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Well Workplaces

Tom Bosna

Well Workplaces is a podcast designed to create genuine wellbeing conversations in the workplace, sharing expert knowledge in a practical way.

This show will help you learn more about topics relating to personal and workplace health as Tom Bosna chats with passionate health and wellbeing leaders and industry innovators across the globe each fortnight.

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 36 min
  • English

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  • S13 · E4
    Yesterday · 28 min

    Ep165 - Everlab and the Future of Preventative Health with Sam Kothari

    Josh Lambert speaks with Sam Kothari, co-founder and COO of Everlab, about why the current healthcare system is really a "sick care" system, how preventive care changes outcomes and what workplaces can do differently to support employee health. Sam also shares his own health wake up call and a practical habit for making annual check-ups stick. ~ Key topics From sick care to prevention Personalised health, backed by data Workplace wellbeing beyond perks Hidden health risks at work Connecting physical and mental health Health strategy versus daily tactics The future of health data and accountability A birthday habit for annual check-ups ~ 📍Medibank Workplace Wellbeing supports hundreds of Australian workplaces each year through health and wellbeing services, including workplace health checks, skin cancer checks, mental health programs and tailored wellbeing workshops. Learn more here: https://www.medibank.com.au/workplace-wellbeing/health-services/ ¬ Resources Everlab: https://www.everlab.com.au/ Connect with Sam Kothari of Everlab: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kotharisam/ ~ Timestamps 01:41 – Sam’s entrepreneurial journey 03:08 – A personal health wake-up call 06:28 – From healthcare to “sick care” 07:26 – Why generic advice falls short08:50 – Why treatment beats prevention 09:19 – The value of prevention 11:34 – Workplace wellbeing gaps 12:32 – Why appearance can mislead 13:30 – Stress and mental health 14:30 – Building a workplace health strategy 15:53 – High performers and health16:51 – The health data gap 18:18 – Strategy over health fads19:45 – Sam’s heart-health strategy 21:51 – The future of healthcare 23:17 – The rise of health passports 24:08 – Platforms and accountability26:59 – The birthday health-check habit 28:55 – Making health checks a ritual

  • S13 · E3
    October 5 · 41 min

    Ep164 - Redefining Ambition Without Burning Out with Cherie Clonan

    In this episode, Tom Bosna speaks with Cherie Clonan, Founder and CEO of The Digital Picnic, about redefining ambition, sustainable performance and creating workplaces where people can thrive without burning out. Together they explore how our ideas of success change over time, why neuroinclusive workplace design benefits everyone and what leaders can do to better support different ways of working. Cherie also shares insights from her white paper, The Performance Paradox, challenging organisations to think differently about productivity, wellbeing and the future of work. ~ 📍Medibank Workplace Wellbeing supports hundreds of Australian workplaces each year through health and wellbeing services, including workplace health checks, skin cancer checks, mental health programs and tailored wellbeing workshops. Learn more about Medibank Workplace Wellbeing here: https://www.medibank.com.au/workplace-wellbeing/health-services/ ¬ Resources: The Digital Picnic: https://www.thedigitalpicnic.com/ Connect with Cherie Clonan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherieclonan/ The Performance Paradox White Paper: https://www.thedigitalpicnic.com.au/op/the-digital-picnic-the-performance-paradox-report/ Podcast: The Climb with Cherie Clonan https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-climb-with-cherie-clonan/id1882216601 ¬ Chapters 03:51 Founding The Digital Picnic 06:08 Redefining Ambition & Success 12:13 Inclusive Leadership & Work Design 17:03 Neurodivergent Advocacy & Recruitment 32:11 The Performance Paradox 38:30 Unlearning & Personal Growth

