31 episodes

Headspace for the Workplace – A Podcast on How to Cultivate a Vibrant and Psychologically Safe and Healthy Workforce with your host Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas



In our brain-based economy, we depend on fully engaged, mentally healthy teams. Organizations that have figured this out not only have a competitive advantage, they are awesome places to work. Take a listen to the lessons learned and actionable take-aways to promote mental health and wellbeing and support people through tough times – at work.

Headspace for the Workplace with Dr. Sally Dave Kieta

    • Business
    • 4.8 • 13 Ratings

Headspace for the Workplace – A Podcast on How to Cultivate a Vibrant and Psychologically Safe and Healthy Workforce with your host Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas



In our brain-based economy, we depend on fully engaged, mentally healthy teams. Organizations that have figured this out not only have a competitive advantage, they are awesome places to work. Take a listen to the lessons learned and actionable take-aways to promote mental health and wellbeing and support people through tough times – at work.

    HR Dilemma: Setting Boundaries, Christi Pilutik | Episode 31

    HR Dilemma: Setting Boundaries, Christi Pilutik | Episode 31

    In this episode of Headspace in the Workplace, I am joined by Christi Pilutik, and we're diving into the often-overlooked HR dilemma in managing mental health issues in the workplace. It's a common misconception that HR professionals are solely responsible for addressing mental health concerns, leading to burnout and frustration. But it doesn't have to be this way.






    Christi and I at the AGC Summer Convention.




    Christi joins us as a seasoned expert in working with construction leaders to enhance the employee experience. Christi sheds light on the challenges HR faces and offers invaluable insights on how to support others without losing sight of oneself.In this engaging conversation, we explore the importance of setting boundaries and we delve into the vital need for self-care, emphasizing that without prioritizing our own well-being, we cannot effectively support others.Christi shares practical tips on incorporating self-care into our daily routines, highlighting the significance of small, incremental steps in replenishing our mental and emotional reserves.As we conclude, Christi leaves us with a powerful quote from Brené Brown, reminding us that self-awareness and self-compassion are essential for cultivating compassion towards others. for more information on this episode go to


     https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/hr-dilemma-setting-boundaries-christi-pilutik-episode-31

    • 14 min
    Breaking the Mold -- How to Navigate Management and Mental Health in Male-Dominated Industries: Interview with Simon Tyler | Ep. 30

    Breaking the Mold -- How to Navigate Management and Mental Health in Male-Dominated Industries: Interview with Simon Tyler | Ep. 30

    Join us as we explore the intersection of masculinity, mental health, and professional success in traditionally male-dominated industries. In this podcast, we delve into how leveraging strengths inherent in masculinity—such as collaboration, prioritizing safety, reciprocity, perseverance, problem-solving, courage, and honor—can contribute to creating healthier work environments and driving individual and organizational growth. From sharing stories of triumph to discussing practical strategies for promoting mental well-being, this episode I interview Simon Tyler from Australia. He offers insights and inspiration for navigating challenges, fostering resilience, and unlocking the full potential of men’s mental well-being at work. His two key takeaways:
    Management engagement through leveraging workplace strengthsMitigate psychosocial hazards related to job designFor more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/30

    • 30 min
    Bridging the Gap -- Generational Perspectives on Mental Health at Work: Interview with Melissa Doman | Ep. 29

    Bridging the Gap -- Generational Perspectives on Mental Health at Work: Interview with Melissa Doman | Ep. 29

    At the surface level, generational differences in mental health at work are apparent as each generation brings its unique set of values, experiences, and expectations to the workplace. Baby boomers, for instance, often prioritize job stability and traditional career paths, which can lead to stress when facing rapid changes or uncertainty. Gen X employees may struggle with balancing work and family responsibilities, resulting in heightened stress levels. Millennials and Gen Z, on the other hand, tend to prioritize work-life balance, flexibility, and meaningful work, but they may experience anxiety related to the pressure to constantly perform, the job instability, or the fear of missing out. Understanding these generational dynamics is crucial for employers to create inclusive and supportive environments that address the diverse mental health needs of their workforce, fostering productivity, satisfaction, and overall well-being.
    In this conversation, I speak with Melissa Doman who brings a fresh take on how organizations might bridge these gaps. Her two takeaways:Move toward each other.Explore differences to find agreement.For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/29

    • 22 min
    SPECIAL EPISODE Work-Related Suicide -- An Occupational Health & Safety Perspective: Interview with Dr. LaMontagne & Dr. King | Ep 28

    SPECIAL EPISODE Work-Related Suicide -- An Occupational Health & Safety Perspective: Interview with Dr. LaMontagne & Dr. King | Ep 28

