WELLBEING FOR ARCHITECTS
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
understanding wellbeing
WHY WELLBEING MATTERS
Health bodies have recognised the workplace as a priority setting for promoting health and wellbeing as most Australians spend about one third of their lives working.
This tells us we need to make sure we are thinking about how we can positively influence the people who work in our organisations or practice, and how we can support their work life to ensure staff welfare.
Without wellbeing at the forefront, there is higher chance of burnout, discontentedness, employees feeling insecure and a lack of psychological safety when the workplace doesn’t recognise there is a important role to play in aiding employee wellbeing.
WELLBEING IN THE WORKPLACE
Workplace health promotion is about fostering healthy workplace policies and supportive environments, enhancing positive social conditions, building personal skills and organisational resilience, and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Workplace health and wellbeing programs not only have real potential to positively influence the health of the workforce, they also make good business sense – increasing employee engagement and team cohesiveness in the short-term, and leading to reduced absenteeism, increased productivity and improved corporate image in the longer term.
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As an Institute member, you can access our HR HUB content which includes downloadable resources. *Sign into the member portal first to view page directly.
the WELLBEING of architects project
The Institute has financially contributed towards this research conducted by Monash University.
The survey of Australian practitioners, conducted online in 2021, had 2066 respondents drawn from a wide range of practice sizes and types, levels of seniority and leadership, geographic locations and genders.
It employed quantitative methods to collect data about work-related wellbeing, professional identity, perceptions of support, and the impact of work cultures on individual wellbeing. It also included open-ended questions where participants were invited to reflect on factors intrinsic and extrinsic to architecture that they perceived to be affecting their own wellbeing and that of the architectural workforce as a whole.
Architecture Australia – wellbeing edition
The 2022 Sep / Oct edition of Architecture Australia covers this research with Naomi Stead, Maryam Gusheh and Bryron Kinnaird in Dossier – The wellbeing of architects project. Read pages 49–68.
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INSTITUTE RESOURCES
LEARNING AND SUPPORT MATERIALS FOR WELLBEING
We endeavour to continue to grow these resources over time as we look to expand on Policy and Advocacy content on wellbeing. Below are resources that will help you or your practice encourage furthering wellbeing in the workplace.
EmAGN RESOURCES can be found here
SONA RESOURCES can be found here
SONA The Mental Wellbeing of Students presentation can be found here
External resources:
Association of Consulting Architects’ list of resources for wellbeing
A collection of resources prepared by the ACA’s Architects Mental Wellbeing Forum, including podcasts, videos, and other useful resources
Architects Mental Wellbeing Toolkit (Australia)
The first edition of the Architects Mental Wellbeing Toolkit (Australia) which has been adapted to include content and resources tailored for the Australian profession.
Beyond Blue: Work and mental health
Beyond Blue is a well-known and trusted mental health organisation, providing programs, research, and resources to improve the mental health of workers in Australia and promote the benefits of mentally healthy workplaces.
Black Dog Institute: Workplace wellbeing information
The Blackdog Institute provides an extensive range of resources, practical guidance and research on workplace wellbeing.
External HR Advice for Architects:
Architects Award Update: What Employers and Employees Need to Know – ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ
For in-depth assistance regarding HR or Industrial Relations issues in your workplace, please contact PAA (Professional Architects Australia) for in-depth advice. PAA is the union that represents architects, interior and landscape designers, students, and graduates in Australia. It was formed by architectural workers, for architectural workers.
All Members are supported with general legal assistance from our RAIA Senior Counsellor service, please contact the WA Chapter office (wa@architecture.com.au) directly if you require advice. We also have recommendations for local IP lawyers if you have a query about copyright protection and your rights pertaining to your own intellectual property.
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For wellbeing advice in a learning environment, please contact:
UWA student resources: Mental health and wellbeing support | Students | UWA
Curtin student resources: Personal support | Current Students
Notre Dame student resources: Ask for help – Successful University Study – University Library at The University of Notre Dame Australia
Guides thatÌýdetail information on how performance appraisals should be conducted and how to prepare for your own performance appraisal.
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HR HUB resource
As part of our commitment to the support of members at all career stages, the Institute provides fee relief to members who have reduced their working hours to care for children under the age of five.
Those who are approved gain access to yearly complimentary and discounted CPD bundles.
There are various pay obligations that are relevant to every workplaceÌýincluding minimum wages, pay slip and record-keeping requirements and restrictions regarding unpaid work.
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HR HUB resource
Our mentoring platform, Mentorloop, enables you to easily match with other members of the Institute community.
Mentoring is a powerful personal development and empowerment tool, where meaningful relationships are fostered between mentor and mentee.
Mental health in the profession. Industry research shows that constant or excessive working hours can take a toll on architects and those around them.
Join the discussions on the Institute’s forum about Best Practice, including wellbeing.