Workforce culture and environment
It is important to create a work environment where Indigenous employees choose to stay and further their careers in positions that serve Indigenous clients and the broader community.
A workforce culture and environment that is culturally aware and sensitive to differences in work practices of Aboriginal people supports recruitment and retention practices.
We are focusing on improving the workforce culture and environment for Aboriginal employees. Actions in this area are aimed at increasing cultural awareness and sensitivity of non-Aboriginal people to improve interactions with Aboriginal people and enhance communication in the work setting.
Cultural respect
We will promote, implement, monitor and evaluate the Cultural Respect Implementation Framework (PDF 146KB). We will establish an evaluation model to monitors its effect on system change and improved access to services for Aboriginal people.
Reconciliation
We are developing and implementing the WA Health Reconciliation Action Plan. We will monitor the implementation of the plan and the progress in achieving its outcomes.
Learning about Aboriginal resources and programs
We will ensure that new staff learn about WA Health's Aboriginal resources. We will develop a cultural maintenance program and incorporate it into induction packages and the performance management process.
Local cultural awareness workshops
We will develop local cultural maintenance kits and encourage staff to participate in workshops. These will be delivered by Aboriginal staff such as Aboriginal health workers and liaison officers as part of staff professional development.
Promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural events
We will continue to provide event information to staff via a range of communication strategies, including internal emails, worded to encourage staff to participate.
Culturally appropriate work life balance
We maintain flexible work practices and/or leave provisions for staff to meet cultural obligations. We will include information about work life balance initiatives in induction packages.
Peer support, mentoring and coaching
We will oversee the development and review of peer support initiatives. These will provide mentoring and coaching strategies to assist individuals and targeted groups