Shannon Gerber takes us through what is on offer for staff health and wellbeing this Innovation Week.

For Shannon Gerber, choosing what she is most excited about ahead of the Staff Health and Wellbeing Day at this year’s Sydney Innovation Week is not easy, given all the activities on offer.

“You might like to attend a Qigong (Tai Chi) session, try out a meditation practice, visit one of our staff gyms, or chat with an expert about your workstation ergonomics.

“We will also have a series of great topic sessions online from a range of experts.”

Shannon has previously worked as an exercise physiologist in corporate and clinical wellness roles, most recently in cancer services at Concord Hospital.

She is now a Senior Exercise Physiologist / Staff Wellbeing Coordinator in the District’s Staff Wellbeing Program and will lead a range of in-person and virtual activities on Health and Wellbeing Day on Monday 17 July, the first day of Sydney Innovation Week.

On Staff Health and Wellbeing Day our District is encouraging staff to wear something colourful such as socks or a headband and get involved in the wellbeing activities.

“We want to cater for our huge variety of staff across the District, with engaging sessions that encourage staff to socialise and have a bit of fun,” she said.

Bringing her experience as a Senior Exercise Physiologist to her new role, Shannon brings tangible and fresh wellbeing initiatives to staff located across the District.

“It has been well established that exercise and good nutrition impact a range of different health factors and can significantly improve quality of life,” Shannon said.

Shannon works closely with teams across the District to ensure that staff access the right information and activities, from the right professionals to support their health and wellbeing.  

“I have a passion for ensuring that every interaction, whether it be with a staff member or patient, is a positive and supportive one,” Shannon said.

She works with the District’s Allied Health workforce and particularly her Dietitian colleagues to introduce new service developments for patients and staff. 

“We are matching the workload demand across our District and for the first time, making an investment in staff wellbeing through Exercise Physiology,” said Sarah Whitney, District Director of Allied Health.

“It’s an important wellbeing initiative for our staff, not only to help work on physical health but to reduce stress and improve mental capacity.” 

On Health and Wellbeing Day, Shannon and the team, including MDOK and the Wellness and Meditation Coach, will launch a new internal hub for staff to access ongoing wellbeing content and upcoming events.

Check out the Innovation Week website for the full Health and Wellbeing Day schedule.