Episode 10: The Right to Disconnect: Balancing Digital Innovation with Employee Wellbeing with Uthpala Senarathne Tennakoon

How do we create workplaces where every individual feels a deep sense of belonging, and why does it matter for transformation?

In this episode of Transformation 2.0®, Chamara sits down with Uthpala Senarathne Tennakoon, PhD, Associate Professor of Human Resources Management at Mount Royal University and Belongify Certified Coach. Together, they explore how "Right to Disconnect" and belonging impacts performance, innovation, and retention, and why leaders must move beyond diversity checkboxes to cultivate true connection and contribution in their teams.

From hybrid teams to in-person environments, Uthpala shares practical, research-backed strategies for fostering cultures where people feel safe to contribute their best work, and how that sense of belonging directly fuels organisational transformation.

If you’re a leader, HR professional, or transformation consultant looking to unlock the full potential of your people, while balancing the legal implications of the ‘right to disconnect’ legislation that will be effective for small businesses from August 26, 2025, this episode will give you the frameworks, stories, and actions to make belonging a competitive advantage.

Key Takeaways:

✅ The ‘Right to Disconnect’ is no longer a luxury; it’s the law, even for small businesses

✅ Inclusion means designing environments where people can contribute meaningfully

✅ Belonging is a key driver of performance, not just a “nice to have”

✅ Hybrid and remote work require intentional belonging strategies

✅ Leaders must address systemic barriers in hiring and promotion to create equity

✅ Belonging is measurable - and measurable improvements lead to business impact

✅ Psychological safety is the foundation for innovation and change

Resources & Links:

🔗 Learn more about the work we do at Anthosa: https://www.anthosa.com

🔗 Connect with Uthpala on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uthpala-stennakoon/ 

About the Guest

Uthpala Senarathne Tennakoon, PhD is an Associate Professor of Human Resources Management at the Bissett School of Business, Mount Royal University in Calgary, Canada. 

She has a rich background encompassing engineering, finance, and organisational dynamics. Her extensive academic and professional expertise positions her uniquely to guide leaders through complex workplace transformations, particularly in aligning strategic business outcomes with human-centric management practices. Uthpala also serves as a coach, leadership mentor and advocate for inclusive, thriving workplace cultures that enhance employee engagement, productivity, and overall well-being.

Her work focuses on turning diversity and inclusion into real connection, contribution, and performance - whether in hybrid, remote, or in-person teams. In addition to her academic role, Uthpala serves as Associate Editor of the South Asian Journal of Human Resources Management and brings two decades of experience across academia, business analysis, and financial services.