Can We Have a Word?

• Episode 14: Building Real Organisational Cultures That Support Employee Wellbeing - with Sharon O’Connor

  In this conversation, Sharon O’Connor, management consultant and workplace wellbeing specialist at Warn, joins Tobba Vigfúsdóttir for a nuanced discussion about the evolving nature of organisational culture and employee wellbeing. Sharon shares her experience guiding organisations through change, emphasising curiosity, data-led approaches, and cultural authenticity as the foundation for lasting impact on wellbeing and performance. The episode covers both practical and philosophical perspectives for HR managers and leaders seeking to cultivate supportive workplace environments. Discussion highlights: Defining a “real” workplace culture and its impact on wellbeing and performance (01:36) The value of making culture the organisation's North Star during turbulent times (02:23) How leadership understanding and buy-in set the stage for effective wellbeing initiatives (07:07) Practical starting points for HR managers without consultant support; importance of data and structured reporting (07:47) The challenge and importance of clarifying company values across global teams and cultures (10:24) Collaborative strategies for ensuring cultural relevancy and flexibility in people programs worldwide (11:30) How to address cultural or value misalignments within organisations (12:30) The common barriers to uptake of workplace wellbeing programs - visibility, comfort, and cultural acceptance (14:35) Building sustainable wellbeing strategies: integrating ongoing support, programs, and cross-functional collaboration (15:56) Internal marketing and the need for consistent communication to embed wellbeing initiatives (17:43) Measuring wellbeing using existing HR data, employee engagement surveys, and behavioural analysis (19:02) The role of language and new cultural terms in normalising workplace stress and communication (21:39) Sharon’s research with Novartis: the importance of storytelling and destigmatisation in mental health support uptake (25:02) Key findings: relatability reduces stigma and increases program engagement, outweighing concerns about trust and anonymity (28:54) Sharon’s personal wellbeing “toolbox” and reflections on the value of hobbies and free time (31:42) Final advice: approaching workplace challenges with objectivity, curiosity, and a willingness to start (34:04) For listeners interested in workplace wellbeing and organizational culture, this episode offers hands-on advice and thought-provoking perspectives. 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 13 - How to Overcome Stigma and Boost Mental Health Conversations at Work - with Martin Gillick from Bus Éireann

  In this episode, host Tobba Vigfusdottir is joined by Martin Gillick, Employee Wellbeing Manager at Bus Éireann, Ireland’s national bus company. Martin shares insights from his extensive experience supporting wellbeing in the workplace, particularly in high-pressure, male-dominated, and diverse environments.  With a workforce of approximately 3,500 people (including 42 different nationalities) and more than 25 locations, workplace wellbeing at Bus Éireann is a balancing act, combining holistic strategy, honest communication, and cultural sensitivity. Martin explains Bus Éireann’s approach to building a holistic wellbeing strategy, the importance of communication in driving engagement, and practical steps for supporting employee health, including return-to-work processes. The conversation covers challenges such as stigma around mental health - especially for men and culturally diverse staff - measuring the impact of wellbeing programs, and how to make the case for investment in employee wellbeing. In this episode: Martin’s background in workplace wellbeing and how his experiences in the military informed his approach. The structure of Bus Éireann’s “Be Well at Work” strategy and its six wellbeing pillars Why recuperation and return-to-work support are crucial but often overlooked Strategies for reintegrating employees after illness, maternity, or extended leave Addressing stigma and supporting mental health in a male-dominated, multicultural setting Implementing Mental Health First Aid across the organisation The role of communication: leveraging internal comms, wellbeing champions, and roadshows Common managerial mistakes around wellbeing and the importance of human connection Training managers to have effective supportive conversations Measuring the impact of wellbeing initiatives and what metrics matter Making the case for wellbeing investment to CFOs and linking wellbeing to business outcomes Martin’s personal wellbeing practices and thoughts on behavioural change This episode offers practical insights for HR, wellbeing leaders, and managers looking to embed meaningful support for health and wellbeing in their organisations. 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 12 - Helping HR Professionals Thrive Through Smart Planning, Boundaries, and Beating Burnout - with Fay Wallis

