Can We Have a Word?

• Episode 5 - How To Lead Meaningful Workplace Wellbeing Change In Complex Organisations – with Brian Samson from ESB

  In today's episode, Tobba Vigfusdottir is joined by Brian Samson, Head of Health Promotion at ESB, Ireland’s leading energy company. Host Tobba Vigfusdottir sits down with Brian to explore his unique journey from IT into the field of workplace health and wellbeing, and how he’s helping to create open, supportive environments across a complex and diverse organisation.  Brian shares his experience developing proactive health and wellbeing programmes for a workforce of nearly 10,000 employees. The conversation covers approaches to addressing both mental and physical health at work, the challenges of supporting varied roles across multiple sites, and the value of direct employee input. Brian also reflects on leveraging technology for wellbeing and balancing the use of data with real stories. In this episode: Brian’s career shift from IT to workplace wellbeing, and what drew him to the field The structure of health promotion and support at ESB, and why a balance of proactive and reactive approaches is essential Building meaningful wellbeing initiatives by listening to employees’ needs The importance of visible leadership support in wellbeing programmes Navigating challenges of hybrid work, including isolation and disconnection Using employee champions to scale wellbeing efforts within large organisations Common pitfalls in organisational mental health strategies, including over-reliance on external EAP providers The evolving role of technology in supporting workplace wellbeing Personal strategies for managing stress, including silence and breathwork Whether you’re just starting out with workplace wellbeing or looking to revitalise your current approach, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives and practical ideas for supporting mental health and fostering a culture of care. Brian on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/brianjsamson  Website: www.esb.ie  About Kara Connect Wellbeing at work begins with meeting your team’s needs on their terms. With Kara Connect's Wellbeing Hubs, your employees are free to choose from 3000+ expert practitioners to support their mental health and Wellbeing. Because when your employees feel better, your company does better. Our mission is to make it easy for your employees to manage their wellbeing through direct access to best-in-class support. Whenever they need it. Learn more at www.KaraConnect.com.  

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• Episode 4 - [Guest Interview] How Kara Connect Helps Employers Improve Workplace Mental Health & Wellbeing

  Something a little different for you in today's episode... Tobba was recently a guest on the A Better HR Business podcast, and the host Ben Geoghegan has kindly allowed us to share their conversation with you here on the Kara Connect podcast. In this interview, Tobba and Ben discuss: The role leadership plays in creating a mentally healthy workplace culture. What Kara Connect does and how it helps organisations improve workplace wellbeing. The main or most common mental health and wellbeing challenges in workplaces today. Ineffective ways companies try to address these challenges. Approaches that actually work when it comes to supporting mental health and creating healthier workplaces. What has worked well in terms of business growth and getting the word out about Kara Connect. And much more. About Kara Connect Wellbeing at work begins with meeting your team’s needs on their terms. With Kara Connect's Wellbeing Hubs, your employees are free to choose from 3000+ expert practitioners to support their mental health and Wellbeing. Because when your employees feel better, your company does better. Our mission is to make it easy for your employees to manage their wellbeing through direct access to best-in-class support. Whenever they need it. Learn more at www.KaraConnect.com.

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• Episode 3 - Improving Workplace Wellness In Ireland - with Brian Crooke

