Can We Have a Word?

• Episode 8 - Why HR Needs A Critical Incident Plan, Today - with Kristín Einarsdóttir Scobie

  In this episode, host Tobba Vigfúsdóttir is joined by Kristín Einarsdóttir Scobie, Chief Clinical Officer at Kara Connect. Together, they explore how individuals can be supported through their most challenging moments and why it’s essential for organisations to be prepared before a crisis unfolds. Kristín brings to the table broad expertise in occupational therapy, public health, sociology, and workplace crisis management. Day to day, she helps organizations across Europe respond to sudden traumatic workplace events - everything from the loss of a colleague to violent incidents or personal tragedies affecting individual employees. Together, Tobba and Kristín unpack the realities of handling traumatic events in the workplace, ranging from sudden deaths and accidents to personal hardships affecting a single employee. Kristín explains what constitutes a critical incident, how organizations can respond with compassion and structure, and what long-term support looks like for employees and HR managers alike. Key topics discussed in the episode include: Defining “critical incidents” in the workplace and why preparation is essential. Common scenarios HR teams face - from workplace accidents to personal losses. The immediate and ongoing support Kara Connect offers organisations in crisis. How psychological first aid and trauma-informed care are delivered after incidents. The importance of not trying to “fix” things alone - what HR managers really need during a crisis. Why normalization and empathy are key to helping employees process trauma. Typical mistakes companies make and what’s often overlooked in crisis planning. The value of continuity: what long-term support for affected teams and individuals looks like. This episode offers both a compassionate and practical lens on workplace wellbeing during times of crisis, and is especially valuable for HR professionals, managers, and those interested in organizational health. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristineinarsdottir/  Company website: https://karaconnect.com/about-us  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 7 - The Role of Leadership in Building Supportive, Thriving Work Environments - with Fiona Mullan from Bloom and Wild

  In today’s episode, Tobba Vigfusdottir is joined by Fiona Mullan, Chief People Officer at Bloom and Wild and member of the Kara Connect board. With a career spanning HR leadership roles at Bloom and Wild, Facebook (Meta), and Accenture, Fiona shares her experience in shaping workplace culture and promoting employee wellbeing. The conversation explores today’s changing workplace landscape, discussing the dual priorities of connection and flexibility, how AI is reshaping work, and practical insights on scaling organizations, supporting wellbeing, and building trust across diverse teams. Episode Highlights Fiona’s top priorities as Chief People Officer at Bloom and Wild, including the opportunities and challenges of AI, balancing connection and flexibility, and enabling change within the people team. The impact of AI on workplace dynamics and how Bloom and Wild encourages employees to experiment with new tools for operational efficiency and job satisfaction. Fiona’s approach to adapting to fast-changing technology despite a non-technical background, and the importance of HR partnering with IT. Lessons learned from scaling organizations, managing through rapid growth or integration, and why “hiring more people and working harder” isn’t the solution. Insights on handling cross-cultural dynamics, particularly Fiona’s experience with HR work in China and the importance of building trust and followership. Strategies for fostering workplace wellbeing at Bloom and Wild, from promoting belonging and flexibility to formal supports like mental health first aid and accessible counselling. Why investing in people managers is crucial for employee wellbeing and creating safe, supportive environments at work. Practical tips for new HR managers on building culture and wellbeing: engaging champions, providing quality support, and manager education. The growing need for HR professionals to be comfortable with data and analytics to measure the impact of people initiatives. Fiona’s approach to people strategy at Bloom and Wild combines curiosity about change with a steady commitment to practical wellbeing. Her advice: take the unknowns in stride, invest in people managers, and co-create a culture that balances connection with flexibility. With the right support, workplaces can help employees not just adapt to change, but genuinely thrive. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/fiona-mullan-1911356  Company website: www.bloomandwild.com  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 6 - How To Promote Employee Wellbeing and Retain Talent Amid Rapid Change - with Rachel Murray from ORS

  In today's episode, Tobba Vigfusdottir is joined by Rachel Murray, Director of People and Brand at ORS, an Irish multidisciplinary building consultancy recognised for its strong culture and commitment to employee wellbeing. Rachel has played a key part in maintaining the company’s people-first focus through significant growth and multiple acquisitions. Her unique role spans both marketing and employee experience, giving her a distinctive perspective on aligning brand and culture in the workplace. Rachel shares insights on sustaining a great workforce, embedding well-being into everyday work, and what it really takes to integrate diverse teams while staying true to core values. The conversation explores the practical challenges and the opportunities of scaling a values-led company. Episode Highlights Rachel’s top priorities: maintaining culture, recruitment & retention challenges, and scaling the brand during rapid growth. Integrating acquisitions: respecting legacy cultures and aligning new teams without “one size fits all” approaches. Practical approaches to wellbeing: employee-driven initiatives, the role of wellbeing committees, and leveraging platforms like Kara Connect. Onboarding and embedding culture for new joiners – balancing information and support without overload. Listening as the foundation: surveys, one-to-one conversations, and the “You Asked, We Actioned” initiative for building trust. The evolving role of HR: moving from compliance to a strategic, people-and-culture focus. Rachel’s personal wellbeing practices and the importance of role modelling self-care. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-murray-ors Company website: www.ors.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 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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