Yessy Rayner, Author at ATI Mirage

Why Psychological Safety Is Key to Team Success at Work

Psychological safety isn’t just a buzzword, it’s vital for high-performing teams. When team members feel safe taking risks and sharing ideas without fear, they thrive.

Want to unlock your team’s potential? Learn how to create psychological safety at work and how our psychological safety course can boost innovation, morale, and team performance.

Want to find your current level of psychological safety, click here to take this 1-minute quiz.

The new WHS Law provides more emphasis on psychological safety, meaning Employers have extended obligations to safeguard employee mental health and wellbeing.

The Core Principles of Psychological Safety

Creating psychological safety at work rests on several key principles:

Trust: Confidence that team members’ intentions are positive and supportive.
Respect: Valuing each person’s contributions, perspectives and ideas.
Open communication: Encouraging honest and transparent dialogue without fear of backlash or reprimand.
Inclusivity: Embracing diverse viewpoints to enhance team problem-solving and innovation.
Accountability: Holding everyone responsible for maintaining a safe and supportive environment.

These principles establish a framework that encourages employees to voice their ideas and question existing practices.

The Modern Work Environment: Trends and Challenges

The workplace is evolving rapidly, but there are many challenges as well:

Technological Advancements

Remote work and digital tools have become the norm. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 37% of Australians worked from home at least once a week in 2023.

Diverse Workforces

Teams are now more culturally and generationally diverse than ever. The Australian workforce includes people from at least 200 different countries of origin.

Complex Problems

Businesses face multifaceted challenges that need creative solutions. The Australian Public Service Commission recognises that tackling complex problems requires fostering psychological safety.

In this context, psychological safety becomes essential. Without it, teams can’t navigate complexity or unlock the power of diversity for success.

Benefits of Creating Psychological Safety at Work

Psychological safety brings significant advantages that elevate team performance and employee satisfaction:

Improved communication: Psychological safety boosts open communication. Teams with high psychological safety are more likely to speak up freely.
Better collaboration: Teams perform better when they feel safe. Managers rated highly by employees tend to have an 84% psychological safety score.
Effective problem-solving: Psychological safety fosters openness and drives teams under highly-rated managers to generate millions in annual revenue.
Enhanced learning: A study of 51 decision-making teams found that higher psychological safety led to better understanding.

Impact on Employee Morale and Participation

Psychological safety boosts job satisfaction, leading to better engagement, loyalty and advocacy:

💬 Engage actively: Employees eagerly participate in meetings and projects, contributing ideas and collaborating more effectively.

🤝 Stay committed: Workers are more loyal, staying longer with the company, reducing turnover, and improving team stability.

🌟 Advocate for the company: Employees promote the company, enhancing its reputation and attracting top talent.

Impact on Creativity and Innovation

Psychological safety drives creativity and innovation by encouraging risk-taking and experimentation:

💡 Think outside the box: Teams propose bold, unconventional ideas, leading to new insights and opportunities.

🚀 Experiment without fear: Employees test new approaches without fearing failure, learning from mistakes and improving quickly.

🏆 Drive innovation: Encouraged experimentation fuels cutting-edge solutions, helping teams stay ahead in the competitive market.

Creating Psychological Safety at Work

Building a safe work environment begins with fostering trust and encouraging open communication. Here’s how to create psychological safety in your workplace:

Establish Trust

Trust forms the foundation of psychological safety. Consistent actions and clear communication help build and maintain it:

Lead by example: Managers should model open communication by sharing their challenges and thoughts.
Share information freely: Keeping team members informed reduces anxiety and fosters a sense of inclusion.
Encourage questions: Make it clear that no question is too small. This promotes clarity and understanding.

Embrace Differences

Inclusivity strengthens teams by embracing diverse perspectives. It leads to better solutions and decision-making:

Celebrate diversity: Acknowledge and value the unique contributions of each individual on your team.
Invite input: Actively seek opinions from all team members to ensure everyone has a voice.
Avoid assumptions: Keep an open mind and avoid making decisions based on biases or preconceptions.

Encourage Feedback

Feedback, when constructive, builds psychological safety and promotes growth. How it’s delivered is critical:

Use “I” statements: Focus on observations rather than making generalised or judgmental statements.
Be specific: Provide clear examples to ensure the feedback is understood and actionable.
Offer solutions: Don’t just highlight issues—provide helpful suggestions to encourage improvement.

Integrating Corporate Wellness Programs

Corporate wellness programs support psychological safety by:

Reducing stress: Mindfulness sessions and fitness classes help manage stress.
Promoting work-life balance: Flexible schedules allow for personal time.
Enhancing mental health: Access to counselling services provides support.

Did you know? An analysis found that corporate wellness programs increase job satisfaction and reduce healthcare costs by keeping people healthy.

Build a Safer Workplace with ATI-Mirage’s Psychological Safety @ Work Course

Creating psychological safety at work is a key driver of team success. It improves communication, boosts morale, and fosters innovation. By creating a safe environment and integrating wellness programs, you can unlock your team’s full potential.

ATI-Mirage’s Psychological Safety @ Work course provides practical tools to help you create safer, more supportive environments.

In this half-day course, you will:

✅ Learn the four stages of psychological safety and how they impact team dynamics.
✅ Discover the five essential steps to build psychological safety within your team.
✅ Identify and eliminate psychosocial hazards in the workplace.
✅ Understand the WHS Act & Regulations as they relate to psychological safety.
✅ Learn why anonymous feedback can erode psychological safety.

This course is tailored for team leaders, supervisors, or individuals committed to fostering a safer and more productive workplace.

Why Choose ATI-Mirage?

Our support continues after the course with free help desk assistance. You’ll also receive a resource-packed workbook and a Certificate of Attendance. Ready to boost psychological safety?

