Supporting workers during crises: Viva Energy

A worker at Viva Energy – one of Australia’s largest energy companies – asked their line manager for help to manage a challenging and unsafe home environment.  

Viva Energy responded in line with its family and domestic leave policy, which provides extensive support for workers including: 

• additional paid leave, e.g. to attend legal appointments 
• financial support, e.g. for a rental bond or to pay legal fees 
• support to transition back to work when ready 
• the option of flexible work hours.  

“It’s important to recognise every case is different and needs to be supported in a bespoke way by well-prepared and trained leaders.” Jessie Lyons, Organisational Development Manager 

Viva Energy identified some lessons for others: 

• Have a family and domestic leave policy that includes elements such as additional leave, financial support and flexible return-to-work arrangements.  
• Train and support leaders, so they know what help is available for workers experiencing challenging issues (Viva Energy's managers undertook Black Dog Institute manager training).  
• Act quickly to keep workers safe.  
• Have a communication plan so workers and their managers are clear about how and when they will be in contact during leave.  
• Have the right resources, including a detailed checklist that ensures managers ask the right questions and provide the necessary support internally and externally.