Acacia Connect - February 2024 - Issue 9

Acacia EVERY CONNECTION MATTERS

Life as a Family Carer

ISSUE NO.9

First Home Buyers Everything you need to know before buying your first home.

FACILITATING WORKPLACE DISCUSSIONS FEB 24

Tips to support you as a leader or manager in facilitating a workplace discussion.

CONTENTS DOWNLOAD MAGAZINE AS PDF

07 EMBRACING IMPERFECT

DIETING Tips for breaking free from the ‘All or Nothing’ mindset around food and dieting.

09 LIFE AS A FAMILY CARER 1 in 10 Australians are carers, an often challenging role for carers and family members alike.

13 FACILITATING WORKPLACE DISCUSSIONS Tips to support you as a leader or manager in facilitating a workplace discussion.

APPOINTMENT HUB

“IT IS DURING OUR DARKEST MOMENTS THAT WE MUST FOCUS TO SEE THE LIGHT.” – ARISTOTLE ONASSIS

19 INCIVILITY & WORKPLACE BULLYING Workplace incivility can have serious negative affects on your employees – but what is it?

23 FIRST HOME BUYERS From mortgages to home taxes, everything you need to know before purchasing your first home.

MENTAL HEALTH

CONCENTRATION

DESK YOGA

Concentration is a common struggle in the modern world - let’s refocus and learn to ways to improve concentration.

Practical stretches and yoga poses that you can incorporate into your daily routine, right at your desk.

Call centre employees play a crucial role in the workplace; however, this role can take a toll on their wellbeing.

29 GRATITUDE PRACTICE Boost your wellbeing by being thankful and appreciating both the things you have and the people around you.

FEBRUARY 2024 | ISSUE 09

26 CALL CENTRE

FROM THE CEO REBECCA WEISS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

As the new year begins, many people across Australia are facing repeated natural disasters, including fires, floods and cyclones, along with record temperatures being reported. This is off the back of 2023, a year that was marred by armed conflicts and natural disasters experienced across the globe, events that have continued into 2024.

As we continue to navigate through these challenges, it is important to recognise the impact these global events have on our mental health and wellbeing. On a positive note, at Acacia, we are seeing a shift in our access data showing more and more people proactively reaching out for support, as well as accessing support to improve their overall wellbeing.

Accessing professional support early, before we experience signs and symptoms of mental ill health, can help our resilience and capacity to recover when we face challenges or adversities.

At Acacia, we will continue to provide resources and information through our Acacia Connect Magazine, as well as our monthly tip sheets and webinars, to help you flourish in 2024. We look forward to connecting with you through the initiatives we have planned this year.

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FOCUSING ON:

Concentration Concentration is a common struggle in the modern world; with increasing distractions and a focus on instant gratification, issues of procrastination and extended focus are magnified.

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Regaining your ability to concentrate is a marriage of many different aspects of your lifestyle and work style.

There are numerous factors that affect concentration, which has led to hundreds of books being written on the topic.

So to simplify things, we will categorise these issues into five groups and pay more attention to complex concepts of concentration. These groups are: Re-wiring the Brain; Exercise, Nutrition, and Sleep; Environmental and Technology; and Personalised Strategies.

Re-Wiring the Brain From social media notifications to fast food, our brains are constantly rewarded with quick and easy gratification. However, this need for immediate pleasure can significantly hinder our concentration and attainment of longterm goals. This is due to overconsumption of our brain's reward system – dopamine.

This is particularly concerning when it comes to tasks that require sustained effort and concentration, such as studying, completing a work project, or learning a new skill. The brain, accustomed to frequent dopamine hits, may find these activities less rewarding, leading to procrastination and a lack of concentration.

Dopamine is released during pleasurable situations and stimulates us to seek out the behaviour or activity that provided the pleasure in the first place. This system, however, can become skewed in an environment rich in instant gratification, impacting our concentration and motivation.

The way to fix this is simple but requires a high level of self-control and determination. Indulge less in “entertaining” activities and more in activities focused on delayed gratification.

Studies have shown that individuals who can delay gratification tend to have better life outcomes, such as higher academic achievements, better health, and more stable careers.

This can lead to a cycle of dependency on these short-term rewards for dopamine release, making it harder to stay focused on tasks that provide delayed but more meaningful rewards.

“Entertaining” activities to avoid include social media, drug and alcohol usage, online shopping, binge-watching shows, addictive video games, junk food, and gambling.

“REGAINING YOUR ABILITY TO CONCENTRATE IS A MARRIAGE OF MANY DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF YOUR LIFESTYLE AND WORK STYLE.”

