6 January 2022
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Businesses getting back to work
Enquiry
I am touching base with local councils and large businesses around how they are helping staff ease into work when many return on Monday. We are hoping to gain insights into how workplaces plan on supporting staff wellbeing and keeping them motivated following the Christmas and New Year period.
How many staff at Rotorua Lakes Council will be returning to work next week?
What strategies or initiatives are being used to motivate staff after the holidays?
Is there anything specific being done to help staff ease into work? If so, what will this look like?
Anecdotally, can you comment on how staff are feeling about returning to work?
Is the council introducing any new initiatives this year to help staff wellbeing? Or help bring about work-life balance for staff members?
Does council have any priorities when it comes to staff wellbeing at work?
Response
We can’t provide numbers today sorry but please see below comment in response to your enquiry. If you need numbers I can request that on Monday when payroll staff are back – please let me know:
From Acting CE Craig Tiriana:
Many staff have to work through and/or be on call during the Christmas/New Year period and as a Council providing essential and community services we don’t have the luxury of being able to “ease” back in.
Community expectations and the issues we deal with haven’t changed, projects gear up again in the new year and staff who have had a break generally return recharged and able to hit the ground running.
In a consistently busy environment like ours staff health, safety and wellbeing is critical and we have a range of initiatives in place. Ten years ago we committed to Toi Te Ora Public Health’s workplace health and wellbeing initiative, WorkWell, providing education, resources and activities on a wide range of topics year-round and maintaining gold accreditation status since 2018.
In 2019 we introduced a Flexible Working Arrangements Policy that recognises the importance of flexibility to work/life balance and supports diversity and equal employment opportunities.
*You can find out more about Toi Te Ora Public Health’s WorkWell initiative HERE