Well Workplaces

In this episode of the Well Workplaces podcast, hosted by Tom Bosna, special guest Poppy Griffiths, founder of UnlimitU, and an expert in high performance coaching, discusses the challenges faced by working parents and carers. The discussion centres on the findings of the National Working Families Survey 2024, conducted by surveying 6,000 working parents across Australia. Key topics include the persistent high stress levels among working parents, the need for more support in workplaces, gender-neutral parental leave policies, and the importance of flexible work arrangements. The episode also highlights exemplary practices from Australian companies like Multiplex and Car Sales, and advocates for systemic changes at the government level to support working parents better. ~ Resources: National Working Families Survey 2024: https://nationalworkingfamiliesreport.org/ Connect with Poppy on Linkedin: https://au.linkedin.com/in/poppy-griffiths-23b65b31 UnlimitU: https://unlimitu.com.au/ Working Parents Mini-Series (Ep51-56): https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ep051-how-to-keep-your-career-on-track-during-parenthood/id1532493952?i=1000559452417

In this episode of Well Workplaces Podcast, host Tom Bosna interviews Andrew McLaren, also known as AMc, from Medibank's ventures team.  They discuss the corporate health and wellbeing landscape in Australia, focusing on how start-ups and small businesses can proactively approach exits and partnerships. The conversation delves into Medibank's evolution from a passive insurer to an active health services provider, the integration of Pinnacle Health Group, and the future directions of corporate health and wellbeing. ~ Connect with Andrew McLaren here: https://au.linkedin.com/in/andrewgmclaren Read the Medibank Media Release here: https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/medibank-agrees-to-acquire-pinnacle-health-group-to-accelerate-corporate

Anna Feringa, an award-winning International Speaker and workplace mental health consultant, shares her insights on psychosocial safety in the modern work environment. She emphasizes the significance of human connection in hybrid and remote setups and discusses the rise of mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Anna highlights recent regulatory changes affecting workplace safety and the importance of consulting staff. The conversation explores proactive strategies to address psychological injuries, underscoring the need for continuous communication and effective policies.

In this episode, we welcome Sarah Rusbatch from Perth to discuss her new book 'Beyond Booze' and the significance of re-evaluating our relationship with alcohol. Sarah shares her personal journey of becoming alcohol-free and the benefits she has experienced. She explains the concept of 'grey area drinking' and how it impacts people's lives. The conversation addresses the negative effects of alcohol, especially on women, highlighting the need for better public awareness and healthier alternatives. Sarah also provides insights into how workplaces can support employees by reducing alcohol-cantered activities and promoting overall wellbeing. Finally, listeners are encouraged to evaluate their own alcohol consumption through a thoughtful exercise. About SarahSarah is the author of the best selling book “Beyond Booze”, a multi award winning Health and Wellbeing Coach, an accredited Grey Area Drinking Coach, a menopause accredited coach, a motivational speaker and a passionate ambassador for helping as many women as possible to live their best life. Sarah is also an ex-Grey Area Drinker and quit booze in April 2019 and has NEVER looked back! Her Coaching specialities include: Sobriety and Grey Area Drinking Creating a fulfilling and purposeful life after 40 Navigating the menopause years Managing Stress and soothing a dysregulated nervous system - WITHOUT using alcohol Resources: ⁠https://sarahrusbatch.com/⁠ ⁠https://sarahrusbatch.com/beyond-booze⁠ ~ 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:21 Sarah's Journey to Sobriety 05:47 Understanding Grey Area Drinking 09:31 Impact of Alcohol on Women 22:06 Workplace Culture and Alcohol 24:49 Future of Alcohol Advertising 28:04 Reflecting on Alcohol's Role in Life 29:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this podcast episode, Tom welcomes Jeff Wetzler, who joins us from New York. Jeff introduces his book 'Ask', which centres around enhancing relationships and learning from peers through the art of asking questions. Jeff shares the inspiration behind his book, emphasising the pervasive and painful problem of disconnection he aims to address. He outlines the ask approach, a set of five practices based on scientific research and practical testing designed to improve learning and relationships by fostering genuine curiosity and creating a psychologically safe environment for sharing. These practices include: - choosing curiosity; - making it safe; - posing quality questions; - learning actively; and - the importance of reflecting and reconnecting. Jeff also discusses the challenges of establishing genuine connections in a digital world, particularly in remote work settings, and offers strategies for organisations to cultivate better learning environments and encourage a culture of curiosity. ~ Resources: Connect with Jeff here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-wetzler-9ba3824 https://www.askapproach.com/#Jeff https://transcendeducation.org/ Ask: https://www.amazon.com/Ask-Hidden-Unexpected-Breakthroughs-Leadership/dp/0306832690 ~ About Jeff Jeff Wetzler has been on a quarter-century quest to transform learning opportunities. Blending a unique set of leadership experiences in the fields of business and education, he’s pursued this quest as a management consultant to the world’s top corporations, as a learning facilitator for leaders around the world, as Chief Learning Officer at Teach For America, and most recently, as co-CEO of Transcend, a nationally recognized innovation organization. ~ 00:00 Welcoming Jeff to the Show 00:13 The Connection Through Topaz and Leadership in New Zealand 01:11 The Inspiration Behind Jeff's Book on Asking Questions 02:05 Exploring the Ask Approach and Its Impact on Relationships and Learning 03:24 The Challenge of Virtual Connections in Today's Work Environment 04:54 Diving Deep into the Ask Methodology: Curiosity as a Foundation 12:05 Making It Safe: Creating a Comfortable Environment for Sharing 17:41 The Art of Posing Quality Questions 22:15 The Importance of Listening and Understanding in Communication 29:54 Reflecting and Reconnecting: The Final Step in the Ask Approach 33:08 Facilitating Better Learning Environments in Organisations

