New ways of working

If you’re working back on campus, you’ve probably noticed some changes – mostly in the form of signs, sanitiser and partitions between desks (or a relocation of your desk entirely). While we have become familiar with the various and frequent changes to the public health advice and rules that have been implemented to keep us safe, it’s important to work together with your colleagues and teams to create a COVID-safe environment for all of us.

Let’s also be mindful some of our colleagues are not back on campus yet, so remember to stay inclusive in the way we work and keep using technology to connect.

While we might be excited to see each other, it’s vital we remember the importance of physical distancing.

Some of your colleagues might be feeling anxious returning to the office or are struggling with the adjustment to another new routine. Please consider your colleagues and their feelings in your interactions, and maintain a distance.

We will all need to think about adjusting the way we approach work and our interactions with each other.

Plan ahead with activities such as:

• virtually sharing screens to collaborate while distancing
• staggering lunch breaks to ease traffic in common spaces
• getting creative when conducting meetings, such as holding them outside
• being safe when holding morning teas or social interactions.

Keep the conversation going in your teams to help us create a COVID-safe environment. Be respectful of others and take responsibility for your own work areas.

Need help?

Need help to respectfully raise an issue with a colleague? Maybe you need help with adjusting to this change?

Sign up to one of our upcoming virtual workshops:

• Embracing Change – 14 July and 28 July
• Building Healthy Relationships – 12 August

If you are a supervisor who would like to have better conversations with your team, then register for the virtual Courageous Conversations workshop on 21 July.

What if I have scheduled an activity where physical distancing can’t be maintained?

When planning work or learning activities where physical distancing cannot be maintained, a WHS risk assessment should be completed prior to commencing these activities. This will help identify measures that could be put in place to reduce the risk.

If you need more information, please see the WHS Management System page.