Recharging and re-energising while recovering from a work-related illness or injury

This presentation will empower injured workers to identify ways to stay connected, supported and actively engaged during their recovery from a work-related illness or injury. The workshop showcases the ‘7 Batteries’ model that Megan co-designed with psychologist Michael Quinn as an approach for framing, engaging with and redressing the negative impacts of work-related injury or illness on physical health, emotional wellbeing, social connection, purpose, and identity. Introducing participants to the ‘batteries’ of energy we use in daily life, which are recharged with the 7 types of rest identified by Dr Sanda Daulton-Smith (physical, sensory, mental, creative, social, emotional and spiritual). We will then look at how these batteries are depleted and restored by different activities. Participants will learn to understand how their current health situation may deplete their batteries, and how they could recharge their batteries if they cannot engage in activities that they would normally find restorative.

You will leave the workshop with a Recharge Plan of least 2 strategies for recharging each battery. The workshop is designed to promote personal agency, mental health recovery, and proactive self-care, and address psychosocial barriers that often delay return to work. Helping injured workers rebuild confidence, restore a sense of purpose, and develop strategies for moving forward, whether that is returning to work, re-engaging with their community, or simply improving quality of life.

Presenter: Dr Megan Woods, Flourishing Phoenixes

Dr Megan Woods is a consultant, qualified coach and academic with internationally recognised expertise in workplace mental health, psychological injury, and return to work from mental ill-health. As a (now-adjunct) Senior Lecturer at the University of Tasmania Megan has researched (with funding from the WorkCover Board Tasmania and WorkSafe Tasmania) Tasmanian workers' lived experience of the Tasmanian State Service worker's compensation system, and of engaging in return to work from mental ill-health. She has produced 2 suites of evidence-based resources, soon to be hosted online by WorkSafe Tasmania to help workers and supervisors better understand, engage with and support safe and successful return to working after mental ill-health related to depression and anxiety. Through Flourishing Phoenixes, Megan provides coaching, training and consultancy to support workers and managers to engage more safely and successfully in RTW processes.

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MyState Bank Arena, Glenorchy
Tuesday 28 October, 9am – 11am
Register now for Hobart session