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In this episode, we dig into the gap between intentions and impact in workplace well-being with Jasper Buys, organizational psychologist, workplace well-being leader, and former director at Alberta Innovates. Jasper challenges the quick-fix playbook and makes the case for designing work itself (not just perks) if we want healthier people and more innovative companies.

We unpack the Oxford research showing little measurable effect from many corporate well-being programs, why leaders still reach for awareness campaigns and richer benefits, and how to build the “missing middle”: day-to-day practices around workload, autonomy, and connection. Jasper also shares his Wellness Wednesdays blueprint from EY, and how to talk ROI in a way boards actually hear.

We close with a frank look at return-to-office: what’s really driving mandates, why hybrid is a design problem (not a debate), and practical steps to make flexibility and connection coexist.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why many well-being programs don’t move the needle—and what the Oxford findings really mean
• The “missing middle” of workplace well-being: redesigning how work happens
• Self-Determination Theory in practice: competence, autonomy, and relatedness as everyday design inputs
• Measurement that matters: beyond attendance to manager behaviors and outcome signals
• Making the ROI case: linking human sustainability to long-term profitability (and board priorities)
• Policy & incentives: how insurers rewarded adoption of psychological safety standards
• RTO without the mud-fight: designing hybrid for targeted connection and real flexibility

Featured Guest: Jasper Buys

Jasper is an organizational psychologist and workplace well-being leader focused on sustainable, science-backed change. His background spans director of the Impact Action Lab at Alberta Innovates, manager in People Advisory Services at EY, and 10+ years of board leadership in the social-impact sector. He’s a certified health coach and has coached senior leaders on life-work integration and mindfulness. 

Resources & Mentions

• Prior listening, we reference my episode with Dr. Mandy Varley "Why Work Feels Broken—And How to Fix It: Dr. Mandy Varley on Leadership, Well-Being, and Purpose"
• University of Oxford Wellbeing Research (on limited impact of many programs)
• EY “Wellness Wednesdays” (peer-supported awareness + shared language + leader participation)
• Concepts referenced: Flow (Csikszentmihalyi), Self-Determination Theory (competence, autonomy, relatedness)
• Human Sustainability & board-level reporting as long-term value levers

Connect

• Connect with Jasper on LinkedIn

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Have thoughts about this episode? Connect with Dr. Michelle Handy on LinkedIn and follow Deep Thoughts for more insights at the intersection of behavioral science, tech, and design.

Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy explores the intersections of behavioral science, tech, and design through engaging conversations with thought leaders. Whether you're building products, leading teams, or navigating your own career journey, each episode delivers practical insights to inspire personal growth and drive innovation.