Episode 18 - Supporting Employee Wellbeing Through Insights From Both Research and Real-World Experience - with Kristina Middleton

Our guest today is Kristina Middleton, Group Head of Health and Wellbeing at St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and an organisational psychology researcher. Kristina joins us for a conversation with host Tobba Vigfusdottir, exploring what it really means to create workplaces where people feel valued and cared for, especially in high-pressure environments like healthcare. With experience leading wellbeing initiatives for a workforce of 17,000, Kristina brings both research-driven insights and practical strategies that move beyond theory and into everyday experience. In this episode, we delve into flexible working, fairness, compassion fatigue, and the realities of supporting mental health in organisations facing constant demand and resource challenges. We discuss how open dialogue, supportive structures, and listening can build trust and make wellbeing accessible, even when time and resources are stretched. You’ll hear Kristina’s grounded perspectives from both her academic work and her day-to-day role, offering ideas relevant for HR managers and people leaders across sectors. They discuss: Kristina's dual path as a wellbeing practitioner and researcher, and how action-oriented research informs real-world solutions The importance of fairness and organisational justice in flexible working arrangements, and practical tips for managers to support their teams How pressure, overwork, and limited resources impact staff wellbeing in healthcare, and why a “back-to-basics” approach to wellbeing is essential The difference between surface-level wellbeing gestures and meaningful, ongoing support crafted by listening to staff needs Compassion fatigue and burnout in caring professions, and ways to proactively address and educate around these common challenges How open team discussions and continuous feedback can help tailor wellbeing initiatives to diverse roles and contexts The crucial role of internal communication and recognition in building pride, connection, and resilience among employees Kristina's personal wellbeing habits, including fostering wellbeing through community and her own interests Whether you're an HR professional, wellbeing lead, or people manager, this episode offers practical advice and fresh thinking for building healthier cultures, especially when the work is tough and resources are stretched. For show notes and free bonus resources, visit www.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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