Well Workplaces

In this conversation, Tom Bosna and Lisa Saunders delve into the complexities of perimenopause and menopause, discussing the hormonal changes women experience and the impact on their lives, particularly in the workplace. They explore the various symptoms associated with perimenopause, the importance of understanding these changes, and how both women and men can navigate this life stage with empathy and support. Lisa emphasises the need for women to advocate for themselves and the importance of workplace flexibility and awareness. The discussion also highlights the role of men in supporting women through this transition and the significance of education and open conversations about women's health.TakeawaysPerimenopause is a transition before menopause, starting in the mid-30s to early 40s.Symptoms of perimenopause can vary greatly among women.Understanding hormonal changes is crucial for managing symptoms.Women often feel a loss of confidence during perimenopause.Workplace flexibility can significantly help women during this time.Men can play a supportive role by educating themselves about menopause.It's important for women to advocate for their needs in the workplace.Keeping a symptom journal can aid in discussions with healthcare providers.Education around menopause is still lacking in many workplaces.Women should not ignore the early signs of hormonal changes.ResourcesConnect with Lisa Saunders Here: https://au.linkedin.com/in/lisasaunders17Own Your Health Collective: https://ownyourhealthco.com.au/Dr. Lisa Moscone - The Menopause Brainhttps://www.amazon.com.au/Menopause-Brain-science-navigate-optimise/dp/1761067672/ref=asc_df_1761067...OS Australasian Menopause website: https://www.menopause.org.au/

In this eposide, Dr. Raghav Murali-Ganesh, CEO of Osara Health discusses the challenges faced by cancer patients and the innovative solutions his company provides. He emphasises the importance of holistic care, including exercise, nutrition, and emotional support, in improving patient outcomes. Dr Raghav shares insights from his journey in medicine to technology, the role of human connection in healthcare, and the impact of cancer on the workplace. He also highlights the success stories and clinical outcomes achieved through OSARA Health's programs, as well as the future directions for the company in enhancing cancer care.TakeawaysCancer impacts everyone, and the emotional strain is significant.Holistic care, including exercise and nutrition, is crucial for cancer patients.Technology alone does not change behaviour; human connection is essential.OSARA Health combines technology with health coaching for better outcomes.Employers have a responsibility to support employees facing cancer.The incidence of cancer is increasing among younger individuals.OSARA Health has published studies demonstrating improved clinical outcomes.Supporting cancer patients can reduce absenteeism in the workplace.Behaviour change techniques are vital for patient engagement.The future of cancer care includes personalized support and novel therapies.~Resources:Connect on Linkedin:  https://au.linkedin.com/in/raghavmuraliganeshOsara Health: https://osarahealth.com/

In this conversation, Tom chats with Karen Eley, CEO and Founder of Women Talking Finance. They discuss the concept of financial wellbeing, exploring its definition, importance and the psychological aspects that influence our relationship with money. They dive into personal money memories, common financial behaviours and the role of financial wellbeing in the workplace.Karen emphasises the need for financial education and the importance of setting financial goals, while also highlighting the emotional aspects of money management. The discussion concludes with insights on how to create a supportive financial environment and the future of financial wellbeing coaching.TakeawaysFinancial wellbeing consists of three pillars: meeting obligations, having a safety net and saving for future goals.Personal money memories significantly shape our financial behaviours and beliefs.Common money behaviours include avoidance, overspending and hypervigilance.Financial wellbeing has become a priority in workplace wellbeing due to increased financial stress.More money does not necessarily solve financial problems; understanding behaviours is key.Setting clear financial goals is essential for effective money management.Creating a supportive environment can help mitigate impulsive spending.Financial education is crucial for empowering individuals to manage their finances better.Conversations about money should be normalised in workplaces to reduce stigma.A money coach can help individuals explore their relationship with money and develop healthier habits.~Resources:Women Talking Finance: https://www.womentalkingfinance.com.au/Connect with Karen Eley: https://au.linkedin.com/in/karen-eley-womentalkingfinanceLearn more about Well Workplaces: https://www.medibank.com.au/better-health/workplace-health/well-workplaces/

In this conversation, Tom and Melissa discuss the importance of workplace engagement and the role of office design in fostering a productive environment.They explore employee engagement statistics in Australia, the implications of return-to-office mandates and the evolution of office spaces post-pandemic. Melissa shares insights on placemaking, measuring success in workplace strategy, and navigating hybrid work dynamics. The discussion also touches on the significance of rituals and ceremonies in the workplace and speculates on the future of work, emphasising the need for human connection amidst technological advancements.Takeaways21% of Australians are actively engaged at work, highlighting a significant engagement gap.Mandating return to office can lead to resistance; choice is crucial for employee satisfaction.Cultural and performance issues must be addressed beyond just physical workspace.Understanding the purpose of a workplace is essential for effective design.Collaboration spaces are increasingly important in modern office design.Placemaking focuses on creating environments that support community and interaction.Measuring success involves employee surveys to assess communication and satisfaction post-move.Hybrid work requires clear agreements on when to be in the office.Rituals and ceremonies foster community and connection within teams.The role of community builders is becoming vital in distributed workforces.Resources: Work Life by Design Podcast: https://www.melissamarsden.com.au/podcast Website: https://www.melissamarsden.com.au/ Connect with Melissa: https://au.linkedin.com/in/melissamarsdenhttps://comuniti.com.au/us/

