Episodes
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Nowadays, there is a broad worldwide consensus that climate change represents a major risk to our survival. There are risks to business, too, as climate-related hazards directly threaten business operations and employee health. Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson are joined by Dr Matthew Sawyer to discuss how businesses can meet the global climate crisis, including:
• Tangible signs and effects of climate change in the UK
• The health and business gains achievable through meeting climate targets
• How climate change awareness has been affected by the Covid crisis
• The benefits of engaging employees on environmental issues
• Changes that businesses can make to become more climate-friendly
Presented by Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson
With Dr Matthew Sawyer
Produced by James Seton
Production and editing by Nick Hilton for Podot -
In almost every part of the world, men are experiencing poorer health outcomes than women, and face greater risk from heart disease, drug and alcohol problems and occupational accidents. Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson are joined by Martin Tod from Men’s Health Forum to explore how businesses can support men to engage with health services and live longer, healthier lives, including: Social and economic factors affecting men’s healthThe effect of the Covid crisis on men’s healthHow men’s health issues fit in to diversity policies in the workplaceWays for employers to encourage men to engage more with health servicesHow employers can access information and support on men’s health at work
Presented by Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson.
With Mark Tod.
Produced by James Seton.
Production and editing by Nick Hilton for Podot. -
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Despite improved legal protections for trans employees, many still experience discrimination, harassment and bullying at work and in wider society. Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson are joined by Antonia Belcher, a business leader and trans activist, to discuss how employers can support transgender employees in the workplace, including: Antonia’s story of managing her transition in a male-dominated work environmentHow anti-trans stigma and discrimination are experienced in the workplaceSupporting trans colleagues through becoming a ‘trans ally’How managers can support employees through their transitionHow employers can access advice on establishing an LGBTQ+ policy
Presented by Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson.
With Antonia Belcher.
Produced by James Seton.
Production and editing by Nick Hilton for Podot. -
While the NHS rose to the challenge of the Covid crisis, the impact of the pandemic on the nation’s health is now becoming clear, with millions missing out on hospital treatment, and thousands more suffering Covid-related health problems. Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson are joined by James Swaffield from Impower, a consultancy working to improve public services in the UK, to discuss the post-Covid outlook for the NHS and public health including: Immediate challenges faced by the NHSHow the NHS is managing ‘burnout’ among staffTackling the pandemic backlog of ‘missing patients’Addressing patient health inequalitiesThe role of employers in supporting workforce health post-pandemic
Presented by Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson.
With James Swaffield.
Produced by James Seton.
Production and editing by Nick Hilton for Podot. -
From day one of the Covid crisis, the NHS’s ability to protect the health and wellbeing of its workforce was put to the test. Now, with life in the UK gradually returning to normal, the physical and mental health impact of the pandemic on frontline health and care staff is becoming apparent. Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson are joined by Dr Steve Boorman from Empactis, to discuss how NHS staff coped through the mental and physical demands of the Covid crisis, including: How the NHS adapted to meet the challenges of the pandemicThe role of occupational health in the NHS prior to the pandemicThe NHS’s level of preparedness for the Covid crisis from a workplace health perspectiveWhat other businesses can learn from the NHS’s experience during the pandemicThe outlook for occupational health in NHS post-Covid
Presented by Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson.
With Dr Steve Boorman.
Produced by James Seton.
Production and editing by Nick Hilton for Podot. -
Over a million UK adults have ADHD, in many cases without a formal diagnosis. For some, it can lead to poor productivity and job instability, while for others the condition can be a positive, with employers increasingly linking ADHD with creativity and focus. Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson are joined by Phil Anderton from ADHD 360 to discuss how businesses can support employees with ADHD, including: Causes and demographicsThe role of diagnosis in the management of ADHDHow ADHD can present in the workplaceADHD treatment pathwaysHow employees with ADHD could be affected by the shift to remote / home working
Presented by Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson.
With Phil Anderton.
Produced by James Seton.
Production and editing by Nick Hilton for Podot. -
More than a million people in the UK are classed as ‘problem gamblers’, a statistic that has led it being described as a nationwide ‘hidden pandemic’. As well as impacting people’s personal lives, problem gambling can affect productivity at work and lead to poor mental health and sickness absence. Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson are joined by Gamcare’s Helen Garratt to discuss how businesses can identify and support employees with gambling problems, including: Definitions of problem gambling and gambling harmsFactors which have changed gambling habits in the UKRisks to employers from employees with gambling problemsHow lockdown has affected gambling habitsHow businesses can access advice on supporting employees with gambling problems
Presented by Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson.
With Helen Garratt.
Produced by James Seton.
