Unlocking Workplace Wellbeing, from Verve Healthcare

In this episode of the Verve Healthcare Unlocking Workplace Wellbeing podcast, Verve Healthcare CEO Steven Pink speaks with workplace psychotherapist Iulia Popescu to explore why burnout remains one of the most pressing – yet misunderstood – challenges in modern organisations.   With 63% of UK employees now showing symptoms like exhaustion and disengagement, and burnout costing businesses £102 billion annually, their conversation couldn’t be timelier for HR managers and employers.We explore - three signs that your staff member may be at risk of burnout, case study of how 'Brad' masked burnout with busyness and the boundaries we need in place to address these important areas,

In this Unlocking Workplace Wellbeing episode, Verve Healthcare CEO Steven Pink and Sam Sloan of 123 People Development explore why micromanagement persists and its impact on workplace culture. Drawing from aviation case studies, psychological frameworks, and 30 years of NHS-informed expertise, they offer practical strategies for fostering autonomy and trust.Key Insights:Psychological roots: Sam explains Eric Berne’s "parent ego state" theory and how 58% of untrained managers default to controlling behaviors.The HEART Model: A structured approach for resetting toxic dynamics ("Start with honest, adult-to-adult dialogue," Sam advised during the podcast).Hector Lozoya’s Four-Box Leadership Matrix: When to coach vs. mentor, illustrated by Turkish Airlines’ cockpit communication improvements.Measurable outcomes: Coaching-trained managers saw a 30% reduction in project delays at Verve Healthcare.Timestamps for Busy Professionals:00:07:30 – Why operational stars often struggle as leaders00:18:16 – Aviation case study: How coaching reduced cockpit errors00:31:02 – Implementing the HEART method in hierarchical organizations00:44:50 – Steven’s reflection: "Shifting from directive to curious leadership transformed our team"Why This Matters for Employers:Micromanagement costs UK businesses £42–45 billion annually in lost productivity and turnover1. This episode provides evidence-based solutions, including:Management training frameworks grounded in aviation safety protocolsCoaching techniques that increase accountability without surveillanceMetrics for tracking psychological safety and delegation effectivenessVerve’s Approach:Rooted in 30 years of NHS experience, our workplace wellbeing strategies emphasize:✅ Proactive healthcare reducing absenteeism✅ Mental health, physiotherapy, private GP, health assessments✅ Pay-as-you-go service for corporate clients, where you only pay for the appointments your staff actually use - no more 'wasted' spend👉 Visit www.vervehealthcare.co.uk Love | Trust | Accessible | Patient-Centric | Proactive

CEO Steven Pink sat down with Karen Richardson, who brings exceptional experience as both a global HR director in the legal sector and a qualified psychotherapist and executive coach. Their conversation dived deep into how business leaders and HR professionals can effectively support their teams through periods of uncertainty. "Nearly half (43%) of employees agreed their business is not prepared to effectively manage change," Steven noted at the beginning of the podcast, highlighting the significant gap between organisational aspirations and employee experiences.  This disconnect is costly. Poor mental wellbeing related to workplace change costs UK employers between £42-45 billion annually through reduced productivity, sickness absence, and staff turnover. With the UK's sickness absence rate reaching its highest point in almost 20 years (2.6% in 2022, up from 2.2% pre-pandemic), organisations simply cannot afford to mismanage periods of transition.  Karen observed that when change is handled poorly, "It can be short-sighted because we shouldn't ignore the people that are remaining, even though they're not directly impacted." This highlights a crucial truth: change management isn't just about those directly affected; it impacts everyone. 

Workplace stress is a common challenge, and when employees say, “My manager is stressing me out,” it often signals deeper issues in leadership styles that affect the entire organisation. Fear-based management, where leaders operate from a place of control and anxiety, doesn’t just harm employee wellbeing, it also impacts productivity and drives up sickness absence levels.At Verve Healthcare, we believe that workplace wellbeing is not just the right thing to do, it also makes good business sense. In this episode of our Unlocking Workplace Wellbeing podcast, Verve CEO Steven Pink spoke with leadership coach Mariann Marthinussen about how managers can shift from fear-based leadership to trust-based leadership.

