Host Joanne Swann is joined by two workplace wellbeing experts for an in-depth exploration of best practices for supporting the mental health and wellbeing of remote teams.
In this episode, John Carroll, Head of Marketing at Employment Hero UK, and Dr. Craig Knight, Doctor of Workplace Psychology, delve into whether current employer efforts are sufficient, how to foster an open and supportive workplace culture in a fully digital environment, and the critical role of virtual workspace design in promoting employee wellbeing, among other key topics.
Guest 1: John Carroll, Head of Marketing at Employment Hero UK
John Carroll is the Head of Marketing at Employment Hero UK, where he hosts regular webinars and masterclasses on wellbeing and employee engagement. He lives in London with his partner having moved to the UK in 2021. Prior to Employment Hero, he worked at Twitter/X for four years. His roles included Head of UK Business Marketing and Vertical Marketing Lead for Media & Entertainment and Financial Services at Twitter in New York.
Questions:
- As remote work becomes increasingly common, do you believe that remote employees are currently receiving the level of support they truly need for their mental health and wellbeing? Are there critical areas where you think business leaders might be missing the mark when it comes to supporting their remote teams?
- Given your background at Twitter and now at Employment Hero, what are some innovative strategies you've seen that effectively promote mental health and engagement among remote teams, especially in a digital-first environment?
- How can business leaders foster a culture of openness and trust in remote teams, ensuring that employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health challenges and seeking support when needed?
- In the new working world, the lines between personal and professional life have become increasingly blurred. What advice would you give to employers on helping their remote staff achieve a healthy work-life balance, and what role should leadership play in modelling this balance?
Guest 2: Dr Craig Knight, Doctor of Workplace Psychology, Founding Director of Identity Realization
Dr. Craig Knight is a Doctor of Workplace Psychology and the Founding Director of Identity Realization Limited (IDR). He combines commercial focus with scientific research to boost well-being by up to 40%, productivity by 32%, and intelligence by 19%. IDR's Covid research highlights a 30% performance gap between happy and unhappy staff, emphasising the need for evidence-based leadership, open decision-making, and employee engagement in the post-pandemic workplace. A Chartered Psychologist, Dr. Knight specialises in the psychological impact of design, improving well-being, engagement, and organisational outcomes through tested scientific methods.
Questions:
- Your research highlights a significant performance gap between happy and unhappy staff. In the context of remote work, what are the unique challenges that contribute to this gap?
- Given your emphasis on evidence-based leadership, can you share some examples of how scientific insights into workplace psychology have been applied to enhance the mental health and engagement of remote teams?
- In your work with Identity Realisation Limited, you've explored the psychological impact of workspace design. How does the design of a virtual workspace influence the mental wellbeing and engagement of remote employees?
- Your studies suggest that open decision-making and employee input are crucial for a successful working environment. In a remote work context, how can leaders effectively foster a culture that values and integrates employee feedback?
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What is Mind, Body, Work Podcast?
Introducing the "Mind, Body, Work Podcast," your essential audio companion from the team behind Workplace Wellbeing Professional. Designed for wellbeing professionals, health and safety managers, and occupational health specialists, our podcast delves into the topics that matter—from mental health and nutrition to remote working and legal protections. Listen in for actionable insights and expert perspectives to advance your workplace wellbeing initiatives. It's your go-to source for staying current in the ever-evolving field of employee wellbeing.