Wow Ergonomics

With Graham Coath, Steven Howe & guest Faris Aranki

Hold on tight, folks – not because you’re in the presence of greatness (although… we are wearing hoodies), but because this episode dives deep into the real stuff behind how people, businesses, and meetings actually function.

Our guest this week is the brilliantly sharp and refreshingly honest Faris Aranki, founder of Shiageto Consulting and the man behind the equation:
Success = IQ x EQ x FQ

Yes, that is an FQ – and no, it’s not rude. It stands for focus quotient, and it might just be the bit most of us are lacking (according to Faris and everyone’s phone habits).

We talk:
🔹 Why companies struggle to actually communicate
🔹 The myth of multitasking (hint: you're not as good at it as you think)
🔹 The danger of echo chambers and “nice idea, mate” syndrome
🔹 What happens when meetings breed like rabbits
🔹 And why banning phones in meetings might be the smartest thing you never dared to do

Also featuring:
🥇 British politeness vs Dutch directness
👀 LinkedIn behaviour experiments (with science)
🪑 Ergonomic reality checks
💻 And a special shoutout to makeshift Zoom backgrounds and spare room creativity

If you’ve ever sat through a terrible meeting, posted something deep on LinkedIn and been ghosted, or just wondered why some ideas take nine years to fail, this one’s for you.

📢 Tune in now via WowErgonomics.com or your favourite podcast app.

#WowErgonomics #FarisAranki #Productivity #WorkplaceCulture #TheThreeQs #MeetingsGoneWrong #HumanConnection #BusinessWithHumour #FocusMatters #LinkedInTruths

Balancing Work and Family Life: Insights from an Educational Expert.

In this episode of Wow Ergonomics, hosts Steve and Graham discuss the challenges and joys of balancing work and family life with their guest Rachel Ballantyne. Rachel shares her experiences as a former teacher, a parent, and the founder of Lara Tuition and Consultancy. The conversation touches on the benefits of flexible working hours, the importance of parental involvement in education, and how edtech can enhance teaching and learning experiences. They also delve into how businesses and schools can better support parents and teachers, the cultural expectations surrounding gender roles in caregiving, and the potential for integrating hybrid solutions to create more inclusive and effective professional environments.

Episode Title: “Small Changes, Big Impact – Realistic Health and Workplace Wellbeing with Stef Garside”

Join Graham Coath and Steven Howe for another lively Friday lunchtime edition of Wow Ergonomics. This week, they’re joined by Stef Garside, Personal Trainer and creator of a realistic, sustainable transformation programme helping women build healthier lifestyles without the pressure of achieving the so-called "body beautiful".

From the myth-busting reality of hydration (yes, even tea counts!), to how posture, sleep, and small nutritional tweaks make the biggest difference, Stef shares how she helps people feel better in their bodies without extreme measures or fad diets.

The conversation explores:

• Why workplace posture and daily movement matter

• Why one-size-fits-all programmes fail

• How businesses can take simple steps to support employee wellbeing

• And why sometimes, it’s less about six-packs and more about running up the hill with your kids.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Wow Ergonomics without a few side discussions, including peanut butter bread, football team comebacks, and why Graham’s eggs keep mysteriously disappearing…

Catch up now to hear how collaboration across health, ergonomics, and workplace practice can make a real difference for people – one small adjustment at a time.

💻 Listen back and explore more conversations at www.wowergonomics.com

#Ergonomics #WorkplaceWellbeing #HealthAtWork #RealisticFitness #Collaboration #Inclusion #WowErgonomicsPodcast

“The Ergonomics of Social Media: Making Content Work for You”Hosts Graham Coath & Steven Howe with special guest Sarah CrownerIt’s Good Friday, and this episode of Wow Ergonomics comes packed with chocolate chat, ergonomic wisdom, and a deep dive into the surprisingly physical world of… social media management!Join hosts Graham Coath and Steven Howe as they welcome Sarah Crowner, a seasoned Virtual Assistant who helps small businesses show up consistently and authentically online — without burning out.Expect conversations that cover:What a social media VA really does behind the scenesHow platforms like LinkedIn can save time AND boost connectionThe difference between brand voice and personal presence — and why both matterNavigating trending topics and tricky moments with empathy and professionalismWhy ergonomics isn’t just about your chair — it’s about working smarter, online and offPlus: a live brainstorm on switching your mouse hand (and how it could change your digital life)We’ll also explore how tools like AI can support creativity (not replace it), and why Sarah might be the most ergonomic VA you’ve ever met — whether she knew it or not!🎯 If you’re a business owner overwhelmed by content creation, a VA looking for tips, or simply someone who wants to be more intentional about how they work online — this one's for you.Bring your chocolate of choice, and join the Wow team for insights, laughs, and a few “did-they-just-say-that?” moments.💬 Catch it live, or watch it back on replay.📌 Don’t forget to connect with Sarah Crowner after the show if you’re looking to make your socials sparkle without the stress.🪑 Ergonomics + Engagement = A better way to work.#WowErgonomics #LinkedInLive #VirtualAssistant #SocialMediaStrategy

On this episode of Wow Ergonomics, Graham Coath flies solo (well, almost) while Steven romps across the countryside—though he does eventually dial in from his very own mobile ergonomic setup! Luckily, Graham is joined by an absolute powerhouse in the world of workplace wellness: Carol Deasy.

