015: Tea, anyone?
The simple art of making a cuppa, case manager capability, addressing mental health injury, and Star Wars. Four stories from the 25th Annual Workers Compensation Summit 2024.
Howdy folks,
Melbourne, February 29 and March 1st, a bunch of compo people came together at 25th Annual National Workers’ Compensation Summit. Whether embraced or criticised, workers' compensation remains a divisive topic.
Within Australia, there exist a total of 11 workers' compensation schemes, three of which are Commonwealth-based, while eight are state-based schemes. A single claim can involve up to seven individuals, leading to a hot mess inside a dumpster fire inside a train wreck*. The good news, however, is that dedicated individuals are actively working to address these challenges, and I had the opportunity to connect with many of them during the summit. In this post, I aim to share three key insights from the event.
Kaishan Mellis, a Tea and Wellness Educator shared how to build a healthy and engaging workplace with a simple, practical, easy-to-applied solution at any workplace: a mindful tea break! 🍵 In Kaishan’s own words, “That is why I propose the return of the tea break culture: let your kettle become your daily modern-day "campfire."; exchange your stories and connect over your daily cuppa; leave your deadlines at your desk and really be with your cup of tea; and drink it with all five senses to get back into your body!” Tea, anyone? 🫖
Photo credit: Kaishan Mellis
Jennifer Cameron, Mental Health Implementation Lead, Test & Learn, Workers Compensation, icare, presented on the organisation's ongoing initiatives for the year 2023. The primary emphasis is on enhancing return-to-work rates and elevating the overall experience of injured workers within the scheme. Cameron's team is dedicating efforts to Early Intervention, bolstering Case Manager Capability, fortifying Employer Capability, and fostering Reflective Practice.
The team is actively engaged in optimising processes such as provisional liability and maximising the effectiveness of documents like the Injury Management Plan. Additionally, they are directing attention towards referring workers to digital treatment programs like Mindspot. Mindspot is a free online assessment tool designed to help individuals gain insights into their symptoms of anxiety and depression. Moreover, it provides access to clinically-proven treatment options, contributing to the comprehensive approach taken by icare in prioritising the mental well-being of workers.
Jacqueline Aguis, WHS Commissioner at Worksafe ACT tackled the issue of stigma associated with mental health claims in the workers' compensation system. She outlined essential strategies aimed at fostering positive workplace behaviors and practices. The central themes of her message revolved around education, gaining commitment from all stakeholders, and cultivating environments where employees feel secure in expressing their concerns and taking action.
And, there was me, Rhea Mercado, always talking about Star Wars. A bad boss creates a negative psychological state. (Just ask a storm trooper)
Cheers for now, -Rhea. ✌🏽 Linkedin | Instagram
Are you a personal injury professional? Join PIPROC, we organise casual meet ups in your local city.
*Jake Tapper’s best ever quote. Ever.
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