  • S13 · E2
    September 7 · 44 min

    Ep163 - Relational Intelligence with Maria Ruberto

    In this episode, Tom Bosna speaks with Maria Ruberto, founder of Salutegenics and a resilience and neuroscience consultant, about the often-overlooked role relationships play in workplace wellbeing and performance. Together they unpack relational intelligence, how trust and real connection are built in the space between people and why understanding the body’s stress and safety responses can strengthen leadership, improve team dynamics, and support healthier ways of working. ~ 📍Medibank Workplace Wellbeing supports hundreds of Australian workplaces each year through health and wellbeing services, including workplace health checks, skin cancer checks, mental health programs and tailored wellbeing workshops. Learn more about Medibank Workplace Wellbeing here: https://www.medibank.com.au/workplace-wellbeing/health-services/ ¬ Resources: Salutegenics: https://www.salutegenics.com.au/ Connect with Maria Ruberto on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariaruberto/ Paper | The Emotional Recession: ⁠https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1701703/full⁠ Paper | Beyond positivity: A review of the functional outcomes of negative emotions at work: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41678250/¬Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Relational Intelligence in the Workplace 03:47 The Science of Belonging and Human Biology 05:25 Why Connection Matters More Than Communication 07:07 The Neurological Basis of Relational Space 09:00 Challenges of Virtual Connection and Disconnection 10:52 The Difference Between Communication and Genuine Connection 12:14 Building Trust Through Relational Space 15:01 The Role of Relational Leadership in Organizational Success 15:54 Holding Space for Uncertainty and Ambiguity 18:01 Biology Before Behavior: Managing Stress and Safety 19:59 The Power of Silence and Reflection in Meetings 22:04 The Concept of a Relationship Resume 23:58 Developing Relational Capacity and Trust 25:49 Relational Space as a Foundation for Growth 29:49 Addressing Relationship Breakdowns and Conflict 32:02 The Importance of Repair and Co-Regulation 34:01 Practicing Pause and Reflection in Leadership 36:00 Understanding Silence and Feedback in Teams 38:08 Applying Relational Strategies for Better Outcomes 40:00 Practical Tips for Enhancing Relational Intelligence

  • S13 · E1
    August 2 · 26 min

    Ep162 - Make Room for Connection at Work with Dr Michelle Lim

    Host Josh Lambert steps in for Tom Bosna and is joined by Dr Michelle Lim, CEO and Scientific Chair of Ending Loneliness Together and author of The Lonely Generation. This Loneliness Awareness Week, Josh and Michelle explore why loneliness has become one of the biggest health and workplace challenges of our time. They unpack the difference between loneliness and social isolation, why meaningful connection matters, and the impact loneliness can have on our health, workplace culture, productivity and performance. Michelle shares practical ways leaders can create more connected workplaces through everyday moments, rather than relying on one-off initiatives. They also discuss the role of hybrid work, why some people are more at risk of feeling disconnected, and how emerging technologies like AI companions are changing the way we think about human connection. ~ 📍Medibank Workplace Wellbeing supports hundreds of Australian workplaces each year through health and wellbeing services, including workplace health checks, skin cancer checks, mental health programs and tailored wellbeing workshops. Learn more about Medibank Workplace Wellbeing here: https://www.medibank.com.au/workplace-wellbeing/health-services/ ¬ 00:32 Why Loneliness Matters 03:47 Loneliness vs Social Isolation 08:24 The Health Impact of Loneliness 13:16 Building Social Connection at Work 18:42 Practical Tips for Leaders 25:11 Hybrid Work and Belonging 31:28 AI Companions and Human Connection 37:05 Small Moments That Matter 42:18 Loneliness Awareness Week ~ Resources Loneliness Awareness Week 3-9 August: https://lonelinessawarenessweek.com.au/ Ending Loneliness Together: https://www.endingloneliness.com.au/ Connect with Dr Michelle Lim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellelim/ Dr Michelle Lim's new book, The Lonely Generation - Why Our Kids Are in Crisis – and How We Can Fix It: https://publishing.hardiegrant.com/en-au/books/the-lonely-generation-by-michelle-lim/9781923390294

  • S12 · E10
    June 29 · 36 min

    Ep161 - Staying Human at Work: Play, Capacity and AI with Dara Simkin and Tâne Hunter

