How do we create workplaces where well-being isn’t an afterthought, but a core capability?
In this episode of the Rebel HR Podcast, Kyle Roed sits down with Professor Thomas Roulet, Professor of Organizational Sociology and Leadership at Cambridge Judge Business School, to discuss his new book Well-Being Intelligence (co-authored with Dr. Karen Blakeley). The book—out October 7 in the U.S. and already available internationally—translates cutting-edge research and clinical insights into practical tools for HR leaders, managers, and employees to protect and improve mental health at work.
Together, Kyle and Thomas explore:
- Why “Well-Being Intelligence” matters — and how it builds on emotional intelligence through self-awareness, reflection, and practical action.
- The hidden costs of remote work — from burnout to the struggle to disconnect, and why balance (not mandates) is the key to hybrid success.
- Why in-person connections still matter — how water-cooler conversations, mentoring, and psychological safety reduce stress and normalize challenges.
- Technology and mental health — the surprising downsides of over-reliance on AI tools, including social disconnection, sleep issues, and weaker onboarding experiences.
- The role of boundaries — why setting limits, taking real holidays, and modeling healthy behavior as leaders is essential for building sustainable cultures.
- What HR can do upstream — moving beyond crisis response to designing cultures, systems, and roles that prevent mental health issues before they escalate.
Thomas also shares insights from his research during the pandemic, his work on mentoring in high-stress professions like policing, and why simple reflection on the root causes of stress can unlock meaningful organizational change.
📘 Well-Being Intelligence is a must-read for HR professionals, leaders, and anyone who wants to build healthier, more resilient organizations. Pre-order your copy now (U.S. release October 7).
👉 Learn more about my work and access HR Strategy Tools—including assessments, templates, and AI-powered resources designed to help small and mid-sized businesses build great cultures—at www.kyleroed.com
If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, rate, and share the show. Your support helps bring more world-class thinkers like Thomas Roulet to the Rebel HR community.
Rebel HR is a podcast for HR professionals and leaders of people who are ready to make some disruption in the world of work. Please connect to continue the conversation!
https://twitter.com/rebelhrguy
https://www.facebook.com/rebelhrpodcast
http://www.kyleroed.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-roed/
Audio Intro
Rebel HR is a podcast for HR professionals and leaders of people who are ready to make some disruption in the world of work. Please connect to continue the conversation!
https://twitter.com/rebelhrguy
https://www.facebook.com/rebelhrpodcast
http://www.kyleroed.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-roed/
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