Navigating Challenges and Fostering Resilience: Parks Victoria's Journey with Serious Woo and Inclusion @ Work
Introduction:
In 2020, Parks Victoria faced unprecedented challenges with the devastating fires and the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. With 1100 employees distributed across Victoria, the People & Culture department found itself in a critical position, requiring rapid intervention to foster cohesion and leadership within their team.
The Challenge:
Parks Victoria, like many organisations, was grappling with the aftermath of the 2020 fires and the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The People & Culture department identified the urgent need for enhanced cohesion to effectively lead their valuable team through these challenging times.
Our Strategic Response:
Recognizing the urgency and importance of the situation, Serious Woo collaborated with Parks Victoria to complement their existing Mental Health & Wellbeing Strategy. We devised and implemented a comprehensive solution, centred around Courageous Conversation Workshops and Conversation Labs. Partnering with Inclusion @ Work, our approach aimed to harmonize processes and build confidence among the People & Culture department, enabling them to navigate difficult workplace conversations more effectively.
Key Components of Our Intervention:
Courageous Conversation Workshops: These workshops were designed to provide practical tools for setting healthier boundaries, understanding diverse communication styles, and effectively conveying challenging messages without personalizing them.
Conversation Labs: Practical application was a cornerstone of our intervention. We integrated real-life scenarios into interactive workshops, featuring corporate actors and specialised facilitators. This hands-on approach ensured that managers could practice and internalize the skills learned during the training.
Partnership with Inclusion @ Work: Collaborating with Inclusion @ Work allowed us to bring additional expertise into the initiative. Together, we focused on upskilling the People & Culture department, addressing topics such as navigating taboo subjects and fostering open communication.
Impact and Results:
The results of our intervention were transformative. Managers who participated in the Courageous Conversation Workshops and Conversation Labs reported feeling empowered to perform at their best. The practical, real-world training approach, combined with theoretical knowledge, created a dynamic learning environment.
The Parks Victoria People & Culture department experienced increased cohesion and confidence in dealing with the complexities of their roles. Setting healthier boundaries, understanding diverse communication styles, and addressing challenging topics became second nature, contributing to a more resilient and united team.
Serious Woo's strategic response not only addressed the immediate challenges faced by Parks Victoria but also equipped its People & Culture department with invaluable skills for ongoing success in a rapidly changing work environment.
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