Looking after yourself and each other

If you’re affected or feeling anxious about anything - the drought, the fires, other concerns - remember you and your family can access our employee assistance program by calling 1300 360 364 should you need support. This service is free-of-charge and confidential. There is also some additional information available to support you during this time on the Benestar Hub. For help accessing the hub, call 1300 360 364.

We also encourage all employees to visit the Staywell Hub to access a range of information and resources to facilitate self-care and support.

Please make sure you put your wellbeing first and make the time to check in with others. We have support available for you such as this new fact sheet on health, safety and wellbeing that summarises all of the resources.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the ongoing news

Know that it’s ok to switch off from media for a while, and take time to look after yourself. While we may want to keep going, sometimes its important for our long-term health to take a break and consciously look after ourselves.

If you have colleagues or friends that are affected

People affected may express their distress in various ways. Experiencing or being on the receiving end of these emotional response may be difficult, however it is important to remember these are normal reactions in a normal person to an abnormal event, and that recovering from such an event can take time. Showing your support and understanding is one of the most direct ways you can help them.

If you are helping through this crisis

It is important to look after yourself. Taking action is powerful – however it can also be challenging and stressful. It is not uncommon for people to feel stressed, distressed, tired or overwhelmed, troubled or frustrated.

  • If you are in a work role where you are feeling stressed and affected, then please speak to your manager so they can take action.
  • If you are volunteering then please also consciously look after yourself.

Looking after yourself is important to your ongoing health - and it means that you can be more effective longer term.

If you are in an area affected by fires

  • Please prioritise your safety and follow the advice from the Rural Fire Service to plan and prepare.
  • Take time to check (and re-check) for updates about your travel routes via Live Traffic.
  • Check in with your manager, and access flexible work arrangements or leave as you need.

If you are directly impacted by fires

There are also a number of practical approaches that can help you cope through this time. Read more about these below:

If you’re affected or feeling anxious about anything - the drought, the fires, other concerns - remember you and your family can access our employee assistance program by calling 1300 360 364 should you need support. This service is free-of-charge and confidential. There is also some additional information available to support you during this time on the Benestar Hub. For help accessing the hub, call 1300 360 364.

We also encourage all employees to visit the Staywell Hub to access a range of information and resources to facilitate self-care and support.

Please make sure you put your wellbeing first and make the time to check in with others. We have support available for you such as this new fact sheet on health, safety and wellbeing that summarises all of the resources.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the ongoing news

Know that it’s ok to switch off from media for a while, and take time to look after yourself. While we may want to keep going, sometimes its important for our long-term health to take a break and consciously look after ourselves.

If you have colleagues or friends that are affected

People affected may express their distress in various ways. Experiencing or being on the receiving end of these emotional response may be difficult, however it is important to remember these are normal reactions in a normal person to an abnormal event, and that recovering from such an event can take time. Showing your support and understanding is one of the most direct ways you can help them.

If you are helping through this crisis

It is important to look after yourself. Taking action is powerful – however it can also be challenging and stressful. It is not uncommon for people to feel stressed, distressed, tired or overwhelmed, troubled or frustrated.

  • If you are in a work role where you are feeling stressed and affected, then please speak to your manager so they can take action.
  • If you are volunteering then please also consciously look after yourself.

Looking after yourself is important to your ongoing health - and it means that you can be more effective longer term.

If you are in an area affected by fires

  • Please prioritise your safety and follow the advice from the Rural Fire Service to plan and prepare.
  • Take time to check (and re-check) for updates about your travel routes via Live Traffic.
  • Check in with your manager, and access flexible work arrangements or leave as you need.

If you are directly impacted by fires

There are also a number of practical approaches that can help you cope through this time. Read more about these below:

Page last updated: 04 Feb 2020, 09:09 AM