  In today's episode, Tobba Vigfusdottir is joined by Brian Crooke, a dedicated wellbeing educator, consultant, and speaker who has been making a significant impact on workplace mental health and wellbeing in Ireland and beyond.   Brian is the Founder of The Work Well Institute, the Course Director and lecturer for the Postgraduate Certificate in Workplace Wellness at Portal, Trinity College Dublin, and the Founder of Workplace Wellbeing Ireland. As host of the Work Well Podcast, Brian empowers organizations with the tools and strategies to sustainably improve workplace wellbeing.  In this episode, Brian shares his journey from a tech industry management consultant to a wellbeing advocate. He discusses the challenges and progress in implementing workplace wellbeing initiatives and offers practical advice for organizations aiming to embed a culture of health into their core. Topics Discussed: Brian's transition from the tech industry to workplace wellbeing and his initial challenges The evolution of workplace wellbeing awareness over the past decade The importance of a structured approach to implementing wellbeing initiatives Insights on merging wellbeing with health and safety regulations Common mistakes companies make when implementing wellbeing programs The role of technology and digitalization in workplace wellbeing Case studies: Successful implementation of wellbeing programs in Irish organizations Advice for new graduates entering the workforce with a focus on lifelong learning About Kara Connect Wellbeing at work begins with meeting your team’s needs on their terms. With Kara Connect's Wellbeing Hubs, your employees are free to choose from 3000+ expert practitioners to support their mental health and Wellbeing. Because when your employees feel better, your company does better. Our mission is to make it easy for your employees to manage their wellbeing through direct access to best-in-class support. Whenever they need it. Learn more at www.KaraConnect.com.

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• Episode 2 - HR Strategies To Improve Workplace Wellbeing - with Mary Cullen from Insight HR

  In today's episode, Host Tobba Vigfusdottir is joined by Mary Cullen, the founder and managing director of Insight HR, a leading HR consultancy and outsourcing firm based in Ireland. With over two decades of experience across industries, Mary is known for helping organizations navigate complex people challenges while keeping employee wellbeing front and centre. Mary is also the host of The HR Room Podcast and webinar series, where she regularly shares insights on everything from compliance to culture - always with a focus on supporting HR professionals and leaders to build healthier, more resilient workplaces. During the episode, Mary shares her passion for fostering employee well-being and discusses the evolution of workplace culture over the years. The conversation covers a range of topics, from the changing landscape of HR management to the role of data in communicating with the C-suite. Mary also emphasizes the importance of proactive strategies and sound management training in dealing with workplace conflicts, especially in increasingly diverse work environments. Key topics discussed in the episode include: The evolution of workplace well-being and its integration into HR strategies The growing complexity of HR roles and responsibilities in Ireland and across Europe The significance of aligning HR strategies with business goals and the challenges of communicating achievements to the C-suite The impact of management style on workplace harmony and the importance of diversity Examples of effective training techniques that lead to improved understanding and behaviour within teams The potential stigma surrounding mental health discussions in the workplace, especially among senior leaders The pressing issue of work-life balance and the influence of overworking on employee health Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how fostering open dialogue, providing smarter support, and employing fresh ideas can enhance workplace well-being and productivity. Whether you're an HR manager, team leader, or anyone interested in improving your workplace environment, this episode offers practical advice and thoughtful insights. About Kara Connect Wellbeing at work begins with meeting your team’s needs on their terms. With Kara Connect's Wellbeing Hubs, your employees are free to choose from 3000+ expert practitioners to support their mental health and Wellbeing. Because when your employees feel better, your company does better. Our mission is to make it easy for your employees to manage their wellbeing through direct access to best-in-class support. Whenever they need it. Learn more at www.KaraConnect.com.

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• Episode 1 - Welcome to 'Can We Have a Word?' - with Tobba Vigfusdottir (CEO of Kara Connect)

  Welcome to episode 1 of "Can We Have a Word?" - the podcast from Kara Connect (hosted by CEO Tobba Vigfusdottir) - where we believe that better conversations create better workplaces. In this episode, Tobba explains how she will be talking with HR leaders and other people managers to explore how open dialogue, smarter support, and fresh ideas can improve workplace wellbeing and bring out the best in people. About Kara Connect Wellbeing at work begins with meeting your team’s needs on their terms. With Kara Connect's Wellbeing Hubs, your employees are free to choose from 3000+ expert practitioners to support their mental health and Wellbeing. Because when your employees feel better, your company does better. Our mission is to make it easy for your employees to manage their wellbeing through direct access to best-in-class support. Whenever they need it. Learn more now at www.KaraConnect.com.

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