Revolutionaries of Wellbeing: Breaking Burnout Culture

In this episode, we take a deep-dive on long Covid, hidden disabilities and chronic illnesses, and how workplaces can rethink work and be more supportive. Invisible or hidden disabilities are disabilities that are not immediately apparent. They are typically chronic illnesses that impact day-to-day living. As many as one in 10 of us could have one. They range from learning differences, deafness, autism, traumatic brain injury, bipolar disorder, diabetes, ADHD, fibromyalgia, arthritis, sleep disorders, and many more. With Long Covid increasing, wellbeing managers are going to need to understand and plan for this emerging issue. We're joined by UK-based disability advocate and author Ted Smith. Ted is the author of Hidden Disabilities and Conditions; Creating an Inclusive Workplace. Together, we discuss chronic illness management and how that impacts wellbeing in the workplace.   Be a wellbeing leader. Join ROW

Melissa Doman, a US-based Organizational Psychologist and author, joins the discussion to advocate for mental health conversations at work. She addresses common objections, like fear of saying the wrong thing, and outlines effective strategies for fostering supportive environments. Topics like combating wellbeing shaming, navigating toxic positivity, and promoting emotional maturity in the workplace are explored. Doman emphasizes the need for humanized leadership, encouraging open dialogues to enhance organizational health and employee wellbeing.

In this discussion, Chris Jones, Chief Safety and Wellbeing Officer at Ara Poutama, shares his expertise on defining and measuring wellbeing in the workplace. He emphasizes that wellbeing goes beyond mere health and safety. Chris introduces frameworks like the dual continuum model and the PERMA framework to illustrate wellbeing's complexity. He also highlights the importance of supportive organizational systems, particularly in challenging environments like corrections, and discusses strategies to effectively promote wellbeing initiatives.

We’re delighted to be joined by Adele Saunders, Manager of Psychological Health and Wellbeing at St John. In this episode, we talk through the massive influence that managers and peers have in providing first-level mental health and psychosocial support, and insights from a workplace where things like psychological trauma and PTSD are real risks that need to be actively managed. Be a leader. Join ROW

Stacey Morrison, a prominent New Zealand broadcaster and author, discusses inclusive wellbeing from a Māori perspective. She emphasizes the significance of fostering a diverse workplace culture that enhances belonging and productivity. Stacey explores the power of karakia for unity and tackles misconceptions about wellbeing programs. Highlighting the importance of the Māori language and identity, she critiques cultural load in corporate settings. Through personal stories, she advocates for visibility and education on Māori perspectives, emphasizing the need for genuine engagement with cultural values.

Over the next little while, we’ll be exploring diversity and inclusion as part of our podcast series. This episode explores inclusive wellbeing from a sexual and gender identity perspective. When it comes to workplace wellbeing, inclusivity is important. An inclusive, diverse workplace culture fosters a sense of belonging, safety, and purpose for employees, which in turn helps to increase wellbeing and productivity. It improves social connectedness and belonging; and reduces discrimination, prejudice and harassment. It supports people to bring their whole self to work. Joining us is José Taiapa from Rainbow Tick. Rainbow Tick is about accepting and valuing people in the workplace, and embracing the diversity of sexual and gender identities. A supportive work environment that is accepting of peoples’ differences benefits everybody in your organisation. We’ll be exploring some of the cornerstones of wellbeing from this perspective, along with barriers and myths in the workplace and the actions workplaces can take to ensure wellbeing programs are truly inclusive. Be a leader. Join ROW

In this conversation, Professor Bevan Catley from Massey University sheds light on psychosocial risk factors in the workplace. He discusses how the pandemic has transformed these risks and the vital role organizations play in addressing them. Drawing from the New Zealand Barometer research, Bevan offers insights into creating holistic wellbeing strategies that go beyond superficial solutions. He emphasizes the importance of leadership, improved management practices, and frameworks like ISO 45003 to foster a thriving workplace culture.

In this episode, we're joined by mental health advocate Jimi Hunt to explore the concept of 'mental health literacy' and why language matters. While mental health awareness has improved over the years - there is still a gap between knowing about mental health and taking actions towards better mental health. We discuss how to obtain and maintain positive mental wellness, how to understand mental health problems and seek support, and how to decrease stigma in the workplace.   Our guest: Jimi Hunt Jimi is the co-founder of the charity Live More Awesome and is most well known for his work in reducing the stigma around mental health in a distinctly colourful way. He is a Guinness World Record holder, two times TEDx speaker, a regular panellist on morning radio/TV shows and has been the subject of a documentary and two feature episodes of a major US Network show highlighting his unique and highly successful exploits into raising awareness of mental health.   Be a leader. Join ROW

In this interview, we take a look at a workplace wellbeing case study.  Our guest is Nicky Primrose, Health, Safety & Wellbeing Business Partner at Mitre 10. Mitre 10 has been a part of New Zealand's home improvement culture since 1974. It is New Zealand-owned and operated, and is New Zealand's largest home improvement and garden retailer. As a co-operative spread from Kaitaia to Invercargill, Mitre 10 is committed to the wellbeing of its team of over 5,000 people. Of course, recent events with COVID-19 have meant the operations support team has needed to come up with new and innovative ways to support their people, manage risk and sustain the business. Nicky shares the Mitre 10 wellbeing journey, including insights, lessons learned, and what's ahead for the community-minded business.   Be a leader. Join ROW

In this interview, we explore the idea of a 4-day working week. COVID-19 has certainly forced a rethink on modern work practices, and the 4-day working week has hit the headlines as a potential game-changer for productivity and workplace wellbeing. Many in New Zealand will know of the success of the four-day working week at Perpetual Guardian. It made headlines around the world in 2019 when results showed the introduction of a compressed schedule delivered an increase in worker productivity, engagement, wellbeing, and job satisfaction. Having seen the success, other big-name brands have jumped on board. Even New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has given it a stamp of approval as a flexible work option. So, how does it work? What are the pros and cons, and in which organisations is it likely to be most successful? Joining us in this interview is Andrew Barnes, founder of Perpetual Guardian and founder of 4 Day Week Global and the 4 Day Week Global Foundation. Andrew is also on the advisory boards of both the US and Ireland 4 Day Week campaigns and the board of the newly created Wellbeing Research Centre at Oxford University. Andrew shares his experience with launching a 4-day week across multiple businesses, plus shares insights on the future of work.   Be a leader. Join ROW