    We welcome Full Stack Human co-authors, Dara Simkin and Tané Hunter to speak about why growing burnout and overwhelm are systems problems, not personal resilience failures. They explain how Stone Age brains are overloaded by Godlike tech - constant notifications, meetings and targeted media - keeping people in fight-or-flight and reducing creativity and judgment. Dara argues that optimisation and “achievement syndrome” add pressure, while play is a biologically grounded mindset that supports connection, curiosity and sustainable performance. They share ways leaders can integrate play through permission, mental and physical space and simple prompts, plus “yes, and” communication to build psychological safety. Looking ahead, they emphasise protecting human capacity and leaning into uniquely human creativity and agency as AI expands. ~ 00:26 Burnout Is a Systems Issue 01:51 Why Work Feels Weird 03:45 Play as a Mindset 08:18 Stone Age Brains at Work 11:56 Achievement Syndrome and Hacking 14:07 Micro Moments of Play 18:05 Wobbling the Jelly 20:50 How Leaders Enable Play 24:37 Yes And Leadership 29:58 Future of Work Is Human~ Resources Website: https://www.culturehero.co/full-stack-human-book Book - Full Stack Human: https://www.amazon.com.au/Full-Stack-Human-Mindset-Technology/dp/1394346255 Connect with Dara Simkin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dara-simkin-culture-hero/ Connect with Tâne Hunter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanehunter/

  • S12 · E9
    May 31 · 51 min

    Ep160 - The Mental Load with Dr Leah Ruppanner

    The “mental load” is something many people carry, but actually struggle to name. It’s the invisible work of planning, organising, anticipating and worrying that sits behind everything we do, both at work and at home. And while it affects everyone, it’s not experienced equally. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Leah Ruppanner, Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Director of the Future of Work Lab and author of her new book, "Drained". Leah’s research sits at the intersection of work design, gender equity and wellbeing - asking whether the way we work today is truly sustainable for people, families and organisations. Together, we unpack what the mental load really is, why it matters in today’s workplaces and what leaders can do to better recognise (and reduce!) the invisible demands placed on their people. In this episode, we cover: What the mental load actually is and why it’s often hard to see or measure The invisible labour behind keeping work and life running smoothly Why the mental load is unevenly distributed, particularly across gender The impact on wellbeing, energy and sustainable performance How current ways of working can amplify (or reduce) this load Practical ways leaders can better support their teams and design healthier work environments Why it matters: Mental load isn’t just a personal challenge, it’s a workplace issue. When the invisible effort behind work isn’t recognised, it can quietly drain energy, impact performance and contribute to burnout. Addressing it is key to building healthier, more sustainable and more equitable workplaces Resources Dr Leah Ruppanner: https://www.leahruppanner.com Book: Drained: Reduce Your Mental Load to Do Less and Be More: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/762972/drained-by-leah-ruppanner-phd/ Miss Perceived Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/missperceived/id1744434731 Connect with Dr Leah Ruppanner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-ruppanner-1657a417/

  • S12 · E8
    May 11 · 41 min

    Ep159 - Inside Medibank's Healthiest Workplace Index with Sasha D'Arcy

    What actually makes a workplace ‘healthy’? In this episode, Tom sits down with Sasha D’Arcy (Medibank) to go inside the Healthiest Workplace Index — and what the data is revealing about work right now. In this episode: What the Healthiest Workplace Index measures and why Medibank built it The biggest drivers of workplace health (and what’s getting in the way) The critical role of leaders in shaping wellbeing What organisations are learning from experiments like the 4-day work week Why wellbeing works best when programs, leadership and job design align Key insight As Sasha puts it: You can’t solve workplace stress without understanding what’s driving it. The Index helps organisations move beyond surface-level metrics and focus on the factors that actually influence how people experience work. What stood out Health-oriented leadership behaviour has one of the strongest impacts on employee health has one of the strongest impacts on employee health Flexibility and initiatives like the 4-day work week only work when supported by how work is designed Recovery (not just productivity) is a critical and often a lever for wellbeing Connect with Sasha D’Arcy on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/sasha-d-arcy-9004b6157 References Medibank Healthiest Workplace Index Research Partnership with Health at Work Research Unit at Macquarie University Medibank named Australia’s best place to work | AFR BOSS 2026 | Medibank Newsroom: https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/medibank-named-australias-best-place-to-work-or-afr-boss-2026