In this conversation, Tom Bosna and Neala Fulia discuss the complexities of chronic pain, particularly focusing on fibromyalgia and the innovative approach of MoreGoodDays. Nel shares her journey from management consulting to founding MoreGoodDays, emphasising the need for accessible, evidence-based solutions for chronic pain management.The discussion covers the importance of understanding pain as a multifaceted experience that includes physical, psychological, and social elements. They explore the comprehensive programs offered by MoreGoodDays, which integrate education, movement, and psychological support to help patients manage their pain effectively.The conversation concludes with insights into the future of pain management, including the potential for technology to personalise treatment further.TakeawaysChronic pain is a complex issue that affects many aspects of life.Fibromyalgia is often misunderstood and requires a comprehensive approach.Education about pain is crucial for effective management.Movement can be beneficial for those experiencing chronic pain.The first month of treatment is critical for patient understanding.Personalisation of treatment plans can enhance patient outcomes.The boom-bust cycle is a common mistake in pain management.Mental health plays a significant role in chronic pain experiences.More Good Days aims to make pain management accessible and affordable.Future innovations in pain management may include AI and personalised care.Resources:MoreGoodDays: https://www.moregooddays.com/https://au.linkedin.com/in/neala-fulia-605aa247

In this episode of the Well Workplaces podcast, host Tom Bosna is joined by Ray Good, a former world-class DJ turned mindfulness and meditation expert. Ray shares his fascinating journey from being a top DJ to becoming an accredited mindfulness coach. They discuss the significance of mental fitness in an AI-driven world, practical mindfulness strategies and the science behind mindfulness.Tune in to learn about micro practices, stress management, and the importance of mental fitness for high performers.~Resources:Ray Good | The Good Place: https://www.goodplace.com.au/Richard Ram Dass: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ram_DassTools of Titans by Tim Ferris: https://www.amazon.com.au/Tools-Titans-Tim-Ferriss/dp/1328683788BJ Fogg, Tiny Habits: https://www.amazon.com.au/Tiny-Habits-Changes-Change-Everything/dp/0358003326

In this engaging conversation, Arthur Papagiannis, CEO of AP Psychology and registered psychologist with 25 years of experience, shares his insights on the changing landscape of mental health in the workplace. He discusses the evolution from traditional employee assistance programs to systematic strategies for psychological safety. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of leadership training and the integration of psychosocial risks with workplace safety. Arthur also highlights work design for small businesses and envisions a future where mental well-being is prioritized alongside physical safety.

In this conversation, Tom Bosna and Dr. Michelle McQuaid explore the evolution of workplace wellbeing, focusing on the shift from compliance to commitment. They discuss the societal expectations placed on women, particularly the 'good girl conditioning' that affects their wellbeing and career choices. The conversation also touches on the pressures faced by men to conform to the 'tough guy' mentality, the impact of social media, and practical steps for individuals to break free from these conditioning patterns. Dr. McQuaid emphasises the importance of self-compassion, secure attachment and managing ones nervous system in navigating these challenges. Takeaways- Workplace wellbeing requires commitment, not just compliance.- Good girl conditioning affects women's ability to prioritise wellbeing.- Societal expectations can lead to burnout and resentment.- Self-compassion is crucial for personal and professional growth.- Social media can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy.- Men also face societal pressures that impact their wellbeing.- Role models can help break the cycle of conditioning.- Understanding secure attachment can improve workplace dynamics.- Managing our nervous systems is essential in times of change.- Practical steps can empower individuals to reclaim their wellbeing.Resources: https://www.michellemcquaid.com/https://michellemcquaid.substack.com/?utm_source=MMcQ&utm_medium=WebsitePodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-good-girl-game-changers-podcast/id1750227241Book: The Perfectly Imperfect Women's Journal: Tools To Set Yourself Free Of Your Good Girl Beliefshttps://www.amazon.com.au/Perfectly-Imperfect-Womens-Journal/dp/176380562XBook: The Perfectly Imperfect Little Girlhttps://www.dymocks.com.au/the-perfectly-imperfect-little-girl-by-michelle-mcquaid-and-lucia-benito-9781763805606Dr Amy Webb: https://futuretodayinstitute.com/team/amy-webb/Holding Your Own in an Insecure World by Sue Marriott, Ann Kelley: https://www.amazon.com.au/Secure-Relating-Holding-Insecure-World/dp/0063334550Dr Carol Dweck: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_Dweckhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_Dweck

Kathryn Elliott, a certified alcohol coach with six years of alcohol-free living, shares her transformative journey and the benefits of quitting alcohol. She emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and self-reflection in assessing our relationship with drinking. The conversation uncovers the pressures of using alcohol during social events and explores the clarity and energy gained through sobriety. Kathryn also discusses coaching high-functioning professionals with drinking challenges and highlights the therapeutic benefits of connecting with nature.

In this episode of the Well Workplaces podcast, host Tom Bosna delves into women's health with Dr. Ariella Heffernan Marks, founder of the FemTech start-up Ovum. She shares her inspiring journey from studying reproductive biology to launching Ovum. They discuss the McKinsey Gender Health Gap Report, highlighting the economic impact of health disparities, and the challenges women face in healthcare.Dr. Heffernan Marks also explains how Ovum centralises women's health data, empowers users with personalised health advice, and aims to close the gender data gap in clinical research.The episode touches on the practical applications of Ovum's technology in the workplace and broader implications for women's health worldwide. Resources: Ovum: https://www.ovum-ai.com.au/ Connect with Dr Ariella Heffernan Marks: https://au.linkedin.com/in/dr-ariella-heffernan-marks-935401120 McKinsey Gender Health Gap Report: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/closing-the-womens-health-gap-a-1-trillion-dollar-opportunity-to-improve-lives-and-economies Sign up to Ovum's newsletter: https://www.ovum-ai.com.au/signuptoovum