ROW: Workplace Wellbeing Podcast

In this episode, we chat with Nick Jenkins. Nick is a health & safety professional who suffered a traumatic brain injury after a mountain biking accident in 2020.

He shares the story of his injury, and his considerable rehab and recovery journey. We also talk about returning to work after a significant injury and adjusting to a new normal. Plus, we explore what workplaces can do to support those on a similar recovery journey.

J...

In this episode, we chat to an expert on ADHD, and explore how workplaces can better support neurodiversity.

It’s estimated that over 280,000 Kiwis have ADHD. People from all walks of life, in all professions, live and work with ADHD.

But we don’t really talk about how businesses can lead for and accommodate different neurotypes.

We're joined by ADHD advocate, coach and facilitator Callum McKirdy. Together, we discuss how we can cr...

With half of people experiencing menopause in their life, this is an important topic with significant impacts on work. But where do we start the menopause conversation?

Learning about this life stage is the first step. In this episode, we’re delighted to be joined by Niki Bezzant, writer and author of the bestselling menopause book, This Changes Everything: the honest guide to menopause and perimenopause.

In the episode, we’ll hel...

In this episode, we chat with Dr Georgi Toma, Founder and CEO of Heart & Brain Works. We talk about how many of the drivers of the current ‘Great Resignation’ have their origins traced back to poor management of psychosocial hazards.

This could stem from a lack of psychological safety, poor culture, or leaders that lack the capabilities and skills to lead for wellbeing.

We also look at the neurobiological responses to workplace...

In this episode, we’re joined by Liam Scopes, Air New Zealand’s Strategic Wellbeing Manager.

Few industries were as impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic as air travel. International borders closed and the ability to move people and freight was significantly affected by the crisis.

Air New Zealand has been through a period of significant changes to its operations, headcount, and structure over the past few years. First, there was a rap...

In this episode, we take a deep-dive on long Covid, hidden disabilities and chronic illnesses, and how workplaces can rethink work and be more supportive.

Invisible or hidden disabilities are disabilities that are not immediately apparent. They are typically chronic illnesses that impact day-to-day living. As many as one in 10 of us could have one.

They range from learning differences, deafness, autism, traumatic brain injury, bipo...

In this episode, we’re delighted to be joined by Melissa Doman, US-based Organisational Psychologist, Former Clinical Mental Health Therapist, & Author of Yes, You Can Talk About Mental Health at Work (Here’s Why And How To Do It Really Well). Melissa has presented and consulted for organizations and Fortune 500 companies across industries and around the world, including clients such as Google, Dow Jones, Microsoft, and more. W...

In this episode, we are delighted to be joined by Chris Jones, Chief Safety and Wellbeing Officer at Ara Poutama, New Zealand’s Department of Corrections.

Prior to his role in Corrections, Chris held roles at WorkSafe New Zealand (where he led the Strategy, Guidance and Standards, and Occupational Health teams), Network Rail (as Head of Occupational Health and Wellbeing Strategy) and Nuffield Health (as Head of Physiology).

Through...

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 b...

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, ...

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 ...

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...

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 wellb...

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 comp...

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 ...

In this interview, we turn our focus to the link between food and mood.

The science on this is clear: what you eat can impact your mental wellbeing. While food choice can be impacted by how you feel, research shows food may also be a mood trigger - particularly for low moods. Recent studies show that the more people improve their food choices, the more their depression improves, and food choices ...

In this episode, we turn our focus to the link between the work environment and wellbeing, using a case study.  In late 2020, 2degrees announced its ambition to become the first company in New Zealand to receive WELL Certification as part of the move to its new home at 136 Fanshawe Street in Auckland.

Delivered by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the WELL Building Standard (WELL...

In this episode, we turn our focus to burnout. Burnout is increasing, and it seems to be everywhere at the moment. New research out of AUT suggests 11 per cent of New Zealand workers might be experiencing burnout.

Globally, COVID-19 has increased pressure on working adults as they juggle uncertainty, work and life commitments. For those in a leadership role, the pressure can be even greater.

To take a deep dive on the topic, we are...