Episode 26 - From EAP to Engagement: How Vodafone Transformed Employee Wellbeing - with Kate Fitzmaurice

Episode 26 - From EAP to Engagement: How Vodafone Transformed Employee Wellbeing - with Kate Fitzmaurice

Welcome to another episode of Kara Connect, where we explore how open dialogue and smarter support can create healthier workplaces. Our guest today is Kate Fitzmaurice [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katempmoran/], Head of Internal Communication and Employee Engagement at Vodafone Ireland. With over 15 years’ experience in culture and communications, including roles at TikTok and HubSpot and leading mental health initiatives in Ireland, Kate brings a clear-eyed and practical perspective to workplace wellbeing - viewing it through the lens of communication and engagement. This episode offers valuable lessons on building an effective, responsive wellbeing strategy in large organisations. Kate shares Vodafone’s journey of moving beyond traditional supports, simplifying access to care, and fostering trust around wellbeing solutions. Listeners will gain practical ideas on shaping culture, making wellbeing accessible, and embracing new technology while keeping people at the heart of every solution. Discussion highlights: * Why clear internal communication is central to successful wellbeing initiatives * Lessons learned from piloting and scaling wellbeing platforms across different workplaces and cultures * The practical challenge of helping employees find and access support as simply as possible * How to reduce duplication and confusion around support offerings * Strategies to streamline partnerships and clarify mental health resources * The importance of feedback loops: involving even the “reluctant” employees to ensure genuine uptake and improvement * Removing barriers to access for frontline and non-desk colleagues through technology and visual guides * The distinct impact and user experience differences between Employee Assistance Programmes and new wellbeing platforms * Understanding engagement statistics and qualitative feedback as key indicators of what works—and what doesn’t * Navigating the challenge and opportunity of AI, digital transformation, and inclusivity in employee experiences * Kate’s reflections on trust, organisational culture, and practical steps for personal wellbeing This episode is packed with actionable ideas for HR leaders, internal comms professionals, and anyone aiming to create a culture where wellbeing is accessible, trusted, and truly part of the employee experience. For show notes and free bonus resources, visit www.KaraConnect.com/podcast [https://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 [https://karaconnect.com/].

Episode 25 - Rethinking Workplace Trauma and Wellbeing - with Francine Watson

Welcome to another episode of Kara Connect, where we explore how better conversations create better workplaces. Our guest today is Francine Watson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/francinewatson/], executive coach, researcher, and expert in leadership and workplace wellbeing. With a decade of experience at Barclays shaping global wellbeing strategy, and senior roles at KPMG and Mercer, Francine brings deep insights on the interplay between leadership, organisational culture, and employee health. Her current academic research focuses on trauma in the workplace, with practical recommendations for leaders aiming to truly support their people through challenging times. In this episode, Francine shares how wellbeing has evolved from isolated initiatives to a core strategic priority, and why supporting managers with practical tools is more important than ever. Listeners will gain a nuanced understanding of workplace trauma, why traditional responses sometimes miss the mark, and what organisations can do to foster genuine psychological safety. The episode is filled with actionable takeaways for HR professionals, wellbeing officers, and anyone committed to building healthier, more resilient teams. Discussion highlights: * Francine Watson’s journey from consulting and culture change to executive coaching and workplace trauma research * How crises such as the LIBOR scandal shaped her focus on leadership’s role in organisational wellbeing * Evidence-based links between wellbeing, engagement, and performance - and why data matters for buy-in * The importance of reframing wellbeing as a foundation for excellence, not just a support function * Examples of trauma exposure far beyond “emergency” professions, including customer service, journalism, and healthcare * Common pitfalls in organisational responses to trauma - including over-medicalising normal reactions and undervaluing peer support * Practical guidance for managers in supporting staff after traumatic events: listen, respond proportionally, and act with care * The “pause” approach for difficult conversations and why empathy and trust-building matter more than clinical expertise * Shifts in management expectations, with a new emphasis on relational capability alongside technical skills * The future of work with AI and bots: adapting skillsets, managing uncertainty, and retaining what is deeply human * Why sustainable wellbeing requires system-wide thinking - not just programmes, but everyday leadership and cultural practices * The central role of psychological safety in team health, and how to embed it at all levels of the organisation This episode offers a thoughtful look at how workplaces can better prepare for the realities of employee trauma and wellbeing, moving beyond policy to everyday human interactions. Francine’s insights help us re-examine our assumptions and put practical, compassionate support at the heart of modern work. For show notes and free bonus resources, visit www.KaraConnect.com/podcast [https://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 [https://karaconnect.com/].

Episode 24 - Building Better Workplaces Through Leadership and Wellbeing - with Angela Steel

