ANNUAL REPORT 2007-2008 CITY OF GREATER GEELONG

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Staff are our most valuable asset.
It is their contribution that achieves the
organisation’s goals and objectives, and we
strive to foster a dynamic environment that
enables each employee to fulfil their
potential.
The City seeks to be an employer of choice through its
many strategies and programs that address individuals’
career aspirations and personal wellbeing, while at the
same time creating a productive, healthy, customerfocused
and enjoyable workplace.
A range of employee related initiatives were undertaken in
the past 12 months to improve recruitment and retention
and further develop our organisation’s capability to thrive
in the future. Some of these included:
Employee Induction DVD
All new employees now receive an Induction DVD
with their New Employee Handbook, to complement
Council’s induction program. The DVD showcases a
number of Council employees and services to provide
new employees with a greater understanding of the
organisation.
Induction Program
This program was redesigned during the year and now
includes a half-day introductory and familiarisation
session on the organisation. This session also covers
OHS, risk management and fraud awareness procedures.
Job specific induction sessions are conducted
independent of this program.
Equal Opportunity
Council is committed to equal opportunity in the
workplace and has policies and procedures in place to
ensure that all staff members are treated fairly and
decisions are based on merit.
Following a review of the Harassment and Bullying
Prevention Policy, Council commenced conducting skill
based learning sessions for all staff in preventing
discrimination, harassment and bullying in the workplace.
This training is aimed at creating a working environment
that actively discourages unwanted behaviour, and
enables managers and supervisors to handle issues and
queries that may arise effectively and expediently.
Approximately 85 per cent of employees have undertaken
this training in the past two years.
Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program is a confidential,
short-term focused counselling service offered to any
employee and their family who are experiencing
difficulties that affect their wellbeing, work performance,
or enjoyment in the workplace, as well as issues and
concerns of a personal nature. Throughout 2007-2008,
121 people were assisted through this program.
Well for Life Program
The aim of the Well for Life Program is to make healthy
living a priority for all staff, with a range of activities that
encourage employees to participate in wellbeing programs
and initiatives. This will then contribute to a healthier and
happier workforce, resulting in improved productivity,
service levels to the community, and retention.
Examples of the range of activities offered in the last year
include flu vaccinations, massage offers, support to staff
to participate in corporate sporting events and a quarterly
newsletter with health and wellbeing tips.
Learning and Development
The City of Greater Geelong is committed to providing
all employees with equal access to occupational and
personal development and learning opportunities. This
not only assists them in achieving their career potential,
but also promotes the development of a workforce which
has the knowledge, skills and potential necessary for the
effective and efficient functioning of the organisation. This
is increasingly important in a time where recruitment and
retention of skilled staff continues to be a challenge.
Over one million dollars was spent on training and
development in 2007-2008, with more than 1,100
opportunities taken up by staff (this excludes OHS
training).
OD Informer Online Newsletter
During 2007, Organisation Development introduced the
‘OD Informer’ - an online newsletter designed to keep
managers and coordinators up to date on the latest
human resource information and advice to assist in
managing their staff.
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