Working Well Beings

What happens when people drag themselves to work unwell? In this eye-opening episode, host Matt Smeed is joined by clinical solution strategist Angélica Barrero Guinand (iFeel) and senior research leader Ben Moss (RAND Europe) to unpack presenteeism — the often misunderstood phenomenon of working while too ill to perform effectively.They explore:- The difference between harmful "true" presenteeism and helpful functional/therapeutic presence.- Why it costs organisations far more than absenteeism- The emotional suffering, contagion effect & links to burnout- How psychological safety, better productivity definitions and early intervention can change the gameA hopeful, research-backed conversation about sustainable performance, shared responsibility, and the future of workplace wellbeing.(Reports mentioned: "The Silent Profit Drain" by iFeel + "Seeing Presenteeism Differently" by Robertson Cooper)

Deborah Wilson

David Joening

In this conversation, Charlotte Clegg discusses her role as the Community Engagement Executive for the Mindful Business Charter, focusing on reducing unnecessary workplace stress and promoting wellbeing. She highlights the importance of community support among members, the four pillars of the charter, and the impact of wellbeing initiatives on organisational success. The discussion also touches on the role of psychotherapy in the workplace, adapting to changes brought by AI and generational shifts, and personal wellbeing practices.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Mimeful Business Charter02:58 Community Engagement and Member Support05:57 The Four Pillars of the Charter09:12 Success Stories and Impact11:52 The Business Case for Wellbeing15:11 Psychotherapy in the Workplace18:09 Adapting to Change in the Workplace21:06 Personal Wellbeing PracticesCheck out Mindful Business Charter here: https://www.mindfulbusinesscharter.com/

Lee Godwin

This episode is brought to you by Wellhub - connecting employees to the best partners for fitness, mindfulness, therapy, nutrition, and sleep. Check out their latest report all about the return on investment for wellbeing: https://wellhub.com/en-uk/resources/research/return-on-wellbeing-2025/In this conversation, Dame Carol Black discusses various themes surrounding employment, workplace wellbeing, and the generational shifts in attitudes towards work. She highlights the impact of financial support from parents on younger generations' expectations of work, the rising mental health challenges among youth, and the need for effective government strategies to address economic inactivity. The discussion also touches on the importance of workplace culture and the role of employers in fostering a supportive environment for employees.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dame Carol Black and Employment Themes02:30 Generational Perspectives on Work and Wealth07:46 Mental Health Challenges Among Young People12:24 Government Reviews and Economic Inactivity20:40 Strategies for Improving Workplace Wellbeing

This episode is brought to you by Wellhub - connecting employees to the best partners for fitness, mindfulness, therapy, nutrition, and sleep. Check out their latest report all about the return on investment for wellbeing: https://wellhub.com/en-uk/resources/research/return-on-wellbeing-2025/In this conversation, Peter Cheese, Chief Executive of the CIPD, discusses the transformative role of AI in the workplace, emphasising the need for a human-centric approach to job design and productivity. He highlights the importance of well-being in the future of work and the evolving role of HR in navigating the ethical implications of AI. The discussion also touches on the necessity of upskilling and reskilling in an AI-driven world, as well as addressing economic inactivity and fostering a participative working culture.Chapters00:00 AI's Impact on Well-Being and Productivity05:43 Designing Good Work in the Age of AI10:14 The Role of Skills in an AI-Driven World15:08 HR's Evolving Role in the AI Landscape20:43 Navigating the Ethical Implications of AI24:24 Addressing Economic Inactivity and Well-Being

This episode is brought to you by Wellhub - connecting employees to the best partners for fitness, mindfulness, therapy, nutrition, and sleep. Check out their latest report all about the return on investment for wellbeing 👉 https://wellhub.com/en-uk/resources/research/return-on-wellbeing-2025/Nuzhad Chagan discusses his journey from marketing to wellbeing leadership, emphasizing the importance of cultural insights from Scandinavian countries in shaping workplace wellbeing. She highlights the need for a better understanding of psychosocial risks and the language surrounding them, as well as the generational differences in attitudes towards work and wellbeing. The discussion also touches on the role of AI in enhancing workplace wellbeing and the necessity of open dialogue to address these challenges effectively.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Wellbeing and Career Path02:52 Cultural Insights from Scandinavia06:08 Understanding Psychosocial Risks08:54 The Importance of Language in Wellbeing12:01 Generational Perspectives on Work and Wellbeing15:11 The Role of AI in Wellbeing17:58 Future of Work and Wellbeing

This episode is brought to you by Wellhub - connecting employees to the best partners for fitness, mindfulness, therapy, nutrition, and sleep. Check out their latest report all about the return on investment for wellbeing 👉 https://wellhub.com/en-uk/resources/research/return-on-wellbeing-2025/Shriti Pattani, National Clinical Health Expert for NHS England, discusses her extensive experience in occupational health and wellbeing, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. She highlights the importance of integrating frontline insights into strategic roles within the NHS and the global initiatives aimed at supporting healthcare workers. The conversation also delves into the challenges faced by diaspora healthcare workers, the significance of community support, and the need for personalised approaches in occupational health. Shriti emphasises the proactive role that occupational health can play in evolving workspaces and the importance of early involvement in workplace design to prevent issues before they arise.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Shriti Patani and Her Roles02:29 The Impact of COVID on Occupational Health05:23 Global Health Initiatives and Support for Healthcare Workers09:56 Sharing Stories and Building Community in the NHS12:08 Challenges Faced by Diaspora Healthcare Workers16:29 Personalizing Occupational Health Approaches20:31 The Future of Occupational Health in Evolving Workspaces

This episode is brought to you by Wellhub - connecting employees to the best partners for fitness, mindfulness, therapy, nutrition, and sleep. Check out their latest report all about the return on investment for wellbeing 👉 https://wellhub.com/en-uk/resources/research/return-on-wellbeing-2025/This conversation explores the critical link between food, nutrition, and workplace well-being, emphasising the failures of government policy over the past 30 years in addressing food-related health issues. It discusses the responsibilities of employers in promoting health strategies, the need for consistency in health practices across organizations, and the challenges posed by government regulations. The dialogue highlights the complex relationship between employers, employees, and the government, advocating for bold action and compelling arguments to prioritise health in economic programs.Chapters00:00 The Link Between Food, Nutrition, and Workplace Well-Being02:57 Government Policy and Food-Related Health Issues05:56 Employer Responsibilities and Health Strategies09:02 The Need for Consistency in Health Practices12:06 Challenges in Government Regulations and Standards14:49 The Role of Health in Economic Productivity18:10 The Complex Relationship Between Employers, Employees, and Government21:10 The Call for Bold Action and Compelling Arguments