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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...
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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.
show less
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.
19 NOV 2024 · I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-de-goey-5716752b8/?originalSubdomain=au all the way from the Sunshine Coast of Australia, and, wow, did we dive deep into an important topic—workplace postvention. If you’re scratching your head on what that is, think of it as the action plan for when your workplace is rocked by a suicide, whether it’s a coworker, a family member, or even a retiree. We’re not talking about sweeping it under the rug; it’s about facing it head-on with empathy and a solid game plan. Tim shared some real gems, like breaking down the first crucial steps for workplaces to provide a safe space for people to grieve and process their sorrow. Can you believe that some places just try to march on like nothing’s happened? Yikes! We reviewed Tim’s concept of postvention having a "long tail," meaning support doesn’t just stop after the first few weeks. It’s about understanding that this grief journey isn’t linear and those poignant reminders and milestone events will crop up, hitting some colleagues harder than others. Tim shared practical advice from Standby’s toolkits that help workplaces navigate these rough waters with compassion and structure—think checklists and timeframes, people! It’s the little things, like lighting candles or a simple memorial, that can make a profound difference. The takeaway? Let’s not be afraid to talk about these daunting topics and create a nurturing environment for our work family. Trust me, it’s the conversations we need to have, not fear. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and build these supportive spaces, together! For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/long-term-postvention-strategies-for-the-workplace-with-tim-de-goey-ep-55
12 NOV 2024 · "Whether you are the CEO, the supervisor, or just your co-worker, we need everyone to be comfortable in having that conversation."
Where do we start and what do we do after a suicide has impacted our community?
This week we have https://srrn.net/ here to discuss Workplace Postvention. If you're not familiar with workplace postvention, trust me, you're not alone. Most workplaces are unprepared for the aftermath of a suicide, and this episode is truly pivotal in changing that.
Barb dives into the concrete actions workplaces can take after the death of an employee, a family member, a vendor, or any part of their community by suicide. Workplace suicide “postvention” involves activities that reduce risk and promote healing, helping organizations support their team while honoring the loss. Though postvention is a response to a tragedy, preparing for it before such an event occurs is critical, as “Postvention is suicide prevention for all those left behind.”
Barb discusses the practical and compassionate steps in an effective postvention plan, sharing her insights on the profound impact that workplace support—or the lack of it—has on those navigating grief. From creating a clear coordination point person to ensuring your team is well-prepared, Barb highlights why ‘checking the box’ with an EAP service is insufficient without specialized training for postvention support. We explore why returning to ‘business as usual’ too quickly can be harmful and emphasize the importance of actions like personal outreach, family support, and carefully planned communication.Think of a postvention plan as a workplace “fire drill”—a structured, practiced approach to crisis that helps everyone understand their role and respond with compassion and composure.
This is an increasingly common experience, and it’s essential to have a thoughtful plan in place before tragedy strikes. We cover the importance of having a plan in place before you ever need it. Think of it like a fire evacuation plan—something that’s well-thought-out and practiced, so everyone knows their role when a crisis arises.
Barb shared some heartfelt personal insights, which underscore the emotional toll a workplace suicide can have and the necessity of a well-organized response plan. For example, workplace support—or lack thereof—can significantly impact how an individual navigates their grief journey. For mor information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/after-the-tragedy-concrete-steps-for-workplace-suicide-postvention-interview-with-barb-smith-ep-54
29 OCT 2024 · Today, we review cultural empathy and building common unity in our workplaces, focused specifically on first responders. My amazing guest, Assistant Chief Manny Almaguer from the Denver Fire Department, brings so much wisdom and personal experience to the table. From his 25 years of service to his transformative work in mental health advocacy. For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/lessons-from-the-fire-service-building-cultural-empathy-unity-and-unyielding-advocacy-interview-with-assistant-chief-manny-almaguer-ep-53
15 OCT 2024 · Do you know why employees stay at companies? Turns out, it's not all about the money! I had the pleasure of chatting with the incredibly vibrant https://shannonjoymekeel.com/. Together, we unpacked the critical role of empathy and humanistic management practices in retaining top talent. If you want a workplace where your team thrives, you definitely don't want to miss this episode. For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/ep52/5-reasons-beyond-the-paycheck-and-why-employees-quit-with-shannon-mekeel
8 OCT 2024 · The conversation today is an often-overlooked topic of financial resilience and recovery, discussing how money problems can profoundly impact our mental health with Rue Stewart. This isn't just an issue that some of us face; financial stress touches many, and it’s high time we discuss ways to cultivate financial wellness in the workplace. For mor information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/ep51/navigating-financial-stress-insights-on-recovery-and-resilience-with-with-rue-stewart
1 OCT 2024 · I had the pleasure to sit down with Keith Binkley, who brings a wealth of insight about the misconceptions between performance and worth. We cover why we often equate our achievements with love and self-value. He candidly discusses how big life transitions can shake our very foundation and the vital need for support during these times. If you've ever felt like your worth is tied to what you do, you won't want to miss this conversation.
Keith opens up about his journey from a high-flying corporate career to mentoring men through some of their toughest life transitions. He worked for the Honor Foundation, assisting special forces members in their move from military to civilian life, as well as the Sparrow Addiction Recovery Center. Keith graciously shares his story of loss with us, having lost his son Sam to suicide in May of last year and how this impacted his support for mens mental health efforts.
