Listening Might Be The Most Overlooked Wellbeing Strategy

Listening Might Be The Most Overlooked Wellbeing Strategy

In this compilation episode of Can We Have a Word? from Kara Connect, we bring together short guest clips that all point to the same simple truth: when people feel genuinely listened to, workplace wellbeing becomes more meaningful, more trusted, and more effective.

Across different organisations, sectors, and leadership roles, the message is remarkably consistent. Wellbeing strategies work best when they are shaped by real conversations, followed by visible action, and supported by everyday listening, not assumptions or one-size-fits-all solutions.

There’s no commentary between clips in this episode. We’ll let the voices speak for themselves and invite you to reflect on what listening really looks like in your own organisation.

Speakers featured in this episode

• Nic Elliott – Employment Lawyer and Partner, Actons Solicitors (Episode 17)
• Sharon O’Connor – Management Consultant and Workplace Wellbeing Specialist, Warn (Episode 14)
• Rachel Murray – Director of People and Brand, ORS (Episode 6)
• Andrew Stephenson – Group HR Director, Equiniti (Episode 15)
• Brian Crooke – Founder, The Work Well Institute (Episode 3)
• Kirsty Baggs-Morgan – International HR Leader, Executive Coach, Author of The HR Confidence Playbook (Episode 16)
• Martin Gillick – Employee Wellbeing Manager, Bus Éireann (Episode 13)
• Vivienne Horkan – Programme Manager, An Garda Síochána (Episode 11)

In this compilation, you’ll hear perspectives on

• Why “one size fits all” wellbeing initiatives often miss the mark
• The difference between running a survey and genuinely listening
• What builds trust when employees share honest feedback
• Why transparency matters, even when not every issue can be fixed
• The role managers play in everyday listening and early intervention
• How simple, practical changes can signal that people have been heard

For show notes and free bonus resources, visit www.KaraConnect.com/podcast.

About Kara Connect

Wellbeing at work begins with meeting your team’s needs on their terms. With Kara Connect’s Wellbeing Hubs, your employees are free to choose from 3000+ expert practitioners to support their mental health and Wellbeing. Because when your employees feel better, your company does better.

Our mission is to make it easy for your employees to manage their wellbeing through direct access to best-in-class support. Whenever they need it.

Learn more at www.KaraConnect.com.