A Place To Thrive

Creating a happy and healthy workplace is hard in an organisation, but arguably even more difficult when you don’t work a ‘traditional 9-5.’ In the final episode of season one, we wanted to hear from people who work for themselves or work flexibly and how they look after themselves while doing so. Listen in to hear our experiences, struggles and winning advice for getting the most out of being the boss of your own time and mind. While this is the last official episode of Season 1, don’t fear, we’ll be back in your ears with Season 2 in early 2020. Meanwhile, if you’d like to connect or work with either of us or our wonderful guests on this episode here’s how you can find us: Martin Fitzpatrick - Internal Communication Business Partner https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-fitzpatrick/Jack Ladenburg - Photographer https://www.jackladenburg.com/Abby Monroe - Artist Maker https://www.abbymonroe.co.uk/Ed Coke - Reputation Expert http://www.repute.associates/Jo Hooper https://madandsadclub.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/johooper/Jo Hall https://www.afireconsulting.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-hall-afire/Huge thanks to our Producer Alex from This Is Distorted https://www.thisisdistorted.com/

Is it time to ditch the employee engagement survey forever in favour of other employee feedback approaches? We discuss this rather controversial question and answer a listener’s call for advice on how best to run an employee survey and do it for free! As ever, we fill your ears with our opinions, experience, survey watch-outs, tips and practical advice too. If you’d like to have your workplace culture or wellbeing question answered on a future episode, then please send it to us here: https://forms.gle/pXgU1tNARVDT3JX38 We’d love for you to leave us a rating and share your feedback on ‘A Place to Thrive’ especially as we’re in the midst of planning Season 2’s content. Do connect with us:Jo Hooper is @madandsadclub on Instagram and https://www.linkedin.com/in/johooper/ on LinkedInJo Hall is @afire_jo on Instagram and https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-hall-afire/ on LinkedInIf you’d like to work with either of us or find out what we do take a look here:https://www.afireconsulting.comhttps://madandsadclub.co.uk

Ever gathered feedback only to be disappointed or utterly dismayed by the comments? This episode explores the topic of measurement in all its guises, the impact it has on our mental health and confidence and what we can do about it to manage it (and our minds) effectively in the workplace. Don’t be put off by the perceived dry topic - you should know by now that our podcast chat is most definitely not dull! We give you advice on how to manage your mind when it comes to feedback. We share our top tips and approaches to effective measurement, even tackling perceived difficult to measure campaigns like organisational culture change. We share a simple, human framework and confidence-boosting advice to help you finally embrace and benefit from measuring what you do effectively. The freebies we mention in the show!The essential measurement workbook: https://www.poppulo.com/resources/the-essential-ic-measurement-workbook/Measurement webinar: https://www.poppulo.com/resources/7-practical-steps-for-successful-ic-measurement/Guide to communicating mental health in the workplace: https://madandsadclub.co.uk/how-to-take-a-strategic-approach-to-mental-health-comms/ Jo Hall partners with the Institute of Internal Communication and runs measurement courses on their behalf. Look for upcoming dates here: https://www.ioic.org.uk/professional-development/ioic-training/training-courses We’d love for you to leave us a rating and share your feedback on ‘A Place to Thrive’ especially as we’re in the midst of planning Season 2’s content. Even better … share this podcast with a friend or colleague who you think would benefit! Share the love so others can thrive. If you’d like to work with either of us or find out what we do take a look here:https://www.afireconsulting.comhttps://madandsadclub.co.uk

In this emotive and insightful episode we talk to Jamie Angus, Internal Communication Manager, and Kate Cavanagh, a Vet, at PDSA the UK’s leading vet charity. We hear about the harsh realities facing the veterinary profession and how a human, low-cost approach has really been making a positive difference to their wellbeing. We talk about suicide, perfectionism, goal setting, saying ‘No’ and the unintended consequences of focusing on wellbeing at work. We discuss the compelling reasons for having a holistic wellbeing strategy and the correlation between an organisation’s clarity and values and levels of employee wellness. It’s an episode jam-packed full of great conversation and, as ever, our guests share some superb insights and practical advice on managing health holistically at work both from an employer and employee perspective. We’d love for you to leave us a rating and share your feedback on ‘A Place to Thrive’ especially as we’re in the midst of planning Season 2’s content. Do connect with us:Jo Hooper is @madandsadclub on Instagram and https://www.linkedin.com/in/johooper/ on LinkedInJo Hall is @afire_jo on Instagram and https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-hall-afire/ on LinkedInOr send us your questions and feature in a future episode: https://forms.gle/pXgU1tNARVDT3JX38If you’d like to work with either of us or find out what we do take a look here:https://www.afireconsulting.comhttps://madandsadclub.co.uk

