On October 23, 2024, Aura partnered with TenantTalks to host Creating Spaces for Mental Health: The Role of the Workplace. This event featured a keynote presentation from Cameron Stockdale from the Work Wellness Institute and a panel discussion featuring Vancouver HR professionals from various industries.

This event explored how the workplace can be a catalyst for positive mental health and well-being. Panellists and keynote dived into the pressing issues of increased loneliness due to remote work, uncovering innovative strategies for creating environments that boost cognitive performance, emotional resilience, and physical health—equipping organizations to build a more engaged, productive workforce.

 

Are you more of a watcher than a reader? Watch the video recordings to immerse yourself in the event with direct footage from the panel discussions and keynote presentations.

WATCH THE RECORDINGS

 

On our panel today, we have:

 

• Dustin Hutton-Alcorn, CPHR, SHRM-SCP, a People Business Partner and Managing Director at Sauce Labs, works with a hybrid workforce with office hubs in various global locations.
• Jian Pablico, Director of IDEA and Team Development at Lululemon. He works in a hybrid model at the Vancouver office.
• Serena Morphy, CPHR, SHRM-SP, is a Principal Consultant at Awaken HR, where she aids companies in fostering inclusive workplaces. She works in a hybrid environment.
• Misha Bajwa, People and Culture Coordinator at Davidson and Company. Her midsize accounting firm has a mix of in-office, remote, and hybrid staff.
• Elena Endter, founder of Cove and Sky, works remotely as a mindfulness consultant, career coach, and life coach.

 

 

What does workplace well-being mean to you? And how do you think mental, emotional and physical health work together to create that complete picture of employee wellness?

Jian begins the discussion by emphasizing the holistic nature of well-being. He highlights the importance of incorporating small wellness practices into the workday. Lululemon integrates wellness into daily routines, including yoga sessions, breathwork before meetings, and a culture that encourages leaders and employees alike to embrace moments of relaxation and wellness. This holistic approach ensures that wellness is not just a program but part of the company’s culture.

Elena defines well-being as psychological safety within an organization’s culture. She highlights the importance of embedding care and mental health practices into every aspect of company life, ensuring employees feel valued and supported. Leadership is crucial in shaping this culture, ensuring wellness is experienced at all levels.

 

How has the rise of remote and hybrid work impacted employees’ sense of connection and belonging? What steps are you taking to address this?

Dustin spoke candidly about the struggle to maintain connection post-pandemic in a primarily remote setup. To address this, Sauce Labs has implemented and prioritized structured gatherings for employees to connect with and collaborate, particularly across their global teams.

For example, he stated that after this event, he would join members of his organization from various regions for a hackathon. Dustin also highlighted the importance of budget allocation, emphasizing investing in moments that facilitate employee connection.

Continuing the conversation, Misha noted how remote work has transformed workplace dynamics, particularly by reducing spontaneous, informal interactions. She explained that dedicated chat spaces and team-building activities give employees opportunities to bond over non-work topics, helping build camaraderie. Additionally, Misha emphasized that routine check-ins are crucial, especially for remote team members, as they reinforce a sense of belonging and connection within the organization.

Serena highlighted and discussed some employees’ resistance toward returning to the office after experiencing the benefits of remote work. She explained that companies need to acknowledge these perspectives and find ways to demonstrate the unique benefits of in-person collaboration. By gathering employees’ insights on the value they see in office time, Serena suggested that organizations can shape a hybrid structure that feels more balanced and meaningful for everyone.

Jian pointed out that remote employees are often overlooked in discussions, urging a deliberate effort to prioritize their voices during meetings. He emphasized that this approach can help alleviate feelings of exclusion and foster a greater sense of value among remote team members.

 

In your experience, what approaches have you found effective in helping leaders understand how investing in employee well-being can enhance productivity and contribute to long-term business success?

Elena highlighted the growing interest among leaders in measuring the return on investment (ROI) of well-being programs. She referenced studies demonstrating that companies that invest in wellness initiatives experience substantial gains in employee engagement, reduced burnout, and improved retention. By prioritizing well-being, she argued, organizations can decrease turnover and mitigate quiet quitting, ultimately enhancing engagement and productivity, which fosters a positive ripple effect on both company culture and brand reputation.

 

How do you address well-being through the physical spaces in your organization?

Dustin shared his insights on designing a workspace focused on well-being by creating purpose-built areas that cater to diverse wellness needs. He described features such as dedicated spaces for mothers, onsite health services like registered massage therapy and acupuncture, and a quiet library for meditative and reflective breaks. He underscored how integrating these wellness spaces into the workplace not only promotes a culture of well-being but also provides employees with essential resources for their mental and physical health.