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Activities to adopt include exercise, reading, meditation, journaling, arts and crafts, cooking, learning a language, gardening, or even learning a musical instrument.

Eat antioxidant-rich foods like berries and leafy greens to protect your brain health.

Staying hydrated is also essential for maintaining concentration.

Another tip is to break down your longer-term goals into smaller, achievable milestones that provide a sense of accomplishment and a balanced release of dopamine.

On the other hand, it's beneficial to limit highsugar foods, excessive caffeine, and processed foods, as they can lead to energy crashes and impaired cognitive performance.

Overall, a diet that balances nutritious foods with adequate hydration can significantly boost concentration and mental clarity.

Sound boring? That’s exactly the idea. You will be astounded by the major shift in your ability to maintain concentration and enjoy your work day.

Exercise, Nutrition, and Sleep Just like almost all aspects of our health and wellbeing; exercise, nutrition and sleep quality play a big factor in your ability to concentrate.

Consuming complex carbohydrates like whole grains, omega-3 fatty acids from fish and nuts, and proteins found in lean meats and tofu can provide sustained energy and improve neurotransmitter function for better cooncentration.

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Pair this with the recommended 30 minutes of physical activity a day and 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep, and you can maximise your potential to concentration.

Environment and Technology The next step to regaining the ability to stay in a flow state of concentration is perfecting your environment and harnessing technology.

Your workspace significantly influences your mental readiness for focused tasks.

Key elements to consider include managing noise levels, ensuring appropriate lighting, and maintaining physical comfort. Improve these factors by using noise-cancelling headphones in loud areas, choosing lighting that mimics natural light to reduce eye strain, and investing in an ergonomic chair with lumbar support.

These improvements can significantly boost your ability to maintain deep concentration.

If you often get distracted by your devices you could consider website blockers or apps that silence notifications on your phone.

Personalised Strategies Knowing your own strengths and working style can help you personalise your day to best suit the tasks you need to tackle.

For example, if you are a morning person, you’ll likely find yourself the most alert and productive in the early hours, so structure your tasks to tackle the most challenging ones in the morning. The quiet and calm of the morning can be ideal for deep, focused work.

On the other hand, if you're more energised in the evenings and believe yourself to be a night owl, reserve this time for tasks that require high concentration. The peace of night hours can be beneficial for uninterrupted work.

Last Words Remember that good concentration isn't a one-size-fits-all fix. It's about finding what works best for you, tweaking your space, understanding your own rhythm, and being patient with yourself.

With the right approach, you'll not only get more done but also feel more fulfilled in your day-to-day life.

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Humans tend to strive for perfection, forgetting that imperfection is an inherent part of being human. This holds especially true when it comes to our relationship with food.

The interpersonal and societal pressures to adhere to ‘fad’ diets can often lead to unhealthy relationships with food and feelings of uncontrollable temptations around less nutritious foods.

The desire for dietary perfection can set us on a path of restrictive eating, making us eliminate foods we enjoy. The flaw in this approach lies in its unsustainability. Once the emotional dissatisfaction with our eating sets in, we’re more likely to give in to cravings or break our diet.

This momentary pleasure derived from succumbing to temptation releases dopamine, a feel-good chemical in the brain.

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Unfortunately, this pleasure is short-lived, leading to internal guilt and disappointment.

In this cycle, individuals may find themselves reverting to old habits, unable to sustain the rigidity of their diet.

One major consequence of this kind of all-ornothing thinking is the perceived lack of selfcontrol, particularly with sweets and salty foods. These hyperpalatable options activate the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and creating a feedback loop that encourages continued consumption.

Breaking free from this cycle requires adopting a balanced and non-restrictive diet.

But what are some nutritional strategies we can use to adopt a balanced diet?

1. High-fibre diet: Increase feelings of fullness by incorporating a diet rich in fibre. This can help us to regulate our hunger hormones, and promote satiety or fullness.

2. Distributed protein intake: Slow your digestion and blood sugar release by spreading protein intake throughout the day, keeping you fuller for longer.

3. Avoid food labelling: Refrain from labelling foods as good or bad as this fixation intensifies cravings. Instead, normalise all foods in moderation within a balanced diet.

4. Mindful eating: Create an ideal eating environment by consuming meals with friends, family, or colleagues, free from distractions, such as work or TV, fostering awareness of hunger and fullness cues.

Example of a Sustainable Diet Approach: The Mediterranean Diet The Mediterranean Diet is an exceptional choice for those seeking a more holistic approach to nourishment. This liberating and non-restrictive dietary philosophy not only champions anti-inflammatory benefits but also considers the profound impact of social and environmental factors on our eating habits.

