As business leaders adapt to an increasingly complex and dynamic workforce, the importance of emotional intelligence (EI) has come to the forefront, not just as a desirable trait but as a critical capability for leaders and organisations alike. In a recent fireside chat between Lysander and Business NSW - Central Coast, the topic of emotional intelligence was highlighted as a cornerstone for effective leadership.

In an era where the workplace is evolving faster than ever, business leaders are tasked with navigating an increasingly complex landscape. To delve deeper into these challenges and opportunities, Ellie Brown, Senior Strategic Consultant at Lysander, convened a fireside chat with Scott Goold, Regional Director - Central Coast of Business NSW, and Kerrie Adaway, CEO of Lysander.

In the third part of our Blueprint for Inclusivity series, we explore a transformative macro approach to fostering psychological safety for women in the construction industry. This piece delves into the critical role of leadership and the comprehensive reassessment of workplace cultures to challenge and change the deep-rooted norms and expectations. By embracing a broader, strategic perspective, we underscore the necessity for systemic change to create truly inclusive environments where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute. Join us in redefining safety and inclusivity in construction.

In the evolving world of construction, the shift towards a diverse workforce brings new perspectives and challenges, especially for women. Historically male-led, the industry's culture and environment have primarily catered to men's needs. The integration of women into the workforce introduces critical considerations about workplace culture, gender dynamics, and particularly, psychological safety. This concept, crucial yet often overlooked in favour of physical safety, deeply affects women's sense of belonging, job satisfaction, and motivation. It's about creating a space where women feel secure and valued, a significant shift from the traditional norms of the construction industry. In this second part of our Blueprint for Inclusivity series, we look to explore the specific challenges faced by women in construction.

Explore the crucial aspect of fostering psychological safety for women in the construction industry with our insightful series, 'Blueprint for Inclusivity'. Delve into the challenges and strategies that pave the way for a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient construction workforce.

In Part 1 of our series, 'Laying the Groundwork: Understanding Psychological Safety in Construction', we examine the crucial yet often overlooked aspect of women's wellbeing in Australia's construction industry. Join us as we explore the nuances of psychological safety, its impact on job satisfaction, and the challenges in creating an inclusive environment in this traditionally male-populated sector.

In response to long-standing mental health concerns in the construction industry, Lysander, John Holland, and Wellness in Infrastructure launched a pioneering mentoring program in February 2023 that resulted with a remarkable reduction in the stress gap from 64% to 22%. This initiative paired industry leaders with emerging leaders, aiming to build resilience and address systemic issues affecting mental health within the sector.

The Australian construction sector has faced an unsettling trend. Despite the advancements in technology and practices, productivity levels remain lower than what we witnessed in the 1990s.

The new regulations are a good first step, but they are not a silver bullet,” said Kerrie Adaway. “Employers need to do more than just comply with the regulations. They need to create a workplace where employees feel safe and supported, and where they can thrive.”

A research paper by PwC highlights the significant ROI from promoting mental well-being in the workplace. A case study of a three-year project using the Integrated Approach to Wellness demonstrates a 230% return on investment.

2 min video.

Are you a bad boss? Why it's so easy to be one and how simple it is to fix. Liz Ralph, our Learning Manager, explores three simple fixes you can make to improve your self-awareness and communications with your team.

2 min read.

With the end of another tumultuous year, many of us are looking forward to friendlier conversations with team members and leaders.

3 min video.

Liz Ralph, Learning Manager at Lysander showcases how to start difficult conversations such as back to work or mandatory vaccinations.

4 min read.

Prepared by Professor Luke Downey and Professor Con Stough from Swinburne University. A new study measuring the psychological impact of work-related stress….

3 min video.

Liz Ralph, Learning Manager at Lysander explains why our approach to leadership learning is more powerful to your workplace.

2 min video.

*Just Do It* but make sure it’s part of a complete mental well-being plan. A response to Nike and others thinking of giving staff a week off to ‘prioritise mental health’.

2 min read.

We have been exploring why culture matters if we are focused on helping our business perform and defining a culture that supports us. And we know the lens into culture is the way people behave.

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The momentum for change that evolved from our response to the crisis in 2020 is undeniable. The majority of businesses will authentically ‘never be the same.

4 min read.

Transformational leadership coming into the next decade is more critical than ever. Creating leaders who can be inspiring and encourage participation from their teams will result in…

4 min read.

Recognising the workforce's challenges has faced throughout 2020 and knowing the impact on your teams' mental health and well-being is critical.