In this insightful podcast, Tim Mitchell, the Head of HR and Culture at Oxford Business College, shares his extensive experience and perspectives on the importance of addressing mental health in the workplace. 

An experienced Chief People Officer & HR Director, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development with a Masters Degree in Law, Tim Specialises in creating, shaping and delivering world-class employee experiences, ensuring organisations are future-proofed to succeed through periods of development and growth.   Tim has over 25 years HR Leadership experience across private and public sectors, working with both large-scale businesses, Not for Profits, Founder led organisations and Private Equity backed ventures, the last 5 years being in Higher Education.  Tim is also a Governor Director for a Church of England Primary School in Bedfordshire.   Tim has a long standing interest and support to Mental Health in the workplace and in April 2025 will also be running the London Marathon in aid of Rethink Mental Illness, should you wish to support this amazing cause you can do so via this link:

https://fundraising.rethink.org/fundraisers/timmitchell/london-marathon-2025

The Podcast covers a range of topics, including the challenges posed by recent protests, the rise of social media and workplace conflicts, the importance of flexibility and employee assistance programs, and the balance between remote and office-based work. 

Tim provides practical examples of strategies implemented at Oxford Business College, such as allowing staff to access student counselling services, encouraging regular breaks and movement, and creating safe spaces for open discussions.

Throughout the discussion, Tim underscores the responsibility of employers to foster supportive and empathetic cultures, where employees feel comfortable speaking up about their mental health struggles without fear of stigma or judgment. He also highlights the need for a comprehensive approach, involving both employers and the broader society, to improve access to mental health support services.

This podcast offers valuable insights and actionable steps for organisations looking to prioritise employee mental health and well-being, ultimately leading to improved engagement, retention, and overall organisational success."

This interview episode was a deep dive into the mental health of the contingent workforce. I want to extend my gratitude to Colin Yoshioka-Smith, He's a Director of RedWizard Consulting, has over 20 years in the HR & People industry. As an active developer of managers and of recruitment; he has played an active role in managing and supporting individuals across businesses and showcasing the importance of mental health in the workforce. He is an ambassador of mental health 1st aid training and supporting people to take positive sets towards a healthy mind.

If you are seeking new ways to improve mental health in the workplace, head over to: https://absolutemind.app/masterclass-mental-health/  

Or, If you'd like to book a call with me to discuss mental health in the workplace and if we may be able to help. Drop me a message at: https://absolutemind.app/contact/

Join us on today's episode of the "Your Absolute Mind" podcast as we dive into a compelling conversation with Christian about managing mental health in the workplace.

We discuss the necessary changes and explore how businesses can implement effective, mentally healthy initiatives for their staff.

Don't miss this insightful discussion on building a healthier work environment!

If you'd like to learn ways you can transform your workplace mental health, make sure you head over to Watch the Masterclass

In this episode we gain some powerful insights from HR professionals about their experience with workplace mental health.

I'm sure you'll agree, with all of the focus over the last several years increasing workplace mental health awareness, we're still facing increasing complaints about how our mental health is worsening. What's the solution, what are we missing, what can be done?

Thanks to Kelly Allen from the HR Dept for her insights in todays podcast you can find Kelly at:

https://www.hrdept.co.uk/bradford/who-we-are.

She supports SME businesses in the Bradford and York regions, with all aspects of the employee lifecycle, from recruitment through to termination, management development and company values. 

Find out how this CIA technique has been used for years in therapy. Learn how you can gain a deeper understanding about any situation.

In today's episode of "Your Absolute Mind," We delve deep into the often overlooked aspects of mental health. Drawing on my extensive experience as a dedicated multimodal therapist for over a decade, I offer a compassionate, practical guide for anyone looking to strengthen their mental resilience and navigate the complexities of daily life's stresses.

What You'll Discover:

• Understanding Mental Health: Explore why mental health, despite being crucial, isn't as straightforward to nurture as physical health.
• Insights from My Therapy Practice: Gain insights from my 10 years + of experience in a demanding therapy environment, dealing with a wide spectrum of mental health issues.
• Daily Steps Towards Mental Wellness: Discover practical, actionable steps you can incorporate into your daily life to build a resilient and healthy mind.
• The Significance of Movement, Sleep, and Meditation: Learn about the three pillars essential for mental health, supported by real-life examples and therapeutic advice.
• Beyond Labels: Understand the importance of recognising and labelling emotions correctly to foster a healthier mental state.
• Empowering Personal Change: I share how taking control of your mental health can be empowering, with simple yet effective strategies that can dramatically change your life.

Featured in This Episode:

• My personal journey and what has led me to focus on empowering others to improve their mental health.
• An engaging analogy of a glass of water and stones to illustrate how daily stresses accumulate and impact our mental health.
• A breakdown of essential steps towards becoming mentally healthy, including practical advice and why consistency is key.

Resources Mentioned:

• Your Absolute Mind app: A tool I created to facilitate daily guided meditation practice, making it simpler than ever to incorporate meditation into your routine.

Join Us:

Tune in to "How to Become Mentally Healthy: A Therapist's Guide" for a deep dive into building a stronger, more resilient mind. Whether you're navigating stress, anxiety, or just seeking ways to improve your mental well-being, this episode is a must-listen. Remember, taking care of your mind is just as vital as taking care of your body, and with my expert guidance, you're on the right path to mental wellness.