Browse our upcoming course dates and secure your spot today!

Mastering Data with Power BI Essential Training at ATI-Mirage

Data is at the core of decision-making in modern businesses, and Power BI is the tool that transforms complex information into actionable insights. Mastering Power BI allows professionals to unlock the full potential of their data, ensuring an advantage over competitors.

In this article, you’ll discover how ATI-Mirage’s Power BI Essential Training can equip you with these essential skills.

What is Power BI?

Power BI, created by Microsoft, is a business intelligence (BI) and data visualisation tool that allows users to connect to various data sources, process raw data, and design interactive dashboards and reports.

Power BI consists of three main components:

Power BI Desktop: A Windows-based application used for building reports and data models.
Power BI Service: An online SaaS (Software as a Service) where you can share and collaborate on reports.
Power BI Mobile: Mobile apps for accessing reports and dashboards on iOS and Android devices.

In addition to these core components, Power BI offers several other services:

Power BI Gateway: Syncs external data and allows automated data refreshes in reports.
Power BI Embedded: Enables integration of reports and dashboards into custom applications.
Power BI Report Server: Provides on-premises reporting for organisations that prefer not to use the cloud.
Power BI Premium: Offers enhanced capacity for publishing reports without requiring individual user licences, increasing scalability.

The Importance of Power BI Skills in the Workplace

Today’s professionals face relentless demands to analyse data effectively and present it with clarity and impact.

Alarming statistics reveal a stark and troubling reality in the Australian business landscape:

93% Struggle with Analytics

Reports show that only 7% of Australian organisations effectively achieve their data and analytics objectives.

Productivity Is Plummeting

Nearly 20% of workers aren’t fully proficient in their roles. Plus, 57% of employers say these skill gaps hurt productivity.

Private Sector Neglects Skills Investment

Only 34% of private sector employers plan to increase skills investment, compared to 53% in the public sector. This shows a need for more commitment to workforce development.

Benefits of Power BI Essential Training

Power BI courses offer valuable skills for improving data analysis and reporting. Here’s what you should expect:

✅ Enhanced data analysis skills: Gain the ability to transform data into valuable insights for strategic decisions.
✅ Improved reporting: Create clear, professional reports that simplify complex data, leading to better decision-making.
✅ Scalability and flexibility: Understand how to scale your reports as your data grows, ensuring consistent performance.
✅ Increased efficiency: Automate data processes and reduce time spent on repetitive tasks.
✅ Better collaboration: Share interactive dashboards with ease, improving teamwork and communication.
✅ Enhanced data governance: Learn best practices for data security, compliance, and managing user access.
✅ Cost savings: Efficient data handling can lead to significant cost reductions and resource optimisation.

These courses help you maximise the potential of your data, making you more effective in any role.

Did you know? 65% of people are visual learners. Using data visualisation tools can significantly improve understanding and efficiency in meetings.

Power BI Courses at ATI-Mirage

With ATI-Mirage, you can unlock the potential of your data through tailored Power BI training. We’ll teach you how to enhance reporting, streamline processes and make confident data-driven decisions.

What You’ll Learn in Power BI Training

Our Power BI courses offer comprehensive training to help you create professional reports and dashboards that deliver clear insights. By mastering Power BI, you’ll:

Learn to connect multiple data sources and transform raw data into actionable visuals.
Build interactive dashboards for real-time reporting.
Create visually appealing and insightful reports to make informed decisions.

Flexible Learning Options

Choose the format that best fits you:

In-person workshops: Hands-on training in Perth’s leading training facility.
Online courses: Learn at your own pace with virtual classes designed for flexibility.

Both formats ensure a practical, engaging learning experience that delivers skills you can immediately apply to your workplace.

Getting Started with Power BI Training

Selecting the right Power BI course depends on your current skills and goals.

Consider the following:

Your experience level: Are you a beginner or looking to enhance existing skills?
Your objectives: Do you need basic reporting skills or advanced data modelling?
Your schedule: Choose between in-person or online courses for flexibility.

Our team at ATI-Mirage can help you identify the course that best suits your needs.

Courses Available

We offer a range of Power BI courses tailored to different skill levels:

Power BI Essentials

This two-day course is perfect for beginners looking to gain foundational knowledge of Power BI. You will learn how to build basic reports and dashboards, integrate various data sources, and convert raw data into meaningful insights.

Power BI Essentials – Virtual Class

Can’t make it in person? Our Power BI online course offers the same comprehensive two-day training online. Learn the fundamentals of Power BI from the comfort of your home or office.

Power BI Advanced – Create Performance Measures with DAX

For those with experience, this advanced course focuses on creating complex performance measures using DAX (Data Analysis Expressions).

Power BI Advanced – Data Modelling and Transformations

This one-day advanced course is for users looking to deepen their data modelling and transformation skills. It focuses on managing complex data and creating advanced reports.

Microsoft Excel – Analysing Data using Power Query

For those who work heavily with Excel, this one-day course focuses on using Power Query to streamline data analysis and reporting.

You don’t need Excel experience to join our Power BI courses, but we highly recommend pairing them with Excel training, especially if your team needs Excel support. Book Excel courses today and boost your skills!

The Key to Your Data Success

Mastering Power BI is a game-changer in today’s data-driven world. It gives you the tools to manage data confidently and make smarter, informed decisions.

Investing in Power BI essential training enhances your analytical capabilities and boosts your career prospects. Don’t miss the opportunity to transform your data analysis skills.

Ready to take the next step? Enrol in a Power BI course at ATI-Mirage today and unlock your potential.