  • S12 · E7
    April 27 · 38 min

    Ep158 - Sleep, Stress and Self-Compassion at Work with Ruth Kent

    In this episode, Ruth Kent shares insightful strategies on managing stress, improving sleep hygiene and cultivating self-compassion for leaders, managers and employees navigating high-pressure workplaces. Learn practical tips and frameworks to foster resilience and mental health at work. Main topics: The rising stress patterns in workplaces pre- and post-pandemic The bi-directional relationship between sleep and stress Practical sleep hygiene tips for busy professionals The importance of self-awareness and self-compassion in leadership How mindfulness fosters better decision-making and emotional regulation Strategies for integrating behavioural change through long-term programs Connect with Ruth Sunrise Well: https://www.sunrisewell.com.au/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkentsunrisewell/ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to workplace wellbeing and mental health focus01:08 - Trends in stress levels in workplaces over recent years02:45 - The impact of social media and digitalization on stress03:15 - Stress reactivity and its effects on relationships and decision-making03:59 - Challenges faced by middle and upper management during stressful times04:32 - Sleep disruption and its effect on focus and regulation05:02 - The sleep-stress feedback loop and neural responses06:32 - The importance of deep sleep for emotional and cognitive health07:32 - Risks of sleep deprivation in organizational decision-making08:01 - Moving away from the "badge of honor" culture around sleep10:30 - Practical tips for improving sleep quality and routine11:44 - The significance of consistency in wake and sleep times12:30 - Managing light exposure for circadian rhythm regulation13:00 - The role of light and dark in sleep hygiene14:29 - Nutritional influences like caffeine, alcohol, and mealtime on sleep16:05 - Environmental factors such as room temperature17:11 - The influence of stress and self-critical tendencies on sleep17:57 - Self-compassion as a leadership and self-care skill20:55 - The difference between empathy and compassion, and the need for action22:28 - The components of self-compassion: mindfulness, common humanity, and kindness23:58 - The concept of fierce self-compassion and boundary setting25:28 - Using mindfulness and self-awareness to manage workplace conflicts26:44 - Strengthening relationships through self-compassion and boundaries27:20 - The role of mindfulness in leadership and decision-making28:26 - How mindfulness practices strengthen neural capacity for rational responses30:26 - Recognising and understanding thoughts during mindfulness31:24 - The importance of gentle self-awareness and compassion32:25 - Neuroscientific evidence of mindfulness effects on the brain33:50 - Practical experiences with mindfulness and leadership clarity34:50 - Tips for implementing sustained behavioral change programs36:30 - Starting small with mindfulness practice for lasting impact37:00 - Reinforcing habits through feedback and routine38:16 - The value of long-term programs integrating behaviour change39:14 - How organisations can develop lasting wellbeing strategies41:45 - Closing thoughts on integrating wellbeing into workplace culture

  • S12 · E6
    April 13 · 43 min

    Ep157 - Loneliness and Social Connection in the Workplace with Dr Ali Walker

    In this episode, we explore how social health influences workplace wellbeing and productivity. Dr Ali Walker shares actionable frameworks to foster genuine connection, reduce loneliness and enhance psychosocial safety at work - critical components for healthy, high-performing teams. Key Topics: The four levels of social health: belonging to self, one-on-one, group and collective community The four types of loneliness: intimate partner, social, situational, and existential Practical strategies for managers to schedule meaningful social interactions How social connection acts as a protective factor against psychosocial risks Building psychologically safe environments through meeting interaction patterns Using the SBI (Situation, Behaviour, Impact) model for constructive feedback Leading micro-moments of connection to foster genuine belonging Resources & Links Connect with Ali Walker on LinkedIn Ali Walker - LinkedIn AlityLife We Are Lonely Podcast by Medibank Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to social health and its importance in workplaces 02:09 - The four levels of social health explained 05:45 - The importance of scheduling social connection intentionally 06:40 - Deep dive into the four types of loneliness and their workplace expressions 08:47 - The nuanced understanding of loneliness with real-life examples 13:30 - Personalized social connection frameworks based on individual needs 14:24 - The role of social connection in reducing psychosocial risks 16:20 - The concept of psychological safety and its link to connection intensity 19:41 - Leading interaction patterns to build genuine belonging in teams 23:21 - Strategies for addressing relationship mismatches and team conflict 32:39 - Using the SBI feedback model for performance conversations 36:09 - Curiosity, hesitant tones, and authentic conversations as leadership tools 39:30 - Prioritizing social connection as a proactive approach to psychosocial safety 43:13 - Implementing incidental social experiences and shared meals at work 44:23 - Final thoughts: Building functional teams through social health

