Message from the Chief People and Culture Officer

Kristal Lowe, Chief People and Culture Officer

Happy Friday!

R U OK? Day

As you know yesterday was R U OK? Day. This year’s theme “Here to Hear” reminded us to observe and really listen to what the people are saying, doing and feeling. We don’t always know when someone is going through a difficult time so if you notice a change in someone you work with, something different in what they are doing or saying, trust that gut instinct and take time to ask “Are you OK?”.

Benestar name change

Metro North Health employee assistance provider, Benestar, was recently acquired by LifeWorks. Effective from 1 August 2023, Benestar will be known by the trading name of TELUS Health.

This new ownership model also brings several changes, including:

• a new TELUS Health app which will be available in September 2023.
• all Benestar phones will be answered “TELUS Health” from 30 November 2023.
• a new website will be launched in December this year.

Benestar / TELUS Health can be contacted via 1300 360 364.

Diversity identity information

I was recently prompted to update my diversity identity in the payroll system. I wonder if you would consider updating yours too?

Last year in the Working for Queensland survey, respondents told us that there were several reasons for not completing the diversity census. Some didn’t see any benefit of sharing the information. Some had never been asked to share the information or didn’t know how. And some were concerned about discrimination.

I want to assure you that your manager, supervisor and other leaders cannot see the information you supply in the diversity questionnaire in myHR. But the information is valuable to our organisation because it helps to ensure that our workforce reflects the communities we serve, and that we bring diverse perspectives into policy and service delivery decisions. Find out more about what we are doing about building a diverse workforce.