Ms Jessica Gysin-Webster1, Ms Katrina Seng2
1OutsideIn Group
2Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network
KIHS faced the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the already volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environment that is remote health care. This resulted in a cultural narrative characterised by isolation, stress, resentment and despair, leaving staff across the health service feeling burnt out.
It is against this backdrop that a new workforce initiative was conceived. We engaged with the spirited, passionate foundation of the health service (staff across all occupational groups), whilst fostering the opportunity for renewal and laying the groundwork for positive practice, professional and cultural transformation. The project was named after the Phoenix as it symbolises resilience and stamina for achieving goals despite adversity.
Over an 18month period, we listened to employees and stakeholders across KIHS and the Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network to understand what was most important to them. By reviewing various sources of data and utilising thematic analysis we identified four key priority areas. Through deliberate investment they create the organisational conditions to foster wellbeing, ultimately enhancing the services provided to our community.
We found that it was this ongoing engagement and integration of ideas and language that allowed the stakeholders to accept and embrace this project as their own – a critical component of its success. We learnt that the process, as much as the final product, was key to sustaining the positive shift in workplace culture through the upskilling of the future KIHS workforce.
This presentation will use a story telling approach to summarise our experiences by unpacking what worked well, the challenges and barriers we faced and what we recommend is done into the future for those looking to utilise a People Strategy. Future investment of this type is required if we want to foster passionate, high functioning teams in our remote areas.
Biography:
Jess is the Lead Consultant & Performance Psychologist at OutsideIn Group.
As a registered Psychologist with a passion for wellbeing, and experience consulting in talent management and leadership, Jess has the capacity to assist organisations to make significant changes in creating a healthier, happier and more capable workforce. She believes in approaching these challenges collaboratively, drawing on the expertise of others to be able to provide a fresh perspective and delivering innovative solutions to organisations.
Whilst Jess currently calls Kangaroo Island home, she was born in Zurich, Switzerland and is fluent in Swiss German.
Jessica.gysinwebster@outsideingroup.com
Katrina, DONM at KIHS.
RN & RM, I have embraced my love of the bush throughout my career. I have strived to champion health equity for the bush. As a passionate advocate for the benefits to working as a RAN, Katrina has emersed her personal and professional life into the bush communities across QLD, and now SA.
I continue with the fight of investing in capable, innovative and kind leadership within bush health settings, noting that great leadership is required in all spaces across our health industry.
Katrina was born in Chinchilla QLD, and is married with 3 kids.
Katrina.seng@outlook.com