  • S12 · E5
    March 31 · 42 min

    Ep156 - Burnout and the Inner Critic with Mark Jones

    Mark Jones shares his inspiring journey from a health crisis to becoming a champion of mental fitness through The Story Code framework. Key Topics: Mark’s personal health awakening in 2019 after a panic attack during a routine shopping trip to Bunnings The impact of internal stories, limiting beliefs and the inner critic on mental health and performance The narrative therapy approach: rewriting your story and becoming your own hero How internal stories influence workplace leadership and influence, especially during roles transitions The role of self-talk in reinforcing health routines and overcoming burnout The future of work and the importance of human skills, emotional intelligence and organisational culture ~ Connect with Mark Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markhjonesimpact/ Mark's Podcast: The Story Code for Leaders: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-story-code-mark-jones/id1767729340?i=1000733031804 ~ Resources: ⁠The Story Code - Mark Jones⁠ ⁠James Clear's Atomic Habits⁠ ⁠Stephen Covey's Circles of Control⁠

  • S12 · E4
    March 16 · 40 min

    Ep155 - From Chaos to Clarity with Hussein Hamka

    Welcoming back, Hussein Hamka, performance coach and author. This conversation looks at a familiar challenge for many leaders and teams right now: Work feeling busy, reactive and fragmented. Huss shares a practical way to cut through that noise. His approach centres on clarity, energy and simple behavioural systems that help people perform well without burning out. A key idea he returns to is that energy is the real asset at work, not time. Tom and Huss explore the habits that move people from chaos to control. Weekly and daily planning, using tools like the Eisenhower Matrix, batching similar tasks and protecting time for deep work all play a role. They also talk about why motivation fades quickly, while identity and systems tend to stick. The conversation finishes with the foundations that support sustainable performance every day. Sleep, movement, nutrition, managing stress, taking short recovery breaks and the role leaders play in setting the tone for healthy ways of working. ~ Resources: Connect with Hussein Hamka on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/husseinhamka/ https://www.husfit.co/ Plan to Peak Perform Book: https://www.husfit.co/plantopeakperformbook The Eisenhower Matrix: https://asana.com/resources/eisenhower-matrix

  • S12 · E3
    March 2 · 32 min

    Ep154 - Neurodiversity at Work with Aron Mercer

    In today's episode, we welcome Aron Mercer, a researcher and practitioner focused on neurodiversity at work whose doctoral research examines lived experiences of autistic, dyslexic, and ADHD employees and how disclosure and workplace culture affect belonging, wellbeing and performance. Aron explains neurodiversity as a strengths-based concept coined by Judy Singer, notes it affects an estimated 15–20% of people, and discusses differences in presentations for women and girls. He describes common workplace barriers including stigma, lack of manager confidence, masking, burnout and return-to-office tensions, and why disclosure is complex across the employee lifecycle. The conversation highlights strengths (pattern recognition, integrity, creativity, crisis clarity, visual thinking), critiques overemphasis on “generalists,” and outlines practices like clear expectations, focus-friendly environments, inclusive assessments, normalisation, and better use of employee resource groups and universal design. ~ Resources: Connect with Aron Mercer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aron-mercer-0718197/ Xceptional Academy: https://xceptionalacademy.org.au/ Dr Judy Singer: https://provost.harvard.edu/people/judith-d-singer