Emotional Intelligence Training: Boosting Mental Health and Well-Being at Work

Emotional intelligence (EI) has become a crucial skill for professional success. At ATI-Mirage, we recognise the importance of EI in fostering a positive workplace culture and enhancing employee well-being. We are also cognizant of a growing body of research evidence as to the impact of EI on organisational performance.

Companies and individuals pursue emotional intelligence training to handle relationships and stress better, fostering a more supportive work environment. Let’s investigate how you can boost EI in your workplace.

Understanding Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence encompasses four key components:

✅ Self-awareness: Recognise your emotions and how they affect you. For example, noticing frustration helps you respond calmly.

✅ Self-management: Control your emotions in challenging situations. Staying composed under pressure leads to better outcomes.

✅ Social awareness: Understand and empathise with others’ feelings. Sensing a colleague’s stress helps you offer support.

✅ Relationship management: Maintain positive and effective interactions. Clear communication resolves conflicts and strengthens teamwork.

Did you know? Emotionally intelligent individuals are more likely to receive greater merit increases and hold higher company ranks.

Benefits of Emotional Intelligence Training for Employees

Investing in EI training yields numerous benefits for both individuals and organisations:

Improved Communication

Emotionally intelligent employees communicate clearly with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. They listen actively, reducing misunderstandings and conflicts.

Enhanced Teamwork and Collaboration

Teams with high EI work together more harmoniously. They resolve conflicts constructively and leverage diverse perspectives to drive innovation and problem-solving.

Increased Resilience and Stress Management

EI training equips individuals with strategies to manage stress and bounce back from setbacks. This resilience is crucial for maintaining mental health in challenging work environments.

Better Leadership and Decision-Making

Leaders with high EI inspire and motivate their teams more effectively. They make balanced decisions by considering both logical and emotional factors.

The Link Between Emotional Intelligence and Mental Health

Emotional intelligence plays a vital role in promoting mental health and well-being at work:

Recognising and Managing Emotions

EI training helps individuals identify and regulate their emotions. This skill is crucial for managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.

Creating a Supportive Work Environment

Emotionally intelligent leaders foster a culture of empathy and support. They create safe spaces for employees to discuss mental health concerns without fear of stigma.

Promoting Work-Life Balance

Individuals with high EI are better equipped to set boundaries and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This balance is essential for long-term mental well-being.

Implementing Emotional Intelligence Training in Your Organisation

To reap the benefits of EI, consider these steps:

Evaluate Current EI Levels

Conduct assessments or surveys to gauge your team’s emotional intelligence skills. Identify strengths and weaknesses in self-awareness, empathy, and relationship management.

Pinpoint Areas for Improvement

Analyse the assessment results to identify specific skills that need enhancement. If you find gaps in conflict resolution or active listening, focus on improving them.

Select a Reputable Training Provider

Choose a provider like ATI-Mirage, which is known for its evidence-based EI programs. Ensure they offer tailored solutions that fit your organisation’s unique needs and culture.

Embed EI Principles into Daily Operations

Incorporate EI strategies into daily routines, such as regular feedback sessions and team-building activities. These strategies reinforce EI concepts and foster a supportive workplace culture.

Monitor and Measure Progress

Track EI development with regular check-ins, performance reviews, and feedback. Use these metrics to adjust the training approach and ensure continuous improvement.

Overcoming Barriers to EI Development

Some common obstacles to EI growth include:

🔄 Resistance to Change

Employees may resist new EI practices due to discomfort. Encourage open dialogue and share examples of EI benefits.

🧠 Lack of Self-Awareness

Lack of self-awareness can block EI development. Use assessments and reflection to help employees recognise their emotional triggers.

⏰ Time Constraints

Busy schedules can limit participation in EI training. To boost engagement, offer flexible formats like short workshops or online modules.

📚 Misconceptions About EI

Some see EI as unrelated to work. Provide clear examples showing how EI enhances decision-making, leadership, collaboration and organisational performance.

ATI-Mirage’s Emotional Intelligence Course

At ATI-Mirage, we’re excited to offer our impactful one-day Emotional Intelligence course for Perth businesses. The learning outcomes include:

Understand emotional intelligence competencies and how they enhance workplace and personal relationships
Have an increased understanding of self and others
Use techniques to build emotional intelligence competencies.

We’re dedicated to helping you apply emotional intelligence in every work area. From customer service to leadership, our course provides the tools to excel and advance your career.

You’ll learn to spot “above” and “below” the line behaviours, and expertly navigate diverse personalities in any professional setting.

Our approach to learning is dynamic and hands-on. We use interactive sessions, role-playing, and real-world scenarios to ensure you don’t just learn EI – you live it.

Success Stories: The Impact of EI Training

ATI-Mirage has led numerous successful emotional intelligence training programs. Here are some of our most impactful success stories:

Public Transport Authority Enhances Team Safety

The Public Transport Authority (PTA) sought a customised approach to team development. Employees valued the tailored content and active participation and found it impactful.

Small group sizes created a safe and supportive environment, allowing them to apply new skills confidently. This approach fostered a more engaged and supportive workforce.

“The course was customised to our needs and the participation made the results sink in” – Tegan from PTA

“Small group size made me feel safe and encouraged” – Lisa from PTA

Department of Health Advances Emotional Intelligence

The Department of Health focused on emotional intelligence and effective feedback training for employees. Participants praised the clear presentation of core skills and found assertive feedback strategies helpful.

The team also learned to differentiate “above” and “below” the line thinking. Engaging activities ensured practical skill development, creating a more self-aware and communicative team.

“My favourite part of this course was the specific strategies for feedback. Also, how to be assertive with courage and consideration” – Sharelle from Department of Health

“A variety of activities and learning styles including group, pair and individual work. Accompanied by helpful videos” – David from Department of Health

Investing in Emotional Intelligence for a Brighter Future

Emotional intelligence (EI) is essential for personal and professional success and creates healthier and more productive workplaces. EI training can transform your organisation by enhancing communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.

