Finding meaningful work

What do a fish factory, call centre and State Government administrative body have in common? They helped shape Alex Zheng into the dedicated employee he is today. Alex’s path to the Workplace Injury Commission was varied, and his experiences in these workplaces gave him a unique set of skills. Most importantly, they led Alex to a career where he knows his efforts count.

“I wanted to make a change”, Alex says. “I was looking for a role that was more meaningful, and gave me more purpose. These are the reasons why I came to the Workplace Injury Commission.”

Now, as a Client Services Officer, Alex is proud of his contribution to helping Victorians find a way forward. Having been raised in Melbourne, Alex has an even greater connection to what he does, whether he’s speaking to an injured worker on the phone or ensuring our administration processes are running smoothly. No matter your role at the Workplace Injury Commission, Alex says his colleagues are united in their purpose.

“We actually make an impact on our clients’ lives. This may be a job to us, but it’s their 24/7. What drives you here is knowing we’re all working towards the same goal of helping injured workers resolve their disputes, and being proud of the fact that we’ve made a positive contribution to our clients.”

Great care and expertise

For Alex, no week at the Workplace Injury Commission is the same. Most days he’s working alongside his team in Client Services, but his role also focuses on switchboard, registration or other operational needs of the organisation. Other days he will fill in a Senior Technical Officer and provide a technical consideration to new matters. Alex says he enjoys the opportunity to branch out into other areas of WIC.

“It challenges elements of me. I like that I’m not doing the same tasks every day, and it helps break up the workweek.”

If you contact WIC about a dispute, Alex is often the friendly voice answering your call. A large part of his role is helping our clients start on the right foot of their path to conciliation. While most people don’t know about WIC until they need us, Alex says that first phone call is the moment we become integral to their WorkCover journey.

“I have these chats with people, and they can be very confused with the WorkCover scheme. We talk about their options, and they walk away with a much better understanding of the process.”

Sometimes, these conversations can be challenging. Our clients are often dealing with difficult circumstances and need real support. Alex says it’s important to bring compassion to every interaction at the Workplace Injury Commission.

“Overall, you need to be empathetic. When they talk to us, they give us their heart and soul because they can be at the end of their rope. Having empathy helps you understand them and want to help them, and it makes a big difference to how they will feel about the whole experience.”

And when the going gets tough, Alex doesn’t have to go far to find a listening ear and helping hand.

“My peers in Client Services are who I turn to for support. We understand where each other are coming from, and it’s great to have them to talk to.”

Rewarded for his contribution

At the Workplace Injury Commission, we pride ourselves on the various ways we reward our hardworking people. When you join us, you will have access to allowances and reimbursements for study, wellbeing, and home-office working. And with progressive options for time off, such as leave for infectious disease, family violence, IVF and voluntary community service, we’re committed to empowering you to be your best self at work, and at home.

As a Dad to a two-year-old, flexibility is especially important to Alex. At the Workplace Injury Commission he doesn’t feel he has to choose between a fulfilling career and time with his family.

“I don’t have an overwhelming workload or feel pressured to work on the weekends. That’s certainly not the culture here. I have no issues taking leave when I need to care for my son or things like that. That’s a really great element of the job.”

With meaningful work and the support to thrive, Alex believes there’s never been a better time to join the Workplace Injury Commission. Our service is expanding to include arbitration as an alternative to court proceedings, and Alex is eager to grow with us.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunities and to see how I can develop on a professional level. With new people coming on board, it’s exciting to see what skillsets they can bring to the Workplace Injury Commission as we introduce arbitration. Now is the time.”