Carol’s background as a physio turned global ergonomics expert gives her a unique take on why the phrase “I’ll just get the laptop out” might be one of the biggest threats to our posture in the modern world. From her viral LinkedIn post on airplane work setups to helping tech giants and local shops alike rethink the way their teams work, Carol drops knowledge, laughs, and some very real truths about our working habits.

They cover:

• Why most people still don’t use a laptop riser (even when working for hours at coffee shops or on trains)

• The cultural and legal differences in how ergonomics is valued across the globe

• Why flexibility and adjustability beat the “one-size-fits-all” mindset in product design

• The power of habits—and how influencers might hold the key to changing the future of workplace wellness

• Soft seating, burnout, remote work isolation, neurodiversity, and the dreaded 24/7 work culture

• Why “ergonomic” doesn’t always mean what you think it does (yes, we’re looking at that folding metal chair)

It’s informative, passionate, funny, and full of practical insights you’ll want to action straight away (but maybe not at 9PM from your bed, okay?).

👉 Oh, and if you’ve ever wanted to see Carol do ergonomic reaction videos to some of the worst “desk goals” setups online… that might just be coming soon.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts or visit wowergonomics.com for past episodes.

Hashtag deskgoals? Let’s make sure those goals don’t lead to a chiropractor.

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WOW Ergonomics: Understanding Workplace Stress and Its Impact

In this episode of WOW Ergonomics, hosts Stephen and Graham discuss the significance of workplace stress on employees and its broader implications on the economy.

Joined by Olga Chernyavska, a Anxiety Therapist For Professionals they delve into the nuances of stress management, health industry statistics, and the responsibilities of employers and employees in mitigating stress. Relevant case studies, data, and legal frameworks are examined to provide a holistic understanding of the subject. The episode also explores the need for proactive measures, the correlation between stress and injuries, and the holistic approaches necessary to address workplace stress effectively.

Olga's website is https://olga-therapy.com/

In this engaging episode, Steven Howe and Graham Coath host a dynamic discussion with guests Jo Robinson-Howarth and Richard Galbraith, offering a deep dive into the challenges and nuances of balancing work, family responsibilities, and well-being. The conversation begins with Steven and Jo sharing their candid experiences during half-term, discussing how they juggle work and family life. Richard joins in to add perspective on how work culture impacts well-being and productivity.Topics covered include the importance of trust in the workplace, the role of emotional intelligence, and how modern-day businesses can support their employees through flexible policies. They also touch upon the evolving landscape of remote work and the need for genuine compassion within organisational structures.The discussion takes an intriguing turn when Richard shares his thoughts on the impact of AI in the workforce, and how technology can complement human creativity rather than replace it. Jo emphasizes the significance of taking breaks and managing time efficiently to boost productivity and happiness.The episode wraps up with a powerful poem by Richard, exploring the idea of self-reflection and understanding in enhancing communication and trust within teams. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in work culture, employee well-being, and the balance between professional and personal life.00:00 Introduction and Half-Term Struggles01:57 Guest Introductions: Joe and Richard03:29 Balancing Work and Family Life06:14 The Importance of Trust in the Workplace14:29 Challenges of Remote Work and Trust Issues19:54 Emotional Intelligence and Assumptions30:27 Corporate Compassion: A New Era?31:22 The Power of Polls: Insights and Missteps33:29 The Disconnect in Workplace Policies35:43 Technology vs. Traditional Work Structures40:52 AI in the Workplace: Help or Hindrance?45:21 The Importance of Breaks and Time Management53:58 The Purpose of Work: Are We Missing the Point?56:42 Final Thoughts and Farewell

A powerful discussion with Graham Coath and Steven Howe on the WOW Ergonomics podcast hosting special guest Emma Craven. Delving into the realities of living with ADHD and chronic pain, and the need for better workplace support.

We explore the challenges of rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD), the importance of understanding diverse conditions, and innovative solutions like body doubling. These strategies aren’t just beneficial for neurodivergent individuals but can enhance everyone's productivity. 🌈

Let's drive change together and foster environments where empathy and inclusion lead the way.

#ADHDSupport #EmpathyInWorkplace #WOWErgonomics #DisabilityAdvocacy

Navigating Work Culture and Mental Well-being