We are delighted that Jodette will be speaking in Sydney this November as part of our Wellbeing at Work Summit Australia. We caught up with her to find out how she’s feeling in the run up to the summit.
Hi Jodette, we are thrilled you will be speaking at our Wellbeing at Work Summit Australia in November. Our first and most important question is, how are you doing today?
I’m doing very well thank you, I’ve recently started a new health kick and am feeling the benefits of that – it is so true how physical health impacts your mental wellbeing.
As a leader based in the region, what are the main challenges you are facing when it comes to employee wellbeing?
As a Chief People & Culture Officer based in Australia’s tech sector, one of the primary challenges we face regarding employee wellbeing is managing the hybrid working model effectively. While flexibility is a highly valued benefit and if done well can improve productivity and employee engagement, if not managed well it can blur the lines between work and personal life, leading to burnout. Additionally, remote working can sometimes leave employees feeling isolated, which impacts engagement and mental health. Therefore we have insisted on 50% in-office time to ensure a good balance for our people. Another major challenge is ensuring that wellbeing programs cater to a diverse workforce, addressing individual needs across different demographics, locations, and job functions. In the tech industry, where the pace of change is rapid, employees can also feel the pressure to constantly upskill, which adds another layer of stress. There is also a lot of financial stress in Australia with mortgage rates increased and a rental crisis putting a lot of pressure on people.
What strategies have you seen developing over the past 6 months, both internally and externally, that are moving the dial on wellbeing in the workplace?
Over the past six months, I’ve seen a few trends taking shape both internally and externally. First, there’s a growing focus on personalised wellbeing solutions, with many companies shifting from one-size-fits-all programs to customisable wellbeing platforms. This helps meet the unique needs of each employee, whether they need physical, mental, or financial support. At hipages, we have a Thrive program that covers mental, physical, social, environmental and financial wellbeing support and initiatives. We’ve also recently combined a social connection activity with an environmental impact (walking challenge to plant trees) which has seen great uptake and positive feedback across our four countries locations.
Why is employee wellbeing so important to you personally?
Employee wellbeing is deeply personal for me because I’ve seen and experienced firsthand how a strong focus on health and wellness directly impacts both the individual and the organisation. When people feel supported and healthy—physically, mentally, and emotionally—they’re more engaged, productive, and innovative. Personally, I believe that fostering a culture that prioritises wellbeing is not just about enhancing performance; it’s about creating a space where people can thrive as individuals. I also think it’s crucial to lead by example, ensuring leaders advocate for mental and physical health and show vulnerability when needed.
What are you most looking forward to about the Summit in November?
I’m most looking forward to exchanging insights and ideas with peers in the industry during the Summit. It’s always enriching to see how different organisations are tackling common challenges, especially in an era where workforce wellbeing is undergoing significant transformation. The Summit is also an opportunity to dive into new research, hear from thought leaders, and understand emerging trends in the wellbeing space that we can bring back to our own strategies.
Tell us, what is your vision for the future workplace, in terms of engagement, health and wellbeing?
My vision for the workplace of the future is one where wellbeing is integrated into every facet of the employee experience. In this future, companies will not view wellbeing as an add-on or a benefit, but as a core component of the employee lifecycle—from onboarding to career progression. This means workplaces will offer more holistic support systems, ensuring employees are healthy, engaged, and able to balance work with life meaningfully. I also envision technology playing a bigger role in monitoring employee wellbeing, allowing for real-time support through AI, health apps, and data analytics.
What areas do you think employers should be focused on over the next 12 months?
In the coming year, employers should focus on embedding flexibility in a way that doesn’t compromise on mental health. Providing employees with the tools to manage their workload, set boundaries, and maintain a healthy work-life balance will be crucial and offering customised wellbeing support. Furthermore, there needs to be a continued push towards fostering diversity, equity, and belonging (DEB) as part of wellbeing. Investing in leadership development that emphasises empathy, resilience, and emotional intelligence will be key as well.
How has your organisation been leading the way?
At hipages, we’ve been proactive in creating a workplace where employee wellbeing is not just prioritised but integrated into our overall strategy. We’ve invested heavily in a holistic wellbeing and medical platform for our team called cu-Health (connect us health) which offers a wellbeing check and unlimited appointments to GP’s, Psychologists, Health coaches and Dieticians. We have also expanded our Thrive Wellbeing benefits focusing more on financial education and physical wellbeing and encouraged utilising A.I. to create efficiencies at work. We’ve also launched tailored Resilience programs aimed at reducing burnout and helping our people manage stress. Furthermore, we are increasing our ESG efforts, which has been shown to increase employee satisfaction and foster a deeper sense of connection and purpose within the company.
Jodette will be speaking in Sydney at the Wellbeing at Work Summit Australia which takes place live and in-person in Sydney and Melbourne. Further details on the Summit can be found here.
