Goodyear Autocare Echuca and Moama owner Jarrod Thomas has a listening ear for his staff any time they need it.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Goodyear Autocare Echuca and Moama owner Jarrod Thomas always has a listening ear for his staff.
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Jarrod, like many others in the Echuca-Moama community and beyond, has seen the flow-on and fall-out left behind when someone takes their own life.
“Mental health has got to be talked about, whether it is Men’s Health Week or raising awareness about prostate or breast cancer, I think it is all-important,” he said.
“The stigma is still there that men don’t share their problems with their mates because they feel like they are a bit weak if they do speak, that old saying.
“And I don’t know how we change it or what we do in a community like Echuca.
“There certainly has to be more out there, but how we deal with it as a society and as business owners, mates, and family members can start with looking out for one another in the workplace.’’
To help check in on each other, Goodyear Autocare Echuca and Moama staff have a toolbox talk each day, but it is less about the toolbox and more about the staff around it.
“It is more a general chat, just talking with one another and making sure everyone is okay,’’ Jarrod said.
“Not everyone is receptive to it; some people are a bit quiet, and they don’t want people to know what they get up to in their personal lives in a work environment.
“But we are sort of pretty close, a lot of us do share.’’
After being in the industry for 32 years, with the past two-and-a-half years as owner of Goodyear Autocare Echuca and Moama, Jarrod treats his team like he would like to be treated.
“It is how I want to be spoken to and how I would want to be respected,” he said.
“I think that is what makes me a little bit more successful with my staff, trying to keep a harmonious workplace because it is hard.
Jarrod said it was vital to be supportive, listen and be there when staff need it, but also to know when not to offer advice.
Goodyear Autocare Echuca and Moama owner Jarrod Thomas.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Jarrod, like most others, can only offer help based on their background and experiences, helping guide them down a path where they do not have any silly thoughts.
“I try to be focused on what they are trying to achieve out of life and be a mentor for them,’’ he said.
“And sometimes all that is needed is a shoulder to lean on and a sounding board to listen.
“I am always a happy-go-lucky bloke, and people know they will get good service from me, and I am trying to stem that back into my staff.
Ninety-nine per cent of the feedback Jarrod gets is positive, which he thinks shows that he has formatted an excellent culture at Goodyear Autocare Echuca and Goodyear Autocare Moama.
Visit Jarrod Thomas and his team at Goodyear Autocare Echuca, 595 High St, Echuca or Goodyear Autocare Moama, 17 Meninya St, Moama.
If you or anyone you know is struggling, contact Lifeline on 131 114.
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