Can We Have a Word?

Episode 3 - Improving Workplace Wellness In Ireland - with Brian Crooke

In today's episode, Tobba Vigfusdottir is joined by Brian Crooke, a dedicated wellbeing educator, consultant, and speaker who has been making a significant impact on workplace mental health and wellbeing in Ireland and beyond.  
Brian is the Founder of The Work Well Institute, the Course Director and lecturer for the Postgraduate Certificate in Workplace Wellness at Portal, Trinity College Dublin, and the Founder of Workplace Wellbeing Ireland.
As host of the Work Well Podcast, Brian empowers organizations with the tools and strategies to sustainably improve workplace wellbeing. 
In this episode, Brian shares his journey from a tech industry management consultant to a wellbeing advocate. He discusses the challenges and progress in implementing workplace wellbeing initiatives and offers practical advice for organizations aiming to embed a culture of health into their core.
Topics Discussed:
Brian's transition from the tech industry to workplace wellbeing and his initial challenges
The evolution of workplace wellbeing awareness over the past decade
The importance of a structured approach to implementing wellbeing initiatives
Insights on merging wellbeing with health and safety regulations
Common mistakes companies make when implementing wellbeing programs
The role of technology and digitalization in workplace wellbeing
Case studies: Successful implementation of wellbeing programs in Irish organizations
Advice for new graduates entering the workforce with a focus on lifelong learning
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.

Episode 2 - HR Strategies To Improve Workplace Wellbeing - with Mary Cullen from Insight HR

In today's episode, Host Tobba Vigfusdottir is joined by Mary Cullen, the founder and managing director of Insight HR, a leading HR consultancy and outsourcing firm based in Ireland.
With over two decades of experience across industries, Mary is known for helping organizations navigate complex people challenges while keeping employee wellbeing front and centre.
Mary is also the host of The HR Room Podcast and webinar series, where she regularly shares insights on everything from compliance to culture - always with a focus on supporting HR professionals and leaders to build healthier, more resilient workplaces.
During the episode, Mary shares her passion for fostering employee well-being and discusses the evolution of workplace culture over the years. The conversation covers a range of topics, from the changing landscape of HR management to the role of data in communicating with the C-suite. Mary also emphasizes the importance of proactive strategies and sound management training in dealing with workplace conflicts, especially in increasingly diverse work environments.
Key topics discussed in the episode include:
The evolution of workplace well-being and its integration into HR strategies
The growing complexity of HR roles and responsibilities in Ireland and across Europe
The significance of aligning HR strategies with business goals and the challenges of communicating achievements to the C-suite
The impact of management style on workplace harmony and the importance of diversity
Examples of effective training techniques that lead to improved understanding and behaviour within teams
The potential stigma surrounding mental health discussions in the workplace, especially among senior leaders
The pressing issue of work-life balance and the influence of overworking on employee health
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how fostering open dialogue, providing smarter support, and employing fresh ideas can enhance workplace well-being and productivity.
Whether you're an HR manager, team leader, or anyone interested in improving your workplace environment, this episode offers practical advice and thoughtful insights.
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.

Episode 1 - Welcome to 'Can We Have a Word?' - with Tobba Vigfusdottir (CEO of Kara Connect)

Welcome to episode 1 of "Can We Have a Word?" - the podcast from Kara Connect (hosted by CEO Tobba Vigfusdottir) - where we believe that better conversations create better workplaces.
In this episode, Tobba explains how she will be talking with HR leaders and other people managers to explore how open dialogue, smarter support, and fresh ideas can improve workplace wellbeing and bring out the best in people.
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.