Headspace for the Workplace with Dr. Sally
Headspace for the Workplace – A Podcast on How to Cultivate a Vibrant and Psychologically Safe and Healthy Workforce with your host Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas In our brain-based economy, we depend on fully engaged, mentally healthy teams. Organizations that have figured this out not only have a competitive advantage, they are awesome places to work. Take a listen to the lessons learned and actionable take-aways to promote mental health and wellbeing and support people through tough times – at work.
Episodes
May 13, 2024 • 18 mins
In this episode of Headspace for the Workplace, we explore the transformative power of financial well-being through the lens of recovery with Reid Graham. Reid infuses the core tenets of life and recovery into financial health and well-being for his corporate clients.Reid's journey exemplifies the intersection of serenity, humility, recovery, community, service, acceptance, and amends with financial planning, offering invaluable in...
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May 9, 2024 • 19 mins
In this episode of Headspace for the Workplace, I had the privilege of sitting down with Major General Gregg Martin, retired from the US Army, to discuss his remarkable journey living with bipolar disorder and the pivotal role leaders play in enhancing workplace mental health.Major General Martin’s story exemplifies the intersection of leadership, resilience, and mental health advocacy. He opened up about his personal journey, reco...
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May 7, 2024 • 23 mins
In this insightful episode of Headspace for the Workplace, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas talks with Kevin Lombardo, a workplace safety expert known for his holistic approach to keeping workplaces safe and healthy. Together, they discuss how ergonomic principles and mental health connect in the workplace.Throughout the episode, Kevin emphasizes the importance of keeping employees safe, injury-free, and stress-free at work. They explore h...
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May 7, 2024 • 22 mins
We’ve all heard of “soul-crushing” work environments, but what exactly does that mean? And how do we ensure we change the narrative to create a working atmosphere that is soul-safe? In this episode of "Headspace for the Workplace," I had the pleasure of connecting with David Galvan about the importance of creating soul-safe workplaces.Our conversation revolved around the transformative power of acknowledging and nurturing the soul ...
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April 9, 2024 • 14 mins
In this enlightening episode of the Headspace for the Workplace podcast, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas leads a thought-provoking discussion with Christopher Wojnar, an impassioned nurse and advocate for workplace mental health and suicide prevention. Christopher shares his remarkable journey of resilience, from overcoming personal struggles with suicide attempts to dedicating his life to supporting others in crisis.Throughout the episod...
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March 23, 2024 • 14 mins
In this episode of Headspace in the Workplace, I am joined by Christi Pilutik, and we're diving into the often-overlooked HR dilemma in managing mental health issues in the workplace. It's a common misconception that HR professionals are solely responsible for addressing mental health concerns, leading to burnout and frustration. But it doesn't have to be this way.
Christi and I at the AGC Summer Convention.
Christi joins us as a sea...
Christi and I at the AGC Summer Convention.
Christi joins us as a sea...
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Join us as we explore the intersection of masculinity, mental health, and professional success in traditionally male-dominated industries. In this podcast, we delve into how leveraging strengths inherent in masculinity—such as collaboration, prioritizing safety, reciprocity, perseverance, problem-solving, courage, and honor—can contribute to creating healthier work environments and driving individual and organizational growth. From...
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At the surface level, generational differences in mental health at work are apparent as each generation brings its unique set of values, experiences, and expectations to the workplace. Baby boomers, for instance, often prioritize job stability and traditional career paths, which can lead to stress when facing rapid changes or uncertainty. Gen X employees may struggle with balancing work and family responsibilities, resulting in hei...
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A growing focus in the media, policy circles, and research is emerging on the correlation between work and suicide. Specifically, a growing body of robust evidence links various psychosocial working conditions and job stressors to suicide. Diverse perspectives exist on the current state of evidence concerning causality and intervention, as well as the most suitable policy and practice responses. In this podcast episode, I interview...
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December 18, 2023 • 23 mins
Sharing vulnerabilities as a leader in the context of culture change and mental health at work can include discussing challenges faced, lessons learned, or personal growth experiences. When you are transparent and authentic about the struggles you've faced as a leader and how you've navigated them, you can create a more relatable and trusting work environment.
WHAT DOES LEADERSHIP VULNERABILITY RELATED TO MENTAL HEALTH LOOK LIKE?
WHAT DOES LEADERSHIP VULNERABILITY RELATED TO MENTAL HEALTH LOOK LIKE?
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This episode covers the perfectionist's paradox in leadership.In the relentless pursuit of perfection, leaders often find themselves entangled in a web of unattainable standards. The paradox of perfectionism, touted as a virtue, becomes a silent accomplice to the insidious clutches of depression. Unveiling the facade of flawless leadership, this podcast episode explores the hidden struggles beneath the polished exterior.Leaders gra...
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My friend Sarah Gaer explains the concept of soul exhaustion as a feeling that goes beyond physical exhaustion and seeps into the very essence of who we are. In our recent research survey on soul exhaustion, suicide and the workplace we found that 85% of people believed in the concept of “the soul” and that 45% of people reported that how the workplace responded to their mental health emergency had an “impact on their soul.”How do ...
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If you're a manager, chances are at some point over the last three years you looked in the mirror and thought to yourself, “My give-a-crap motor is shot.”You are not alone. Managers everywhere are feeling a little bit toasty.Research conducted by Gallup has highlighted a concerning trend in manager burnout, revealing that managers experience higher stress levels, increased burnout, and compromised physical well-being and work-life ...
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In neuroscience we often say “what fires together, wires together.”Imagine your brain is like a big network of roads. These roads are made up of tiny parts called neurons. Neurons are like messengers that help your brain send and receive information. When you learn something new or experience something, like riding a bike or learning a new word, certain neurons in your brain become active.Now, here's where "what fires together, wir...
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If you are leaning into this podcast, my short answer to the question “How do we get guys in male-dominated industries to reach out?” is: to earn their trust.Connect with a shared vision of how investing in their mental health is congruent with their masculine ideals.Connect mental health to their mission.Show them how the time and money they might need to spend to get mentally healthy will have a demonstrable impact on their visio...
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August 22, 2023 • 23 mins
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, in the United States, approximately 53 million adults were unpaid caregivers to an adult or child with special needs in 2020. Most people identify the term “caregivers” with people who provide many forms of support for older adults, people needing medical assistance, or people with other special needs. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, 70% of caregivers working o...
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Workplace mental health screening should be implemented with sensitivity, respect for privacy, and a focus on providing supportive resources to employees. Organizations can create a healthier and more productive work environment by fostering a culture that prioritizes mental health and well-being.In this podcast, I speak with Maggie Mortali, Senior Program Director at American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, about how workplaces...
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While we are all so very attached to our devices, many do not truly appreciate the dark underbelly of the global electronics industry. In this podcast I interview Prof Jenny Chan, who exposed the hazardous working conditions that contributed to the alarming rates of suicide among workers. Her book “Dying for an iPhone” delves into the exploitative practices prevalent in factories producing popular consumer electronics, shedding lig...
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Raising awareness about mental health issues in the workplace is crucial, but it is not enough on its own. Taking action is equally important. Awareness alone does not create tangible changes or provide support for employees who are struggling. Workplace mental health program development should go beyond simply acknowledging the issue and actively work to implement strategies that promote mental well-being, reduce bias, and provide...
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Many workplaces are affected by the suicide death of an employee each year, especially considering that a large number of people who die by suicide are working-age adults. Even the suicide deaths of recently terminated employees can have a significant impact on their previous workplaces. The loss of a leader within an organization can cause chaos and trauma. Moreover, suicide deaths of family members, vendors, clients, and associat...
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