Welcome to another episode of Kara Connect, where we explore how better conversations create better workplaces. Our guest today is Angela Steel [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelasteel/], organisational psychologist and founder of SuperWellness [https://superwellness.co.uk/], a workplace wellbeing consultancy. Angela brings deep expertise in designing and implementing wellbeing strategies that move beyond superficial programmes, focusing instead on meaningful, sustainable change for teams and organisations alike. In this episode, Angela offers practical insights into the realities of embedding wellbeing into workplace culture, what leaders and HR teams need to get right, and why one-off solutions rarely deliver lasting impact. We look at how leadership behaviours, strategic alignment, and evidence-based approaches can help build healthier, more supportive environments, especially in times of constant change. This conversation is packed with actionable ideas for HR leaders, managers, and wellbeing professionals seeking to strengthen psychological safety and employee engagement. Angela shares honest reflections on common pitfalls, the limits of quick-fix wellbeing apps, and the importance of making implementation count. Discussion highlights: * Angela’s journey from nutritionist to organisational psychologist and why she founded Super Wellness * The evolution from individual health initiatives to strategic, whole-organisation wellbeing approaches * Why leadership behaviours and decision-making are fundamental to wellbeing culture * The pressures and responsibilities faced by leaders - acknowledging their needs alongside their teams * The risk of scepticism when wellbeing initiatives don’t deliver, and how to reframe expectations * Pitfalls of “one-size-fits-all” wellbeing apps and why tailored solutions matter * The value of focus groups versus surveys in uncovering real workforce challenges and reducing survey fatigue * Practical steps for upskilling managers around psychological safety and embedding wellbeing strategies * Why lasting change requires clarity on objectives, patience with slow progress, and realistic KPIs * Insights on measuring wellbeing impact - including the complexities of using sickness absence and the promise (and limits) of AI for data aggregation * Navigating the stress of constant organisational change and the skill sets needed to guide teams through uncertainty * The importance of leaders and HR teams being clear on wellbeing goals to avoid “drowning in data” * Angela’s personal strategies for maintaining wellbeing, from nutrition to mindful rest, amidst the demands of work For show notes and free bonus resources, visit www.KaraConnect.com/podcast [https://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 [https://karaconnect.com/].

Episode 23 - Reducing Suicide Risk for Men Through Workplace Support - with Susie Bennett

Welcome to another episode of Kara Connect, where we explore how better conversations create better workplaces. Our guest today is Dr. Susie Bennett [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennettsusie/], research fellow at the Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory, University of Glasgow. Susie’s work examines the complex social, cultural, and workplace forces that shape male suicide risk, and the practical steps organisations can take to support men’s mental health and recovery. In this episode, Susie brings her experience from frontline research, sharing stories and evidence about why men remain disproportionately affected by suicide, the role of masculinity and culture, and how workplaces can create genuine psychological safety. The conversation is candid and deeply informed, offering HR leaders and people managers a nuanced perspective on addressing male mental health in organisational settings. Listeners will gain a practical understanding of the barriers preventing men from seeking support, actionable approaches for creating trust and authenticity in the workplace, and insight into how leadership and HR can foster environments where wellbeing is accessible and meaningful for all employees. Discussion highlights: * The “symphony of sorrow”: complex interplay of risk factors behind male suicide * The three notes of pain: relationships with others, self-worth, and emotional regulation * How cultural norms of masculinity impact men’s ability to seek help and connect * Emotional suppression and loneliness among men in the workplace * The empathy gap: why male pain is often overlooked or misunderstood * The role of authenticity in workplace wellbeing - why superficial support undermines trust * Practical examples of community-led interventions and peer support * Barriers to accessing mental health care, including motivation, opportunity, and capability * The importance of tailored research: listening directly to men in the workplace * Excavating gender biases and why awareness is essential for HR professionals * Steps employers can take to build psychological safety and normalise open dialogue * Strategies for supporting men through crisis, from everyday regulation to crisis planning * The value of lived experience in opening up honest conversations * How meaningful connection and purpose anchor wellbeing strategies This episode is packed with insights for HR leaders, people managers, and anyone committed to supporting male wellbeing at work. Susie’s reflections challenge us to move beyond assumptions, listen more deeply, and foster cultures that genuinely meet diverse needs. For show notes and free bonus resources, visit www.KaraConnect.com/podcast [https://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 [https://karaconnect.com/].

Episode 22 - Building Better Workplaces with Early Intervention and Inclusive Support Strategies - with Mary Finn

Welcome to another episode of Can We Have A Word? [https://karaconnect.com/podcast] Our guest today is Mary Finn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-finn/], founder and managing director of Connect4Work [https://connect4work.ie/]. Mary brings nearly three decades of experience supporting tech leaders, HR professionals, and teams to build more inclusive, well workplaces. Her work focuses on supporting disability, diversity, and positive mental health to boost ability, attendance, and retention. In this episode, we sit down with Mary for a practical conversation about absenteeism, burnout, and how companies can move from reactive to proactive support for employee wellbeing. Drawing on real cases and experience, Mary explains the early warning signs of burnout, strategies for timely intervention, and the value of strong return-to-work practices. We also examine the shifting dynamics of workplace mental health, the role of organizational culture, and why psychological safety is essential for teams to thrive. We discuss: * The roots of “Monday morning dread” and how burnout develops before anyone takes leave * What team leads and HR pros miss when they avoid early intervention - and how to have better conversations sooner * The difference between a sickness absence policy and a true return-to-work pathway * Best practices for staying connected with employees during sick leave, including why communication choice and frequency matter * The impact of inclusive policies, shared information, and psychological safety on return-to-work success * How rapid changes in work, technology, and expectations are driving higher rates of mental health-related absences * Practical tools managers can use to track, schedule, and personalize outreach for absent employees * Why listening closely, asking open questions, and offering social connection play a key role in supporting wellbeing * The importance of “little things” and respect in making employees feel valued and ready to return This episode is filled with actionable insights for people leaders, HR professionals, and managers who want to improve how their organizations handle absence, mental health, and the journey back to the workplace. Mary’s approach combines compassion, policy, and real-world practicality for healthier, more human teams. For show notes and free bonus resources, visit www.KaraConnect.com/podcast [https://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 [https://karaconnect.com/].