152: Dr. Richard Safeer: Keys to Fostering Collective Well-Being in the Workplace
Overview
So far this year, my guests and I have been discussing how we can do things differently through experimentation, creativity, and innovation to optimize our life and work for personal success, satisfaction, and sustainability.
Today’s guest brings another layer to the conversation. I’ve often focused on what we can do individually to ensure sustainability in our life and work, because we can’t rely solely on outside forces to do so. But it’s not either or. As Dr. Richard Safeer points out, we have to take personal responsibility AND we need support from those around us to truly shape a happier, healthier, and more resilient workforce.
Dr. Safeer explains why external support is critical for wellbeing, how to shape a wellbeing culture, why teams are an important focus point, and shares smart, simple tips to move forward as organizations and team leaders supporting a wellbeing culture.
Listen below or on your favorite podcast player.
More About Our Guest
Dr. Richard Safeer is a highly respected leader in the employee health and well-being field. His work is featured by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and he’s been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post and Fortune Magazine.
Dr. Safeer currently serves as the Chief Medical Director of Employee Health and Well-Being for Johns Hopkins Medicine where he leads the Healthy at Hopkins employee health and well-being strategy. He’s also the author of A Cure for the Common Company: A Well-Being Prescription for a Happier, Healthier, and More Resilient Workforce and is the scientific advisor to A Cure for the Common Workday: Journaling Towards a Happier and Healthier Workday.
Dr. Safeer is board certified in three medical specialties, a fellow in three medical colleges and has been recognized by a former Maryland governor for his contribution to the state public health system.
Dr. Safeer loves being active outdoors and has hiked and camped in Australia, Alaska and the Andes, among other great outdoor areas of the world. Dr. Safeer and his wife celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary this past September.
Listen to the full episode to hear:
Why workplace health programs are not enough
The six key building blocks of a wellbeing culture
Why leaders need to think about workplace well-being as an issue of organizational change
The influence of peer support and co-workers on employee health and well-being
The importance of focusing on change within team subcultures of an organization and addressing work-related stressors
Why integrate well-being into the workflow
Learn more about Richard Safeer:
Resources Mentioned
Connected The Surprising Power of Our Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives, Nicholas A. Christakis and James H. Fowler
Anxiety at Work 8 Strategies to Help Teams Build Resilience, Handle Uncertainty, and Get Stuff Done, Chester Elton and Adrian Gostick
Thanks for Listening!
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