In this episode, Dr Chris Davis discusses the multifaceted concept of workplace wellbeing, emphasising its importance in creating a supportive work environment. He explores the definition of wellbeing, the significance of psychosocial risks, insights from the OECD forum, challenges in measuring wellbeing, and the ethical considerations surrounding surveillance. The conversation also touches on the impact of hybrid working, future trends in workplace wellbeing, and the necessity for organisations to prioritise employee wellbeing to attract and retain talent.

Takeaways

• Wellbeing encompasses all aspects of life, not just work.
• Safety and health are core components of wellbeing.
• Psychosocial risks are crucial to address in the workplace.
• The OECD forum highlighted major trends affecting wellbeing.
• Measuring wellbeing is challenging but essential for progress.
• Surveillance can be beneficial but raises ethical concerns.
• Hybrid working has changed perceptions of wellbeing.
• Younger workers demand more from their employers regarding wellbeing.
• Wellbeing should be viewed as a fundamental right.
• Organisational culture plays a key role in employee wellbeing.

In this episode of the IOSH Podcast, two members of the IOSH Future Leaders Steering Group, Debbie Linzell and Abhijith Jose, discuss their career transitions into occupational health and safety.

Debbie, originally a dancer, shifted to OSH after an injury and now holds a NEBOSH certificate and is pursuing a Level 7 apprenticeship. Abhijith, a mechanical engineer, transitioned to OSH through safety training and now works as a full-time trainer.

Both emphasise the importance of qualifications and certification, and highlight the value of networking, particularly through LinkedIn and IOSH mentoring. They also discuss the diverse backgrounds entering OSH and the need to change perceptions of the profession. 

What does it mean to be socially sustainable in the the world of OSH?  What role do OSH professionals play when creating a work culture where social sustainability is at its core?  Hear from Kelly Nicoll, IOSH President-Elect, and Richard Bate, IOSH Vice President on their experiences around social sustainability.

Undoubtedly, adapting to climate change is becoming an increasingly critical factor within the realm of occupational safety and health (OSH). Inevitably, as our environment undergoes changes, it will have consequences for the safety and health of workers, which will result in new hazards or increased risks. Ruth Wilkinson, head of policy and public affairs at IOSH, and Mike Whiting, certification and compliance engineer at Newmac Ltd, look at the impact of climate change on OSH and provide insights on what we must consider at present to ensure the safety of our workers.

Former chief inspector Kevin Myers and staunch campaigner Janet Newsham debate the usefulness of the Health and Safety at Work Act as it reaches its 50th anniversary. Reflecting on the impact this legislation has had, we question its relevance and impact on today’s constantly evolving work environment.

In this episode, IOSH’s Future Leaders Alanah Campbell and Carly Hughes share their experience of mentoring, discussing the benefits and the pitfalls to look out for.

Professor James Brown, co-founder of ADHDAdultUK, stops by the IOSH Podcast booth at the Health and Safety Event in Birmingham to explain how employers can unlock the potential of workers with ADHD.

Algorithmic management is a technology that can be utilised to manage workers, but what effect does this have on work culture, especially where employees may see it as a threat to their psychological safety and autonomy? Special guests Andrew Mawson (EVCargo) and Tess Buckley (TechUK) explore the risks and opportunities of AI for worker management in the world of OSH.  

This interview explores the distinction between simple ethics and applied and professional ethics and how this can empower the profession to fulfil our ethical responsibilities. Featuring Leeds University's Jim Baxter and Simon Cassin from Ouch Learning and Development.

Special guests James Pomeroy and Bridget Leathley join us to discuss the challenges and opportunities the future world of work holds, and what this could mean for the OSH profession and the workforces it looks after.