Sharon Darmody, co-founder of Strive Occupational Rehabilitation and author of 'Work Your Magic', brings over 25 years of expertise in occupational therapy. She dives into how workplace challenges have evolved, addressing mental health, technology, and loneliness. Sharon emphasizes the significance of early intervention to create healthier environments and explores her 'MAGIC' framework to enhance workplace connections. The conversation also highlights the adaptability required in today’s remote work settings and the importance of meaningful in-person interactions.

In today's episode, Tom chats with Olly Bridge, a visionary leader in athletic and corporate health sectors, and co-founder of Essentio Health. They discuss the importance of treating employees as 'corporate athletes' and the necessity of a holistic approach to wellness, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional health.Olly highlights his methodology that combines the latest in health assessments, including DNA testing, sleep analysis, and functional movement screenings to create personalised wellness plans for executives.The discussion also touches on common health challenges faced by executives, such as sleep deprivation and stress management, and provides practical, evidence-based strategies for improving wellbeing. Additionally, the conversation explores the future of workplace wellness, emphasising the value of simple, foundational health practices and the potential impact of technological advances in enhancing health and performance. 00:00 Introduction to Well Workplaces Podcast01:09 Meet Olly Bridge: A Visionary in Athletic and Corporate Wellness02:45 The Genesis and Mission of Essentio Health06:09 The Three-Legged Stool of Wellbeing: Activity, Nutrition, Recovery24:45 Deep Dive into Sleep and Recovery Strategies31:29 Looking Ahead: The Future of Health and Performance Essentio Health Olly Bridge

Today's episode features a conversation with Lucy Piper, a corporate climate expert and director at WorkforClimate. Lucy shares her journey from experiencing climate anxiety to taking action by leveraging her professional skills for climate solutions. WorkforClimate aims to educate and empower employees to drive stronger climate action within their companies. The discussion covers the importance of individual and collective action in the workplace for climate activism, the concept of corporate sustainability, and the effective strategies businesses can utilise for real environmental impact. Lucy and Tom also touch upon the significance of creating a community of workplace climate champions and address both the challenges and opportunities of promoting corporate sustainability and climate-conscious practices in the business sector. ~ About Lucy Lucy Piper is a corporate climate expert and Director at WorkforClimate - an NFP that educates and empowers employees to help influence stronger climate action at their company. ~ Resources WorkforClimate: https://www.workforclimate.org/⁠ Connect with Lucy Piper: https://au.linkedin.com/in/lucypiper

Today's episode features Dr. Michelle Lim, a leading scientific expert on loneliness and a practicing clinical psychologist. Dr. Michelle Lim discusses her personal experiences with loneliness and the importance of addressing social needs in healthcare and workplaces. The conversation dives into the consequences of loneliness on health, including mental health issues and physical conditions such as heart disease. Dr. Lim also addresses the stigma and misconceptions surrounding loneliness, highlighting the need for increased awareness and open conversations. Strategies for combating loneliness at an individual, relational, community, and policy level are discussed. The episode also explores the impact of remote and hybrid work models on loneliness and offers advice for leaders to foster social connection and wellbeing among their teams. ~ Resources: Ending Loneliness Together ELT Downloadable Resources Connect with Dr Michelle Lim 00:00 Welcome to Well Workplaces: Exploring Health, Performance, and Culture 01:16 Meet Dr. Michelle Lim: Australia's Leading Expert on Loneliness 02:06 Deep Dive into Loneliness: Personal Stories and Professional Insights 02:18 The Science of Loneliness: Understanding Its Impact and Solutions 05:26 The Role of Social Connections in Wellbeing and Work 12:39 Addressing Loneliness: Strategies for Individuals and Workplaces 16:30 The Future of Work: Hybrid Models, Loneliness, and Leadership Challenges 23:27 Closing Thoughts: The Importance of Addressing Loneliness

In today's episode, Tom discusses the challenges of time management and maintaining mental wellbeing in high-stress environments, particularly in start-ups, with guest Andrew Hartman, who shares his personal journey from education to the start-up world. Andrew talks about the overwhelming nature of working in a marketing technology agency and the physical and mental toll of stress, leading to a significant health scare. Andrew's experience sparked a journey towards finding better ways to manage time and stress without sacrificing impact or mental health. The conversation explores the commonality of these issues among professionals, the addiction to the stress cycle, and practical tips for effective time management and setting healthy work boundaries. Andrew introduces his Time Boss model, focusing on the importance of prioritising tasks, protecting personal time, and being fully present in the moment to enhance productivity and wellness. The episode emphasises the necessity of clear goals in meetings, closing down mental tabs at the end of the workday, and the value of time in fostering employee engagement and wellness. ~ Resources Time Boss: https://www.timeboss.us/masterclass Connect with Andrew Hartman here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewhartman ~ About Well Workplaces Well Workplaces is a movement by ⁠Pinnacle Health Group⁠ and our vision is for a world where workplaces lead and create healthier communities.  Well Workplaces podcast has been designed to create genuine wellbeing conversations in the workplace and share expert knowledge in practical ways.