Episode 11 – Designing Effective Wellbeing Strategies in Complex Organisations, with Vivienne Horkan, Programme Manager at An Garda Síochána

In this episode, Tobba sits down with Vivienne Horkan, an award-winning wellbeing leader and experienced HR professional, currently managing the Garda National Wellbeing Office. Vivienne shares insights from her extensive work in developing employee wellbeing, inclusion, and engagement strategies in the challenging environment of the Irish police force, An Garda Síochána. The conversation covers the creation and evolution of Garda’s health and wellbeing strategy, the launch of impactful initiatives like the KOPS app (Keeping Our People Supported App) and menopause guidance, and the important role of openness and trust in fostering a supportive workplace culture. Vivienne also discusses the practicalities of measuring wellbeing programs, navigating challenges such as management buy-in and cultural stigma, and the growing relevance of technology in workplace health initiatives. She offers experienced advice for HR managers starting out in wellbeing initiatives, reflections on generational shifts in attitudes toward mental health, and her own approaches to staying balanced. Topics Discussed: Vivienne’s role at the Garda National Wellbeing Office and the mission behind the Keeping Our People Supported (KOPS) app (00:50) Building a wellbeing strategy through health needs assessments and staff surveys (03:35) The importance of data and measurement in assessing program effectiveness (05:12) Training mental health first aid facilitators and addressing mental health stigma (07:41) Key advice for HR managers starting their own wellbeing initiatives (00:09:25) Common mistakes and challenges in implementing workplace wellbeing programs (12:56) The power of internal champions and creating a culture of openness (14:21) Launching the menopause guidance document and supporting diverse staff needs (19:29) Evolving strategy and addressing emerging themes such as the impact of social media and digital health tools (22:22) Generational differences in attitudes towards mental health support (24:30) Vivienne’s personal wellbeing practices, including the role of nature and positivity (25:51) Listen to the full episode for thoughtful insights on creating a resilient, supportive work environment, and practical steps to start your own wellbeing journey. Links: Website: https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/health-and-wellbeing/garda-national-wellbeing-office/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivienne-horkan-mcipd-93215b6/ Podcast: KaraConnect.com/podcast About Kara Connect Wellbeing at work begins with meeting your team’s needs on their terms. With Kara Connect's Wellbeing Hubs, your employees are free to choose from 3000+ expert practitioners to support their mental health and Wellbeing. Because when your employees feel better, your company does better. Our mission is to make it easy for your employees to manage their wellbeing through direct access to best-in-class support. Whenever they need it. Learn more at www.KaraConnect.com.

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