  In this episode, Tobba sits down with Fay Wallis, a career and executive coach with nearly a decade of experience helping HR professionals develop rewarding, sustainable careers. Fay is the founder of Bright Sky Career Coaching, the host of the HR Coffee Time podcast (ranked in the top 2% of podcasts globally), and creator of the Essential HR Planner and the Inspiring HR Leadership Development Program. In this conversation, Fay shares her unconventional journey from HR business partner to coach and how a single career development workshop transformed her purpose. She talks openly about experiences with burnout, workplace anxiety, and why she’s focused on empowering HR professionals to work smarter, not harder, while supporting wellbeing at work. Fay and Tobba dig into the realities facing HR leaders, from overwhelming workloads to the challenge of setting boundaries, and share practical advice for anyone seeking greater fulfilment in their career. Discussion highlights: Fay’s background in HR, her shift to coaching, and the step-by-step growth of her business (01:14) The pivotal moment of designing and delivering her first career management workshop - and its unexpected impact (03:13) Most common themes HR leaders bring to coaching: lack of confidence, workplace relationships, and career transitions (09:23) How burnout and anxiety shaped her approach to wellbeing and productivity (11:10) The importance of learning to say no and setting boundaries in HR (15:29) The wide-ranging responsibilities of HR professionals and the evolving scope of the HR role (15:38) The most popular and helpful HR Coffee Time podcast episodes: confidence at work and competency-based interviews (20:43) Advice for anyone considering reaching out for career support or coaching (25:28) The value of peer support, planning, and taking small, daily steps for personal and professional wellbeing (30:50) Practical signs of burnout and anxiety - and Fay’s strategies for managing wellbeing (33:18) Listen to this episode for honest insights on sustainable success, practical workplace wellbeing, and how to navigate the demands of HR leadership. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faywallis/ Website: https://brightskycareercoaching.co.uk/ Podcast:  https://brightskycareercoaching.co.uk/hr-coffee-time-podcast/ 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 11 – Designing Effective Wellbeing Strategies in Complex Organisations, with Vivienne Horkan, Programme Manager at An Garda Síochána

  In this episode, Tobba sits down with Vivienne Horkan, an award-winning wellbeing leader and experienced HR professional, currently managing the Garda National Wellbeing Office. Vivienne shares insights from her extensive work in developing employee wellbeing, inclusion, and engagement strategies in the challenging environment of the Irish police force, An Garda Síochána. The conversation covers the creation and evolution of Garda’s health and wellbeing strategy, the launch of impactful initiatives like the KOPS app (Keeping Our People Supported App) and menopause guidance, and the important role of openness and trust in fostering a supportive workplace culture. Vivienne also discusses the practicalities of measuring wellbeing programs, navigating challenges such as management buy-in and cultural stigma, and the growing relevance of technology in workplace health initiatives. She offers experienced advice for HR managers starting out in wellbeing initiatives, reflections on generational shifts in attitudes toward mental health, and her own approaches to staying balanced. Topics Discussed: Vivienne’s role at the Garda National Wellbeing Office and the mission behind the Keeping Our People Supported (KOPS) app (00:50) Building a wellbeing strategy through health needs assessments and staff surveys (03:35) The importance of data and measurement in assessing program effectiveness (05:12) Training mental health first aid facilitators and addressing mental health stigma (07:41) Key advice for HR managers starting their own wellbeing initiatives (00:09:25) Common mistakes and challenges in implementing workplace wellbeing programs (12:56) The power of internal champions and creating a culture of openness (14:21) Launching the menopause guidance document and supporting diverse staff needs (19:29) Evolving strategy and addressing emerging themes such as the impact of social media and digital health tools (22:22) Generational differences in attitudes towards mental health support (24:30) Vivienne’s personal wellbeing practices, including the role of nature and positivity (25:51) Listen to the full episode for thoughtful insights on creating a resilient, supportive work environment, and practical steps to start your own wellbeing journey. Links: Website: https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/health-and-wellbeing/garda-national-wellbeing-office/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivienne-horkan-mcipd-93215b6/ Podcast: KaraConnect.com/podcast 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 10 - How HR Teams Can Use AI To Improve Workplace Wellbeing - with Lorraine Hunt

  In this episode, host Tobba Vigfúsdóttir is joined by Lorraine Hunt, an expert in AI automation for HR and the founder of the AI Automation Department. Lorraine brings over thirty years of hands-on experience in HR and learning & development, with a focus on practical, people-first strategies to support a sustainable work environment. In a field flooded with admin and compliance, Lorraine has seen the workplace wellbeing benefits and the limits of AI up close. Together, they dive into the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence in HR, exploring everything from creative opportunities for streamlining admin and freeing up HR teams to focus on people, to practical ways AI can enhance workplace wellbeing. Key topics discussed in the episode include: The challenges HR faces in organizing and leveraging data, especially in the context of privacy laws and new regulations like the EU AI Act. Strategies for overcoming hesitation and fear around adopting AI in HR teams. Use cases where AI can reduce administrative workload, freeing HR to be more strategic. Real-world examples of AI supporting wellbeing, such as analysing absence data and prompting early intervention for burnout. The importance of transparency, ethics, and maintaining a human touch alongside AI-driven solutions. Approaches for anonymizing data and ensuring security while making the most of AI tools. The evolving skillsets required in HR, the changing nature of recruitment, and how AI might upend traditional hiring processes. Personal wellbeing strategies, including how Lorraine balances her enthusiasm for technology with activities that nurture her own health. Whether you’re an HR professional eager to embrace AI, a manager looking for actionable wellbeing strategies, or simply curious about the future of work, this episode offers insights, inspiration, and some honest reflections on both the potential and pitfalls of bringing AI into the workplace. Links: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lorrainehunt Website: aiautomationdept.com Podcast: KaraConnect.com/podcast 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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