  • S12 · E2
    February 16 · 42 min

    Ep153 - Sustainable High Performance with Poppy Griffiths

    In this episode, Poppy Griffiths, director and founder of UnlimitU High Performance Coaching, shares her extensive experience and expertise in helping people, leaders and teams achieve sustainable high performance. Poppy discusses the importance of aligning passion with boundaries, the impact of the Performance Fit System (Purpose Fit, Mind Fit, Body Fit and Relationship Fit) and the cultural habits that prevent burnout while enhancing team performance. She explains how leaders can create meaningful connections and celebrate progress to foster a healthy work environment. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to improve their personal and team performance while maintaining wellbeing. ~ Resources: Connect with Poppy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/poppy-griffiths-23b65b31/ UnlimitU High Performance Coaching: https://unlimitu.com.au/

  • S12 · E1
    February 2 · 36 min

    Ep152 - Love, Scams and Fraud in an AI Era with Tracy Hall

    In this episode, Tom Bosna speaks with Tracy Hall, author, keynote speaker and senior marketing executive, in a powerful conversation about trust, deception and resilience. Tracy shares her experience as the final victim of one of Australia’s most notorious con artists, Hamish McLaren. She reflects on how the truth unfolded, the emotional and financial impact of the scam and the psychology that sits behind why scams work. Tracy explores how scams are evolving alongside technology and AI, why capable professionals remain vulnerable and what it really takes to rebuild trust. This episode highlights the growing need for stronger financial literacy, smarter compliance education and more human storytelling in organisations. It offers practical insights to help individuals and workplaces better recognise, prevent and respond to scams in an increasingly complex digital world. ~ References: Tracy Hall: https://tracyhall.com.au/ Who the Hell is Hamish Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ci/podcast/who-the-hell-is-hamish/id1451470931 Tracy's Book, The Last Victim: https://tracyhall.com.au/the-last-victim

  • S11 · E10
    Dec 1, 2025 · 26 min

    Ep151 - Shift Worker Burnout with Emma Seymour

    This conversation delves into the challenges and insights surrounding shift work, highlighting the importance of employee wellbeing, the role of technology in workforce management and the emerging trend of poly employment. Emma Seymour, the CFO of Deputy, shares valuable insights from the Shift Pulse Report, emphasising the need for clarity, control and support for shift workers. The discussion also touches on the future of work, the impact of AI and the specific challenges faced by industries like healthcare. Key Takeaways Shift work is a critical aspect of the global workforce. The Shift Pulse Report reveals significant stress among shift workers. Lack of control over schedules is a major source of stress. Poly employment is becoming increasingly common among workers. Healthcare workers face unique challenges and high burnout rates. The future of work will likely involve more flexibility and technology integration. Resources Deputy: https://www.deputy.com/auShift Pulse Report: https://www.deputy.com/au/insights/shift-pulse-report-2025Connect with Emma Seymour on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-seymour-375131116/

  • S11 · E9
    Nov 17, 2025 · 29 min

    Ep150 - Sustainable Self-Care and Preventative Health with Dr Paula Conroy

    In this conversation, Tom Bosna and Dr Paula Conroy discuss the significance of preventative health, particularly in the context of general practice and workplace health. Paula shares her journey to becoming a GP and emphasises the importance of preventive health checks in reducing chronic diseases. They explore the role of leadership in promoting health within organisations and the need for a culture of prevention. The discussion also touches on emerging trends in health technology and the future of screening practices. Takeaways Workplaces have a duty to address psychosocial hazards. Embedding a culture of prevention is essential for organisations. Leaders play a vital role in promoting health and wellbeing. Emerging technologies are changing the landscape of health screening. Prevention is the most cost-effective way to maintain employee health. Resources Insight Health Advisory: https://insighthealthadvisory.com.au/ Connect with Dr Paula Conroy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-paula-conroy/

