Hey Learners,
This week, you’ll discover the importance of self-advocacy in the workplace. Knowing how to speak up, set boundaries, and ask for what you need can make a big difference in your job satisfaction, wellbeing, and long-term success.
Just this year, we’ve seen a number of real-world examples that highlight the importance of self-advocacy. For instance, in Queensland, more than 50,000 school teachers went on strike on Wednesday, 6 August, due to stalled negotiations over pay and working conditions. Many educators expressed concerns about unrealistic workloads, lack of resources, and not feeling respected in their roles.
Around the end of January, around 200 psychiatrists left NSW public health systems, because they claimed the working conditions, such as inadequate staffing, long hours, and a lack of support, were unsustainable.
These situations show that no matter your profession, it’s essential to speak up when conditions are not meeting your needs or when your contributions aren’t being valued.
Self-advocacy is the practice of understanding your rights, communicating your needs clearly, and seeking the support or resources you need to do your job effectively. It’s a proactive approach that empowers you to take charge of your career and ensure you’re working in a way that supports your growth and wellbeing.
Some key strategies for self-advocacy include:
- Researching your rights and asking questions to understand what is expected of you
- Raising concerns early and in a respectful way
- Building relationships with mentors or professional groups
- Keeping a record of challenges you face
- Staying informed about industry standards and best practices
The ability to advocate for yourself is a vital skill that can make a real difference in your professional growth. When working in your field, you may find yourself in an environment where your needs and concerns are overlooked. By learning to speak up, you can help create more supportive and sustainable workplaces for yourself and others.
We encourage you to reflect on how you can develop these skills in your own journey.
Happy Friday!
