Ep. 7 Chris Jones - Safety & Wellbeing officer for DOC in New Zealand
Jun 29, 2023
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Chris Jones, the chief safety and wellbeing officer for New Zealand's Department of Corrections, discusses the vital link between organizational safety and employee wellbeing. He highlights the need for holistic approaches that balance productivity with mental health. Jones emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in leadership, using personal growth to foster transparency in teams. He advocates for adapting strategies to real-world employee challenges and encourages well-being leaders to integrate broader management concepts for a cohesive approach to workplace wellness.
A long-term strategic focus on wellbeing is essential, as evidenced by Chris Jones's ambitious 10-year plan to enhance health in organizations.
Embracing complex systems thinking helps organizations create supportive environments that promote wellbeing, rather than relying solely on isolated interventions.
Vulnerability in leadership fosters trust and open communication, encouraging teams to share experiences and drive improvements within the organization.
Deep dives
Long-term Approach to Wellbeing
A key insight discussed is the significance of adopting a long-term approach to wellbeing in organizations. Chris Jones reflects on his initial efforts to implement a 10-year wellbeing strategy, acknowledging that while it may have been overly ambitious, the concept of a strategic focus on wellbeing remains vital. His commitment to enhancing health and safety within organizational structures emphasizes that lasting change necessitates forward-thinking planning. This perspective suggests that cultivating a culture of wellbeing should transcend short-term fixes and instead focus on sustainable practices.
Complex Systems Thinking in Wellbeing
The podcast delves into the importance of complex systems thinking for designing environments that foster wellbeing rather than discourage it. Chris poses the critical question of how organizations can orchestrate conditions where wellbeing flourishes rather than merely preventing harm. He explains that the dynamic interactions within organizational systems yield various unexpected outcomes, making it clear that wellbeing is not the simple result of isolated interventions. By recognizing that safety emerges from effective work experiences, he highlights the complexities involved in creating a supportive work atmosphere.
Collaboration at the Executive Level
Chris emphasizes the necessity of communication and collaboration among executive leadership to bolster employee wellbeing. He advocates for engagement with key roles within the organization, such as the finance director and chief people officer, to enhance understanding and support for wellbeing initiatives. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that wellness is recognized as an integral part of organizational performance, rather than a peripheral concern. Through these discussions, Chris aims to align wellbeing efforts with broader organizational goals, reinforcing the idea that wellbeing is crucial to achieving overall success.
Vulnerability as a Leadership Strength
A significant theme explored is the role of vulnerability in effective leadership. Chris shares his journey towards embracing vulnerability, underscoring its importance in fostering open communication and trust within teams. By acknowledging his own challenges and mistakes, he creates an atmosphere where team members feel empowered to share their experiences as well. This shift towards vulnerable leadership enhances team cohesion and encourages a culture of shared learning, driving improvement across the organization.
The Interplay of Wellbeing and Organizational Culture
The discussion underscores the relationship between organizational culture and employee wellbeing. Chris articulates that wellbeing is influenced by the immediate 'climate' of the workplace, which consists of observable behaviors and leadership practices. He contrasts this with the broader notion of culture, suggesting that while culture is challenging to shift, direct changes to the climate can yield quicker results. By prioritizing tangible actions that promote wellbeing, organizations can foster a supportive climate that encourages positive employee experiences, ultimately contributing to both individual and organizational success.