Here, the emphasis is placed on whole foods – fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, and lean meats – that form the foundation of your daily nourishment.

What sets the Mediterranean Diet apart is its inclusive approach; there is attention to indulgence in moderation. Sweets and alcohol, while recognised as less nutritious, are not completely prohibited. Instead, the diet acknowledges the pleasure these foods bring, allowing for their occasional inclusion while maintaining a focus on overall wellbeing.

Amidst the noise of restrictive and unhealthy fad diets on social media, the key to sustainable, balanced nutrition lies in embracing imperfection. Consuming all foods in moderation allows for both physical and emotional satisfaction, paving the way for healthier, more sustainable eating habits and an overall improved quality of life.

It’s time to break free from the shackles of perfection and rediscover the joy of holistic wellbeing.

For those seeking additional support and guidance, you may have access to nutritional and dietary support through Acacia EAP. Our experienced professionals offer personalised nutrition assessments, one-on-one education, and tailored diet plans.

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LIFE AS A FAMILY CARER An estimated 2.65 million Australians provide ongoing support and care to a family member or friend – that is at least 1 in 10 Australians.

A carer can be defined as someone who offers care and assistance to a family member experiencing disability, mental illness, alcohol or drug dependence, chronic conditions, terminal illness, or frailty due to old age.

The care and assistance that they provide is broad, and depends on the family member.

Tasks can include helping the family member with eating, dressing, or other household tasks.

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Carers may also provide emotional and social support to their family member. They also often support their family member in attending health appointments and communicating with health professionals.

Research indicates that the most common reason carers take on a caring role is due to a sense of family responsibility. And yet, many carers, particularly those that are family members, don’t refer to themselves as ‘carers’.

The process of becoming a carer is sometimes sudden, such as in cases following a medical event or major surgery.

Others may have a gradual change, as you recognise a family member’s declining wellbeing and take on more responsibilities to ensure their safety and care.

Transitioning into this role can be challenging, both physically and emotionally, for the carer and family member alike. Often it takes time to adjust to and requires us to be flexible and adaptable.

Providing care for family members can affect carers differently, depending on whom they provide care for and where they are in their own lives. Younger carers may delay educational opportunities to support family members, while those in mid-life who enter caregiving roles often cease working to fulfil their family responsibilities.

The level of demand can also differ depending on an individual’s level of needs and care requirements.

It can often foster a supportive environment, promote empathy, and may lead to personal growth. Alongside this, the act of care giving can also enhance the overall wellbeing of both the caregiver and the recipient.

However, caregiving roles aren’t without their challenges. Research shows carers are more likely than other Australians to experience a range of health, wellbeing, and socioeconomic issues, and often struggle to access their own support.

Being a family caregiver can also pose challenges such as emotional stress, time constraints, financial strain, social isolation, and potential disruption to personal and professional life. It can lead to carer burnout, impacting mental and physical health.

So what can we do to support ourselves during this often-unexpected process?

Stay Informed Being a carer for a family member can bring emotional fulfilment, strengthen bonds, and create a sense of purpose.

Learn about your family members’ condition, treatment options, and available support services to help manage uncertainty and to feel more empowered and in control in your new role.

APA, (2021), Caring for Yourself and Your Family Member.

Carers NSW Australia, (2024), Homepage.

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Create a Self-Care Routine

Respite Care

Establish a regular self-care routine, including regular breaks, exercise, and moments of relaxation to recharge. Self-care can look different for different people – it can include doing things you enjoy, being social, engaging in hobbies, or practising mindfulness.

If possible, arrange respite care to take short breaks from caregiving responsibilities. This could be through a professional service or family support. This can provide much-needed rest.

Acknowledge your own emotions Set Realistic Expectations and Boundaries Acknowledge your limitations and recognise your capacity to provide care. Be realistic about how much of your time and yourself you can give. Set clear limits and communicate these to others involved in your family members’ care.

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Being a carer for a family member can activate a range of strong and uncomfortable emotions, including anger, fear, resentment, guilt, helplessness, and grief. It is important to acknowledge what you are feeling.

Develop achievable goals and realistic timeframes to reduce stress and maintain a healthy balance between caregiving and your personal life.

Having these feelings doesn’t mean that you don’t love your family member – they simply mean you are human. It is important to find space where you can talk about how you are feeling – seeking professional support for yourself can be helpful.

Ask for help

Seek Support

Delegate tasks and ask others for support when possible. Share the caring responsibilities among family members and friends when appropriate. Consult healthcare professionals for advice on caregiving strategies and investigate further resources available to support yourself and your family members.

