9 APR 2024 · In this enlightening episode of the Headspace for the Workplace podcast, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas leads a thought-provoking discussion with Christopher Wojnar, an impassioned nurse and advocate for workplace mental health and suicide prevention. Christopher shares his remarkable journey of resilience, from overcoming personal struggles with suicide attempts to dedicating his life to supporting others in crisis.Throughout the episode, Christopher emphasizes the crucial importance of understanding the current state of workplace mental health initiatives and leveraging the power of lived experience to drive effective interventions. Drawing from his own journey, he highlights the need for organizations to prioritize psychological safety and empower employees to contribute to meaningful change.Listeners are invited to explore practical strategies for creating psychologically safe workplaces and fostering a culture of support and inclusion. Christopher's heartfelt insights and unwavering dedication encourages listeners to take proactive steps towards building healthier, more resilient workplaces for all.Tune in to this important episode and join the movement for workplace well-being and suicide prevention. for more information on this episode go to  https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/psychological-safety-lived-experience-christopher-wojnar-32

23 MAR 2024 · In this episode of Headspace in the Workplace, I am joined by Christi Pilutik, and we're diving into the often-overlooked HR dilemma in managing mental health issues in the workplace. It's a common misconception that HR professionals are solely responsible for addressing mental health concerns, leading to burnout and frustration. But it doesn't have to be this way. Christi and I at the AGC Summer Convention. Christi joins us as a seasoned expert in working with construction leaders to enhance the employee experience. Christi sheds light on the challenges HR faces and offers invaluable insights on how to support others without losing sight of oneself.In this engaging conversation, we explore the importance of setting boundaries and we delve into the vital need for self-care, emphasizing that without prioritizing our own well-being, we cannot effectively support others.Christi shares practical tips on incorporating self-care into our daily routines, highlighting the significance of small, incremental steps in replenishing our mental and emotional reserves.As we conclude, Christi leaves us with a powerful quote from Brené Brown, reminding us that self-awareness and self-compassion are essential for cultivating compassion towards others. for more information on this episode go to  https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/hr-dilemma-setting-boundaries-christi-pilutik-episode-31

17 FEB 2024 · Join us as we explore the intersection of masculinity, mental health, and professional success in traditionally male-dominated industries. In this podcast, we delve into how leveraging strengths inherent in masculinity—such as collaboration, prioritizing safety, reciprocity, perseverance, problem-solving, courage, and honor—can contribute to creating healthier work environments and driving individual and organizational growth. From sharing stories of triumph to discussing practical strategies for promoting mental well-being, this episode I interview Simon Tyler from Australia. He offers insights and inspiration for navigating challenges, fostering resilience, and unlocking the full potential of men’s mental well-being at work. His two key takeaways: - Management engagement through leveraging workplace strengths - Mitigate psychosocial hazards related to job design For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/30

9 FEB 2024 · At the surface level, generational differences in mental health at work are apparent as each generation brings its unique set of values, experiences, and expectations to the workplace. Baby boomers, for instance, often prioritize job stability and traditional career paths, which can lead to stress when facing rapid changes or uncertainty. Gen X employees may struggle with balancing work and family responsibilities, resulting in heightened stress levels. Millennials and Gen Z, on the other hand, tend to prioritize work-life balance, flexibility, and meaningful work, but they may experience anxiety related to the pressure to constantly perform, the job instability, or the fear of missing out. Understanding these generational dynamics is crucial for employers to create inclusive and supportive environments that address the diverse mental health needs of their workforce, fostering productivity, satisfaction, and overall well-being. In this conversation, I speak with Melissa Doman who brings a fresh take on how organizations might bridge these gaps. Her two takeaways: - Move toward each other. - Explore differences to find agreement. For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/29

