Are you a Stress Braggart?

Have you ever caught yourself or a co-worker bragging about being absolutely swamped with work?

While it might seem like a badge of honour, The Guardian recently highlighted why this practice - known as stress bragging - can actually be harmful.

More stress, less success

Bragging about how busy you are might seem like a way to showcase your dedication, but it can lead to increased stress levels for both you and your colleagues. Constantly emphasising how overwhelmed you are can contribute to a stressful work environment.

Productivity pitfalls

Stress bragging can create a culture where being overworked is seen as the norm, which can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. Instead of boasting about long hours, promote smart working and effective time management.

Building a supportive culture

We all want to be team players, but stress bragging can inadvertently make others feel inadequate or less committed. By avoiding this, we can build a more supportive and encouraging workplace. Let’s uplift each other by recognising efforts and achievements without comparison.

Work-life balance matters

Emphasising how busy we are often undermines the importance of work-life balance. The article suggests that maintaining a healthy balance is crucial for long-term wellbeing and job satisfaction.

It's time to steer-clear of stress bragging and focus on a positive, balanced, and productive work environment!

Read More Here

If you need a quick sanity check on what you are doing for employee wellbeing, I welcome a call here .

Stay Well,

Tom

To discuss how Pinnacle Health Group can help create a safer work environment, click the button below to speak to one of our OHS Directors for a quote:

Book a Call Here

August Masterclass: Skin Checks - Why Early Detection Matters

In Australia and New Zealand, 2 out of 3 people will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70.

This is a harrowing statistic, and given our affinity in these countries to embracing the outdoors, sport, beaches, the clean air and open spaces, it is clear that prevention and protection against skin cancer is vitally important.

While we are dropping a few stats, there is data that we have gathered at Pinnacle Health Group, in relation to the employee skin cancer checks that we deliver. And its a doozy:

Of the employees that undergo a skin cancer check with Pinnacle at their workplace - for up to 71 percent of these people - it is their first ever skin cancer check they've had conducted.

To put this in simpler terms, if these employees didn't have a skin cancer check arranged with their workplace, they simply would not have had their skin checked for suspicious lesions, spots to watch, and of course, cancers.

Workplace skin cancer checks are literally a life saving initiative, and alongside the obvious benefit of saving employees lives, skin checks are a welcome part of employee wellbeing programs for the following reasons:

• Skin cancer checks are appropriate for employees of all backgrounds, health interests and fitness levels
• Skin cancer checks (more than some other wellbeing initiatives) often engage previously “disengaged” employees, and therefore expose them to broader parts of the overall wellbeing program
• Skin cancer check programs provide live, accurate and very straightforward advice by qualified Dermatoscopists that employees immediately action
• Skin cancer check program reports summarise the overall skin health of the organisation (de identified data of course), and this information literally summarises how many lives have been saved from suspicious or cancerous lesions
• Skin cancer checks help to reinforce the healthy habit of regular assessment and analysis of not just the skin, but other important health check ups throughout the year
• Skin cancer checks reinforce “sun smart” behaviours and educate employees on avoiding and minimising the risks of UV exposure

In this session, we provide an overview of:

In this interactive and practical workshop delivered by Trent Marsh you will learn:

• The background of employee skin cancer checks, and what the most popular skin cancer checks entail
• The logistics, considerations, and planning process to delivering a highly engaged workplace skin check program
• The importance of awareness and communication in order to engage employees in skin cancer checks
• How skin cancer checks can be delivered for the hybrid workforce
• How to inspire employees from all health backgrounds to get regular check ups
• And how to use the skin check program data obtained in checks to guide decision making on your overall employee wellbeing program

This 45 minute session is interactive and suitable for leaders in HR, Health and Wellbeing or Health and Safety, or team leaders looking to inspire their team to healthy change.

Wednesday, 14th August 2024

12:30 pm – 1:15 pm AEST

Get your FREE and exclusive ticket

Register Here

A Spotlight On: Grey Area Drinking with Sarah Rusbatch

With "Dry July" upon us, we welcome Sarah Rusbatch to discuss her new book 'Beyond Booze' and the significance of re-evaluating our relationship with alcohol.

Sarah shares her personal journey of becoming alcohol-free and the benefits she has experienced. She explains the concept of grey area drinking and how it impacts people's lives. The conversation addresses the negative effects of alcohol, especially on women, highlighting the need for better public awareness and healthier alternatives.

Sarah also provides insights into how workplaces can support employees by reducing alcohol-cantered activities and promoting overall well-being. Finally, listeners are encouraged to evaluate their own alcohol consumption through a thoughtful exercise.

About Sarah

Sarah is the author of the best selling book “Beyond Booze ”, a multi award winning Health and Wellbeing Coach, an accredited Grey Area Drinking Coach, a menopause accredited coach, a motivational speaker and a passionate ambassador for helping as many women as possible to live their best life. Sarah is also an ex-Grey Area Drinker and quit booze in April 2019 and has NEVER looked back!

Her Coaching specialities include:

• Creating a fulfilling and purposeful life after 40
• Navigating the menopause years
• Managing Stress and soothing a dysregulated nervous system - WITHOUT using alcohol

Related Article

• The dangers of normalising the "wine mum"

Listen Now

Work Your M.A.G.I.C.

When someone challenges you as a leader, do you challenge back or have a question in your back pocket?

I was joined by Sharon Darmody , Director of Strive Occupational Rehabilitation and author of the book "Work Your Magic " a research-based approach to fixing work—for good.

Organisational Consultant and workplace mediator Sharon Darmody has over twenty years experience in making work work better for both individuals and teams. All it takes is a bit of M.A.G.I.C.

Does your team operate from a place of curiosity?

Listen Here

Why 'Wintering' Matters

In modern society, where productivity is often celebrated above all else, the idea of intentionally slowing down can seem counterintuitive. However, "wintering" emphasises that rest and reflection are essential for long-term wellbeing and success. It suggests that taking time to focus inward, manage resources efficiently, and engage in self-care can lead to profound personal and professional rejuvenation (The On Being Project).

Practical steps for Wintering

• Embrace rest: Understand that rest is not a luxury but a necessity. Make it a regular part of your routine without guilt.
• Reflect and reassess: Use this time to think deeply about your goals and values. What changes do you want to make in your life?
• Slow down: Allow yourself to do less and focus on quality over quantity. This might mean saying no to additional responsibilities or cutting back on social engagements.
• Connect with nature: Spend time outdoors, even in the colder months. Nature has a calming effect that can help clear your mind.
• Practice self-care: Engage in activities that nourish your body and soul, such as reading, meditating, or pursuing a hobby (The On Being Project).

The Impact of Wintering

By adopting the principles of wintering, individuals can foster resilience and adaptability. This period of deliberate pause allows for healing and growth, making it possible to emerge stronger and more focused. Whether facing personal challenges or simply the stresses of everyday life, wintering provides a framework for turning inward and finding clarity and peace (The On Being Project).

For more insights on "wintering" and how to integrate this practice into your life, check out the full discussion by Katherine May on The On Being Project here.

Read More

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