Wellbeing in the public purpose sector

In partnership with IPAA Victoria’s People and Culture Community of Practice (CoP), IPAA Victoria launched a new content series dedicated to wellbeing and the public purpose sector. Listen into conversations with public sector leaders exploring individual and organisational wellbeing. 

Overwhelmingly, the topics of workload, fatigue, burnout, productivity, mental health and wellbeing are current issues that face the public purpose sector.

This series reflects on the period of uncertainty, consider what still might need to change when it comes to wellbeing and explore the components of an open, positive and empowering workplace.

Through stories, interviews, resources, and advice, we hope to acknowledge and validate how professionals across the sector are feeling; showcase examples of purposeful initiatives where wellbeing plays a central role; and create a dialogue about the broader themes and systemic issues at play. It is evident that connection, recognition of work, flexibility, choice and vulnerability are hallmarks of positive wellbeing.

Below are some of the campaign highlights.

In-depth conversation with Dr Fiona Kerr

Listen to our in-depth discussion with Dr Fiona Kerr, founder and CEO of The NeuroTech Institute, who shares her expert insights and knowledge about wellbeing. In the interview, Fiona explores the neuroscience behind face-to-face interaction, digital overload and properly embedding digital technologies and tools in a hybrid environment. Fiona also offers insights for senior leaders and managers on how to foster a culture of high-performance.

Podcast episodes

Professor Deborah Blackman and Dr Fiona Buick, UNSW Canberra

In a two-part podcast, Professor Deborah Blackman, head of school, and a member of the Public Service Research Group, School of Business, UNSW Canberra, and Dr Fiona Buick, senior lecturer, School of Business, UNSW Canberra, explore ideas and concepts that underpin wellbeing that public purpose sector leaders and professionals should consider. In particular, the explore the concepts of eudemonic and hegemonic wellbeing.

Maria Katsonis FIPAA (Vic), Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing

In this episode of Public Sector Perspectives, we chat with Maria Katsonis FIPAA (Vic), deputy chair of the Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, and hear her very personal story about wellbeing and mental illness in a public sector workplace. Through an authentic and powerful discussion, Maria describes her experience of mental illness whilst working in the public sector, the effect it had on her life, her work and colleagues, and how that experience has changed the way she thinks about wellbeing at work. Maria’s experience helped shape the thinking of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System and you can read more about Maria’s experience in her book The Good Greek Girl.

Katrina McPhee – Aware Super/VicSuper
Katrina McPhee, chief of staff at Aware Super/VicSuper shared what wellbeing means to her. In the interview, Katrina shares her learning from the COVID pandemic and offers insights on how leaders can approach wellbeing at their organisations.

Nina Cullen – IPAA Victoria
Nina Cullen, CEO at IPAA Victoria, shares her personal thoughts about wellbeing for individuals and organisations, including tips to foster a high-performing culture.

Ajay Satyan, Department of Precincts, Regions and Jobs
Ajay Satyan, executive director, Program Centre at Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions shares his personal reflections of wellbeing. In the interview, Ajay shares his three wellbeing tips for leaders, how he navigates work-life balance and the Spring into Action campaign.