Headspace for the Workplace with Dr. Sally: Helping Leaders Build Human-Centered Workplaces

The conversation today is an often-overlooked topic of financial resilience and recovery, discussing how money problems can profoundly impact our mental health with Rue Stewart. This isn't just an issue that some of us face; financial stress touches many, and it’s high time we discuss ways to cultivate financial wellness in the workplace. For mor information on this episode go to   https://www.sal...

I had the pleasure to sit down with Keith Binkley, who brings a wealth of insight about the misconceptions between performance and worth. We cover why we often equate our achievements with love and self-value. He candidly discusses how big life transitions can shake our very foundation and the vital need for support during these times. If you've ever felt like your worth is tied to what you do, yo...

Dr. Sally here this week with a solo episode! I want to discuss something that has been increasingly important to me, and that is the roles that workplaces play in mental health promotion and suicide prevention. So often, we make the mistake of thinking that if we simply direct our troubled colleagues to counselors, we’ve done our part. But the reality is far more complex. A workplace can be a pro...

I am joined by the amazing Susan Winchester , author of Healing at Work , with co-author Martha I. Finney. She opened up about a topic that's seldom addressed but so incredibly vital—how our past traumas and dysfunctional patterns can unconsciously shape our careers. The discussion was rich with insights and actionable strategies to help us all step off the Unconscious Wounded Career Path™ and ont...

I'm honored to have  Chris Thompson , the CEO, and founder of  Sober Sidekick , join us for an eye-opening discussion. Chris's story is both inspiring and deeply revealing. He takes us back to Thanksgiving Day 2018 when he found a glimmer of hope and support that ultimately led him to create the Sober Sidekick app. With a tagline of "Recovery is a comeback story," Chris's commitment to the recover...

I sat down with Evan Whitehead, an education leader with over 27 years of experience in private, public, and state level education. Evan brought forward the idea that being "selfish" isn't necessarily a negative trait; rather, it's an essential practice for maintaining our wellbeing and effectiveness in both personal and professional realms. We discuss the blueprint for cultivating a healthier wor...

Welcome to Part 2 of the IASP Suicide and the Workplace Special Interest Group Episode. Hosts Jorgen Gullestrup and Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas continue their deep dive into workplace mental health and suicide prevention with Tim Irving from OSHA and Dr. John Fitzgerald from WorkSafe New Zealand. The episode uncovers critical insights into how occupational safety and health administrations are evolvi...

Join Dr Sally Spencer-Thomas and Jorgen Gullestrup with guests, Dr John Fitzgerald, Registered Clinical Psychologist and Lead at “Mentally Healthy Work” alongside Timothy Irving, Deputy Director, Directorate of Construction, US DOL/Occupational Safety and Health Administration as they discuss work-related suicide. Hosted by the  IASP Suicide and the Workplace Special Interest Group . Discussions o...

In this episode Dr. Geraci shares that one of the crucial aspects of effective leadership is becoming an expert in areas that earn you respect. For him, as a junior infantry officer, this meant mastering the use of his assault rifle. The broader lesson here for workplace leaders is to deeply understand and respect the unique experiences and skills that veterans bring to the table. Dr. Geraci empha...

In this week’s episode of "Headspace for the Workplace," Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas sat down with Dr. Joel Bennett to explore the critical role of workplace culture and climate in fostering mental health and resilience. Their engaging conversation provided valuable insights and actionable strategies for leaders and organizations committed to creating psychologically safe and vibrant workplaces. for...

n this episode of "Headspace for the Workplace," we welcome Kimberly Williams to delve into the high costs of tolerating a "brilliant jerk" in the workplace. Kimberly, a seasoned organizational behavior and HR management expert, will shed light on the real and often overlooked consequences of keeping toxic high-performers on the team. Drawing from her insightful articles on the topic, Kimberly wil...

Join us as Dr. Ruth Riley delves into the sensitive topic of workplace suicide postvention. In this crucial discussion, we explore the support systems and guidance established to help staff cope after the suicide of a colleague. Discover vital insights and resources, including the NHS Suicide Postvention Guidance and the poignant film 'After Them,' which portrays the experiences of three NHS staff...