Welcome to the Unlocking Workplace Wellbeing podcast for HR managers and business owners, where we talk about workplace wellbeing to make everyone’s lives better.As the lines between work and personal life continue to blur, especially in our increasingly digital world, many HR managers and employers are seeking ways to help their employees maintain a healthy balance.  In this episode, Verve Healthcare CEO Steven Pink talks to Katherine Walker, a former Director at Shell turned psychotherapist and leadership coach, about this crucial topic.  Katherine, who recently published her book "Step Up: Step Parenting and the Art of Creating a Happy, Healthy, and Blended Family", shared valuable insights on how the dynamics of home life can impact work life and vice versa. Let's explore some of her key points and how they can be applied in your workplace. Katherine emphasises that our home and work lives are deeply interconnected. "Who we are affects our environment, and our environments affect us," she explains. This means that when employees come to work, they bring a bit of their home life with them, whether consciously or unconsciously. Similarly, when they return home, they carry the impact of their work day.  As an HR manager or employer, it's crucial to recognise this connection. While you can't control your employees' home environments, you can create a workplace culture that supports their overall wellbeing. ---If you want to improve wellbeing in your workplace through structured access to mental health support, physiotherapy, GPs, or how to manage personal finances in a better way, then we have a solution for you.We have a proactive approach that gets to the heart of the problem.Visit us at www.vervehealthcare.co.uk and be sure to subscribe.

Welcome to the Unlocking Workplace Wellbeing podcast for HR managers and business owners, where we talk about workplace wellbeing to make everyone’s lives better.Emotional intelligence plays a pivotal role in the workplace, influencing not only individual well-being but also the overall success of organisations. In this podcast episode, host Steven Pink and guest Richella Boggan, co-founder of Sandown Business School, delve into the concept of emotional intelligence, its relevance in professional settings, and how it can be developed to foster a positive work environment.It's essential to understand what emotional intelligence entails. It encompasses a set of skills that enable individuals to recognise and manage their 'emotions in motion', as well as understand and navigate the emotions of others. This ability to navigate the complex landscape of emotions is increasingly being recognised as a critical factor in professional success.In the modern working environment, emotional intelligence is highly sought-after, with employers valuing it even more than technical skills in many cases. It's said that individuals with high emotional intelligence are better equipped to manage their emotions in the face of challenges, communicate effectively, and foster positive relationships with colleagues and clients.Emotional intelligence is not a fixed trait; it can be developed and honed over time. Richella introduces the 15 core skills of emotional intelligence, and how individuals can work towards building a more balanced and adaptable approach to managing their emotions. This includes skills such as self-awareness, empathy, stress tolerance, and impulse control, which collectively contribute to a more harmonious and productive work environment.One area where emotional intelligence particularly shines is in conflict resolution and difficult conversations. By cultivating emotional intelligence, people can better navigate challenging situations, remaining objective, empathetic, and solution-oriented. This ability to manage conflict effectively can lead to improved collaboration, reduced workplace tension, and enhanced problem-solving capabilities.Leaders and organisations also have a crucial role to play in fostering emotional intelligence within their teams. By implementing training programs and creating a culture that values and prioritises emotional intelligence, leaders can empower their employees to develop these essential skills. Moreover, by modeling emotional intelligence in their own behavior, leaders can set a positive example and encourage its adoption throughout the organisation.Ultimately, emotional intelligence is a continuous journey rather than a destination. It requires ongoing self-reflection, practice, and a commitment to personal growth. By embracing emotional intelligence and integrating it into the fabric of the workplace, individuals and organisations can cultivate a more empathetic, resilient, and collaborative professional environment.Cultivating emotional intelligence is a transformative process with far-reaching implications. By understanding, developing, and promoting emotional intelligence in the workplace, leaders and organisations can pave the way for enhanced well-being, improved communication, and greater success in an ever-evolving professional landscape.---If you want to improve wellbeing in your workplace through structured access to mental health support, physiotherapy, GPs, or how to manage personal finances in a better way, then we have a solution for you.We have a proactive approach that gets to the heart of the problem.Visit us at www.vervehealthcare.co.uk and be sure to subscribe.

