Psych Health and Safety Podcast

In this clip, we catch up with repeat guest Dr Rebecca Michalak to discuss a recent article published in HRD Magazine titled "HR is Not Your Friend". Bec shares her thoughts on how the HR Function typically positions itself within an organisation, argues that this positioning is actually detrimental to both the business and its employees, and offers some suggestions about how HR can "get a seat at the table". https://www.hcamag.com/au/news/general/hr-is-not-your-friend/416868 https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/bystanders-rule-bullshit-cultures-voice-psychological-michalak/ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-lies-beneath-why-psychological-injury-claims-tip-michalak/

In this EXPERT SERIES episode, co-hosts Jason and Joelle chat about a new workplace mental health benchmarking tool that will be launched in October. They discuss the drivers behind the benchmarking tool, the methodology used to develop the tool, and how organisations can get involved in the first round of benchmarking. https://mentalhealthbenchmark.com/

In this episode we chat with Brian Henderson, Founder at Whole Business Wellness. Brian shares some insights into the workplace mental health space in Hong Kong. He offers advice on how to encourage boards and executives to think more systematically about mental health at work, and we discuss the psychological benefits of creating a more inclusive culture in the workplace.

In this episode, we chat with Graeme Cowan, Board Director of RUOK? and co-founder of WeCARE365. Graeme shares with us the origins and objectives of RUOK? Day, how companies typically engage with it, and offers advice for organisations to have a greater impact through their RUOK initiatives. He takes us through his new product, WeCare365, and we chat about practical steps organisations can take to provide accommodations to keep employees in work while reducing the risk of further health issues. https://www.ruok.org.au/ https://wecare365.com.au/

In this episode, we chat with Dr Tristan Casey to understand the concept of workplace injury and illness stigma. Tristan takes us through the findings of a research project exploring the causes and impact of injury and illness stigma in the workplace. We discuss the drivers behind stigma and the consequences of stigma for the injured or ill worker. Tristan shares examples of protective workplace factors that can destigmatise occupational injury and illness, and offers some advice about the first steps organisations can take in addressing injury and illness stigma. https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-10/Research%20on%20the%20causes%20and%20impact%20of%20stigma%20in%20workplaces_0.pdf https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/58661569-the-shadow-glass

In this episode we chat with Antony Malmo from Allos Australia about the role of the psych health and safety professional now and into the future. Antony explains the concept of the wicked problem and why he believes psych health and safety is an example of this, and we discuss the confounding role of individual preferences in psychosocial risk. Antony shares his thoughts on what psych health and safety might look like in 5 years time, and we explore whether there is a need for a new profession to tackle this field. https://www.allos.com.au/ https://tidsskrift.dk/njwls/article/view/26673 https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC123629 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43183121-the-science-of-storytelling

In this episode we chat with Stephen Davison, Chief Customer Officer at FlourishDx. Steve discusses the role of the company board and executives in relation to psychological health and safety, we talk about the impact of increasing interest in ESG reporting on adoption of psychological health and safety measures in organisations, and Steve shares some useful tips for listeners tasked with preparing a business case or presentation to their board or executive on why the organisation should take action on psychological health and safety.

In the second of our EXPERT SERIES episodes, Jason and Alicia discuss the rising popularity of Mental Health First Aid and other Peer Support programs, and the challenges associated with implementing these programs well. This conversation focuses on issues of peer supporter visibility, utilisation rates, and the vicarious trauma risk that peer supporters are often exposed to. We also provide listeners with a sneak preview of a new FlourishDx feature designed to address some of these issues.

In this episode we chat with Jo Newman, wellbeing practitioner and winner of the 2022 'Breaking the Silence' award in the Great British Workplace Wellbeing Awards. In this practical case study episode, Jo takes us step-by-step through her wellbeing initiative. From generating leadership commitment, to engaging the workforce, to understanding workforce needs, to selecting the right interventions, to evaluation and reassessment. Oprahs Bees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImDj57VeaC0

In this episode we chat with Daniel Gaebler, author of 'The Centred Tradie' and owner of Laser Plumbing Caringbah. We chat about Dan's book, why he wrote it, and how it's been received so far. Dan shares his experiences as a small business owner in recognising when employees might be struggling. He gives examples of the types of accommodations a small business can provide to employees when needed, and discusses the business benefits of doing so.