Stefan's Story

Despite his concerns about becoming anxious and having panic attacks, Stefan hoped to get a job he could progress in. When thinking about employment, Stefan was worried about disclosing his mental health challenges and employers not being supportive.

His expectations of an employer were to have a workplace where he could have an open conversation about his working hours, and a place where he could be provided with good training opportunities and feedback. This was something that had been lacking in his previous roles.

Having clear employer expectations

Stefan had been unemployed for nine months before coming to Workwise in mid-2021. He had previously worked in local government and had extensive customer service and relationship management experience, along with administrative skills.

At the time that Workwise’s employment consultant started working with him, Stefan was motivated and very personable. After completing a return-to-work assessment, they discussed disclosing Stefan’s anxiety and depression to future employers and drafted a letter of disclosure. They developed an employment plan which included updating Stefan’s CV and job searching for administration, customer service and council roles.

As part of the application process, the employment consultant supported Stefan in writing cover letters. They provided feedback and moral support and assisted with his interview preparation. Together they identified key employers to be considered. As a result of Stefan’s hard work, he successfully gained a job in the field that he wanted.

Once Stefan started in his new role, the employment consultant continued to provide in work support. This included:

• checking that Stefan was ready in the mornings during his first week of work
• ensuring that Stefan advised Work and Income when he gained employment, and that he understood the impact on his benefit, and
• discussing a wellness plan for Stefan and how he could manage his anxiety, identifying which co-workers he could turn to with questions.

Stefan made a plan to ask his supervisor about receiving positive feedback.

Finding positivity and confidence

The employment consultant updated Stefan’s care manager about his employment journey and the support that was being provided.

“I am proud of Stefan taking charge of his own employment journey despite his anxieties. I can really see the difference in his confidence.” Stefan’s employment consultant observed.

The employment consultant kept in touch with Stefan, at first daily, and then once a week. Once he was comfortable in his role, their contact became less frequent. After some time, Stefan received a promotion at which time the employment consultant stepped back in with additional support until he felt settled in his new role.

Stefan is now more confident in asking for things from his boss. Along with a salary increase, the new role has brought increased responsibilities.

Stefan has set himself some new goals, one of which is maintaining his role. Another goal is about having work-life balance, including socialising and exercise.

“I was nervous about getting back into work after a long period of illness. I was very fatigued and had some self-doubt. In engaging with Workwise they provided a great deal of support. I felt listened to and they gave me lots of encouragement and positive reinforcement.”

I found a job! In the last eight months I take pride in the fact I get up every morning to go to work. It’s not always easy but I do it. My employment consultant and mental health key worker were in regular contact with me and offered to step in if anything got too much. I will always be thankful.

* Name has been changed to protect privacy.