6 FEB 2024 · A growing focus in the media, policy circles, and research is emerging on the correlation between work and suicide. Specifically, a growing body of robust evidence links various psychosocial working conditions and job stressors to suicide. Diverse perspectives exist on the current state of evidence concerning causality and intervention, as well as the most suitable policy and practice responses. In this podcast episode, I interview two global experts who share their views from an occupational health & safety (OH&S) standpoint concerning work-related suicide, with a primary emphasis on the potential for working conditions to serve as modifiable risk factors or protective elements in the context of suicide among the working population. We define work-related suicide as a suicide death that is entirely or partially connected to work or working conditions. We also consider the working conditions of the individuals who died by suicide.We discuss: - How is work-related suicide defined from an OH&S standpoint? - What are the potential work-related contributors to suicide? For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/28

18 DEC 2023 · Sharing vulnerabilities as a leader in the context of culture change and mental health at work can include discussing challenges faced, lessons learned, or personal growth experiences. When you are transparent and authentic about the struggles you've faced as a leader and how you've navigated them, you can create a more relatable and trusting work environment. WHAT DOES LEADERSHIP VULNERABILITY RELATED TO MENTAL HEALTH LOOK LIKE? - Share instances where you've learned valuable lessons from setbacks. This helps normalize the idea that growth often comes from overcoming challenges. - Share your understanding of the difficult human experiences — like grief, trauma, and failure, acknowledging that everyone encounters difficulties at different points in their lives and that you are no exception. - Use mental health resources and share the benefits you have received from them. - Emphasize the importance of continuous learning and personal development. Demonstrate how you, as a leader, actively seek opportunities for growth and learning, including in areas related to mental health awareness. Remember that vulnerability should be shared in a genuine way, appropriate for the context, and respect the boundaries of professionalism. Creating a culture that values vulnerability requires consistent effort, but it can significantly contribute to a healthier and more connected workplace. In this episode, I model vulnerability by sharing my embarrassing anxiety-fueled outtakes as I was fairly star-struck by my guest Newton Cheng. Here we are at the Google sponsored John E. Martin Leadership Symposium Newton is a family man, a world champion powerlifter and the Director of Health + Performance at Google. Learn why Newton doesn’t like the saying “Bring your whole self to work.”Newton shares these two takeaways: - Vulnerability can be built like a muscle. Saying: "I don't know how to be vulnerable" is being vulnerable, and - Start with seeing the human first — treat everyone first as just another human in a certain context. For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/27

6 DEC 2023 · This episode covers the perfectionist's paradox in leadership.In the relentless pursuit of perfection, leaders often find themselves entangled in a web of unattainable standards. The paradox of perfectionism, touted as a virtue, becomes a silent accomplice to the insidious clutches of depression. Unveiling the facade of flawless leadership, this podcast episode explores the hidden struggles beneath the polished exterior.Leaders grappling with perfectionism may unknowingly fuel a cycle of self-doubt and despair. Aspiring for excellence is admirable, yet the fine line between ambition and obsession can lead to mental health pitfalls. Acknowledging imperfections becomes a strength, fostering resilience and authentic leadership. By embracing vulnerability, leaders can inspire not only success but also a compassionate workplace culture. In dismantling the perfectionist's paradox, true leadership emerges—forged in the crucible of self-acceptance, empathy, and the courage to be imperfect.My guest today is Dr. Margaret Rutherford, a clinical psychologist and the author of “Perfectly Hidden Depression: How to Break Free from the Perfectionism That Masks Your Depression.” Her two actionable takeaways are: - Reflect on the question, “Is your perfectionism constructive or destructive?” - Get off the treadmill... For more Information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/26

29 NOV 2023 · My friend Sarah Gaer explains the concept of soul exhaustion as a feeling that goes beyond physical exhaustion and seeps into the very essence of who we are. In our recent research survey on soul exhaustion, suicide and the workplace we found that 85% of people believed in the concept of “the soul” and that 45% of people reported that how the workplace responded to their mental health emergency had an “impact on their soul.”How do we refuel our souls? How do people find soul care at work when they are going through tough times?In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Phillip Kelley, former Chaplain for the Kansas City Chiefs, author of “Divine Disturbance — Broken to Build,” a purpose-driven coach, and man in long-term recovery.His two takeaways:1. What you focus on expands2. A hula-hoop and blindfold can change your life. For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/25

