Episode 14: Building Real Organisational Cultures That Support Employee Wellbeing - with Sharon O’Connor

In this conversation, Sharon O’Connor, management consultant and workplace wellbeing specialist at Warn, joins Tobba Vigfúsdóttir for a nuanced discussion about the evolving nature of organisational culture and employee wellbeing. Sharon shares her experience guiding organisations through change, emphasising curiosity, data-led approaches, and cultural authenticity as the foundation for lasting impact on wellbeing and performance. The episode covers both practical and philosophical perspectives for HR managers and leaders seeking to cultivate supportive workplace environments. Discussion highlights: Defining a “real” workplace culture and its impact on wellbeing and performance (01:36) The value of making culture the organisation's North Star during turbulent times (02:23) How leadership understanding and buy-in set the stage for effective wellbeing initiatives (07:07) Practical starting points for HR managers without consultant support; importance of data and structured reporting (07:47) The challenge and importance of clarifying company values across global teams and cultures (10:24) Collaborative strategies for ensuring cultural relevancy and flexibility in people programs worldwide (11:30) How to address cultural or value misalignments within organisations (12:30) The common barriers to uptake of workplace wellbeing programs - visibility, comfort, and cultural acceptance (14:35) Building sustainable wellbeing strategies: integrating ongoing support, programs, and cross-functional collaboration (15:56) Internal marketing and the need for consistent communication to embed wellbeing initiatives (17:43) Measuring wellbeing using existing HR data, employee engagement surveys, and behavioural analysis (19:02) The role of language and new cultural terms in normalising workplace stress and communication (21:39) Sharon’s research with Novartis: the importance of storytelling and destigmatisation in mental health support uptake (25:02) Key findings: relatability reduces stigma and increases program engagement, outweighing concerns about trust and anonymity (28:54) Sharon’s personal wellbeing “toolbox” and reflections on the value of hobbies and free time (31:42) Final advice: approaching workplace challenges with objectivity, curiosity, and a willingness to start (34:04) For listeners interested in workplace wellbeing and organizational culture, this episode offers hands-on advice and thought-provoking perspectives. 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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