Episode 14: Work that enhances your life – the opportunity for HR, Geoff McDonald, former Global VP, HR at Unilever and Co-founder at Minds@Work

In this episode Geoff shares his inspiring vision for the future of work, a future where work enhances, not diminishes, our lives. Sharing his experience in catalysing conversations about mental health, Geoff sets out the barriers for why wellbeing has not been seen as a strategic priority, why this must change, and how HR can take the lead. Geoff inspires us to take a first step in creating an environment that enhances the lives of every employee, prioritising and caring for our own health and wellbeing too. Here’s a snapshot of a few things we talked about: [2:09] Creating workplaces where every person has a choice to ask for help if they are struggling with mental ill health - catalysing conversations [10:55] The incredible opportunity for HR to ensure work enhances, not diminishes, our lives [16:37] Five barriers to wellbeing at work [21:10] An Employee Value Proposition: “Come and work for us, we’ll enhance your life” What would this look like? [26:04] The injustice of not being able to bring your whole self to work [29:00] The return on investment of prioritising wellbeing – the Unilever example [31:37] Role modelling to maintain your most valuable asset – your health Referenced resources Dying for A Paycheck by Jeffrey Pfeffer: https://jeffreypfeffer.com/books/dying-for-a-paycheck/   “I love How HR Leaders Change the World” – if that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing our show! This helps us achieve our goal, to reach more of your peers, so we can all contribute to further and faster change. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”. Be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast. We’ll add a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!