A simple idea centred on human connection has earned the EMR team first place in Northern Health’s Small Steps, Well Teams Competition, held to mark R U OK? Day.
Developed by the EMR team, CONNECT 4 encourages meaningful conversations, practical support and recognition between colleagues during the busyness of everyday work. What began as a team wellbeing initiative soon expanded across Digital Health, CLEO and Public Affairs, bringing colleagues together in new and unexpected ways.
The philosophy behind CONNECT 4 is simple:
“Wellbeing doesn’t need another meeting. Sometimes it just needs five minutes and someone willing to connect.”
Participants received a CONNECT 4 card and were challenged to complete four small but meaningful actions with different colleagues, ideally people they did not usually work closely with:
- Check in: Ask someone how they are going and genuinely listen.
- Connect: Share a coffee, conversation, walk or virtual catch-up.
- Shout out: Recognise or thank someone for something they have done.
- Lend a hand: Offer practical support during a busy day.
“The goal was not simply to tick four boxes. It was to encourage colleagues to step outside their usual work circles, build new relationships and take the time to notice and support the people around them,” said Soha Henry, EMR Medications Analyst/Pharmacist.
“To add an element of fun, the team introduced a Lucky Dip Box. After completing CONNECT 4, participants could select a surprise challenge involving another small act of kindness or connection,” she added.
Challenges included recognising an unsung hero, checking in with someone they had not spoken to recently, sharing a treat, helping a colleague or leaving a thank-you message for one of Northern Health’s often-unseen contributors, such as our after-hours cleaning staff.
The initiative responded to a challenge experienced by many teams. In busy environments shaped by projects, competing priorities, meetings and hybrid working arrangements, meaningful connection can sometimes be overlooked. CONNECT 4 created opportunities for people to pause, listen, recognise one another and offer support.
By encouraging conversations across teams, the initiative also helped strengthen relationships between colleagues who may rarely have the opportunity to connect in their day-to-day work. Participants reported feeling more visible, valued and connected to those around them.
“The strength of CONNECT 4 lies in its simplicity. The four actions require no significant budget, dedicated wellbeing event or additional meetings. Most take only a few minutes, yet they can have a lasting impact on a person’s sense of belonging and wellbeing,” said Terri Fiorenza, Director, EMR.
“The EMR team sees CONNECT 4 as more than a one-off R U OK? Day activity. Plans are underway to continue the initiative through cross-team coffee catch-ups, informal check-ins, colleague shout-outs and the ongoing recognition of small acts of support and kindness.”
As the winning entry in the Small Steps, Well Teams Competition, CONNECT 4 demonstrates that meaningful wellbeing initiatives do not always need to be large or complex. Sometimes, checking in, lending a hand, recognising a colleague or taking a few minutes to connect can make a genuine difference.
Congratulations and thank you to Terri Fiorenza, Soha Henry and the EMR team for their commitment to strengthening workplace connection, recognition and team support through CONNECT 4.
Northern Health also acknowledges all teams that entered the Small Steps, Well Teams Competition and encourages them to continue building on the important work already underway to support workforce wellbeing:
- Allied Health, Craigieburn Community Hospital
- Allied Health Education
- Allied Health
- Broadmeadows Hospital Unit 3 GEM
- BIPU
- Caladenia Nursing Home
- Craigieburn Dialysis
- Division of Medicine
- Emergency Department
- Emergency Mental Health
- HARP, 230 Cooper Street
- HARP
- Health Information and Revenue Services
- Infection Prevention Team
- Mental Health HIS Team
- Mernda Mental Health Team
- Nursing and Midwifery Education
- Occupational Therapy, Broadmeadows Hospital
- Palliative Care
- Physiotherapy
- Spiritual Care
- Virtual Health Division
Every small action helps create a workplace where our people feel supported, valued and connected, bringing our values of Safe, Kind, Together to life.
Pictured in the featured image (L-R): Terri Fiorenza, Director, EMR and Soha Henry, EMR Medications Analyst/Pharmacist.