In this episode, Jivan welcomes psychotherapist Wendy Castelino to discuss the critical topic of managing mental health in the workplace. They explore the detrimental effects of toxic work cultures on employee well-being. Wendy shares four compelling examples from her practice, including the challenges faced by employees after workplace accidents, incidents of violence, inflexible working hours for single parents, and the lack of mental health support.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Toxic work environments can lead to significant mental health issues, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly when employees experience accidents or violence at work.

• Organizations have a responsibility to provide adequate support and reasonable adjustments for employees dealing with mental health challenges, such as flexible working hours for single parents or trauma-informed care for those who have experienced workplace incidents.

• HR and management should take ownership of health and safety policies and ensure they are implemented effectively. Open communication and ongoing support can help employees feel valued and reduce feelings of anger or betrayal.

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) can provide crucial support for employees facing mental health challenges. Confidentiality in these programs is essential, as it allows employees to seek help without fear of repercussions from their employers.

• Organizations that adopt flexible working arrangements and actively listen to their employees' needs can foster a more inclusive and productive work environment, ultimately benefiting both the employees and the organization.

BEST MOMENTS

"9 times out of 10, it's not their fault. It's some kind of faulty machinery or a poor health and safety process."

"There is an onus on business owners and on HR to actually change that."

"It's how you work with that person in a different way to try to support them to go back to their original job."

"If the trauma memory is gone, then that's such a big step in the person moving back to work as well."

"Sometimes it just takes a little bit of creativity to make our jobs more flexible to accommodate different needs."

HOST BIO

Jivan Dempsey has first hand experience of workplace toxicity and bad boss behaviour. Triggered by the #MeToo movement she was compelled to talk about her experiences in her early career, being assaulted by her boss at work and how his subsequent aggression and bullying behaviour impacted her work performance, mental health and eventually cost her a job she'd loved.

Listeners are drawn to her raw honesty and insightful reflections on change and resilience. Her book, "The HR Change Manager's Handbook" and collaboration on "Can't Break Me," attest to her expertise and dedication to empowering others - from someone who's been in the trenches and emerged stronger.

As a seasoned HR professional, consultant, psychologist and speaker, she offers bespoke consultancy and programmes to help companies with HR transformation and navigate cultural shifts to create healthier, happier, and more inclusive workplaces for all.

You can connect with her on LinkedIn:

Jivan Dempsey FCIPD GMBPsS | LinkedIn

Or email at:

jivan@fiverivers-consulting.com

RESOURCES:

HR Change Manager’s Handbook: The 3 Step Guide To Managing HR Transformation

Are you working in a toxic environment? Take our free quiz to find out

https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffiverivers-consulting.com%2Fis-your-business-a-toxic-work-environment%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7Cf54c5d5d12754c93f5ab08dcd3f70262%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638618305080551188%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=fBhf1BfELju3%2FrXtUyJbVNv5GTFSOJ0AWed81uMTjz4%3D&reserved=0

www.fiverivers-consulting.com