Welcome to the Unlocking Workplace Wellbeing podcast for HR managers and business owners, where we talk about workplace wellbeing to make everyone’s lives better.If you or a colleague are struggling at work, it can be difficult to decide whether you need a coach to help you work through an issue, a mentor to help guide you through an issue, or a therapist to help you work out how you got here and where you go next.Navigating through all the options can be tricky, and so in this episode of Unlocking Workplace Wellbeing podcast, host and Verve Healthcare CEO Steven Pink speaks to coaching psychologist Shelley Crawford about how people make decisions, and how to 'find a good one'.The conversation between Steven and Shelley sheds light on the diverse professionals and interventions available to support workplace wellbeing. Shelley emphasises the importance of understanding one's specific needs and preferences when choosing a professional, whether it be a coach, therapist, mentor, or psychologist. Each profession plays a unique role in helping individuals achieve personal and professional growth, and the choice of intervention depends on the desired outcome and individual circumstances.One of the key distinctions highlighted by Shelley is the difference between coaching and counselling. While counselling focuses on resolving emotional trauma and healing from the past, coaching is more future-oriented, helping individuals identify goals, leverage strengths, and take action. Additionally, the emergence of coaching psychology as a field reflects the integration of scientific study and application of behaviour, cognition, and emotion to enhance performance, achievement, and wellbeing.When it comes to supporting team members in the workplace, managers and leaders may find themselves considering coaching or mentoring interventions. Shelley explains the distinction between coaching and mentoring; with coaching guiding individuals to discover their own solutions and mentoring providing personal experiences to aid in development. Understanding these differences can help managers make informed decisions when supporting their team members' growth and development.Recognising potential signs of distress or struggling in team members is crucial for managers. Shelley advises looking for behavioural changes that persist over an extended period, indicating a need for support. By creating a safe and open environment for communication, managers can initiate conversations with team members to offer support and assistance. It's essential to respect an individual's willingness to engage in conversation while keeping the door open for ongoing support.Workplace wellbeing encompasses a broad spectrum of interventions and considerations that are vital for creating a supportive and healthy work environment. The insights shared by Shelley provide valuable guidance for individuals, managers, and leaders to navigate the complexities of workplace wellbeing. By understanding the diverse professionals available, recognising signs of distress, and implementing proactive self-care strategies, workplaces can embrace holistic wellbeing of employees.---If you want to improve wellbeing in your workplace through structured access to mental health support, physiotherapy, GPs, or how to manage personal finances in a better way, then we have a solution for you.We have a proactive approach that gets to the heart of the problem.Visit us at www.vervehealthcare.co.uk and be sure to subscribe.

Welcome to the Unlocking Workplace Wellbeing podcast for HR managers and business owners, where we talk about workplace wellbeing to make everyone’s lives better.Fostering an inclusive culture is not only crucial for the emotional wellbeing of a person, it sets the tone for the entire culture of the businesses. This means creating an environment that supports employees with visible differences, including alopecia, scars, burns, or disabilities. As HR managers or business owners, you'll know the importance of fairness for all your team. Bbut do understand the impact of visible differences on employees and how to approach and support them in a respectful and inclusive manner?In this episode of Unlocking Workplace Wellbeing, Verve Healthcare CEO and podcast host Steven Pink talks with equality campaigner Laura Mathias, about the impact that Laura's alopecia (and, importantly, other people's reaction to it) has had on her so far.Throughout the conversation, Laura reveals her journey of self-acceptance and the transformative impact of finding a supportive community. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of embracing visible differences and prioritising authenticity in our lives.Laura's journey began with two decades of concealing her hair loss, wearing wigs, and feeling terrified to talk about her condition. The pandemic brought about a significant shift, prompting her to fully embrace her natural self within the safe space of her home. As she navigated the boundaries between her personal and professional life, she discovered the liberating power of being unapologetically true to herself.As business owners and leaders, there is much that we can take from Laura's experience.When interacting with colleagues, it's important to be mindful of the language and approach used. Curiosity about a colleague's visible difference is natural, but it's crucial to approach the topic with sensitivity and respect, creating a safe and open space for individuals to share their experiences on their own terms.The onboarding process plays a pivotal role in setting the tone for inclusivity in the workplace.The onboarding experience should be welcoming and supportive for all employees, promoting a culture of respect, understanding, and empathy, and offering resources that cater to diverse needs.In recruitment and hiring processes, it's essential to create a framework where all individuals feel comfortable and empowered to disclose their needs and experiences. This includes removing biases, ensuring a fair and equal opportunity for all candidates, and refraining from making assumptions based on appearance.Creating an inclusive workplace that embraces individuals with visible differences requires promoting awareness, understanding, and sensitivity, while also fostering an environment where individuals are valued for their contributions and not judged based on their appearance. Laura's experience serves as an inspiration for all to boldly embrace their unique identities and find strength in their visible differences.---If you want to improve wellbeing in your workplace through structured access to mental health support, physiotherapy, GPs, or how to manage personal finances in a better way, then we have a solution for you.We have a proactive approach that gets to the heart of the problem.Visit us at www.vervehealthcare.co.uk and be sure to subscribe.