This year has started off with a flurry of significant events. Fires across the region, borders opening, COVID-19 cases on the rise and set to peak this month, while war rages on the other side of the world.
Anyone of these items could stir a sense of fear or trepidation. When all are happening at once it can leave us feeling overwhelmed. Even if you don’t watch the news there wouldn’t be many devices that would allow you to escape the effects these events are having on our community.
Last month, my messages focused on needing to be kind, patient and understanding. These messages apply to how we treat ourselves as much as our interactions with other people. As life continues to ramp up, these messages continue to ring true. This is a time of high intensity. COVID-19 restrictions and its side effects are taking their toll on everyone. The constant change, volume of information and complexity of messaging can be overwhelming. For many businesses there are increased levels of cancellations or rescheduling. Rework is costing our businesses time, money and mental exhaustion. COVID-19 cleaning is also another time factor that is required but takes businesses away from what their core purpose is. It’s important to take time to regroup, recognise what is happening so that spinning our wheels doesn’t derail us.
Building a mentally healthy workplace is so important at this time. This applies to business owners as well as their teams. Here are some ideas to build into your daily practices:
- Notice the things you do well daily, no matter how small.
- Unplug from technology – give your mind and body a break.
- Avoid procrastination – set deadlines that are achievable and manage your time.
- Make an effort to be positive. Look for and focus on reasons to be happy.
- Be kind to yourself – reassure yourself that what you are doing is enough.
BGCCI together with Hon. Don Punch MLA partnered to deliver a panel discussion of 6 prominent female leaders from across the region for International Women’s Day on Tuesday 8 March 2022. The diversity of industry and experience was well represented across state government, health, not-for-profit, mining and resources, education and small business. With current COVID restrictions in place, the Dolphin Discovery Centre hosted approximately50 attendees who heard about the journey, challenges and triumphs of these amazing women in the development of their careers. The message was clear from all panel members that the journey will look very different from what you start outthinking. We were encouraged to take risks, say yes to opportunities and see where the road leads. This event also highlighted the importance of having our men be a part of the conversation leading to equality. BGCCI looks forward to hosting more of these events to represent the women in our community.
Following a lot of planning and negotiation, BGCCI is excited to announce our exclusive member only involvement for private businesses to participate in the South West Leaders Program. BGCCI members will gain access to leadership development through events, monthly newsletters and online forums, plus a mentor:mentee program supported by a range of high-profile keynote events.
BGCCI is a member based not-for-profit and operates as an independent representative for the business community. BGCCI does not receive any external funding for our day-to-day operations. We could not represent our business community or offer these services without the support of our member organisations.
If you are interested in joining the Chamber and gaining access to our services, please contact 9791 2292.
Please be COVID safe, look after one another and be patient, we are all figuring this out together.
