Fly-in-fly-out workers more likely be depressed
A study has found fly-in-fly-out workers are more than twice as likely to suffer depression compared to the general population.
FIFO stress
An Edith Cowan University study has found fly-in-fly-out workers are more than twice as likely to suffer from depression compared with the general population. The survey of 629 West Australian FIFO workers found 28 per cent showed signs of depression, compared with 13 per cent of the general population. Lead researcher Philippa Vojnovic from the university’s school of business also found FIFO workers showed higher rates of stress and anxiety than the general population and non-FIFO workers living in remote and regional locations.
Culture counts
A workplace design survey by architectural firm Hassell has found that while salary has the biggest impact on people applying for jobs, workplace culture and facilities also count. The study revealed 32 per cent of people found workplace culture to be most important, and facilities were most important for 16 per cent. A company spokeswoman says when salary is removed, an attractive workplace culture, including having a bright and functional worksite, is the most influential factor as to whether an employee will accept a job. She says good workplace design enhances efficiency and collaboration, fosters employee wellbeing, improves creativity and facilitates different modes of working.
Chorus best boss
Human resources company Aon Hewitt has named Chorus New Zealand as its best employer this year, beating hundreds of Australian companies to the title. The Australian and New Zealand-based organisation has accredited 15 companies as best employers, including Marriot Hotels & Resorts, Hilti Australia, Swinburne Online, Wood & Grieve Architects and Microsoft Australia and New Zealand. Aon Hewitt characterises the best employers as those that drive increased discretionary effort from their workforce, as a result of more effective, outcomes-focused management.
Tough love
Leadership advisory group Proteus is running workshops in Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth next month, focusing on positive culture and tough love leadership. The positive culture day will provide practical advice people can use to make a difference to workplace culture and how they interact with each other. The Tough Love Leadership seminar will offer advice on issues including helping people to improve or move on, having conversations that matter, how to be better rather than bitter, the power of engagement and gutsy relationships, connecting the head to the heart, what to do if a person has problems with their boss, and how to navigate a path through conflict. The seminars will be facilitated by Proteus managing director Richard Dore and general manager James Koch.
info@proteuscentre.com
Postie plan
A team of four students from Brisbane’s Sheldon College has won a national business competition by coming up with a plan that addresses Australia Post’s revenue woes, aiming to stem losses similar to last financial year’s $151 million deficit. Ideas include buying back franchises to create a consistent product across the nation and using Google Tracking for parcels. The Queensland University of Technology school of business competition was initiated to develop the next generation of business leaders. Prizes include scholarships to attend courses at the school.