Connect with family, friends, and/or support groups to share your personal experiences. It can help to know that you are not alone in this experience and can be helpful to receive support from others who can relate to what you are going through. Remember that Acacia EAP also has highly experienced EAP Professionals available 24/7 to support you.

Book your EAP session online using Appointment Hub Find an EAP Professional for you and filter by age, experience, or gender.

Book your EAP Counselling, Financial Coaching, Nutritional support, or Legal referral sessions

BOOK NOW

Appointments are available as soon as tomorrow.

Reschedule or rebook at any time.

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Facilitating Workplace Discussions TIPS TO SUPPORT YOU AS A LEADER OR MANAGER IN FACILITATING A WORKPLACE DISCUSSION. 13

It is inevitable that some form of conflict will occur within the workplace. Many people respond to conflict, or perceived conflict, with avoidance to avoid being seen as negative or argumentative, or because they lack the skills to manage it effectively.

Unresolved conflict can result in disruption in the organisation and leave relationships strained. However, when managed effectively, it can have a positive impact by strengthening relationships, improving culture and encouraging collaboration.

Employees need to communicate effectively for a workplace to thrive, particularly when there are differences in opinions. At times leaders may be required to facilitate a workplace conversation where differences of opinion exist and conflict may ensue.

A facilitated workplace discussion creates a safe space to hear and understand the other party’s opinion, whilst communicating your own opinions, needs, and expectations. These conversations are designed to empower employees to tackle differences in opinions or issues proactively and respectfully.

Facilitating a workplace discussion can be beneficial when conflict is starting to arise before it gets out of hand. Where significant conflict exists, or there are serious allegations such as harassment and bullying, these matters should be reported to HR for support and advice.

In the case where differences of opinions are stewing or minor conflict is arising, here are some tips to support you as a manager in facilitating a workplace discussion.

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1. UNDERSTAND YOUR ROLE The role of a manager facilitating a workplace discussion is one of a guide, rather than one controlling and directing the conversation.

Use open, respectful, and inclusive communication, encouraging employees to voice their concerns, challenge ideas, and engage in a positive solution-oriented discussion.

At times, you may need to encourage employees to return to the purpose. However, your main role will likely be keeping the conversation going, encouraging participation by all, asking open-ended questions to provoke new thinking, or pausing the conversation if one or all parties may benefit from a break.

2. SET THE PURPOSE OF THE MEETING A facilitated workplace discussion needs a clear purpose. It should be productive and solution-oriented. The discussion should create a safe space, encouraging honest and open conversations.

Encourage all parties to spend some time preparing ideas before the meeting, and to bring forward their thoughts on a solution or how to move forward together. The purpose of the meeting is not necessarily to agree, but rather to acknowledge each other and gain a sense of understanding.

3. SET A TIME LIMIT Set the meeting with a clear time limit, including the amount of time each party will have to share their feelings and opinions.

The purpose of the meeting is not to spend too long rehashing past events, but instead to focus on identifying the cause and moving forward toward a resolution. Time limits can help alleviate any anxiety or worry one or more parties might have coming to the discussion, particularly those who avoid conflict or feel uncomfortable expressing a difference of opinion.

4. PROVIDE A CLEAR STRUCTURE Before facilitating a group discussion, it is important to set a clear structure and guidelines for how the discussion will occur.

Encourage a meeting structure that provides equity. You may find it beneficial to discuss the structure at the commencement of the meeting and use this time to set some basic rules for the conversation. .

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This may include: treating each other with respect, listening without interrupting, taking ownership of our actions, making an effort to understand others' points of view, and remaining focused on finding a solution to move forward 5. ASK QUESTIONS It is important to use active listening. Active listening ensures follow-up questions are being asked, establishing clarity and understanding of what is being shared.

Questions may also help those in the conversation to expand on their ideas and challenge how their ideas may come to life in the day-to-day functions of the workplace.

While asking questions and engaging in ongoing meaningful conversation is important, allowing for silence can be helpful. Silence provides participants time to pause, and to respectfully provide the other party with space and time to prepare a response.

6. END WITH AN AGREEMENT OR ACTION PLAN A facilitated conversation ideally ends with an agreement or action plan on how to move forward, despite differences in opinions remaining in place. Finishing the meeting with clear action items to find common ground and move forward is the desired outcome for a successful conversation.

More important than setting action items is following up on these.

Finish the conversation with a plan for a review meeting, as a chance to revisit the plan.

Facilitating workplace discussions can be challenging, but encouraging and supporting these can lead to growth and strengthening of relationships.

