Lysander leads cultural shift in construction industry with M80 Ring Road Project
A groundbreaking collaboration has been announced between the M80 Ring Road Alliance and Lysander, signalling a transformative approach to the delivery of major infrastructure projects in Victoria. The partnership will support the delivery of Melbourne’s M80 Ring Road Completion, delivering a major upgrade between Plenty Road and the new North East Link tunnel entrance at Watsonia in Melbourne’s north east.
A New Era in Infrastructure Development
The M80 Ring Road project is being delivered by an Alliance comprising ACCIONA, MACA Civil, and AECOM, for the Victorian Government. The project is not just an engineering feat but also a milestone in workforce management and wellbeing. Spanning five years, this initiative is set to revolutionise the way large-scale projects are approached, particularly in addressing the mental health and wellbeing of the workforce.
Pioneering a Holistic Approach
Recognising the historically high levels of burnout and mental health issues in such projects, the M80 Ring Road Alliance has joined forces with Lysander to develop the "Healthy, Happy, Hyped" program. This innovative approach aims to create a work environment where team members’ wellbeing, leadership development, and inclusivity are paramount.
Key Focus Areas of the Program:
The "Healthy, Happy, Hyped" program, meticulously crafted by Lysander in collaboration with the M80 Ring Road Alliance, encapsulates an integrated, holistic approach, targeting key areas vital to both the project's success and the enrichment of its workforce.
Cohesion and Clarity: Ensuring team unity within the M80 Ring Road Alliance Management Team. By fostering a shared vision and clear values, Lysander aims to create an environment where every team member is aligned and committed to the project's objectives.
Psychological Safety: Acknowledging the high-stress nature of large-scale projects, a major focus is placed on risk management by cultivating a workplace where mental wellbeing is a priority. This involves creating an environment where employees feel safe to voice concerns and challenges, ensuring a psychologically healthy workplace.
Culture and Talent Retention: Central to the program's success is the development of a positive and nurturing team culture. This focus area is dedicated to attracting skilled talent and retaining them by ensuring a supportive and fulfilling work environment.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Recognising the value of a diverse workforce, one of the areas of focus is creating opportunities for women in construction - efforts are directed towards empowering and equipping women for leadership roles, thereby fostering a culture of equality and respect.
Inclusive High-Performance Teams: The project aims to establish an inclusive workplace that values and leverages the diversity of its team, ensuring that every member, regardless of background, can contribute effectively and feel valued.
Empowering Leadership: A key aspect of Lysander's approach is to equip individuals with the skills and mindset necessary for transformative leadership. This involves nurturing the potential of each team member, enabling them to excel not just in their current roles but also in their future endeavours.
Capability Development: Recognising the rapidly evolving nature of the construction industry, the program emphasises continuous learning and skill enhancement across all team levels, ensuring that the workforce is well-equipped to meet the demands of today and tomorrow.
Evidence-Based Approach
Underpinning this collaboration is a 2018 Wellness Survey by Professors Luke Downey and Con Stough from Swinburne University, highlighting that the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in Australia’s infrastructure construction industry exceeded the national average by a staggering 37%. These alarming figures not only underscore the urgency of addressing mental health in the workplace but also provide a critical benchmark for the project. Armed with this data, Lysander is poised to implement targeted interventions, enabling them to effectively monitor progress and adapt strategies to enhance mental wellbeing throughout the lifespan of the M80 Ring Road project. By focusing on these key health indicators, the team aims to significantly improve the work environment, ensuring a healthier, more resilient workforce, and setting a new standard for the industry.
Transforming Industry Standards
Lysander's involvement in this historic project marks a significant step towards changing the landscape of the construction and infrastructure industry. By prioritising mental health and creating a supportive work environment, the project not only aims to complete a vital infrastructure link but also to set a new standard for employee wellbeing in the construction and infrastructure industry.
A Legacy of Leadership and Transformation
Since 2001, Lysander has been at the forefront of leadership development and cultural transformation. Their expertise in these areas is a cornerstone of this collaboration, promising a future where infrastructure projects are synonymous with positive work environments and holistic employee wellbeing.
This collaboration between the M80 Ring Road Alliance and Lysander on the project is not just about connecting roads, but also about connecting people to a healthier, more inclusive, and productive workplace. As work progresses, it sets a precedent for future projects in Victoria and beyond, showcasing how infrastructure development can go hand in hand with the advancement of workplace wellness and culture.
For more information about the M80 Ring Road project visit https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/roads/m80-ring-road-completion