Respectful workplaces are built through the values we hold and the way we behave towards each other every day. The health and wellbeing of members is important to us, and the College is strongly committed to delivering wellbeing support to all members using a holistic approach.
The College has been reviewing the recent Medical Training Surveys 2023 results to inform its understanding and ongoing improvements to registrar support and welling. These will be formally reviewed by the Respectful Workplaces Committee at their next meeting in 2024.
The surveys overall point to pleasing improvements in the workplace and training cultures experienced by our registrars and their understanding and use of available supports. They remind the College however that there is still work to be done, and of the importance of recognising the unique challenges of the Rural Generalist training environment which warrant fit for purpose approaches to assuring support and wellbeing.
• Concerningly, 22% of doctors in training across all specialties reported experiencing Bullying, Discrimination, Harassment or Racism in the past 12 months
• ACRRM was pleased to see increases since last year in the percentage of ACRRM registrars who indicated they had a positive workplace culture to 83% (up 5 %), that their workplace supports their wellbeing 85% (up 7%), and that their senior staff were supportive 93% (up 3%).
• Despite improvements, ACRRM registrars still reported distinctive challenges related to the Rural Generalist training context such as relatively longer work hours, unrostered overtime, lower satisfaction with facilities such as internet access, and excessive work responsibility impeding ability to meet training requirements. These warrant fit-for-purpose supports.
The College was also pleased to note an increase in awareness of where to access psychological support, however more needs to be done to let people know about the supports available to them. The College provides 24/7 Wellbeing Support through its Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and members experiencing workplace, training, exam, or other stresses or issues impacting personal wellbeing can call ACRRM’s EAP line, which provides free of charge immediate, confidential counselling and support on 1800 818 728.
In addition, ACRRM’s Wellbeing Coordinator Paul Townsley is working closely with the Respectful Workplaces Committee to champion Respectful Workplaces framework across the College. Paul will be working with the Committee to develop a range of supports to (i) provide education and training in leadership skills and (ii) strengthen the College’s capacity to provide wellbeing services to our members.
For further information on the range of services and supports available, please contact Wellbeing@acrrm.org.au.