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

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/].

Episode 21 - How To Get Leadership Buy-In For Workplace Wellbeing

In this compilation episode of Can We Have a Word? from Kara Connect [https://karaconnect.com/], we bring together short guest clips that discuss the practical steps needed to secure leadership backing for wellbeing programs, the importance of data-backed business cases, and the real-world impacts on employee engagement and organizational performance. Our three guests (Sharon O’Connor, Martin Gillick, Vivienne Horkan) share how data, culture, and open conversation drive lasting change - and why leadership support is the foundation for success. There’s no commentary between clips in this episode. We’ll let the voices speak for themselves and invite you to reflect on what listening really looks like in your own organisation. Speakers featured in this episode * Sharon O’Connor – Management Consultant and Workplace Wellbeing Specialist, Warn (Episode 14) * Martin Gillick – Employee Wellbeing Manager, Bus Éireann (Episode 13) * Vivienne Horkan – Programme Manager, An Garda Síochána (Episode 11) In this compilation, you’ll hear perspectives on * The importance of educating leaders and speaking the language of business to gain buy-in * Leveraging existing employee engagement data to inform wellbeing strategy * Linking wellbeing initiatives to performance, employee motivation, and retention * Understanding the ROI of mental health programs and why patient investment is needed * Avoiding common managerial mistakes by prioritizing human-level conversations * The value of consistent programs versus one-off initiatives in building trust and psychological safety * The role of wellbeing champions and how ownership across teams fosters lasting cultural change * Creating flexibility within wellbeing frameworks to adapt to local and cultural needs * Building trust through employee support programs and open dialogue This conversation offers practical advice for executives, HR leaders, and people managers who are striving to create healthier workplaces and drive meaningful improvement in employee wellbeing. Our guests provide actionable ideas for anyone looking to secure leadership buy-in and build a robust, sustainable culture of care. 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/].