Ready to supercharge your team’s potential? Enrol in ATI-Mirage’s Develop Your Emotional Intelligence course today. Or contact ATI-Mirage to organise Develop Your Emotional Intelligence exclusively for your team. Don’t miss the chance to lead with emotional intelligence!

Empowering Workplace Safety: The Vital Role of HSR Training in Perth

Workplace safety is more crucial than ever, and Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) are pivotal in promoting a safe work culture.

ATI-Mirage is committed to providing high quality HSR training in Perth and across Western Australia. Let’s investigate how you can empower workplace safety through HSR training.

What is an HSR Course?

HSR training equips employees with the skills and knowledge to effectively represent their colleagues in workplace health and safety matters.

It covers legal obligations, hazard identification, risk assessment, and consultation strategies.

Key components of HSR training include:

Understanding WHS legislation
Identifying and assessing workplace risks
Effective consultation and communication techniques
Incident investigation and reporting

Legal and Ethical Importance of HSR Training

In Australia, HSR training is not just good practice—it’s a legal requirement. The Work Health and Safety Act 2020 mandates that businesses provide HSR training to elected representatives.

Beyond legal compliance, HSR training reflects a company’s commitment to employee well-being and demonstrates a proactive approach to creating a safe work environment.

Benefits of an HSR Course for Organisations

Investing in Health and Safety Representative (HSR) training offers clear benefits for businesses:

Fewer workplace incidents: Trained HSRs spot hazards early, preventing accidents. This reduces injuries and keeps everyone safe on the job.
Reduced lost workdays: Fewer accidents mean less time off for injured workers. Staff stay on the job, and productivity remains steady.
Lower insurance premiums: A good safety record can lower insurance costs. Training HSRs helps maintain this, saving the business money.
Better compliance: Trained HSRs ensure businesses follow safety regulations. This avoids fines and protects the company’s reputation.
Boosted employee morale: Workers feel safer when they see safety taken seriously. This boosts morale, leading to higher engagement and job satisfaction.
Higher productivity: When staff feel secure, they focus better on their tasks. Safe workplaces help maintain high productivity levels.
Improved communication: HSRs can communicate safety issues and build trust. This encourages teamwork and a shared commitment to safety.
Quick action on hazards: Trained HSRs respond quickly to issues, reducing the impact of potential accidents.

Industries Benefiting from HSR Training

All industries benefit from having trained HSRs. Typical industries electing and training HSRs include mining, healthcare and social assistance, education and training, as well as public administration and safety.

Did you know? You can use an ROI calculator to estimate returns on work health and safety investments, like new equipment or wellness programs.

Empowering Employees through HSR Training

HSR training empowers employees to take an active role in workplace safety. It gives them the confidence to speak up about potential hazards and contribute to safety solutions.

This empowerment extends beyond the workplace. HSRs often become safety advocates in their personal lives, creating a ripple effect of safety consciousness.

HSR Training with ATI-Mirage

At ATI-Mirage, we offer comprehensive HSR training courses tailored to various industries:

Comprehensive 5-Day Course: Your Gateway to Workplace Safety Excellence

Our 5-day Health and Safety Representative HSR course is your ticket to success. You’ll gain:

Crucial skills in workplace safety management
Expertise in conducting inspections and assisting investigations
The ability to bridge communication between employees and management

Take advantage of this Work Health and Safety Commission approved training. Stay ahead with the latest WA Work Health and Safety legislation.

“Trainer was great. Understood that we all came from different work backgrounds and used past examples to help us understand what we need to know” – Todd from Rio Tinto

Stay Sharp with Our 1-Day Refresher Course

Keep your skills sharp and stay up-to-date with ATI-Mirage’s refresher course. This one-day program covers the latest in workplace safety and meets your annual WA HSR requirements. You’ll learn about new laws and best practices and gain confidence in negotiating with employers.

Connect with other HSRs, share experiences, and build a strong network. As safety standards constantly evolve, regular refreshers help you stay compliant and effective.

Course Highlights:

Review your role and functions as an HSR
Gain insights into current safety issues
Share best practices with other safety professionals
Stay in tune with legislative changes

“The interactive workshops were the best part of this course” – Kim from Paraburdoo Primary School

The ATI-Mirage Difference

What sets ATI-Mirage apart in HSR course delivery? Our approach is rooted in practical, real-world application. We don’t just teach theory—we provide tools and strategies HSRs can implement immediately.

Our trainers bring years of industry experience to the classroom. They understand the challenges HSRs face and provide actionable solutions.

Customised Training Solutions

Every workplace has its challenges and requirements. That’s why we provide customised HSR training programs designed to suit your industry and organisational needs.

Our customisation process includes:

Consultation with key stakeholders: We engage with your management and HSRs to understand your specific safety goals and challenges.
Analysis of your current safety procedures: We review your existing safety protocols to identify gaps and areas for improvement.
Incorporation of company-specific policies and procedures: We tailor the training content to reflect your unique safety policies and workplace practices.
Post-training evaluation and follow-up: We assess the effectiveness of the training and provide ongoing support to ensure continuous improvement.

Measuring the Impact of HSR Training

How do you know if your HSR training is effective? Key performance indicators might include:

Reduction in workplace incidents
Increased reporting of potential hazards
Improved employee satisfaction scores
Lower workers’ compensation costs

Investing in a Safer Future

By empowering your HSRs with the right skills and knowledge, you’re creating a safer, more productive workplace.

Ready to improve workplace safety? Contact ATI-Mirage today to learn more about the best HSR training Perth has to offer. Let’s work together to create a culture of safety that benefits everyone.

