Sustainability Day 21- Workforce Sustainability… do you like your workplace?

Who would have thought that there was “workforce sustainability”?  It has nothing to do with recycling or turning off the lights or using natural resources… but instead it has everything to do with attracting and retaining the right people and ensuring high levels of engagement and motivation.

So how can we support workforce sustainability? Even if your management does not understand this concept, you and your team can….   you can do this by ensuring all educators feel valued, reach their potential, set goals, engage in PD, feel safe and engaged and can manage their stress!

Here are some ideas, quotes and inspiration;

A great quote about making a change… or great for those who may comment/ complain about situations but are not willing / feel unable to make a  change

Goals are a huge part of our role as educators… yes they should challenge us, we should have to work hard to achieve them.. when goals do challenge us and create new learning  and skills they then inspire and motivate!

I like this-  this can be adapted and used at team meetings-  roll a dice, move your counter and carry out the instruction for the week.. you could carry these out with children, families and fellow co-workers…  a great activity to create awareness and purpose

An easy tool for educators to use when discussing / implementing changes.  This could be in the staff room and educators can identify how they feel about the change / practice so that appropriate support is provided.

Some great words to describe what a “group” could look like!  You could also do this with the word T-E-A-M!

I love this as I think about creating a healthy work-life balance but also having positive relationships at work, enjoying humour… when we are happy at work we will be more motivated, inspired and engaged

Feeling safe is also important.. not just physically safe such as WHS, but also emotionally safe… are we bullied or manipulated? Every person has the RIGHT to feel safe in all aspects of their work life.

These are 3 words that are often thrown around but do we really know what they mean or look like? Having discussions about these concepts and how these can be supported and maintained is critical to ensure a sustainable workforce!

Workforce sustainability is a very real thing and must be considered and discussed. If educators feel safe, respected, supported and that they belong then our work with children and families will be more inspired, meaningful and purposeful!

Look out for Day 22!