Episode 5 - How To Lead Meaningful Workplace Wellbeing Change In Complex Organisations – with Brian Samson from ESB

In today's episode, Tobba Vigfusdottir is joined by Brian Samson, Head of Health Promotion at ESB, Ireland’s leading energy company. Host Tobba Vigfusdottir sits down with Brian to explore his unique journey from IT into the field of workplace health and wellbeing, and how he’s helping to create open, supportive environments across a complex and diverse organisation. 

Brian shares his experience developing proactive health and wellbeing programmes for a workforce of nearly 10,000 employees. The conversation covers approaches to addressing both mental and physical health at work, the challenges of supporting varied roles across multiple sites, and the value of direct employee input. Brian also reflects on leveraging technology for wellbeing and balancing the use of data with real stories.

In this episode:

• Brian’s career shift from IT to workplace wellbeing, and what drew him to the field
• The structure of health promotion and support at ESB, and why a balance of proactive and reactive approaches is essential
• Building meaningful wellbeing initiatives by listening to employees’ needs
• The importance of visible leadership support in wellbeing programmes
• Navigating challenges of hybrid work, including isolation and disconnection
• Using employee champions to scale wellbeing efforts within large organisations
• Common pitfalls in organisational mental health strategies, including over-reliance on external EAP providers
• The evolving role of technology in supporting workplace wellbeing
• Personal strategies for managing stress, including silence and breathwork

Whether you’re just starting out with workplace wellbeing or looking to revitalise your current approach, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives and practical ideas for supporting mental health and fostering a culture of care.

Brian on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/brianjsamson 

Website: www.esb.ie 

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.

 

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