Keith would like to leave you with this - “Performance does not equal love. Love yourself. Love others. And if you are going through a tough transition, please don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and let others support you on your journey.” If you're aiming to cultivate a vibrant, resilient mindset amidst life's ups and downs, tune in now and hear Keith's invaluable wisdom. for more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/ep50/navigating-tough-transitions-and-embracing-self-love-with-keith-binkley
17 SEP 2024 · Dr. Sally here this week with a solo episode! I want to discuss something that has been increasingly important to me, and that is the roles that workplaces play in mental health promotion and suicide prevention. So often, we make the mistake of thinking that if we simply direct our troubled colleagues to counselors, we’ve done our part. But the reality is far more complex. A workplace can be a profound contributor to an employee’s sense of purpose and well-being, or conversely, a source of significant stress and despair.I want to explore how workplaces contribute to both positive and negative mental health outcomes, and what leaders can do to foster environments that enhance rather than hinder employee well-being.The relationships we build at work can provide essential social support and a sense of community, which are crucial for our overall well-being. However, the opposite can also be true. Toxic work environments can breed distrust, fear, and resentment, adversely affecting mental health. Are we creating high-trust teams and inclusive work cultures where people feel valued and connected? Or are we allowing environments where fear and sabotage take root? I urge listeners to assess their workplace environments honestly and identify both the strengths and areas for improvement in their social culture.Beyond just offering Employee Assistance Programs, workplaces need to ensure that these resources are accessible and effectively communicated. Are we making it easy for employees to access mental health services, training, and other forms of support? Or are there barriers—be they systemic, procedural, or cultural—that prevent employees from seeking the help they need? By being mindful of these roles as contributors, conveners, and conduits, we can cultivate workplaces that truly support mental health and resilience. Thank you for joining me in this important conversation, and I hope you can take away actionable insights to apply in your own work environment. Leave a comment about what you want to see as change in the workplace! For more information on this episode go to https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Bs2_sm_FvSUqfq4_F0NuOZBBVb6KctBGJgsuzhUgdkA/edit?usp=sharing
10 SEP 2024 · I am joined by the amazing https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanschmittwinchester/, author of https://healingatwork.com/about-the-book/, with co-author Martha I. Finney. She opened up about a topic that's seldom addressed but so incredibly vital—how our past traumas and dysfunctional patterns can unconsciously shape our careers. The discussion was rich with insights and actionable strategies to help us all step off the Unconscious Wounded Career Path™ and onto the Conscious Healing Career Path™. Susan shared her deeply personal journey from being a high-achieving, perfectionist people pleaser driven by the need for external validation, to becoming someone who now practices and teaches others how to do the same in the workplace. For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/ep48/emotional-triggers-in-the-workplace-a-pathway-to-healing-with-susan-winchester
3 SEP 2024 · I'm honored to have https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-thompson-codes/, the CEO, and founder of https://www.sobersidekick.com/, join us for an eye-opening discussion. Chris's story is both inspiring and deeply revealing. He takes us back to Thanksgiving Day 2018 when he found a glimmer of hope and support that ultimately led him to create the Sober Sidekick app. With a tagline of "Recovery is a comeback story," Chris's commitment to the recovery community is palpable, and the unexpectedly positive response from app users pushed him to fully dedicate himself to the project.
We delve into the darker side of the recovery treatment industry, exposing profit-driven malpractices like body brokering and fraudulent behaviors. Chris expertly highlights the lack of incentives for long-term success in the healthcare system and the repetitive cycles that many people face, sometimes tragically. This grim reality underscores the necessity for authentic, evidence-based outcomes and the vital role of community support in the recovery process. The Sober Sidekick platform offers exactly that—a supportive community that promotes genuine success rates and peer encouragement, proving that recovery is far more effective outside a clinic setting.
In this podcast you will learn:
- Building a meaningful platform from a gap in resources after two years in sober living - 3:24
- Why rehabs have such high relapse rates - 21:31
- Crucial community support being built - 27:17
For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/ep47/transforming-recovery-insights-and-innovation-with-chris-thompson-of-sober-sidekick
27 AUG 2024 · I sat down with Evan Whitehead, an education leader with over 27 years of experience in private, public, and state level education. Evan brought forward the idea that being "selfish" isn't necessarily a negative trait; rather, it's an essential practice for maintaining our wellbeing and effectiveness in both personal and professional realms.
We discuss the blueprint for cultivating a healthier work-life balance, particularly in high-stress, human service-oriented professions. Evan's journey from a paraprofessional to an assistant superintendent gave him a unique perspective on the systemic issues that contribute to burnout and mental health challenges. His three B's are not just concepts—they are lifelines.
- Balance: Redefining investment of time, energy, and effort
- Boundaries: Learning and practicing the word "No"
- Breaks: Importance of taking pauses (and vacations)
This conversation with Evan also gave me a powerful personal reminder: the importance of decentralizing our work-persona to make room for self-care. As we discussed, advocating for oneself isn’t just about voicing needs but also about making mindful, intentional choices every day to prioritize our health and happiness.
Let's continue this important conversation on burnout mitigation and mental health promotion. As we always say, working minds work well together. Here's to a healthier, happier workplace for us all! For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/ep46/evan-whitehead-discusses-balance-boundaries-and-breaks-for-professional-well-being
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...
show more
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.
show less
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.
Information
| Author | Dave Kieta |
| Organization | MHNRN |
| Categories | Business |
| Website | - |
| sallyspencerthomas@gmail.com |
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