Ep.3 Dr Jacqui Wilmshurst - Consultant & Psychologist, Former Head of Wellbeing at Tik Tok
Apr 24, 2023
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Dr. Jacqui Wilmshurst is a consultant and psychologist with a military background and notable experience as TikTok's global head of wellbeing. She discusses her unique career path, from helicopter pilot training to enhancing mental health in tech. Dr. Wilmshurst emphasizes the vital role of psychological safety and tailored mental health strategies in high-pressure workplaces. She also highlights the power of diverse thinking and empathy in leadership, showcasing how proactive approaches can significantly enhance employee wellbeing.
Dr. Jacqui Wilmshurst's diverse career, spanning military service to psychological leadership, shapes her holistic approach to workplace wellbeing.
She emphasizes the urgent need for organizations to integrate psychological health into their core operations rather than treating it as an add-on.
Wilmshurst argues that promoting diversity within wellbeing initiatives is crucial for developing innovative solutions that address employee mental health challenges.
Deep dives
Background and Journey to Wellbeing
Dr. Jackie Wilmshurst shares her diverse background, which includes military service, training as a helicopter pilot, and academic achievements in psychology. Her experience in learning and development within the military has significantly influenced her approach to workplace wellbeing. She emphasizes the importance of understanding psychological resilience, particularly in high-risk environments like conflict and post-disaster zones. This range of experiences laid the foundation for her passion for enhancing psychological health and safety in organizational settings.
Transitioning to Wellbeing Roles
After her time in academia focused on resilience research, Wilmshurst transitioned into various roles with organizations like the BBC and Facebook, where she encountered psychological health as a critical factor in employee wellbeing. Initially entering learning and development, she was drawn into wellbeing leadership due to her expertise in managing psychological risks that emerged from high-pressure job roles. One of her pivotal experiences was recognizing that content moderators faced significant psychological trauma from their work despite being physically safe. This realization pushed her to advocate for a more comprehensive approach to mental health within organizations.
The Need for Strategic Wellbeing Initiatives
Wilmshurst identifies a critical need for workplaces to adopt a more strategic and integrated approach to wellbeing that goes beyond traditional benefits and packages. She argues that many organizations view wellbeing as an add-on rather than a core aspect of their operations, leading to ineffective initiatives. There is an urgent necessity for comprehensive risk assessments that consider psychological health in the same way as physical safety. By adopting a systems-thinking mentality, organizations can innovate and implement more effective psychological safety measures that benefit all employees.
Current Trends and Leaders' Responsibilities
The conversation highlights an increasing understanding among leaders of the significance of mental health in the workforce, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Wilmshurst observes that as wellbeing becomes a more prominent topic, leaders are encouraged to address it with transparency and sincerity, shifting workplace culture towards recognizing mental health needs. However, she cautions against leaders who may overextend their enthusiasm, potentially leading to initiatives that lack proper oversight and expertise in psychological safety. This balance is essential for fostering a proactive and supportive environment for employee wellbeing.
The Call for Diverse Perspectives in Wellbeing
Promoting diversity and inclusion within wellbeing initiatives is critical to their success, according to Wilmshurst. The future of workplace wellbeing hinges on incorporating a variety of perspectives and experiences, making it all the more vital to engage with professionals from diverse backgrounds. This diversity fosters innovative approaches to understanding and addressing employee wellbeing challenges. As the field evolves, there is a call for professionals with different skills and experiences, including those from the military and academia, to influence how organizations structure their wellbeing strategies.
In this episode we speak to Dr Jacqui Wilmshurt. We cover everything from Jacqui's career in the military (and training to be a helicopter pilot) to her position as a global head of wellbeing for TikTok.
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