Trauma-Informed Workplaces Explained | Sam and Amanda

Trauma-Informed Workplaces Explained | Sam and Amanda

This episode of the Working Well-Beings Podcast, recorded live at the Health & Wellbeing at Work Conference, features Sam and Amanda discussing trauma-informed practice, psychological safety, and the growing importance of trauma awareness in workplace wellbeing.Drawing from backgrounds in policing, psychotherapy, the NHS, occupational wellbeing, and trauma-informed care, the conversation explores how trauma can shape behaviour, communication, leadership, and workplace culture.Sam shares her journey from crime scene investigation into workplace wellbeing and trauma-informed practice, while Amanda reflects on her experience across the Crown Prosecution Service, psychotherapy, NHS wellbeing leadership, and trauma-informed care in mental health services.Together, they discuss how organisations can move beyond surface-level wellbeing initiatives and start creating genuinely psychologically safe workplaces.🎙 In this episode, we discuss:What trauma-informed practice means in the workplaceWhy psychological safety starts with understanding traumaHow trauma can shape workplace behaviour and communicationThe link between adverse childhood experiences and wellbeingSupporting staff through trauma awareness and leadershipWhy trauma-informed organisations are built through culture changeThe NHS approach to trauma-informed care and wellbeingPractical first steps for smaller organisations and SMEsThe importance of accessibility, flexibility, and human-centred supportThe conversation also explores the changing landscape of workplace wellbeing, the role of leadership in creating safe environments, and why wellbeing initiatives need to move beyond apps and box-ticking exercises.📍 Recorded live at the Health & Wellbeing at Work Conference.🔔 Subscribe for conversations on workplace wellbeing, leadership, psychological safety, occupational health, and organisational culture.

Why Open Plan Offices Are Failing Us | David O'Coimin-Cummins

This episode of the Working Well-Beings Podcast, recorded live at the Health & Wellbeing at Work Conference, features David O'Coimin-Cummins, Founder and Director of Nook, discussing workplace design, neurodiversity, and the future of inclusive workspaces.David shares the story behind creating Nook, a mindful space designed to reduce overstimulation, soften workplace noise, and create moments of calm in busy environments. Originally created as a response to open plan offices, Nook has since been adopted across workplaces, schools, healthcare settings, and public spaces.From workplace noise and employee focus to remote working and neuroinclusive design, this conversation explores how physical spaces shape the way we feel, work, and connect with others.🎙 In this episode, we discuss:Why open plan offices can increase stress and distractionDesigning spaces for introverts and neurodiverse employeesThe psychological impact of workplace noiseWhy employees wear headphones in modern officesCreating mindful spaces without isolationHow Nook supported NHS staff during the pandemicThe future of co-working and flexible workplacesThe WELL Building Standard and neuroinclusive designWhy workplace inclusivity starts with trustDavid also shares insights into the changing role of workplace design, and why organisations need to think beyond productivity metrics to create spaces where people genuinely want to work.📍 Recorded live at the Health & Wellbeing at Work Conference.🔔 Subscribe for conversations on workplace wellbeing, leadership, organisational culture, and the future of work.

Daniel Briggs on Financial Wellbeing, Benefits & Motorfinity

This episode of the Working Well Beings Podcast, recorded live at the Motorfinity offices in Newark, features Daniel Briggs, CEO and Co-Founder of Motorfinity, discussing financial wellbeing, employee benefits, and the growing pressures facing NHS and blue light workers.Daniel shares the story behind building Motorfinity, a company helping NHS staff, teachers, military personnel, and emergency service workers access significant savings on new cars. He explains why financial wellbeing plays such a critical role in overall health and performance at work.From cost of living pressures and workplace stress to employee benefits and financial education, this conversation explores how organisations can better support their people in practical and meaningful ways.🎙 In this episode, we discuss:Why financial wellbeing is fundamental to employee wellbeingThe impact of financial stress on performance and mental healthSupporting NHS, military, and blue light workers through employee benefitsHow Motorfinity helps staff save money on new carsThe problem with box-ticking wellbeing strategiesWhy employees often overlook the benefits available to themAwareness, education, and creating habits around financial wellbeingThe role of employers in reducing financial stress at workDaniel also shares his own career journey, from financial services in London to building Motorfinity into a trusted benefits partner supporting millions of eligible workers across the UK.📍 Recorded live at the Motorfinity offices in Newark.🔔 Subscribe for conversations on workplace wellbeing, leadership, financial wellbeing, HR strategy, and organisational culture.

Why We Still Work Like It’s 1926 | Tiger de Souza on the Future of Work

In this episode of the Working Wellbeing Podcast, Matt is joined by Tiger de Souza, Director of People at Samaritans and one of HR’s Most Influential voices.Tiger shares his unconventional career journey, the power of great leadership, and why one conversation can completely change someone’s path.The conversation also explores:How Samaritans support volunteers dealing with emotionally difficult callsWhy listening is one of the most underrated leadership skillsThe hidden wellbeing risks of hybrid and remote workingWhy many organisations still operate with outdated models of workWhat the future of work could look likeWhether wellbeing leaders need professional standards and qualificationsA thoughtful, honest and wide-ranging discussion on leadership, inclusion, wellbeing and the changing world of work.Subscribe for more conversations from Health & Wellbeing at Work 2026 and beyond.#WellbeingAtWork #FutureOfWork #HybridWorking #Leadership #MentalHealthAtWork #HR #PeopleLeadership #Samaritans #WorkingWellbeing

How Managers Impact Employee Wellbeing | Rachel Lewis & Jo Yarker

How much influence do managers really have on employee wellbeing — and why are organisations still struggling to get it right?Recorded live at the Health & Wellbeing at Work event, Rachel Lewis and Jo Yarker from Affinity Health at Work discuss two decades of workplace wellbeing research, the critical role of managers, and why many organisations still rely on quick fixes instead of tackling root causes of stress.The conversation explores how businesses can move beyond surface-level wellbeing initiatives and create healthier, more sustainable working environments through better job design, leadership development, and evidence-based practice.Rachel and Jo also share insights into their new professional framework for workplace wellbeing practitioners, helping organisations better define wellbeing roles, skills, and strategy.Topics Covered:• How managers influence stress and wellbeing• Why many wellbeing strategies fail• Preventative vs reactive wellbeing support• Job design and reducing workplace stress• The future of workplace wellbeing• AI, flexibility, and changing ways of work• Professionalising the wellbeing industryAbout the Guests:Rachel Lewis and Jo Yarker are Co-Managing Partners at Affinity Health at Work and academics at Birkbeck, University of London, with over 20 years of experience in workplace wellbeing research and consultancy.Subscribe for more episodes from Health & Wellbeing at Work:Interviews with experts in workplace wellbeing, leadership, occupational health, psychology, HR, and the future of work.#WorkplaceWellbeing #EmployeeWellbeing #Leadership #MentalHealthAtWork #HR #FutureOfWork #Management #OccupationalHealth