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

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

From Investment Banking to NHS Leadership | Occupational Health & Workplace Wellbeing with Nicola

This episode of the Working Well-Beings Podcast, recorded live at the Health & Wellbeing at Work Conference, features Nicola, Associate Director for Occupational Health and Wellbeing at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, discussing how organisations can better support staff health, reduce absence, and build truly supportive workplace cultures.Wearing multiple hats across the NHS and occupational health sector, Nicola shares insights from leading wellbeing strategy for a workforce of 20,000 people — and why caring for employees is essential to delivering better outcomes for organisations and the people they serve.From early intervention and cultural change to communication challenges across multi-generational workforces, this conversation explores what workplace wellbeing looks like in practice inside one of the UK’s largest public services.🎙 In this episode, we discuss:Supporting staff health and wellbeing at scale in the NHSReducing sickness absence through early interventionWhy visibility and human connection matter more than email communicationWorkplace adjustments and supporting neurodiversityThe challenges of engaging a multi-generational workforceBuilding proactive wellbeing models instead of reactive supportLeadership, culture, and caring for the carersNicola’s unconventional career journey into occupational healthNicola also shares her personal career story — from investment banking to NHS leadership — and how finding purpose shaped her path into supporting the people who care for others.📍 Recorded live at the Health & Wellbeing at Work Conference.🔔 Subscribe for conversations on leadership, workplace wellbeing, occupational health, and organisational culture.