 

What are some examples of wellness programs or mental health resources that support employees’ emotional and physical health?

Misha shared insights from her organization, Davidson and Company, where they promote physical activity during high-stress periods, like tax season, through an innovative “Gym Rats” fitness challenge. This app-based initiative incentivizes employees to engage in physical activity, encouraging them to step away from their desks and return revitalized. Misha highlighted other wellness resources, such as telehealth services, summer Fridays off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that offers confidential counselling sessions. Together, these initiatives provide crucial mental health support and enable employees to manage their workloads more effectively.

Elena emphasized the critical role of social cohesion in cultivating a supportive workplace environment. She highlighted the impact of peer-to-peer support, referencing research that demonstrates how a single strong friendship at work can significantly enhance an employee’s sense of belonging and engagement. She linked this to findings from Gallup’s study, which reveals that employees with a best friend tend to be happier and more engaged in their roles.

Serena focused on the importance of time management support and the role of coaching in helping employees prioritize mental health. Despite many companies investing in wellness programs, she observed that these resources often go underutilized due to employees’ hectic schedules. She emphasized that coaching can play a crucial role in guiding employees on integrating wellness breaks into their day, reducing stress, and ultimately boosting productivity by encouraging them to take those essential moments for self-care.

 

How can HR foster a culture of psychological safety and trust?

Serena discussed how HR leaders can cultivate psychological safety by modeling wellness behaviors themselves. By taking mental health days and establishing clear boundaries around work hours, leaders can foster an environment where employees feel empowered to prioritize their mental well-being. She emphasized that intentionally naming mental health days allows employees to focus on their psychological health without the discomfort of labelling it as a “sick” day when their mental state, rather than physical health, requires rest.

Dustin echoed Serena’s insights, emphasizing that leaders can enhance psychological safety by implementing tools like scheduled messaging to respect employees’ boundaries. In global teams, he noted, considerate communication timing can help alleviate the unintentional pressure to respond outside of work hours. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of HR leaders engaging with their teams.

“As I shared earlier, I will spend the day with our team, which will be hacking away at stuff. Do I know how to code? Absolutely Not. But just me going there and being present can make a difference. Because now there is trust and dependency, where people can come to me now and say, you know what? I’m not okay. And I need assistance navigating a situation with my manager or with a peer.”

By actively listening to employees and immersing themselves in daily routines, HR can create an environment where employees feel safe expressing concerns and seeking support when needed.

Jian closed out the discussion with a compelling reflection on trust: “You can only move at the speed of trust.” He stressed that building trust is a gradual, sustained process, likening it to strengthening a muscle—it grows best through consistent, steady effort rather than intense, short-term initiatives. Organizations can foster psychological safety by taking small, intentional steps over time, allowing trust to develop organically and creating an environment where employees feel genuinely supported.

 

How do you see workplace well-being trends evolving over the next year or two?

Elena suggested that AI will significantly influence workplace well-being, envisioning AI assistants that provide personalized support—greeting employees, offering wellness prompts, and setting reminders for physical activities like standing up and hydrating. This AI-driven interaction could bring a personalized and supportive element to employee wellness.

Misha highlighted shifting from “one-size-fits-all” wellness programs toward more individualized approaches. She noted that with better access to data, companies can now design wellness resources that address diverse employee needs, making them more relevant and accessible. Misha also predicted that mental health support would continue to grow in importance, with employers expanding access to these critical resources.

Jian observed the growing popularity of walking over more intensive fitness routines like run clubs. He emphasized that walking is accessible, easy to integrate into daily life, and offers health benefits without demanding substantial time or energy. He noted that a ten-minute walk after meals or before work provides a manageable way for employees to prioritize wellness.

Dustin advocated for a shift from “performative” wellness initiatives, like providing fruit bowls, to meaningful, intentional wellness moments that align with employees’ real needs. He stressed that, especially with the rise of remote and hybrid work, wellness offerings should be adaptable and accessible, providing genuine support that fits the realities of employees’ locations and lifestyles.

About TenantTalks

TenantTalks is a global nonprofit speaker series focused on the ways of working that are impacting how organizations function today and in the future. Featuring speakers from various industries, disciplines, and locations across the globe, our purely educational events bring leaders together to discuss their personal experiences, challenges, and ideas around the use of the office and the evolving ways that we work.

With the simple goal of providing a platform for collectively shaping the office of the future, TenantTalks operates as a nonprofit project. All proceeds from ticket sales are donated to charities worldwide dedicated to making a difference in our communities.

We are grateful for your contributions to this enriching learning experience and invite you to our next event for further insightful discussions. We look forward to seeing you there!

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