Episode 41: Wellbeing from a senior leader’s perspective
Mar 17, 2024
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Hugh Goddard, Managing Director at Pipeline & Civil, champions a people-first culture in construction. He discusses how senior leaders can drive a wellbeing-focused environment and the importance of their visibility in enhancing team dynamics. The conversation touches on the mental health challenges within the industry, urging leaders to normalize discussions around these issues. Goddard shares personal experiences and strategies to align employee wellbeing with organizational success, advocating for psychological safety and open dialogue throughout the workplace.
Senior leaders play a crucial role in fostering employee wellbeing by embodying a people-first culture that enhances morale and productivity.
The construction industry faces unique challenges impacting mental health, necessitating a collaborative effort to create a supportive work culture.
Deep dives
Leadership's Role in Wellbeing
Wellbeing in an organization is fundamentally influenced by senior leadership's commitment and engagement. Leaders are urged to embrace and champion a people-first culture, which can directly impact employee morale and productivity. The episode features insights from Hugh Goddard, who emphasizes the significant influence senior leaders have in promoting wellbeing discussions and initiatives. By adopting this mindset, leaders can foster a supportive environment that not only prioritizes employee welfare but also drives business success.
Challenges in the Construction Sector
The construction industry faces numerous challenges that impact workers' mental health and wellbeing, including high-pressure work environments and financial constraints. Cost-cutting measures often lead to stress and anxiety among employees, evidenced by troubling mental health statistics within the industry. Goddard discusses these pressures and the confrontational nature of the sector that can exacerbate these issues. Addressing these challenges requires cooperation across the supply chain and a collective effort to create a work culture conducive to wellbeing.
Normalizing Mental Health Conversations
One pivotal moment highlighted in the discussion is the importance of normalizing conversations around mental health within the workplace. Goddard recounts how bringing in a successful UFC fighter to share his own mental health journey helped bridge the gap of openness among team members. This initiative encouraged employees to express their struggles and fostered a greater sense of community and support within the organization. By shifting perceptions and breaking down stigmas, organizations can create an environment where individuals feel comfortable addressing their mental health challenges.
Integrating Wellbeing and Business Performance
The conversation underscores the essential link between employee wellbeing and overall business performance, arguing that both should be viewed as interconnected rather than separate priorities. Enhancing wellbeing contributes to a more engaged and productive workforce, ultimately benefiting operational outcomes. Goddard suggests that organizations should move beyond superficial wellbeing initiatives and focus on integrating wellbeing into the core of work design and culture. This approach will help ensure the sustainability and success of both employees and the organization.
Wellbeing starts at the top of an organisation, which means we need senior leaders to be committed and engaged. So how can you influence leaders in your workplace? In this episode, we talk to a leader who is more than walking the talk. Hugh Goddard, Managing Director at Pipeline & Civil, is a role model for embracing and leading a people-first culture. We’ll talk about the role of senior leaders in being a champion for wellbeing and we’ll explore how wellbeing advocates can influence up. We’ll also look at some of the challenges of wellbeing in the construction sector and how Hugh has tackled these head-on.
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