With employees reporting stress levels at an all-time high, it is important to address any workplace conflict or disagreements early to prevent any additional stress and potential for significant ruptures in working relationships.

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DESK YOGA It is quite common to become so immersed in our work that we may overlook the tension building up in our bodies.

Our shoulders might gradually rise towards our ears as we diligently type on a keyboard.

Whether we've been active and on our feet all day or mostly sedentary, prioritising physical movement and mobility is important for overall health and wellbeing.

To support your body, here are some practical stretches and yoga poses that you can incorporate into your routine.

If you experience any pain or discomfort during these exercises, stop and consult your doctor or a health professional.

SEATED SPINAL TWIST: Sit on the front edge of a chair with an open and upright posture, then gently shift your upper body to the left. Place your right hand on the front corner of the chair and the other towards the back of the seat.

Turn your neck and head, looking over your shoulder. Take a few deep breaths, release, and repeat on the right side. This stretch can alleviate tension in your back and neck, improving mobility.

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SIDE NECK STRETCH (STANDING OR SEATED): Slowly lower your left ear toward your left shoulder. To intensify the stretch, extend your right arm away from your body slightly.

Repeat on the right side, with the option to outstretch the left arm.

Take two deep breaths on each side, inhaling for a count of 4 seconds and exhaling for a count of 6 seconds. This promotes deeper relaxation and stimulates the vagus nerve.

GLUTE STRETCH: Stand next to the side of your desk (holding on for balance if needed), and with a slight bend in your knees, draw your right leg up, resting your ankle on top of your left thigh just above your knee.

Once stable, bend into a semi-squat position for a deeper stretch. Your right hand can rest on your right kneecap or a nearby surface for support. Repeat on the other side.

This stretch is beneficial for your glute muscles, especially if you spend most of your day sitting.

PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION: This technique quickly helps you become aware of tension in your body and promotes relaxation.

Starting at your feet, focus on how they feel inside and outside, noting any tension or sensations. As you inhale, squeeze, and curl your feet and toes, holding for a couple of seconds. Exhale and release, feeling them soften. Move up your body, tensing and releasing with your breath.

Once you reach your face and head, take a moment to notice how your body feels. Did you manage to release some tension?

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WORKPLACE INCIVILITY AND WORKPLACE BULLYING ARE DISTINCT YET RELATED ISSUES THAT MAY BE AFFECTING YOUR EMPLOYEES. 19

Workplace incivility, as defined by Andersson and Pearson, is “low-intensity deviant behaviour, with ambiguous intent to harm the target”. In other words, incivility is disrespect or rudeness by an employee that goes against workplace standards of mutual respect.

Incivility may have negative intent but can also include behaviours that accidentally have negative impacts.

Incivility can include a range of discourteous and disrespectful behaviours, such as mocking, belittling, teasing, or ignoring. It can also include dismissive gestures, passiveaggressive claims, or sarcastic comments.

These behaviours are often sporadic, occurring at random to different people.

In contrast, workplace bullying involves repeated, deliberate, and unwanted mistreatment towards another employee or a group of employees. Workplace bullying is likely to humiliate, offend, or cause distress to the other, and tends to be more severe than incivility.

Workplace bullying can include behaviours such as verbal abuse or humiliation, setting unreasonable demands or impossible deadlines, or undermining another employee’s performance position. It can also include intimidating or isolating behaviours.

While workplace incivility may be lower in intensity and more subtle than bullying behaviours, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have significant negative impacts on individuals who are directly or indirectly involved.

Research shows that people who experience workplace incivility are likely to be less motivated, cut back their work efforts, lose work time due to worrying about what happened, take their frustrations out on others, and for some, they may even leave their jobs.

There is also evidence to suggest that incivility in the workplace doesn’t just affect those directly involved. Hearing, seeing, and/or witnessing incivility also significantly impacts on workplace performance – in essence, its’ effects are contagious.

Not only does incivility impact staff and team performance, but research shows that it can even impact customer experience and opinions, ultimately leading to customers taking their business elsewhere.

AMA Victoria, (2022), What is the difference between incivility, bullying, harassment and discrimination?

Biricik Gulseren, Duygu, & VanBarneveld, Claire (2022), Is Incivility Common in Your Workplace?

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Given the wide-reaching effects, it is understandable that there can be a significant financial impact on organisations as well. So, what can managers do about it?

Promoting a supportive workplace culture where colleagues appreciate diversity and can collaborate effectively can significantly decrease the rates of incivility.