Have you ever felt alone in a group of people? Have you ever been shunned by work colleagues? Today we are going to explore what it’s like to be "Alone Together," and we are joined by Professor Kayla Follmer of West Virginia University, an expert in occupational health psychology. Our discussion will navigate the often-misunderstood paths of isolation at work —both intentional and unintentional—an...

Explore the transformative power of restorative just culture in the workplace with insights from Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas and Susan Murray. Learn how shifting from blame to a systems-focused approach can enhance psychological safety and reduce risks in critical incidents. For more information on this episode go to   https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/cultivating-a-restorative-and-just-cu...

Dr. Sally and expert guest Max Margolis delve into workplace alcohol cultures on the Headspace for the Workplace podcast, offering insights on its links to mental health and suicide. Tune in for actionable advice on fostering inclusive environments and prioritizing employee well-being. for more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/rethink-the-drink-workpla...

In this episode of Headspace for the Workplace, we explore the transformative power of financial well-being through the lens of recovery with Reid Graham. Reid infuses the core tenets of life and recovery into financial health and well-being for his corporate clients. Reid's journey exemplifies the intersection of serenity, humility, recovery, community, service, acceptance, and amends with financ...

In this episode of Headspace for the Workplace, I had the privilege of sitting down with Major General Gregg Martin, retired from the US Army, to discuss his remarkable journey living with bipolar disorder and the pivotal role leaders play in enhancing workplace mental health. Major General Martin’s story exemplifies the intersection of leadership, resilience, and mental health advocacy. He opened...

In this insightful episode of Headspace for the Workplace, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas talks with Kevin Lombardo, a workplace safety expert known for his holistic approach to keeping workplaces safe and healthy. Together, they discuss how ergonomic principles and mental health connect in the workplace. Throughout the episode, Kevin emphasizes the importance of keeping employees safe, injury-free, and...

We’ve all heard of “soul-crushing” work environments, but what exactly does that mean? And how do we ensure we change the narrative to create a working atmosphere that is soul-safe? In this episode of "Headspace for the Workplace," I had the pleasure of connecting with David Galvan about the importance of creating soul-safe workplaces. Our conversation revolved around the transformative power of a...

In this enlightening episode of the Headspace for the Workplace podcast, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas leads a thought-provoking discussion with Christopher Wojnar, an impassioned nurse and advocate for workplace mental health and suicide prevention. Christopher shares his remarkable journey of resilience, from overcoming personal struggles with suicide attempts to dedicating his life to supporting oth...

In this episode of Headspace in the Workplace, I am joined by Christi Pilutik, and we're diving into the often-overlooked HR dilemma in managing mental health issues in the workplace. It's a common misconception that HR professionals are solely responsible for addressing mental health concerns, leading to burnout and frustration. But it doesn't have to be this way. Christi and I at the AGC Summer...

Join us as we explore the intersection of masculinity, mental health, and professional success in traditionally male-dominated industries. In this podcast, we delve into how leveraging strengths inherent in masculinity—such as collaboration, prioritizing safety, reciprocity, perseverance, problem-solving, courage, and honor—can contribute to creating healthier work environments and driving individ...

At the surface level, generational differences in mental health at work are apparent as each generation brings its unique set of values, experiences, and expectations to the workplace. Baby boomers, for instance, often prioritize job stability and traditional career paths, which can lead to stress when facing rapid changes or uncertainty. Gen X employees may struggle with balancing work and family...

A growing focus in the media, policy circles, and research is emerging on the correlation between work and suicide. Specifically, a growing body of robust evidence links various psychosocial working conditions and job stressors to suicide. Diverse perspectives exist on the current state of evidence concerning causality and intervention, as well as the most suitable policy and practice responses. I...

Sharing vulnerabilities as a leader in the context of culture change and mental health at work can include discussing challenges faced, lessons learned, or personal growth experiences. When you are transparent and authentic about the struggles you've faced as a leader and how you've navigated them, you can create a more relatable and trusting work environment. WHAT DOES LEADERSHIP VULNERABILITY RE...