The workplace of the 21st Century is evolving and changing exponentially. Now, more than ever, the HR practitioner is operating in an increasingly complex environment and is expected to navigate increasing complex HR issues. There is no question that HR underpins the effective functioning of any organisation, but staying ahead of developments in today’s time poor workplace is the challenge.

Cutting across themes of leadership, cultural change and what it means to be a HR professional, this forum provided opportunities for the audience to hear from key speakers about the development of the practice of HR in the public sector.

The Hon Michael O’Brien MP, introduced this forum with Dr Verna Blewett, Director of New Horizon Consulting and Associative Professor of the Appleton Institute for Central Queensland University, being the MC.

This forum was created with the busy HR practitioner in mind or anyone who is looking at a future career in HR. HR professionals at all stages of their career benefited from attending this forum and were able to network with peers and colleagues from across the state, listen to and interact with speakers who are experts in their fields, as well as discuss HR challenges and successes in a supportive, professional environment.

Our presenters and panellists included:

• Brett Minchington, Chairman/CEO, Employer Brand International;
• Bill Cinnamond, Director, Public Sector Management Division, Department of the Premier and Cabinet;
• Rachel Capetanakis, Strategic Program Manager, Office of the Chief Information Officer;
• Erma Ranieri, Deputy Chief Executive, Department of Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy;
• Jane Booth, Associate Director, PwC;
• Keith Bartley, Chief Executive, Department for Education and Child Development; and
• HR Leaders Panel: Phil O’Loughlin, Erma Ranieri, Jane Booth, Keith Bartley and Bill Cinnamond.

Anxiety and psychological distress are on the rise as our workforce adapts to the COVID-19 pandemic. More so than ever now is a time for leaders to shine through to guide and support their teams through these challenging times. Some leaders more so than others are better equipped to manage their staff virtually, but as most organisations don’t educate leaders on this area, many will struggle to adapt and find their feet in this new world.

Leadership during a pandemic is new and untested, where we are learning on the fly what does and does not work to manage staff in the virtual world. Human Psyhcology have shared with us essential advice for managers and team leaders in helping their team adapt. This includes;

• Basic needs and technology use
• Communication
• Change benchmarks and engagement strategies
• Mental health
• Silver linings
• Support

You can read and download the full tip sheet here.

We know how important it is to care for the mental health of your team and colleagues during challenging times, however we cannot understate the importance of caring for the mental wellbeing of family members. With social isolation, families, whether living in the same household, or split over distance undergo significant stress and challenges in adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our friends at Human Psychology have shared with us some of the best advice for parents and families to cope with the new stresses of recent times.

Talking with Children About COVID-19

There is a common misconception that talking with children and young people about a topic such as COVID-19 may increase anxiety. However, research suggests it may have the opposite effect. For children not having information is scary and many children will fill in the blanks with their own imagination-often imagining something far worse than the truth. Older children may take to the internet and social media for their answers, which can sometimes become overwhelming or misleading.

Download the full Parent Tip Sheet here

Tips for Your and Your Family to Cope with Home Isolation

Times are very uncertain at the moment and many people are being asked to make lifestyle changes to help society work through COVID-19. For many of us, these changes include working from home and restricting the amount of time we spend socially interacting.

Social isolation can pose various challenges for our mental health. As social beings, we need social interaction and connectedness. Spending time isolated by ourselves limits the positive distractions available to us to dilute the amount of time we might stress over COVID-19.

Download the full Tip Sheet here, to find advice, ideas and inspiration for coping with Home Isolation

Public Administration Today (2004–2015) was a quarterly publication for IPAA members and built on the earlier success of the Canberra Bulletin of Public Administration (1973–2004).

‘Today’ reported on IPAA activities, promoted and celebrated achievements in Australian public sector management, shared information on major trends and developments, and generated discussion and debate.

Contact IPAA ACT on 02 6154 9800 if you would like to access to earlier editions of Public Administration Today or otherwise visit us at level 6, 12 Pirie St, Adelaide SA, 5000 to browse through our available editions.