In this episode we discuss: Is wellbeing a complete waste of time? We are joined by Gethin Nadin, cited as one of HR’s Most Influential Thinkers and author of the bestseller “A Work In Progress: Unlocking Wellbeing to Create More Sustainable and Resilient Organisations.”
Bethany and I discuss:
• What is the COO’s role in solving workplace stress?
• What can a COO do to optimise employees and support their mental health?
We chat about the following with Gethin:
• What is wellbeing? In the context of a company, what are we talking about?
• What is the view on the Guardian article that suggests wellness programmes are a waste of time?
• What is the impact of DE&I on mental health?
• How has the social contract changed between employee and employer?
• Where does corporate responsibility end and personal responsibility start?
• How does an organisation optimise employees to achieve the biggest shareholder return?
References:
• A Work In Progress: Unlocking Wellbeing to Create More Sustainable and Resilient Organisations (www.amazon.co.uk/Work-Progres...)
• Workplace wellbeing is a complete waste of time ( / workplace-wellbeing-co... ) (Gethin’s response to the Guardian article)
• Work ‘wellness’ programmes don’t make employees happier - but I know what does (www.theguardian.com/commentis...) (Guardian article)
• / gethinnadin
• www.hellobenefex.com
• Spill (www.spill.chat/) . Mental health provider
Biography:
I am a leading psychologist and author with over 20 years of experience in HR tech, employee wellbeing, and engagement. As a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Member of the British Psychological Society, I have been recognised as one of the world's most influential HR thinkers and a top global employee experience influencer.
Currently, I serve as the Chief Innovation Officer at both Benefex and Zellis, two of the UK's leading providers of employee benefits and payroll solutions. In this role, I leverage my expertise in wellbeing, employee experience, and financial wellbeing to create innovative and sustainable solutions for organisations and their people. I am also a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group on the Future of Employability, where I advise on policy and practice for improving the employability of the UK workforce.
I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and insights with others through speaking, writing, and teaching. I have published two bestselling books, 'A World of Good' and 'A Work in Progress', which explore the best practices and emerging trends in improving the employee experience and wellbeing across the globe. I have also contributed to various media outlets, such as Forbes, The Financial Times, and The Guardian, and co-hosted a UK tour with Ruby Wax OBE to campaign for better mental health in the workplace. My mission is to help organisations and individuals thrive in the changing world of work.
Summary:
• Walking in London, exhaustion, and appreciation for the city. 0:06 (otter.ai/u/LOGm8nH7NFNlcCNw3a...)
• Bethany talks about her recent walk in London, mentioning the Thames and a noodle shop in Greenwich.
• Bethany quotes Samuel Pepys, saying "when you're tired of London, you're tired of life," reflecting on her previous exhaustion with living in London but now re-appreciating it as her children have grown older.
• Workplace well-being and its impact on employee mental health. 2:24 (otter.ai/u/LOGm8nH7NFNlcCNw3a...)
• CEO has significant influence on employee mental health by creating a stress-reducing work environment.
• Brandon M and Bethany discuss the importance of financial security in creating a positive work culture, with Bethany noting that even with the right policies in place, a fear-based culture can still exist if the CEO is insecure or paranoid.
• The pair also highlight the danger of CEOs presenting one image and picture for the company while undermining it with their actions, creating a sense of double talk or gaslighting.
• Bethany and Brandon discuss the five levels of organisational leadership, ranging from a pessimistic view of the world to a transcendent one focused on the betterment of society.
• They agree that level three, where most people operate, is characterized by ego-driven politics, while level four involves a common enemy and level five is a state of flow and collaboration.
• Workplace wellness programs and their benefits. 9:33 (otter.ai/u/LOGm8nH7NFNlcCNw3a...)
• Brandon M and Bethany di...