To reduce incivility, proactive steps should be taken to reduce discourteous, disrespectful behaviour and encourage and reinforce respectful workplace behaviours. To foster a culture of civility within the workplace, respect and open communication is essential.

Review and adapt: Regularly assess the workplace environment keeping in mind that events external to the workplace can also affect rates of incivility. It is important to take into account the wider context in which your employees are operating.

Modelling: We can encourage a positive work environment through leadership examples.

Leaders should not only talk the talk but walk the walk – demonstrate behaviours you would like to see in your employees and the workplace, such as empathy and active listening skills.

Accessibility and accountability: Implement clear policies against incivility, ensuring your employees are aware of what incivility is and what the consequences are. It is important to address disrespectful behaviour as soon as possible either when you first notice it or when it is brought to your attention.

Establish channels for reporting incidents confidentially and demonstrate active listening and responding in a meaningful way.

Employees are more likely to reach out if support is easily accessible and they notice their concerns are taken seriously.

It is important to remember that incivility is often the result of thoughtlessness or stress and may not be deliberate. Correction may come in the form of a mild reminder of acceptable, respectful workplace conduct.

Training: Provide opportunities for employees to access training programs that focus on interpersonal effectiveness skills, conflict resolution, and diversity awareness alongside ways to manage stress.

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For example, significant weather events, financial pressures, and ongoing uncertainty.

Gather feedback from your team concerning their experiences, and be open to making adjustments as needed.

Workplace incivility can have numerous significant negative effects to your employees and your business. As managers and leaders, it’s essential we take steps to create a respectful and supportive workplace.

Mental Health

DATES & EVENTS MARCH 1 Zero Discrimination Day

APRIL 2 World Autism Awareness Day

MARCH 1 Employee Appreciation Day APRIL 7 World Health Day MARCH 8 International Women's Day APRIL 24 – 30 World Immunisation Week MARCH 11 - 15 Brain Awareness Week APRIL 28 World Day for Safety and Health at Work MARCH 16 National Close the Gap Day

May 23 World Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Day (WICAMHD) MAY 24 World Schizophrenia Awareness Day MAY 26 National Sorry Day MAY 27 – JUNE 3 National Reconciliation Week

MARCH 18 - 24 Neurodiversity Week MARCH 20 International Day of Happiness MARCH 21 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

ALL MAY Mindfulness May ALL MAY Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month MAY 12 International Nurses Day

MARCH 30 World Bipolar Day

MAY 17 International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT)

MARCH 31 Trans Day of Visibility

MAY 20 - 26 National Volunteer Week

MARCH 21 Harmony Day

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Owning a home is a dream that many of us aspire to fulfil. As you embark on the exciting journey of purchasing your first home, it's crucial to understand the various elements involved, from deposit requirements to government schemes and the finance application process.

Our comprehensive guide aims to demystify the complexities, helping you make informed decisions and prepare financially for this significant milestone.

Deposit Requirements One of the primary considerations when buying a home is the deposit. In Australia, most lenders typically require a minimum deposit of 5% to 20% of the property's purchase price. For instance, if you're eyeing a property worth $500,000, a 10% deposit would amount to $50,000.

Saving for a deposit may seem daunting, but there are strategies to make it more manageable. Consider setting up a dedicated savings account and regularly contributing to it. Additionally, explore government incentives and grants that can assist with your deposit, such as the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG), which varies across states and territories.

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Costs Involved Apart from the deposit, there are other costs associated with buying a home to be aware of.

1. Stamp Duty: This is a state-based tax on property transactions, with the amount varying depending on the property's value and location. Some states offer concessions or exemptions for first-time buyers.

5. Lender's Mortgage Insurance (LMI): If your deposit is less than 20%, lenders may require you to pay LMI to protect them in case you default on the loan. This cost can be significant, so factor it into your budget.

Government Schemes The Australian Government offer various schemes to support first-time homebuyers.

These can significantly ease the financial burden.

2. Bank & Government Costs: Your lender may charge loan fees such as Loan Application Fees or Document Preparation Fees. Your State Government will also charge Transfer and Registration Fees.

All these Fees should show in your Loan Contract.

Some notable schemes include the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS). This scheme allows eligible buyers to purchase a home with a deposit as low as 5% without paying LMI. Places are limited, so it's essential to check eligibility criteria and apply promptly.

3. Legal and Conveyancing Fees: Engaging a solicitor or conveyancer is crucial for navigating the legalities of property transactions. Be sure to budget for their professional fees.

Introduced as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the HomeBuilder Grant provides financial assistance for eligible buyers building a new home or substantially renovating an existing one.