Stay Connected:

Don't forget to subscribe to "Your Absolute Mind" on your favourite podcast platform and follow us on social media for the latest updates and tips on maintaining a healthy mind.

Thank you for joining me on this journey towards mental health empowerment. Remember, your absolute mind is your absolute power.

1. Discover the Hidden Truths of Ashwagandha: "Join me in a revealing journey into the world of Ashwagandha. Uncover how this ancient herb is shaping our modern lives, from stress relief to the risks of anhedonia. Don't miss this eye-opening episode on 'Your Absolute Mind.'"

2. Ashwagandha Uncovered: Miracle Herb or Hidden Danger?: "Ever heard of Ashwagandha? Dive into the latest episode of our podcast as Paula unravels the complexities of this popular herb. Learn about its potential benefits and dark sides in mental health. Tune in to stay informed!"

3. The Ashwagandha Paradox: Anxiety Relief with a Price?: "Explore the surprising effects of Ashwagandha with Paula. From natural anxiety relief to the risk of losing joy in life, get the full story in our latest episode. Join us to understand why moderation is key in using this ancient remedy."

4. Breaking Down Ashwagandha: Natural Aid or Risky Business?: "We go through the ins and outs of Ashwagandha. Is it the natural solution to stress and anxiety, or does it carry hidden risks? Discover the answers and make informed choices for your mental health in our thought-provoking podcast."

5. Ashwagandha: A Therapist's Perspective on the Trendy Herb: "With over a decade of experience, I delve into the hype around Ashwagandha. Find out how it impacts mental health and why it's not just another quick fix. Tune in for an expert's take on this trending topic."

Hi, I'm Paula Sweet, and you're about to step into a world where your mind's potential is limitless. In this episode, we're unlocking the secrets of your brain's chemistry to supercharge your focus and motivation. Forget about waiting for inspiration to strike; it's time to take control. Even when it doesn't feel good.

We'll explore why that 'start-up' stress is actually your brain's way of gearing up for success, and how dopamine – your mental cheerleader – celebrates every small victory, keeping you driven towards your goals.

I'll also reveal why internal satisfaction trumps external applause every time, and how recognising every little win fuels your journey to a healthier, happier you.

So, if you're ready to transform your focus into your superpower and turn everyday actions into a series of triumphs, this episode is for you.

Remember, it's not just about the destination; it's about loving every step of the journey. Let's dive in!

Welcome to another enriching session of Meditation Monday on the Absolute Mind Podcast. Today, we dedicate a tranquil 10 minutes to ease our minds and soften the grip of stress.

Join us in this guided journey as we:

Initiate the Escape: Begin with deep, intentional breaths that not only nourish the body but also expel the day's accumulated tensions. Allow each exhale to carry away stress, preparing you for a serene experience.

Embrace the Glow: Envision a soothing light, unique in its colour and essence, offering warmth and tranquillity as it travels through your body. With each breath, this light transforms stress into serenity, guiding you towards inner peace.

Discover Your Haven: Transport yourself to a personal paradise that resonates with safety, peace, and happiness. Explore the sensory details of this refuge, finding solace in its imagined comfort.

Craft Your Talisman: Engage in an ambiguous visual exercise where you transform concerns into a symbol of growth and potential. Create your mental keepsake that will serve as a source of strength in the days to come.

Return Refreshed: Gently reacquaint yourself with the present, carrying with you the peace and personal talisman you've created to anchor you through the bustling weeks ahead. Prepare to transform your mental landscape with "Illuminate Your Mind:

A Guided Meditation for Growth" — your sanctuary amidst the seasonal shift. 🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more peaceful escapes. Share this meditation with someone who could use a touch of tranquillity.

Welcome back to the "Your Absolute Mind" podcast with your host, Paula Sweet. Today's episode is a must-listen for anyone on a self-improvement journey. We're uncovering the often overlooked but incredibly impactful Hawthorne Effect and how it can catalyse profound changes in your life.

🎧 Available on: Apple App Store | Google Play Store | Your Absolute Mind app

In This Episode:

• Introduction to the Hawthorne Effect: What it is and why it could be the secret ingredient to breaking out of your comfort zone.

• The Comfort Crisis: We discuss how modern life's ease might be holding you back and how the Hawthorne Effect can challenge you to grow.

• Personal Insights: Paula shares candid moments of choosing comfort over challenge, and how self-observation kickstarted her journey back to embracing discomfort.

• Actionable Strategies: Tips on making your commitment public, incorporating structured challenges, and the importance of seeking feedback.

• Community Influence: Find out how joining a community that values growth can leverage the Hawthorne Effect for even greater success.

• Reflections on Rewards: We delve into recognising the small steps out of comfort zones and how they lead to significant personal development.

Remember, it's not about seeking discomfort for its own sake—it's about the growth that lies within it.

📌 Check out the Your Absolute Mind app for daily guided meditations, a simple journaling tool, inspirational quotes, and hundreds of mental health tools and techniques.

Don't just coast through life—push beyond your boundaries with us. Tune in now and take the first step toward a more resilient and self-aware you!

👍 If you enjoyed the episode, please consider subscribing to our channel and app for your weekly dose of motivation and strategies to become mentally healthy.

Until next time, take care of yourself and be kind to your mind.

👋 This is Paula Sweet, signing off.