Why Regular Mental Health First Aid Training Matters

Many organisations are realising the value of mental health first aid training. This essential skill helps employees support colleagues facing mental health challenges.

Unlike traditional first aid, mental health first aid focuses on psychological issues. Let’s learn about the importance of mental health first aid courses for Perth organisations.

Why Mental Health Matters

Nearly 43% of people aged 16–85 have experienced a mental health challenge at some point.
21.5% of people aged 16–85 had a mental disorder in the past year.
Anxiety was the most common, affecting 17.2% of this group.
38.8% of people aged 16–24 experienced a mental disorder within the past 12 months.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace

Mental health first aid helps create a supportive work environment. It empowers your employees to:

Be attentive for early signs of mental health issues in colleagues
Offer immediate support and understanding
Guide affected individuals towards appropriate professional help

Early intervention can prevent minor issues, such as increased stress or mild anxiety, from escalating into major mental health problems like chronic depression or burnout, ensuring your team remains healthy and productive.

Excessive workloads, lack of support, and poor work-life balance contribute to workplace stress.

Boosting Productivity with a Mental Health First Aid Course

Mental health and productivity are closely linked. When employees are mentally healthy, they’re more engaged and productive.

Mental health first aid training contributes to this by:

Creating a supportive work culture
Reducing stigma around mental health issues
Improving overall workplace wellbeing

Did you know? According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), investing $1 in mental health treatment and support yields a $4 return through better health and increased productivity.

The Importance of Refresher Courses

Like any skill, mental health first aid requires regular practice and updating. Refresher courses are essential because they reinforce key concepts and skills that might have faded in between courses.

They also introduce new research and best practices that have emerged since the first course. Together, these benefits boost employees’ confidence in applying mental health first aid.

What Does a Mental Health First Aid Refresher Look Like?

Mental health first aid learning involves:

Recognising the signs of mental health issues
Providing initial support
Guiding individuals towards professional help

Long-term Benefits

Investing in ongoing mental health first aid training brings lasting benefits for both employees and organisations.

Benefits for Employees

✅ Improve mental health literacy, making it easier to understand and support those in need.
✅ Feel more equipped to help colleagues, strengthening workplace relationships.
✅ Experience increased job satisfaction and deeper engagement in your role.

Benefits for Organisations

✅ Reduce absenteeism and presenteeism, leading to a more productive workplace.
✅ Build stronger team cohesion and boost overall morale.
✅ Enhance your reputation as an employer, attracting and retaining top talent.

Did you know? According to the National Mental Health Commission, Australian employees facing job-related stress and mental illness are absent from work for nearly 11 weeks each year.

Learn more: Tailoring Wellness Programs for Diverse Workforces

The Impact of Regular Training on Workplace Culture

Regular mental health first aid training can transform workplace culture. It fosters open communication about mental health, reducing the stigma around issues everyone experiences.

Talking about mental health builds empathy among colleagues, creating a culture shift where people look out for each other and take a proactive approach to mental health management.

This has been shown to contribute to employee retention, recruitment and improved productivity—all of which benefit organisations and the people who work there.

Mental Health First Aid Training

ATI-Mirage, in collaboration with Lifeline WA, offers this training

✅ Flexible options: Choose our mental health first aid course at our Perth training centre or at your workplace.

✅ Engaging learning: Our courses are interactive, practical, and delivered in small groups for maximum impact.

✅ Resources included: You’ll get a take-home workbook and a Certificate of Attendance.

Measuring the Success of Mental Health First Aid Programs

To ensure your MHFA program makes a difference, measure its impact using key metrics like these:

Regular employee well-being surveys to gauge how the training is affecting your team.
Monitoring reasons for absenteeism and productivity rates to identify any positive trends.
Collecting feedback on training effectiveness to improve your mental health initiatives continuously.

Overcoming Challenges in Implementing Mental Health First Aid

Implementing MHFA programs can be challenging, but ATI-Mirage is here to help you navigate and overcome these obstacles:

Addressing bias, stereotypes, and prejudice by fostering open, honest conversations about mental health.
Offering time-efficient training options.
Providing flexible solutions that align with your budget while still delivering high-quality training.

Find out more: ATI-Mirage Wellness.

The Role of Leadership in Mental Health First Aid

Leaders are at the centre of MHFA’s success. At ATI-Mirage, we emphasise the importance of leadership involvement:

Active participation in training to demonstrate commitment to mental health.
Encouraging open discussions about mental health to create a safe space for all employees.
Modelling supportive behaviours that set the tone for the entire organisation.

When leaders prioritise mental health, it sends a powerful message: mental well-being matters.

Investing in Mental Health for a Productive Future

Transform your workplace with regular mental health first aid training. This isn’t just about skills; it’s about caring for your team, and showing them they matter. When employees feel supported, they thrive—boosting productivity, reducing stress, and creating a happier, healthier environment.

Enrol in our Mental Health First Aid course today. Reach out to ATI-Mirage and start building the supportive, thriving workplace your team needs.

Listening: The Key to Meaningful Conversations on R U OK? Day

Communication is central to all interactions and relationships, and many issues can be resolved by improving how we communicate. This RUOK Day, we want to contribute to the conversation by highlighting the importance of listening.

Often, we put more effort into expressing ourselves or getting our point across, rather than focusing on truly listening to others. Communication, however, is a mutual process of both speaking and listening. Being fully present and attentive when someone shares how they’re feeling is essential for understanding and connection.

On R U OK? Day, the emphasis is on checking in with others by asking the important question, “Are you OK?” But after asking, the next step is even more crucial: listening to the answer. To create a safe space for others to express themselves, it’s important to avoid common blocks to listening.

