E35: Mental Health First Aiders as part of an Organisation's Approach to Wellbeing with Kevin Lyons

Episode Summary

It’s no secret that we are facing a global health crisis due to COVID-19. But as the pandemic has forced businesses to adapt and adjust, there is no doubt that it has also revealed the importance of employee mental health in the workplace. To ensure employee productivity and well-being even while working remotely, some strategies need to be put in place.

In this episode, we are joined by Kevin Lyons to discuss the roles of Mental Health First Aiders in an Organisation and how they can help improve employee wellbeing as many organisations try to adjust to the new norm.

Kevin is a Senior HR Manager at Pearson Group and drives many projects across the business, including the global Mental Health First Aid Community and their MHFA training program. Kevin is so passionate about well-being at work and has been involved in many diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. He has also worked in fast-paced, rapidly changing environments with a variety of teams and on tight budgets across multisite locations in the UK, EMEA, Ireland, and the USA.

Show Highlights

[02:02] Kevin’s career and his current role at Pearson

[02:58] The changing nature of HR

[04:11] How the changing work environment has impacted operations at Pearson

[11:40] Setting up a common work environment for organisations with many divisions

[14:50] Engaging with employees remotely

[16:54] Time management, setting up boundaries and limits with remote staff

[20:07] Focusing on the well-being of employees

[23:05] Who are the Mental Health First Aiders?

[27:24] Having safeguards in place within the MHFA program

[31:07] Supporting a healthy work environment for employees

[36:16] Other things measured as employee’s well-being

[41:20] Kevin’s advice to senior business leaders with regards to workplace wellbeing.