How do leaders support mental health at work without becoming therapists, and what role does the workplace environment really play in wellbeing? In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Nikki Leske, Chief People & Culture Officer at Comvita, to explore mental health, psychosocial risk, leadership, and the foundations of a healthy workplace. With extensive global experience leading people functions across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, Nikki shares a practical and refreshingly simple perspective on wellbeing. Rather than focusing on wellness initiatives and perks, she argues that great workplaces are built on strong leadership, clear communication, meaningful connection, and getting the basics right. The conversation explores everything from psychosocial hazards and psychological safety to hybrid work, burnout, feedback, performance management, and the future role of AI in the workplace. What You'll Learn What psychosocial risk means and why employers need to pay attention How leaders can support mental health without becoming counsellors or clinicians Why workplace environment has a greater impact on wellbeing than many organisations realise The role communication and connection play in hybrid and remote workplaces How to create meaningful one-on-one conversations with employees Why performance management should never come as a surprise The importance of feedback in building high-performing teams How AI is changing work and the capabilities organisations need to develop What leaders can do to create trust, engagement, and psychological safety Key Takeaways Mental health should be approached with the same care and structure as physical health Leaders are responsible for creating supportive environments, not diagnosing problems Strong communication and regular connection are critical in hybrid workplaces Burnout and wellbeing are often influenced by a lack of boundaries and disconnection from work Performance issues are easier to address when feedback happens early and often Curiosity and adaptability are becoming essential leadership capabilities Honest communication builds trust, especially during periods of uncertainty The fundamentals of leadership still matter most: connection, feedback, clarity, and care About Nikki Leske Nikki Leske is Chief People & Culture Officer at Comvita, where she leads the global people, IT, and health and safety functions. She has spent more than a decade working with globally distributed teams across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, building expertise in organisational design, workforce planning, leadership, and transformation. Before joining Comvita, Nikki held senior people leadership roles across fintech, software, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and technology organisations. She is passionate about creating workplaces where people can thrive while delivering sustainable business performance. Why This Episode Matters Mental health, burnout, and psychosocial risk have become some of the most important leadership challenges facing organisations today. Whether you're leading a team, managing organisational change, navigating hybrid work, or looking to strengthen workplace wellbeing, this episode offers practical advice grounded in real-world experience rather than theory. Resources & Links Comvita Connect with Nikki Leske on LinkedIn See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
