Question 1

I hear you offer free one-on-one support?

Accepted Answer

I do offer individual sessions (https://worksense.nz/guidance-sessions/individuals)and your first session is always free.

Most people use them for specific advice, reflection time, action planning or further support. My expertise leans towards employment advice and worker engagement, participation and representation, but I'm able to guide your approach to other issues and tools.

I hold a Mentoring and Supervision micro-credential from the NZ Coaching and Mentoring Centre. My goal is always to help you build your skills to create a healthier, safer and better working life.

I'm a member of NZISM (https://www.nzism.org/about1/)but I am not a Health and Safety consultant. Your PCBU/employer can use the HASANZ (https://www.hasanz.org.nz/find-an-adviser)register to find an a qualified expert to get advice on specific matters.

Question 2

How do I check if my computer can Zoom?

Accepted Answer

Make a test call (https://zoom.us/test)from the computer you'll be using for the workshop (don't worry, you won't call a real person). Try to make this call from the physical space you'll be in during our session, so you can test your internet connection speeds as well.

If you're having problems with a work computer or work account please ask your IT team for help. Your work device/account may have security settings that prevents you downloading Zoom or even joining a call.

You can join from a desktop browser (e.g., chrome, firefox, edge) but for accessibility and better connectivity you'll probably want to download and install Zoom.(https://zoom.us/download) (If you're on Windows, the 64bit version is fine. If you're on Apple, be aware that there's an extra security step before you can screen-share.) You'll only need a free account. Please make sure your Zoom name is clear enough for me to know who's joining the call.

On Mobile? You can only join Zoom calls through the Zoom app (not mobile browser).

Nervous? Book a pre-workshop support session (https://worksense.nz/home/allservices/booksupport#before)with me to learn Zoom and get to know me first.

Question 3

Can we use another video-calling platform instead?

Accepted Answer

If Zoom won't work for you, you can send me your own calendar invite to your preferred platform once you've booked your session.

Send me a message (https://www.worksense.nz/about/message)to make sure I know why you're doing it and so I can look out for your invite :)

Your booking will probably still have a Zoom link, but I'll meet you at your cyberplace instead.

Question 4

How do your mentoring or supervision arrangements work?

Accepted Answer

In short, they work however you need them to work because the arrangement will be built around what works for you :) I offer these fully confidential and supportive processes to help you be more competent, confident and capable.

Good workplaces have external supervision or mentoring as part of their staff development, accountability and wellbeing frameworks, alongside managerial and internal practice support.  Using an external supervisor/mentor like me allows you to be completely candid as you explore your practice, ethics and needs. Your employment agreement or workplace policies might include options for external support like supervision or mentoring.

Given the context, I'm comfortable with using the terms interchangeably for what I offer. It's up to you how we define our sessions. Most people I work with define them something like this:

Mentoring: 
These are usually person-based discussions, helping you establish and maintain a good working life. We might focus on  
- affirming your identity and mentally healthy work needs
- setting and reviewing healthful work boundaries 
- dealing with workplace politics: e.g., conflict or isolation
- exploring and activating your development goals

Supervision
These are usually practice-based discussions, often using the standards/policies that apply to your role and workplace or guidance from relevant professional bodies. For example: 
- being an effective and ethical representative and advocate 
- reaching sustainable agreements in employment contexts
- building worker engagement, participation and representation 
- good workplace health & safety risk management

Note: while I hold the skills to have supervision-style practice discussions in my areas of expertise, I can't meet the clinical/practice supervision requirements of registration bodies like nursing, social work or counselling.

I also bring 
- work-related literacy coaching skills  
- solid adult education and facilitation skills (especially online)
- lived experience of disability and a passion for our rights

Question 5

Who pays for my session and when?

Accepted Answer

If you want your employer to pay your invoice (and your time) please get their approval before booking. If you use Purchase Orders, there's space to add your purchase order number when you book.

I usually send invoices after our session.

Most people forward their invoices through to their manager or finance team for payment if they have approval to do so. If you're flush with cash, you're welcome to pay upfront and seek reimbursement after. It's your call.

If you're self-employed or not in paid work at the moment, you'll need to pay your own invoice.  I'm always happy to negotiate rates if you're on a low income.

You'll get an automated reminder for unpaid invoices so you can follow up. It can take me a couple of days to reconcile payments. I'll let you know when your invoice is paid.

Question 6

Where's my invoice?

Accepted Answer

I usually send invoices after our sessions. Have you checked your spam/junk folders?

Please send me a message.(www.worksense.nz/about/message) If you're using a work email address with tight security settings, please include your personal email address. I'll re-send your invoice to both addresses.

Thanks for following up :)

Question 7

Why don't you charge GST?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is: because I don't need to, yet.

Unless my projected income reaches $60,000 per year I don't have to gather our 15% goods and services tax (GST). I'm well short of that cap. While I'd be delighted to get to a point where I'm charging GST, my intention is to live simply and make a living wage.(https://www.livingwage.org.nz/)

Question 8

My employer needs proof I attended my session

Accepted Answer

If you attended a training workshop, you'll get a congratulatory email confirming your attendance and what this means for you and your workplace.  You can forward that through to your employer and team.

For all other sessions you could use your invoice as proof or, if that's not enough, send me a message.(www.worksense.nz/about/message) I'll send you an email you can forward through to your employer.

Question 9

I didn't receive my reset password link?

Accepted Answer

Please check your junk mail folder. Add the domain "site-members.com" ("site-members.com")to your safe senders list.

Here's some tips on how to do that.(https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/block-or-allow-junk-email-settings-48c9f6f7-2309-4f95-9a4d-de987e880e46) 
If you're on a work computer these settings might not be available to you. Maybe we should switch your booking to a personal email address? Send me a message (https://www.worksense.nz/home/allservices/message)with both email addresses and ask me to change your bookings/login email address.