Health and wellbeing

Health and wellbeing at work

As part of the department's commitment to supporting staff health and wellbeing, this page provides information to help staff manage their wellbeing and implement a staff health and wellbeing program at their workplace. There are a number of tools, resources and information sources provided to assist you.

Planning a staff wellbeing program

Staff wellbeing programs have contributed to reduced absenteeism, increased morale, enhanced team and social work relationships and improved physical and mental health.

The planning process includes the following steps:

1. management commitment—gain support from your principal/manager
2. wellbeing planning—form a committee
3. needs assessment—gather information about your staff and workplace
4. action plan—plan your program
5. evaluation—check that your program worked.

Wellbeing dimensions

Wellbeing dimensions are different aspects or elements of wellbeing. When planning a wellbeing program, consider strategies to address different dimensions. The 5 dimensions are:

• physical wellbeing
• psychological wellbeing
• social and community engagement
• occupational wellbeing
• financial wellbeing.

Wellbeing programs do not need to be costly. Programs often work most successfully when you use the skills and interests of staff members and make connections with local community people, organisations, resources and programs. It is recommended that wellbeing activities are selected based on staff and workplace needs.

The staff intranet (OnePortal) contains comprehensive information and a step-by-step guide to help staff plan an effective wellbeing program for their workplace. Search for 'staff wellbeing' on OnePortal for more information.

Other staff wellbeing resources

The department has a comprehensive Staff wellbeing framework that includes multiple initiatives, information resources and interactive training modules.

Our aim is to empower staff to adopt healthy behaviours and help create work environments that support health and wellbeing.

Regional Wellbeing Coordinators

Seven Regional Wellbeing Coordinators (RWCs) provide support and assistance to schools in implementing staff wellbeing initiatives.

The RWCs utilise best practice approaches including the 5-step process in the staff wellbeing planning guide and Staff wellbeing framework, to assist schools within their region to plan, implement and evaluate staff health and wellbeing initiatives to improve the health and wellbeing of staff.

To find out more, search 'Regional Wellbeing Coordinators' on OnePortal.

Principal Health and Wellbeing

As a department, we have a strong commitment to safe and inclusive schools and workplaces. The health, safety and wellbeing of school leaders, staff and students is a key priority under the Equity and Excellence education strategy.

Principals of Queensland state schools and centres are talented and passionate about education, leading ever evolving and complex places of learning, work and community. The role of a principal is both incredibly rewarding and, at times, challenging.

A global transformation in the role and nature of the work of principals has been occurring for some time. It is therefore vital that our principals are enabled to thrive, feel well and capable in their complex roles, in order to maximise and sustain high quality leadership, positive learning environments, and improvement in student learning.

The Principal Health and Wellbeing (PHW) team continue to provide support and new initiatives to improve principal and school leader wellbeing within Queensland state schools and centres. The team are now part of the department's Education Futures Institute (EFI), established to empower all departmental staff to build their professional expertise and wellbeing by engaging in high quality, targeted capability development at key career stages.

The PHW program of work continues to plan and deliver a balanced wellbeing model aligned to the key pillars:

• optimise time to lead
• support services
• promote a safe and respectful workplace
• capability.

For more information, please email PrincipalWellbeing.SSS@qed.qld.gov.au. Principals and school leaders can sign up to receive a bi-monthly e-newsletter (search 'Principal health and wellbeing strategy' on OnePortal).

Principal Hotline and Conflict Resolution service

An initiative of Principal Health and Wellbeing, the Principal Hotline and Conflict Resolution (PHCR) team delivers a unique state-wide service for Queensland school leaders that provides targeted support and assistance on matters that arise in the day-to-day management and leadership of their school, and for complex matters that arise with parents/carers and community.

For more information, search 'Principal Hotline and Conflict Resolution' on OnePortal.​​