Revolutionaries of Wellbeing: Breaking Burnout Culture

Episode 28: Providing first-level workplace support for psychological trauma and PTSD

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.

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Episode 27: Inclusive wellbeing from a Māori worldview

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 Māori worldview.

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 selves to work.

Joining us is Stacey Morrison (Te Arawa, Ngai Tahu), one of NZ’s most recognisable broadcasters across radio and TV. She and her husband Scotty Morrison co-wrote ‘Māori at Home’ to help other families use te reo in everyday settings, and Stacey’s first children’s book, ‘My First Words in Māori’, became a number-one bestseller.

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.

 

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Episode 26: Inclusive wellbeing from a sexual and gender identities perspective

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.

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Episode 25: Managing psychosocial risk at work

Addressing psychosocial risk factors is an important part of creating a robust wellbeing strategy.  It can be the difference between a wellbeing program that takes a bandaid approach and a wellbeing strategy that gets to the heart of workplace wellbeing issues.

 

So has the pandemic changed psychosocial risk factors, and what can organisations to do identify and mitigate these risks?

 

Joining us to explore this important topic is Professor Bevan Catley from Massey University. Drawing on the extensive New Zealand Barometer research and other new research works, Bevan takes us on a journey to better understand the topic and the top issues.

He also provides tips for wellbeing managers to better support employees now and in the future.

 

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Episode 24: How to build mental health literacy with Jimi Hunt

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.

 

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Episode 23: Case study - wellbeing at Mitre 10

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.

 

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Episode 22: Rethinking work hours with a 4-day week

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.

 

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Episode 21: How to increase motivation and inspire employee health behaviour change

In this interview, we take a deep dive into the science of behaviour change. Feel good messaging won't motivate all employees to make healthy lifestyle choices, so what will?

To explore the topic, we're joined by ROW behaviour change expert Dr Mark Wallace-Bell.

We discuss motivation and commitment, and what organisations can do to support employees to make sustainable, healthy behaviour changes. We also discuss barriers to change and simple tips for inspiring employees to try something new.

Dr Mark Wallace-Bell (RN, BSc (Hons)(Psych)PhD) is an internationally recognised health behaviour change specialist.

When not with ROW, Mark is at the University of Canterbury where he teaches post-graduate papers on health behaviour change.

 

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