4. Building and Pest Inspections: It's advisable to conduct thorough inspections before finalising the purchase. Budget for these inspections to identify any potential issues with the property, and save some money in the long run.

Each state or territory may have additional grants or concessions, such as stamp duty exemptions or reductions, for first-time buyers.

Research what is available in your location to maximise financial support.

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Finance Application Process

Budgeting

Navigating the finance application process is a critical step in realising your homeownership dreams. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Effective budgeting is the cornerstone of successful homeownership. This starts by developing a realistic budget. Evaluate your income, expenses, and savings goals to create a realistic budget. Account for both ongoing mortgage payments and homeownership costs.

1. Check Your Credit Score: Lenders assess your creditworthiness, so it's vital to ensure your credit score is in good shape. Obtain a copy of your credit report and address any issues.

2. Pre-Approval: Seek pre-approval for a home loan before house hunting. This gives you a clear understanding of your budget but also demonstrates to potential sellers that you are a serious buyer.

3. Comparison Shop for Loans: Explore different lenders and loan products to find the best fit for your financial situation.

Consider interest rates, loan terms, and fees.

4. Complete the Application: Once you've chosen a lender, complete the loan application. Be prepared to provide details about your income, expenses, and financial history.

5. Property Valuation and Approval: The lender will conduct a property valuation to ensure it aligns with the loan amount. Once approved, you can proceed to finalise the purchase.

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Build an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses, such as repairs or temporary loss of income.

Regularly review and adjust your budget to accommodate changes in your financial situation or lifestyle.

Final WORDS By understanding deposit requirements, costs, government schemes, the finance application process, and budgeting, you can navigate the path to homeownership in Australia with confidence.

Financial coaching may be a service included as a part of your EAP offering. You can contact Acacia today to find out more about this service and receive help in preparing for home ownership.

CALL CENTRE MENTAL HEALTH Call centre employees play a crucial role in shaping customer experience, serving as a primary point of contact between businesses and their customers. While call centre employees are often the unsung heroes of customer service, the nature of their work can take a toll on their mental health.

There are many unique challenges faced by call centre employees. This article explores the potential impact on their mental health and wellbeing.

Physically, a typical call centre is designed to minimise noise, to enable the employees to maintain focus on their work undistracted.

Workspaces are often a pod layout, clustered into groups, often inhibiting personal interactions. Each team may have a leader seated at the head of the pod grouping.

There may be several large screens around the office area displaying the number of customers in the queue, time in queue, and perhaps the nature of their enquiry. An environment where performance is constantly on show, coupled with a role that often handles a constant stream of calls, can create a high-stress working environment.

Call centre tasks are often highly repetitive, requiring employees to follow scripts and respond to similar issues repeatedly. This monotony can lead to boredom and a sense of dissatisfaction, contributing to a decline in mental health and wellbeing. The lack of variety in daily tasks can also make it challenging for call centre employees to stay engaged and motivated over time.

Many call centres operate 24/7, necessitating irregular working hours and shift rotations.

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It is estimated that between 200,000 and 300,000 people are employed in call and contact centres in Australian alone.

The constant disruption to sleep patterns can have a significant impact on mental health, contributing to fatigue, insomnia, and overall sleep disturbances. Irregular work hours can also interfere with social and family life, leading to feelings of isolation and strained relationships.

A lack of autonomy and low job control is a key psychosocial hazard experienced in the call centre industry. They must adhere to strict protocols, scripts, and performance metrics set by their employers. This lack of control can be disempowering and may contribute to feelings of frustration and helplessness.

Regardless of the nature of the business, individual performance in call centres is largely based on statistics that are automatically generated through the systems and databases used to perform the role.

Adherence to shift start and finish times, customer wait time, call duration, after-call work, break times, bathroom breaks, and stringent adherence to scripting are common individual and team key performance indicators. Working in an environment with stringent performance metrics can impact mental health and wellbeing, particularly when these metrics are not met.

Further, call centre employees frequently engage in emotional labour, where they are required to manage their emotions and project a positive demeanour, even in challenging situations. Constantly suppressing or altering emotions to meet customer expectations can lead to emotional exhaustion and burnout, impacting mental health over time.

In addition, employees are dealing with frustrated or irate customers. Repeatedly dealing with frustrated or irate customers can be emotionally draining, leading to increased stress levels.

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The average contact centre attrition rate is 32% to 45% with average tenure 12 to 18 months.

Research has found stress related to Micromanagement a significant factor.

