Five to Thrive: The Science of Effective Workplace Relationships

Overview

🕮 Off the shelf (OTS)

Public service professionals in leadership, HR, inclusion, team or workforce development and frontline roles. Strong working relationships are the foundation of high-performing teams. They promote creativity, shared purpose, and the confidence to challenge and grow together. Yet where teams often operate under pressure - relationship challenges can lead to disengagement, miscommunication, and burnout.

Grounded in the evidence-based Five to Thrive model, this course integrates key concepts from attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology, and trauma-informed practice. It draws on the science of human connection, recognising that the brain is a social organ and that relational safety is fundamental to optimal functioning at work.

Participants will explore the essential conditions for connected, co-regulating relationships - respond, engage, relax, play, and talk - and how these elements support relationship-centred practice, team cohesion, a sense of belonging, psychological safety, and resilience. Practical workplace scenarios will help embed these foundations in everyday leadership, collaboration, and communication.
Through a blend of theory, peer learning, and structured reflection, the course creates space to reconnect with relational public service, while equipping staff and leaders with tools to support healthier, more effective relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and the public.

This course supports development across the Civil Service Success Profiles, particularly in:
•Communicating and Influencing
•Working Together
•Developing Self and Others
This training can be delivered in person or online, with four format options to suit your needs:-
•Full day in-person and virtual learning options provide opportunities for group discussion, application to context, and reflection on daily practice.
•Half day in-person and virtual learning options provide opportunities for group discussion and reflection on daily practice.
•Two hour in-person option is ideal for team building/awaydays and promotes awareness, engagement and reflection.
•The 90minute webinar (virtual) option is ideal for building awareness and introducing key concepts.