Here are a few blocks to be mindful of:

Mind Reading

Assuming we know what the other person will say next, instead of listening fully. Even if we think we understand their experience or anticipate what they might share, it’s essential to stay fully present and give them our undivided attention. Every person’s story is unique, and by listening openly, we show respect, empathy, and genuine care.

Rehearsing

Preparing our response while the other person is still speaking, which takes focus away from them. Simply allowing the other person to speak and being comfortable with the possibility of not immediately knowing how to respond shows genuine engagement. It is such a special gift to give someone our full attention, and to offer our time without distraction. Focusing entirely on the other person can be transformative, creating a deeper connection and making them feel valued, heard, and understood.

Advising

Jumping in with solutions instead of simply offering support and understanding. Jumping in with solutions instead of simply offering support and understanding can unintentionally dismiss the other person’s feelings. Even if you have a lived experience that is similar to the one you are hearing, trust that the person you are listening to primarily wants to be heard, not advised. This is their experience – focus on them, listen without judgment, and validate their emotions. Often, people need understanding more than solutions, and just knowing someone is there for them can make all the difference.

By recognising these blocks and working to overcome them, we can improve our listening skills and engage in more meaningful conversations—not just on R U OK? Day, but every day.

Listening isn’t just about hearing; it’s about being present. The act of mindful listening fosters trust, empathy, and mutual respect. On this R U OK? Day, let’s all take a moment to not only ask, “Are you OK?” but to also give our full attention to the answer, ensuring we’re really hearing the message being shared.

Blog written by Beth Nurnberger, ATI-Mirage’s Learning & Development Consultant

Contact us today to learn more about our wellness and communication training courses and how we can help.

The Importance of IT Training Courses in the Workplace

In today’s digital landscape, technology drives business success. Yet many organisations need help keeping pace with rapid technological changes. The solution? Investing in IT training courses for your workforce.

At ATI-Mirage, we’ve seen firsthand how IT training and computer courses transform businesses. The benefits are clear, from boosting productivity to enhancing customer service. Let’s explore why IT training is crucial for your organisation’s growth and success.

The IT Skills Gap: A Growing Challenge

Australian businesses face a significant IT skills shortage. By some estimates, Australia will need an additional 1.3 million tech-savvy workers by 2030 to keep up with developed countries.

This gap hampers productivity and innovation across industries.

This skills gap isn’t just about specialised roles. It affects everyday operations in most businesses. IT skills are now essential across all departments, from data analysis to cybersecurity.

Benefits of IT Training Courses

Investing in IT training courses yields numerous benefits for both employees and organisations.

1. Increased Productivity

IT-savvy employees work more efficiently by automating repetitive tasks and using advanced software features to their full potential. They can also troubleshoot common IT issues on their own, reducing downtime.

This boost in efficiency leads to substantial time and cost savings for your business, making IT training a valuable investment.

2. Improved Problem-Solving Skills

IT training boosts your team’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills, helping them tackle more than just tech challenges.

Computer skills build confidence and efficiency, improving overall work performance. Investing in IT training benefits your team’s success, not just technical tasks.

3. Increased Employee Satisfaction

Employees value opportunities for professional development. IT training courses show your commitment to their growth, boosting job satisfaction and retention rates.

Did you know? Nearly half (45%) of businesses aren’t using their training budget to address skills gaps, jeopardising success and growth.

4. Competitive Edge

IT-proficient staff enable your business to adapt quickly to new technology, implement innovative solutions, and stay ahead of the curve.

IT skills enhance customer experiences, giving your business a competitive edge by ensuring agility and responsiveness.

Types of IT Training Courses

IT training courses come in various formats to suit learning styles and organisational needs:

Instructor-Led In Person Training

These traditional classroom-style courses offer hands-on learning and immediate feedback. They’re ideal for complex topics or team-based learning.

Instructor-Led Online IT Training

Virtual live online instructor-led IT training offers unparalleled flexibility and accessibility, allowing employees to learn from anywhere. This format is ideal for busy professionals and remote teams, ensuring they can enhance their skills without having to travel or leave the comfort of their office or home. Additionally, it provides opportunities for real-time interaction with the instructor, fostering a more engaging learning experience.

Blended Learning

This approach combines online and in-person elements. It offers the best of both worlds: flexibility and personal interaction.

The Rise of Online IT Training

These days, online IT training is becoming a go-to option for organisations wanting to upskill their teams.

It’s flexible, accessible, and offers benefits that traditional classroom learning often can’t match, making it a popular choice for businesses of all sizes.

Why IT Training Online Works

IT training online comes with some great perks:

Convenience: Your team can easily learn, anywhere, fitting courses into their busy lives.
Cost savings: No need to worry about travel or accommodation expenses that come with in-person training.
Scalability: It’s easy to train a large group, no matter where they are.
Consistent learning: Everyone gets the same high-quality training materials, so no one misses out.

Spotlight on Local Opportunities: IT Courses Perth Trusts

We know firsthand that IT skills are in high demand here, and we’re here to help meet that need.

A Local Solution That Works for Your Business

For over 30 years and with 220,000 happy customers, ATI-Mirage has been helping Perth businesses thrive with top-notch IT training and professional development. We understand what local companies need, and our courses are all about practical, hands-on learning that makes a real difference.

Our IT training covers essentials like Microsoft Office, Microsoft 365, Power Platform, and SharePoint. You can select online or in-person training options to suit your team’s preferences while remaining engaged with Perth’s business community.

Tailored Training for Your Organisation

At ATI-Mirage, we know every business is different. That’s why we provide flexible training options tailored to meet your specific needs:

Public courses: Perfect for individuals or small groups.
Customised in-house training: Designed specifically for your organisation.
One-on-one training: Great for specialised needs.