  • S11 · E8
    Nov 3, 2025 · 33 min

    Ep149 - Quiet Cracking and the Supercycle of Change with Dr Michelle McQuaid

    In this episode of Well Workplaces, host Tom Bosna speaks with Dr. Michelle McQuaid about her 2025 Workplace Report from the Change Lab, which highlights the phenomenon of 'quiet cracking' - a hidden crisis where workers seem to cope, but are silently struggling with financial and emotional strain. The discussion covers the prevalence of quiet cracking, especially among young workers, its causes, and its impact as a precursor to burnout. Dr. McQuaid introduces the concept of workplace civility as a buffer against stress and discusses the role of technology and AI in workplaces. She also presents the HEART Framework as a practical solution for leaders to manage change and improve workplace wellbeing. The conversation emphasises the need for emotionally and socially attuned communication to foster trust and better performance in organisations. Resources: https://www.michellemcquaid.com/co-creating-change/ https://www.michellemcquaid.com/ Previous Well Workplaces EpisodeEp.134 - Good Girl Conditioning in the Workplace with Dr Michelle McQuaid

  • S11 · E9
    Oct 20, 2025 · 28 min

    Ep148 - Building Mentally Fit Workplaces with David Koczkar

    In this episode of the Well Workplaces Podcast, Tom Bosna speaks with David Koczkar, CEO of Medibank, about mental fitness, leadership and Medibank's commitment to mental health. David shares his journey and thoughts on the distinction between mental health and mental fitness, as well as personal strategies to manage stress and maintain resilience. He also discusses the importance of creating an open and supportive work environment and how Medibank is fostering a culture of wellbeing for its employees. Additionally, David highlights Medibank's initiatives, such as Family Roast, aimed at supporting mental health in the community. Resources: Family Roast: A tasty conversation | Medibank Family Roast for workplaces game. https://www.medibank.com.au/ Well Workplaces Podcast Connect with David Koczkar: https://au.linkedin.com/in/davidkoczkar

  • S11 · E6
    Oct 6, 2025 · 26 min

    Ep147 - Navigating the Sandwich Generation with Melissa Reader

    In this episode, Melissa Reader, the founder and CEO of Violet, discusses reimagining support for families navigating the final stages of life. Melissa shares her personal journey, which inspired her to create Violet, a platform that aids over 30,000 families through this challenging phase. They cover important topics such as the 'sandwich generation', the often-overlooked burden on caregivers and the importance of planning and honest conversations about end-of-life care. Melissa also introduces the Care Compass, a practical tool designed to help caregivers navigate care preferences and decisions. The episode dives deep into societal challenges, workplace support for carers, and Melissa's vision for transformative, humane approaches to end-of-life care. ~ Resources: Violet: https://www.violet.org.au/ Violet's Care Compass: https://violetcares.com/ The CARE Index 2025: Australia's Care Readiness Report: https://www.violet.org.au/ Agehood Podcast: https://www.agehoodpodcast.com/ Connect with Melissa Reader: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-reader/

  • S11 · E5
    Sep 22, 2025 · 33 min

    Ep146 - Bridging Generational Gaps in the Workplace with Florence Potter

    In this conversation, Tom Bosna and Florence Potter explore the dynamics of generational interactions in the workplace, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the presence of multiple generations, particularly Gen Z and Millennials. They discuss stereotypes, communication styles and the importance of understanding life stages rather than just age. The conversation emphasises the need for supportive environments, effective communication, and actionable strategies for leaders to bridge generational gaps and foster collaboration. Takeaways Generational dynamics are crucial in understanding workplace interactions. Stereotypes about Gen Z being lazy are misleading; they prioritise efficiency. Life stages often matter more than generational labels in workplace dynamics. Millennials and Gen Z experience friction due to differing expectations. Communication styles vary widely and should be personalised. Flexibility in the workplace means different things to different generations. Job hopping rates among Gen Z are lower than previous generations. Understanding professionalism requires a discussion of definitions across generations. Mental health concerns are prevalent among younger workers. Creating supportive environments encourages open communication and collaboration. ResourcesNo Umbrellas: https://www.noumbrellas.com.au/ Connect with Florence Potter on LinkedIn

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