Production and editing by Nick Hilton for Podot. -
Research has shown that nearly a third of people have been bullied at work, with widespread evidence that workplace bullying has a negative impact on productivity as well as emotional and physical health. Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson are joined by ACAS’ Rich Jones to discuss how businesses can tackle bullying in the workplace and empower employees to report concerns, including: The physical and mental consequences of workplace bullyingDetermining whether bullying has taken placeSections of the workforce who may be at higher risk of being bulliedHow workforce bullying has been addressed in large organisationsEmployers’ obligations in preventing bullying in the workplace
Presented by Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson.
With Rich Jones.
Produced by James Seton.
Production and editing by Nick Hilton for Podot. -
In the years since the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s, treatments for HIV have improved, and most people living with the condition can now lead a full and normal life. However, awareness of what HIV is and how it’s transmitted is falling steadily. In this episode, Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson are joined by Ruth Burns and Phil Warren from Terrence Higgins Trust, to discuss how the lived experience of HIV has changed over the years – and how businesses can support employees living with the condition, including: Definitions of HIV and AIDSFirst-hand insights regarding the experience of living with HIVHow employees should approach disclosure of their HIV statusHow managers can discuss an employee’s HIV status with themRecommended adjustments for employees living with HIV
Presented by Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson.
With Ruth Burns and Phil Warren.
Produced by James Seton.
Production and editing by Nick Hilton for Podot. -
The growth of the gig economy in both the UK and world economy has been rapid. The controversy around gig working has grown too – with some praising its flexibility while others voice concerns over low wages and the lack of basic employment benefits. Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson are joined by IPSE’s Andy Chamberlain, to discuss how flexible working is changing the world of work, and how the wellbeing of contractors and freelancers can be supported, including: The origins and composition of the gig economyDefining terms around flexible workingPositives and negatives of ‘gig’ working modelsHow the recent Uber case verdict could affect the rights of gig workersExisting employment legislation around flexible workingThe future of the gig economy
Presented by Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson.
With Andy Chamberlain.
Produced by James Seton.
Production and editing by Nick Hilton for Podot. -
Since the start of the Covid crisis, there has been a deluge of misinformation and conspiracy theories about the outbreak, shared online and through social media, undermining trust in public health messages. Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson are joined by Dr Stephan Lewandowsky to explore how misinformation can affect businesses – and how to guide employees towards reliable content, in an episode discussing: Why the problem of misinformation has been more acute during the Covid crisisThe dangers of misinformation, and groups that may be vulnerableThe history of health misinformation in previous outbreaks and crisesThe role of social media companies in tackling misinformationHow business and HR leaders can tackle misinformation in the workplace
Presented by Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson.
With Dr Stephan Lewandowsky.
Produced by James Seton.
Production and editing by Nick Hilton for Podot. -
With Covid restrictions being slowly eased and a successful vaccine rollout underway, Series 3 of Talking Work & Health marks a year since the start of the pandemic. In this first episode of the new series, Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson review the important developments for businesses over the past few months and examine what may lay ahead, including: The outlook for different sectors as restrictions are liftedWhat will ‘normal’ look like in the future?Analysis of the UK’s vaccine rolloutHow businesses and their workforces have adapted during the pandemicLong-term health impacts of pandemic restrictions
Presented by Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson.
Produced by James Seton.
Production and editing by Nick Hilton for Podot. -
Around eighty percent of the world’s population live in ‘developing’ countries, where workplaces and environmental conditions are often more hazardous to health than those of industrialized countries. While global access to healthcare continues to improve, there is also greater scrutiny of the workplace health practices of multinationals operating around the world. Dr Mark Simpson and Liam Sloan are joined by Occupational Health Physicians Dr Anyanate Ephraim and Dr Omer El Nagieb, who share their personal experiences of delivering occupational health in Nigeria and the Sudan, in the final episode of this series, exploring: Developments and disparities in global access to workplace healthChallenges for occupational health in turbulent political climatesTraining and retaining occupational health practitioners in countries with limited infrastructureHow the emergence of new industries creates occupational health challengesHow occupational health learnings from developing countries can inform public health in the UK
Presented by Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson.
With Dr Omer El Nagieb and Dr Anyanate Ephraim.
Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot. -
With some commentators linking poverty, race, lifestyle, and physical environment to health outcomes from Covid-19, the interaction between health and inequality have recently become all too apparent. Dr Mark Simpson and Liam Sloan are joined by clinician Isoken Idahosa, who shares her personal experiences of how income, work and wider external factors can determine health and wellbeing, in an episode covering: • Definitions of social determinants• How geography and local conditions can impact upon health• The role of government policy in encouraging improvements in public health• How local initiatives can have a positive impact• How social determinants can influence outcomes among Covid-19 cases• How employers can avoid perpetuating social harms and promote healthier choices
Presented by Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson.
With Isoken Idahosa.
Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot. -
Despite huge improvements in workplace Health & Safety provision over recent years, injuries and illness at work still lead to countless unnecessary incidents and cost up to £16 billion each year. With a national emergency placing workplace health and safety in the spotlight, Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson are joined by Dr Karen McDonnell from RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents), to discuss how Health & Safety has changed working life, and explore the new challenges presented by the pandemic, in an episode covering: How Health & Safety policy has evolved over timeThe responsibilities of both employers and employees regarding workplace healthHow the role of Health & Safety changes in different work environmentsHealth & Safety challenges in new work modelsHealth & Safety factors which have emerged during the pandemicHow the Covid-19 crisis could affect Health & Safety provision in the longer term
Presented by Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson.
With Dr Karen McDonnell.
Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot. -
Many businesses look favourably upon candidates with a military background, recognising their unique skills and mindset. As businesses continue to work through the Covid-19 crisis, what lessons can be learned from the Armed Forces approach to emergencies, tasks and teamwork? Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson are joined by Dr Mangala Patil Mead and Dr Lachlan Mackay Brown who share their personal experience of how expertise gained in the Armed Forces can be useful in other settings, and what ex-Armed Forces personnel have to offer in the workplace, including:
• First-hand accounts of delivering occupational health within the armed forces
• Comparing mental health challenges in the Armed Forces with those found in civilian life
• How experiences gained in the Armed Forces can be valuable in civilian roles
• Dispelling myths around former Armed Forces personnel in the workforce
• What businesses can learn from how the Armed Forces support their workforce
Hosted by Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson.
With Dr Lachlan Mackay Brown and Dr Mangala Patil Mead.
Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot. -
Employee wellbeing is critical for businesses, both to attract talent and create a healthy and productive workforce. With our physical and mental health impacted by the Covid crisis, the case for implementing a wellbeing strategy has never been more compelling. Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson are joined by Mark Winterflood, Wellbeing Manager at Hastings Direct, to discuss how employees and businesses can benefit from an effective workforce wellbeing strategy, in an episode exploring: Defining the concept of ‘wellbeing’Gaining management buy-in for wellbeing initiativesMeasuring the success of wellbeing initiativesThe business case for wellbeingHow wellbeing champions can help build engagement with initiativesManaging wellbeing challenges presented by the pandemicHow the Covid crisis could change the role of wellbeing within businessesHosted by Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson.
With Mark Winterflood.
Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot. -
Each year, millions of workdays are lost because of alcohol misuse, and more than forty percent of employers cite alcohol as a factor contributing to low productivity. With the pandemic leading to a steep increase in ‘high risk’ drinking, Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson are joined by Lauren Booker, a consultant at Alcohol Change UK and co-founder of the ‘Dry January’ movement, to explore how employers can support individuals struggling with alcohol issues, in an episode discussing:
• Defining terms around alcohol misuse
• Identifying problematic drinking behaviours
• Avoiding an unhealthy and exclusionary ‘alcohol culture’ in your organisation
• How employers can initiate dialogue with employees who may be experiencing alcohol problems
• Available resources for employees concerned about their alcohol use
• The employer’s legal obligations towards staff disclosing alcohol problems
• How to promote healthier alternatives to alcohol in the workplace
Presented by Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson.
With Lauren Booker.
Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot. -
Even as a vaccine begins to roll out across the UK, the impact of Covid on the country’s workforce will be felt for some time. An estimated 60,000 people in the UK have experienced COVID-19 symptoms lasting longer than three months, and around 10% of all Covid sufferers experiencing symptoms for over a month. In this episode, Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson are joined by Dr Ron Daniels, Director of the UK Sepsis Trust, to discuss how employees experiencing long-term symptoms can be supported through their recovery and their return to work, including:
• Definitions of Long Covid and associated symptoms
• Clinical approaches to the condition
• Age groups and demographics who may be at risk
• How employers can access resources to manage Long Covid cases
• How employees can access reliable information and support
• Practical adjustments to support employees suffering long-term symptoms
• Managing mental health impacts associated with Long Covid
Presented by Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson.
With Dr Ron Daniels.
Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot. -
With more than 4 million women in the UK workforce aged 50 and over, a significant proportion of working people experience the menopause. For some women, the symptoms can be debilitating, affecting work performance and even forcing them to leave their jobs. However, employers have an important and positive role to play. Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson are joined by Dr Louise Newson, a GP, author and leading menopause specialist, to discuss how employers can address these issues and support women affected by the menopause, in an episode exploring:
Definitions and explanation of symptoms The importance of education regarding menopause Common misconceptions regarding available treatments The cost to businesses of women leaving work due to menopause How employers can approach the topic and remove unnecessary embarrassment or awkwardness Practical adjustments to support women experiencing menopausePresented by Liam Sloan and Dr Mark Simpson.
With Dr Louise Newson.
Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot. - Show more