Our trainers combine real-world experience with hands-on exercises, ensuring your team can use its new skills immediately.

How to Get Started with IT Training

Ready to boost your team’s IT skills? Here’s how to get started:

Assess your IT capabilities: Thoroughly audit your team’s technical skills and software proficiency.
Identify skill gaps and training needs: Pinpoint specific areas where team members lack expertise, such as cybersecurity or cloud computing.
Choose the right courses: Select courses or certifications that address the identified gaps, ensuring they align with current projects.
Set clear learning objectives: Define specific goals with measurable milestones, like mastering a new programming language or obtaining a particular certification.
Encourage ongoing learning: Implement regular training sessions and provide opportunities to apply new knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Learn more: Unlocking Career Opportunities With Microsoft 365

Measuring the Impact of IT Training

It’s important to see how your investment in IT training is paying off. Keep an eye on:

Productivity improvements: Are your employees working smarter and faster?
Reduction in IT-related issues: Are tech problems happening less often?
Employee satisfaction: Are your team members feeling more confident and happy?
Customer satisfaction: Are your customers noticing the difference?

Review these metrics regularly to maximise your training investment. ATI-Mirage supports you with quality training, ongoing help, and a 100% guarantee.

The Future of Work is Digital

As the world goes digital, IT skills are crucial for staying competitive. Businesses that invest in IT training now will dominate the future. IT training isn’t just about software; it’s about empowering your team to innovate, excel, and drive success.

Unlock your team’s potential with ATI-Mirage’s IT courses Perth businesses trust. Designed for all skill levels, they will elevate your team’s abilities.

If one of our in-person or online IT courses has piqued your interest, we’d love to chat! Shoot us an email at hello@ati-mirage.com.au or give us a call at (08) 9218 9059. You can also book your place in an upcoming IT training course to get skilled for the new world of work.

What is Mindful Leadership?

As a leader, are you on autopilot, distracted throughout the day and going through the same old routine? What if you were to slow down, increasing your productivity and making stronger relationships? If this appeals to you then perhaps it’s time to engage in mindful leadership.

The concept of mindful leadership includes meeting the needs of yourself, your team and your organisation with presence, emotional flexibility, curiosity and an open mindset. This style of leadership has improved focus, quality relationships, creative thinking and innovation at its core. Slowing down may feel counterproductive, however it can allow you time to see what’s actually happening and allow your leadership intentions to thrive.

Stepping towards mindful leadership

Listen, with the intent to understand.
Often leaders are focused towards the loudest voice, not on the most important. Offering full attention is the key to effective listening and communication. This can be tricky as leaders multitask and juggle conflicting priorities. Listen deeply with the intent to understand. Practice empathy and compassion so that understanding is increased and there is a sense that we are all in this together.

Practice Self Care.
Building a healthy routine that incorporates self-care and mindfulness will allow leaders to work effectively and build skills to execute mindful leadership. Practice mindfulness more informally throughout the day. The in-between moments allow leaders to stay grounded in a busy day and maintain presence. Leaders are encouraged to take their eyes off screens, even for a minute and simply notice, yourself and what’s around you, this is the starting point for mindful awareness.

Approach problems with an open mind.
Leaders that follow a to-do list may be productive however being stuck in the list does not allow room for creativity and innovation. Being flexible and accepting of new information allows ideas to flow. Mindful leaders are open to feedback so that new information can be considered.

Understand your unconscious biases and judgements.
Leaders should start every task with a moment of presence as this will build focused engagement and clarity. Clarity helps leaders to see what is actually there, not what we hoped or expected. Suspending biases and judgements can lead to creative thinking and problem solving as new information is considered.

Mindfulness is a movement gaining momentum, and leaders need to embrace it to be successful in their roles. Mindful leadership involves cultivating focus, reducing stress and anxiety, and building the essential capacity of resilience in yourself, others and the organisation.

How can we help?

If you want to transform your leadership styles and practise mindful leadership, below are some courses that can help you engage in mindful leadership today:

Blog written by Jo Riley | ATI-Mirage’s Lead Consultant PD & Wellness

Good communication starts with self-awareness

Don’t get stuck in the perception that communication is all about what you say. It rarely occurs to people that listening is the most important part of communication. In order to listen deeply to others we must have increased self-awareness that allows for a level of listening that is free from our own assumptions and judgments. It is our own assumptions and judgments that can lead to poor communication outcomes.

What is self-awareness?

By definition, self-awareness is the psychological state of knowing oneself. It is a form of self-reflection that allows us to understand our own relationship between thoughts, feelings, intentions, beliefs, values, assumptions, biases, fears and expectations and how that relates to our reactions and behaviours when responding to others. It forms an understanding of our internal filters and how they affect the way we see and hear others.

It can be common that when we hear something that contradicts our values or interests, we tend to react by becoming defensive which immediately reduces our ability to listen effectively and make choices when we respond. Self-awareness is a skill that can be developed to enhance understanding of your emotional triggers and judgements.

Why does self-awareness lead to better communication?

Self-awareness allows for listening that is free of the assumptions and judgments that compromise healthy communication. Understanding our own filters that color our communication style can allow us the space to decide how to respond to others, with the intention of communicating clearly and with purpose.

Being aware of your communication traits, behaviours and feelings can allow you to catch yourself when you move into a defensive mindset, or become upset with someone. It gives you an understanding of why you feel like you do and allows you to thoughtfully respond rather than react to the situation.

When we react it is based on emotion and defensiveness and our ability to listen is compromised. When we respond our communication can be crafted to become a powerful tool that can facilitate problem solving and emotional connection.

How do I increase my self-awareness?

