently experiencing a small level of fear, and a few of us are experiencing a lot. It’s really not for us to say if that is reasonable. But it is on us to help each other, if we can. 1. Detecting anxiety in yourself and others You want people...

Online mental health support is increasingly important as communities face lockdown and social distancing measures. As cases of COVID-19 around the world increase, it is not only people’s physical health which is under threat. Uncertainty, constant news and...

With many organizations requiring employees to stay out of the office, it's more important than ever to encourage and facilitate regular communication with employees. Here are tips for managers and human resource professionals in supporting employees in staying...

Do you want to feel better about yourself? You can learn how to build self-esteem and raise your self-confidence. Try these tips: Check out new activities. You'll feel proud for stretching your wings. Does trying something new on your own seem too intimidating?...

What Can I Do if the Employee Is Sick? If your employee has indicated that they have contracted coronavirus, you should handle the employee as you would any sick employee. Full-time employees accrue 10 days of sick or carer’s leave each year. Any untaken leave carries...

Here are 15 simple suggestions to help relieve stress and anxiety: Exercise Regular exercise can help lower stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins and improving your sleep and self-image. 2. Reduce caffeine intake High quantities of caffeine can increase stress...

A toxic workplace can significantly impact a company’s performance level and stunt future growth. A poor workplace culture can lead to reduced workplace morale and a decline in productivity. Many leaders are failing to recognize the signs of a toxic workplace within...

The following were gathered during 2019 insights from more than 10,000 workers across multiple industries: Actively provide professional development opportunitiesRecognise people who do good work & reward them appropriatelyHelp people to practice good...

We tend to think of burnout as an individual problem, solvable by “learning to say no,” more yoga, better breathing techniques, practicing resilience — the self-help list goes on. But evidence is mounting that applying personal, band-aid solutions to an epic and...

Life is stressful, but when your mental health suffers, it feels like life is harder for you than for others. There are days where even getting out of bed is difficult. And where handling daily stressors feels impossible.  For many of us whose mental health...

Having a regular sleep schedule, bedtime routine and prioritising sleep, all help people sleep better, scientists have found. The following advice is based on recommendations by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine: 1. Regular sleep schedule Go to bed at night...

Some professionals suggest that expressing anger is the best way of dealing with it. But when you express anger, it’s virtually impossible to express it without conveying it. In other words, you hand-off your anger to the other person. This usually makes the...

The first step to dealing constructively with self-doubt involves recognition. If you recognize that what you’re feeling is doubt, you can begin to take proactive steps to overcome it. While each person will need to find what works best, here are some general tips to...

Worry can feel stubborn and insidious. When you’re filled with what-if thoughts, it’s tough to concentrate on anything else. It’s tough to fall or stay asleep. It’s tough to enjoy yourself. It’s tough to do anything but think about self-doubts, worst-case scenarios...

Sometimes people have a poor self-image and dwell on their faults rather than their strengths. They measure themselves against an unrealistic ideal of the way that think they “should be.” Where does that unrealistic ideal come from? People who grew up in families...

Today, Thursday 6 February, is Time to Talk Day. It presents an opportunity for us all to raise awareness of mental health issues and advocate against social stigma, ensuring that all our colleagues feel comfortable being open and honest and their authentic selves at...

Imagine you could walk into Bunnings and buy the fertiliser of greatness. You could just go home, sprinkle a bit in your shoes, walk around in it for a while and it would lift you out of your rut. Sprinkle a little more in your shoes, have another little stroll and it...