Shapes, reflections, gratitude, a fresh plan and a tiny creature that appreciates our work – they’re just some of the elements that made up the People and Culture team’s first workshop for 2025.
Held at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, the half-day session included a presentation on reflective thought by Father Rod Bower, the launch of a new Wellbeing Strategy by the Wellbeing team, an eye-opening look at shape personalities and survey feedback with Nicole Klasen, and time to pause and consider mindfulness and gratitude thanks to Mick from Kudos Health.
Activities kickstarted with a circular gathering around a rope.
The task was to share with your new ‘rope-mates’ where you’d rather be on this perfect autumn morning.
On the golf course, by the pool in Bali, a cruise, Dudley Beach and Europe were some destinations mentioned amongst a plethora of exotic locations.
If you envied your teammates’ choice you were encouraged to tug on the rope as a sign of support.
From global ventures we returned to our rope circle to reflect on where we see our current workload.
While the answers varied, it was agreed, after much reflection, that we all deserved a work-life balance, and that while our wants and needs are individual, wellness can be a team effort.
Once seated, a take-home gift would let the P&C team know they were valued. Whales owls and ducks the size of a five-cent piece bore notes of affirmation and appreciation.
Feedback from a recent survey, a confession of an obsession with Chat GPT, and a fresh look at moving toward better wellbeing filled the following session, before a personality test revealed the various team shapes.
Circles, triangles, squares, rectangles and squiggly lines – all building blocks of a talented team.
The event was wrapped up with a reminder to breathe, be regularly grateful, and live in the moment.
Here are some of the reflections from the team following the workshop.
“The sessions reminded me of the importance of deep breathing. We have no control over things like the traffic on the way to work but we can take a moment after to close our eyes and take a few deep breaths and resettle, that’s what I learned. And Mick is fabulous at getting the message across. I was also reminded that we need to consider each other’s mental health in the workplace.” – Rebecca & Leanne.
“Last week’s P&C workshop was fantastic! It gave me a fresh perspective on appreciating the little things in life - like identifying the ‘most important task’ of the day, what I’m looking forward to most (which, let’s face it, is usually finishing work and going home), and, of course, ‘what I’m grateful for.’ It also encouraged some deep self-reflection by just sitting with my thoughts - something I probably need to do more of in this digital age… instead of doom-scrolling or watching TV.” – Theresa.
“Personal goal activities – challenge accepted, mindfulness tutorial – different ways to tackle stress, Father Rod ice breaker – great way to get everyone together in a spiritual way and bond.” – Elizabeth and Suzie.