A call centre employee within an emergency services environment is more often tasked with responding to life-threatening situations where their knowledge, exceptional ability to decipher a customer’s needs amid trauma, and immediate decisions more often lead to saving lives. Accepted as part of the job, there is often no opportunity for recognition of the role performed as the emergency services agency takes over the response. However, once that challenging call is completed, the next call is waiting to be answered.

Despite the challenges, there are many ways to support the mental health of call centre employees. Employers can encourage, promote and provide access to counselling through the EAP, and foster a positive work culture that emphasises the importance of nurturing our mental health and wellbeing.

Another key component is ensuring managers and leaders are aware and committed to the best workplace practices to create a mentally healthy workplace.

Regularly check in with team members about their wellbeing in the workplace and look for signs and symptoms of stress or burnout.

Encourage open dialogue with your employees, including around workplace environmental concerns or personal concerns.

Consider implementing less intrusive tools to measure business success metrics to eliminate micro-management practices.

Allow for short breaks following negative or difficult customer interactions, and provide space for reasonable employee interactions to encourage peer support. Ensure regular task variation, and promote developmental and career progression opportunities. Encourage autonomy and decision-making in your employees wherever possible.

The mental health challenges faced by call centre employees are significant and deserve attention from leaders, employers, and the broader community. By recognising the unique stressors of the industry and implementing supportive measures, we can create a healthier and more sustainable work environment for call centre employees.

Prioritising mental health and wellbeing not only benefits the individuals working in call centres but also contributes to a more resilient and productive workforce.

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GRATITUDE PRACTICE Gratitude is defined as being thankful and appreciating both the things we have and the people around us – and it’s a simple way to boost your wellbeing and shift towards an optimistic outlook.

People who regularly take the time to stop and practice gratitude experience a better immune system, improved sleep, and enhanced concentration. They may even find that symptoms of anxiety and depression decrease.

Expressing gratitude to those around us can also improve our relationships, decreasing feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Practising gratitude doesn’t necessarily mean being thankful for the big things in our lives.

Rather, it’s consciously stopping to look at the people in our lives and things we might otherwise take for granted. Maybe we had a valuable conversation with a friend, maybe we ate a delicious meal, or maybe it stopped raining long enough for our clothes to air dry.

With such an array of benefits, how do we actually practice gratitude and reap the rewards? There are many ways; here are a few to get you thinking.

START A GRATITUDE JOURNAL A gratitude journal is a personal record that keeps track of all the good things in your life.

There are many ways to create a gratitude journal. You can download an online version use a journalling app, open up an empty notebook, or even type your thoughts directly into the notes app on your phone.

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Start by writing down a few things you are thankful for. If you are having trouble thinking of things, consider the following questions: What are three things you are grateful for?

Who is someone you appreciate, and why?

What skill are you grateful for?

What moments made you happy today and why?

Remember there is no right or wrong way to practice gratitude – your answers are a reflection of yourself and will differ from everyone else.

INCORPORATE MINDFULNESS Mindfulness is the practice of being present and engaged in the current moment, without judgement or distraction. Mindfulness activities look different for everyone.

Try to slow down and savour your experiences.

It might be the flavours in your breakfast, or the sun on your skin during your morning walk.

These simple moments can serve as opportunities to nurture gratitude in your life.

WRITE A MESSAGE Consider sending a text, card, or even a handwritten sticky note message and express your thanks to someone who made a positive impact on your day.

Did a coworker help you with a challenging email? Did a friend treat you to a coffee? Take a moment to acknowledge their kindness and show your appreciation by letting them know.

In addition to practising gratitude for yourself, a heartfelt message or note can make someone's day and contribute to a culture of gratitude in your relationships.

CREATE A GRATITUDE JAR Begin a daily ritual where you jot down on a small piece of paper something or someone you were thankful for that day. Collect these notes in a jar, watching it gradually fill up over time. When the year concludes or during moments of introspection, revisit these gratitude notes. Place the jar somewhere visible, such as your bedside table, turning it into a tangible reminder of the multitude of things in your life that evoke gratitude.

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Acacia

CONNECT CONTRIBUTORS Gabrielle Cramond Content & Tender Writer

Amy Stuart Workplace Wellbeing Consultant (SME)

Rebecca Weiss Chief Executive Officer

Elizabeth Gralton EAP Professional (Accredited Practicing Dietitian)

Phoebe O’Leary Clinical Services Regional Manager (QLD & NSW) Joseph Bruce Marketing Coordinator

Margaret Allan EAP Professional (Counsellor)

CALL 1300 364 273 SMS 0401 33 77 11 NZ 0800 000 657 WEB acaciaconnection.com Copyright © Acacia Connection Pty Ltd, all rights reserved.

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