14 NOV 2023 · If you're a manager, chances are at some point over the last three years you looked in the mirror and thought to yourself, “My give-a-crap motor is shot.”You are not alone. Managers everywhere are feeling a little bit toasty.Research conducted by https://www.gallup.com/workplace/357404/manager-burnout-getting-worse.aspx has highlighted a concerning trend in manager burnout, revealing that managers experience higher stress levels, increased burnout, and compromised physical well-being and work-life balance compared to those they lead. Surveys conducted in 2020 and 2021 indicate a worsening scenario for manager burnout. In 2021, the gap between mid-level managers reporting burnout "very often" or "always" and non-managers (frontline workers and more senior leaders) widened significantly. The https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2022/article/the-great-resignation-in-perspective.htm reports record increases in quit rates, emphasizing the urgency of addressing manager burnout. So, on one hand, stress and burnout among managers not only negatively impact organizational culture but also hinder their ability to foster employee engagement in a highly competitive labor market. On the other hand, the manager’s voice in the workplace mental health movement is essential to its success.In this podcast, I interview Justin Azbill, the Director of National Environmental Health and Safety for Milwaukee Tool and we talk about his experiences with life-threatening burnout and how he turned that pain into the purpose of helping others. His two takeaways for addressing burnout: - Be proactive, not reactive. - Start and end on a positive note. About Justin AzbillJustin Azbill is currently the Director of National Environmental Health and Safety for Milwaukee Tool. He has over 27 years of experience in Safety and Risk Management, having held key management positions with Kiewit Power, Suffolk Construction, Cannistraro, and Callahan Construction. Throughout his career, Mr. Azbill has created a reputation of success by leveraging a collaborative leadership style which has helped him achieve consistent industry-leading results and build successful partnerships that continue to impact the construction industry. Mr. Azbill has advocated for Trade Professional Health and Wellness through a "Do What's Right" leadership style zeroing in on the importance of having simple conversations. Mr. Azbill currently leads several Peer-to-Peer groups focused on Safety Professional Psychological Safety as he is an industry advocate for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. Mr. Azbill leads from the front in the Mental Health space as he currently is a planning committee member of the Construction Working Minds conference, a Keynote speaker on the importance of preventative measures "Selfcare", and a Founding Member of the Safety Social S4S (Safety for Safety) Peer Group meeting. For more information on this episode go to sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/24

3 OCT 2023 · In neuroscience we often say “what fires together, wires together.”Imagine your brain is like a big network of roads. These roads are made up of tiny parts called neurons. Neurons are like messengers that help your brain send and receive information. When you learn something new or experience something, like riding a bike or learning a new word, certain neurons in your brain become active.Now, here's where "what fires together, wires together" comes in. When those neurons become active at the same time, they start to form connections, like building bridges between the roads. This is your brain's way of saying, "Hey, we use these roads together a lot, so let's make them wider so travel is faster!"Over time, as you keep practicing or learning, these connections between neurons get stronger and stronger. It's like those roads becoming wider and smoother because they're used so often. This is how your brain adapts and learns new things. Pretty soon your wiring is like a four-lane highway and you no longer need to even think about the behavior, emotion or thought. Things are automatic.If you stop using those roads (or stop practicing what you learned), the connections can become weaker. Your brain says, "We don't need these big, strong roads anymore, so let's make them smaller."So, "what fires together, wires together" means that when certain neurons work together often, they become better at doing their job, and this is how you learn and remember things. Neuroplasticity is the amazing ability of your brain to change and adapt by forming and strengthening these connections between neurons. It's like your brain's way of getting better at things through practice and experience.In this episode, I speak with Sue Stock, an Executive Coach with expertise in neuro-transformation. She shares these two actionable takeaways:Tip #1 Metaphors challenge the mindTip #2 Cross the river and shift your thinking. For mor information go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/23