In this 15-minute advice episode, we explore the wondrous topic of creating and finding purpose and meaning at work.We delve into how leaders can define a corporate purpose that is energising and meaningful and resonates with their employees. We even answer the controversial question of whether an organisation should have a corporate purpose or not.As is the norm for ‘A Place to Thrive’, we share practical advice that anyone can implement. Finding meaning in your work can have a huge impact on your mental health and self-worth, so listen in to hear our ideas on how you can find meaning and value from your work, even if it feels like you’re just working a 9-5 to pay the bills. We love connecting with and hearing from our listeners, so come and find us on social media.Jo Hall is @afire_jo on Instagram and https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-hall-afire/ on LinkedInJo Hooper is @madandsadclub on Instagram and https://www.linkedin.com/in/johooper/ on LinkedInOr send us your questions and feature in a future episode: https://forms.gle/pXgU1tNARVDT3JX38 If you’d like to work with either of us or find out what we do take a look here:https://www.afireconsulting.comhttps://madandsadclub.co.uk

Ever wondered what it’s like to work for one of the best companies in the UK? Listen in to wonderful nuggets of discussion, practical ideas and advice on workplace culture from Jennifer Thomas, Direct Line Group’s Head of Internal Communications, Experience & Sustainability. We discuss how DLG ranked #3 in The Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For list on their first attempt and how they purposefully foster their culture and values to help new recruits and employees bring their whole and authentic selves to work. All three of us get rather animated talking about our hobbyhorses and pet peeves … namely diversity and inclusion and how to embrace openness and honesty at work for everyone’s benefit. And to wrap things up Jennifer shares her three top tips to help create a healthier, happier workplace. We love connecting with our listeners, so come and find us here: Jo Hall is @afire_jo on Instagram and https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-hall-afire/ on LinkedInJo Hooper is @madandsadclub on Instagram and https://www.linkedin.com/in/johooper/ on LinkedIn Or send us your questions and feature in a future episode: https://forms.gle/pXgU1tNARVDT3JX38 If you’d like to work with either of us or find out what we do take a look here:https://www.afireconsulting.comhttps://madandsadclub.co.uk

In this 15-minute advice episode we answer a question sent in by Angela.We explore the scenario of unrealistic goals being set by leaders and their impact on our wellbeing. Hear our advice on why giving yourself permission to set boundaries at work, defining your self-worth and reflecting daily on your achievements helps boost your morale and wellbeing. We also share tips to manage this scenario by understanding the leader’s perspectives, finding others to help you influence and letting things fail.We love connecting with and hearing from our listeners, so please reach out.Jo Hall is @afire_jo on Instagram and https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-hall-afire/ on LinkedInJo Hooper is @madandsadclub on Instagram and https://www.linkedin.com/in/johooper/ on LinkedInOr send us your questions and feature in a future episode: https://forms.gle/pXgU1tNARVDT3JX38 If you’d like to work with either of us or find out what we do take a look here:https://www.afireconsulting.comhttps://madandsadclub.co.uk

On World Mental Health Awareness Day, we chat with Paul Farmer, CEO of Mind, the mental health charity. We discuss his research and the changing, positive outlook around mental health in the workplace, creating a positive culture, and the role of managers and internal communicators in supporting wellbeing at work. Paul also shares his advice and some practical, simple tips that any organisation or and individual can take to improve wellbeing and mental health in the workplace. Please do get in touch with us, you can find Jo Hall online at: https://afireconsulting.com/ and @afire_jo and Jo Hooper at: https://madandsadclub.co.uk and @madandsadclubhttps://madandsadclub.co.uk/podcast

This week, we grill Nicky, MD at MullenLowe Salt on how she built an inclusive, supportive and familial culture and Katie, a Senior Account Manager on what it’s like to work there. Both Nicky and Katie talk really openly about their own experiences with their mental health and what support was most impactful for them. We leave you with some key practical tips from them that you can take away and implement straight away. Please do get in touch with us, you can find Jo Hall online at: https://afireconsulting.com/ and @afire_jo and Jo Hooper at: https://madandsadclub.co.uk and @madandsadclubhttps://madandsadclub.co.uk/podcast

In this first episode, we introduce ourselves (hi! We’re Jo Hooper and Jo Hall), why we do what we do and why we wanted to launch A Place to Thrive. We also give you an insight into some of the….less than happy and healthy workplaces we’ve experienced. Please do get in touch with us, you can find Jo Hall online at: https://afireconsulting.com/ and @afire_jo and Jo Hooper at: https://madandsadclub.co.uk and @madandsadclubhttps://madandsadclub.co.uk/podcast

A Place to Thrive is the podcast that gives you honest, practical advice to help you create healthier, happier workplaces. Hosted by Jo Hooper and Jo Hall, you’ll get inspiring guests (not just the usual talking heads), deep dive discussions and your questions answered. We hope you’ll tune in! Season 1 will run from 26 September 2019 for 10 weekly episodes.