Create space and time for yourself to self analyse. Use tools such as Extended DISC®* profiling to discover more about your behavioural traits. Process your thoughts through journalling. This allows you time to be reflective and to refer back to previous situations and make comparisons. Asking for feedback from varied sources can also help your self-understanding and identifying areas to further develop. Self-awareness is a skill which requires dedication and practice to improve.

Knowing how self-awareness can affect communication can improve every relationship in your life. It’s incumbent on each of us to listen – deeply listen- to what accumulates and stirs within ourselves to ensure we communicate constructively and in a way that is not influenced by our assumptions and beliefs but is considerate of what the other person is trying to say.

How can we help?

If you want to transform your communication skills, understand your communication styles and increase your self-awareness, join our Communication Skills workshop today.

*Extended DISC® is an assessment tool designed to help individuals, teams and organisations to become more successful by providing accurate respondent information and individual suggestions for appropriate style adaptions in a range of workplace environments and circumstances. The reports provide user friendly information that changes the way individuals communicate, interact and work together.

Blog written by Jo Riley | ATI-Mirage’s Lead Consultant PD & Wellness

Rambo’s favourite features of Microsoft Teams

While delivering a Microsoft Teams course recently, I was asked about my favourite features. I thought this blog would be a great way to share some of the features of this increasingly popular software, so here goes.

My favourite Teams features are:

PowerPoint Live
Whiteboard Templates
The Ranking Poll
Viva Insights

“What are these?” I can hear some of you ask. Read on . . .

PowerPoint Live

This feature allows you to present your slides directly from Microsoft Teams; you don’t have to start PowerPoint, run a Slide Show, and then share your screen. The main advantage is that it is all contained within your Teams Meeting window, where you can see:

your audience (with cameras on),
the chat window,
the slide that you are currently presenting
your speaker’s notes for that slide
thumbnails of subsequent slides

You don’t have to keep moving your head from one screen to another; you can look straight at your audience, seeing exactly what they are seeing and your memory joggers on your speaker’s notes. You then have the choice of which slides to show next, allowing you to be more flexible with your presentation, and skip certain slides if you are running behind.

Many a time, I have run virtual workshops straight from my laptop, without a second screen; PowerPoint Live makes it a seamless and easy task.

Apart from being great for the presenter, PowerPoint Live also enhances the experience of the attendees with features such as slide translation and subtitles translation. There is currently a good selection of languages available for a one-click translation. So, you could be presenting your slides written in English, and have someone in France seeing your slides in French, and someone in Spain, seeing them in Spanish. Other languages currently supported include Chinese, Italian, German, Indonesian, Japanese and many more, with even more under development.

Whiteboard Templates

A virtual whiteboard is a feature available in several online meeting tools, whereby the presenter can display a whiteboard and write on it. If presenting through a tablet with a stylus, the writing and viewing experience can be as good as the physical whiteboard. Presenters can also allow virtual attendees to write on the whiteboard, thus fostering collaboration and teamwork for problem-solving, brainstorming, ideation, etc.

Microsoft Teams takes this feature to the next level with a wide variety of whiteboard templates that allows for more focused and directed collaboration. Anyone who has tried to use the normal virtual whiteboard with more than 2 other people at the same time can attest to the chaos that results on the screen, and the need for better coordination and defined areas for input by each person. This is where a template is very useful; it guides participants as to exactly where and what details are required.

Over 50 templates are currently available, and they are categorised into: Brainstorming, Problem-Solving, Strategy, Project Planning, Design & Research, Workshops and so on. Here you will discover old favourites such as SWOT, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Pros & Cons, SMART etc.

Some of the templates that I use for collaboration, problem-solving, debrief or team-building include Cause & Effect Diagrams, Stop-Start-Continue, Two Truths & a Lie, Empathy Maps and the Sailboat. And I have created my own Six-Hats template.

Ranking Poll

Polling is another feature available in several online meeting tools. This one allows the presenter to quickly ask questions to the audience and easily capture, collate and present the results of these questions.

Most of the tools offer only a multiple-choice poll type. Microsoft Teams offers other types such as Word Cloud, Rating and Ranking. The latter was only released in Aug 2022 and is my favourite as it allows participants to rank a list of items in order of their preference. This is much more useful in certain settings where a single or multiple-choice is too restrictive. Examples where I have used Ranking Polls include: a list of Values statements, a list of Reward options, favourite dishes or drinks, a list of Emotional Triggers, and a list of Procrastination Behaviours.

Viva Insights

This little add-on is a great tool to help anyone create balance in their life. It provides a wide variety of tools such as creating focus times, mindfulness activities, scheduling downtimes, reminders for sending Praise Badges (another little gem in Teams), etc. Plus, it can send you daily emails summarising tasks coming up, emails to follow up, etc. You can think of Viva Insight as your own Personal Assistant, helping you stay on top of your work, whilst looking after your well-being.

It can also help you with your meeting habits, by providing insightful stats about your past meeting behaviours such as how many meetings you organised, how many you were invited to, how long they lasted, how many were virtual, etc. As most of you probably experience, meetings can be such a drain on your energy and your time, and any data to help improve your habits and behaviour in this area is very insightful.

And the Inspiration Library of Viva Insights is chock-full of Harvard Business Review and other articles on Well-being, Culture, Resilience and Impact. I highly recommend the following: Rediscover Joy at Work, 5 Practices to make your Virtual Workplace Inclusive, How to say No after saying Yes, and 4 Ways to spark Creativity when feeling Stressed.

Do try some of these Microsoft Teams features and drop us a note about how much you enjoyed them and the difference they are making in your work life.

Interested in knowing more about Microsoft Teams?

If you want to learn more about this popular collaboration tool, join our Microsoft Teams workshops – click here for more details.

Blog written by Dr Rambo Ramdianee | ATI-Mirage’s Senior Consultant – IT & PD