    A growing focus in the media, policy circles, and research is emerging on the correlation between work and suicide. Specifically, a growing body of robust evidence links various psychosocial working conditions and job stressors to suicide. Diverse perspectives exist on the current state of evidence concerning causality and intervention, as well as the most suitable policy and practice responses. In this podcast episode, I interview two global experts who share their views from an occupational health & safety (OH&S) standpoint concerning work-related suicide, with a primary emphasis on the potential for working conditions to serve as modifiable risk factors or protective elements in the context of suicide among the working population. We define work-related suicide as a suicide death that is entirely or partially connected to work or working conditions. We also consider the working conditions of the individuals who died by suicide.We discuss:How is work-related suicide defined from an OH&S standpoint?What are the potential work-related contributors to suicide?For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/28

    • 48 min
    It Starts with Us -- Leading the Way to Workplace Well-being: Interview with Newton Cheng | Episode 27

    It Starts with Us -- Leading the Way to Workplace Well-being: Interview with Newton Cheng | Episode 27

    Sharing vulnerabilities as a leader in the context of culture change and mental health at work can include discussing challenges faced, lessons learned, or personal growth experiences. When you are transparent and authentic about the struggles you've faced as a leader and how you've navigated them, you can create a more relatable and trusting work environment.
    WHAT DOES LEADERSHIP VULNERABILITY RELATED TO MENTAL HEALTH LOOK LIKE?
    Share instances where you've learned valuable lessons from setbacks. This helps normalize the idea that growth often comes from overcoming challenges.Share your understanding of the difficult human experiences — like grief, trauma, and failure, acknowledging that everyone encounters difficulties at different points in their lives and that you are no exception.Use mental health resources and share the benefits you have received from them.Emphasize the importance of continuous learning and personal development. Demonstrate how you, as a leader, actively seek opportunities for growth and learning, including in areas related to mental health awareness.Remember that vulnerability should be shared in a genuine way, appropriate for the context, and respect the boundaries of professionalism. Creating a culture that values vulnerability requires consistent effort, but it can significantly contribute to a healthier and more connected workplace.
    In this episode, I model vulnerability by sharing my embarrassing anxiety-fueled outtakes as I was fairly star-struck by my guest Newton Cheng.




    Here we are at the Google sponsored John E. Martin Leadership Symposium



    Newton is a family man, a world champion powerlifter and the Director of Health + Performance at Google.
    Learn why Newton doesn’t like the saying “Bring your whole self to work.”Newton shares these two takeaways:
    Vulnerability can be built like a muscle. Saying: "I don't know how to be vulnerable" is being vulnerable, andStart with seeing the human first — treat everyone first as just another human in a certain context.For more information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/27

    • 23 min
    Leading through the Shadows — Leadership, Depression and the Perfectionist’s Paradox: Interview with Dr. Margaret Rutherford | Ep. 26

    Leading through the Shadows — Leadership, Depression and the Perfectionist’s Paradox: Interview with Dr. Margaret Rutherford | Ep. 26

    This episode covers the perfectionist's paradox in leadership.In the relentless pursuit of perfection, leaders often find themselves entangled in a web of unattainable standards. The paradox of perfectionism, touted as a virtue, becomes a silent accomplice to the insidious clutches of depression. Unveiling the facade of flawless leadership, this podcast episode explores the hidden struggles beneath the polished exterior.Leaders grappling with perfectionism may unknowingly fuel a cycle of self-doubt and despair. Aspiring for excellence is admirable, yet the fine line between ambition and obsession can lead to mental health pitfalls. Acknowledging imperfections becomes a strength, fostering resilience and authentic leadership. By embracing vulnerability, leaders can inspire not only success but also a compassionate workplace culture. In dismantling the perfectionist's paradox, true leadership emerges—forged in the crucible of self-acceptance, empathy, and the courage to be imperfect.My guest today is Dr. Margaret Rutherford, a clinical psychologist and the author of “Perfectly Hidden Depression: How to Break Free from the Perfectionism That Masks Your Depression.” Her two actionable takeaways are:
    Reflect on the question, “Is your perfectionism constructive or destructive?”Get off the treadmill...For more Information on this episode go to https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com/headspace/26

    • 25 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
13 Ratings

13 Ratings

John Draper Ph.D. ,

Tips for healthy leading and living in our worklives!

After school “prepares us for work,” how does work prepare us for living life? With at least half of our waking hours dedicated to work, and much of work culture shifting to remote settings, how do we create meaningful connections (“togetherness”) at and through work? Since mental wellness and work productivity are interconnected, how can what has been thought of as one’s “personal business” become important to everyone’s business? Sally’s outstanding interviews with experts help us answer these critical questions, and so many more.

EmotionallyNaked.com ,

Great resource for mangers and employees

What makes this so helpful is the structure. Of course it’s the people Dr sally interviews but her summary at the end and diving into topics one at a time. The organization really helps me remember. Workplace wellness is a huge subject and this is so needed.

sjfcommo ,

Listen to pearls for mental wellness!

“Headspace for the Workplace” with host Psychologist Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas is a timely, relevant and essential mental wellness podcast for individuals or groups in any workspace or industry. Great actionable tips from Dr. Sally, a trailblazing thought leader for mental health and suicide prevention. Plus Sally’s top-notch guests serve up bits of wisdom that are vital and much needed today.

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