Embedding workplace wellbeing takes more than good intentions and one-off initiatives. It requires people across the organisation who are willing to champion it every day. In this episode of the Wellness Works mini-series on The HR Room Podcast, Dave Corkery and Laura Barry, Head of People Development at Insight HR, are joined by special guest Brian Crooke, Founder of Workplace Wellbeing Ireland and The Work Well Institute, to explore how wellbeing champions can bring strategy to life on the ground.
Together, they unpack what a wellbeing champion really is (and what they’re not), why peer-led influence is so powerful, and how champion networks help bridge the gap between wellbeing policy and everyday employee experience. The conversation covers how to select, train and support champions, the importance of role clarity and leadership backing, and how to avoid common pitfalls such as overload, lack of structure or tokenism.
Drawing on practical examples from organisations across Ireland, including Irish Life and ESB, this episode offers clear, actionable guidance for HR professionals and leaders who want to embed wellbeing in a sustainable, credible and inclusive way - not just as an initiative, but as part of organisational culture.
Guests
Brian Crooke – Founder, Workplace Wellbeing Ireland & the Work Well InstituteTopics include:
What wellbeing champions are, and how they differ from mental health first aidersWhy peer influence is critical to embedding wellbeingSelecting champions through voluntary, inclusive processesThe importance of role clarity, expectations and boundariesTraining champions to take ownership and shape their roleSupporting champions without overwhelming themGovernance, structure and leadership sponsorship of champion networksMeasuring impact without turning wellbeing into a tick-box exerciseCommon mistakes organisations make, and how to avoid themWhat “good” looks like when a champion network is working wellUseful Links & Resources
Workplace Wellbeing Ireland – Wellbeing Champion ProgrammesWorkwell Institute – Postgraduate Certificate in Workplace WellnessInsight HR – Workplace Wellbeing Consulting & SupportWellness Works Live Webinar – Designing Your Wellbeing Strategy (February 17)Get in touch
If you’re not already following us on LinkedIn, please do. If you have suggestions for future episodes, or if you’d like to join us as a guest, reach out to Dave Corkery at [email protected] or connect with him on LinkedIn.
If today’s episode has you thinking about introducing or strengthening a wellbeing champion network in your organisation, you can arrange a confidential consultation with Laura Barry by emailing [email protected].
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