We are delighted that Duygu will be speaking in Toronto this October as part of our Wellbeing at Work Summit Canada.
We caught up with her to find out how she’s feeling in the run up to the summit.
Hi Duygu, we are thrilled you will be speaking at our Wellbeing at Work Summit Canada in October. Our first and most important question is, how are you doing today?
I am very good. Thanks for asking.
As a leader based in the region, what are the main challenges you are facing when it comes to employee wellbeing?
As both a researcher and a business owner, I face distinct challenges. From a research perspective, the main issue is the lack of engagement from organizations in studies on employee wellbeing. Many prefer to solve problems internally and are hesitant to share data or implement evidence-based suggestions. The Wellbeing at Work Summit provides a valuable opportunity to bridge this gap, allowing researchers and organizations to collaborate more effectively.
As a business leader, rising mental health issues, along with limited resources and lack of helping skills at the societal level pose significant challenges. These issues can profoundly affect various aspects of an individual’s life and, consequently, their work performance.
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?
I’m pleased to see increasing awareness and reduced stigma around employee wellness. Employees can voice their wellbeing-related needs better now compared to before. The culture is shifting positively, with more open conversations about health and wellness in the workplace.
Why is employee wellbeing so important to you personally?
Employee wellbeing is crucial because it underpins all desired organizational outcomes, such as productivity, performance, and inclusivity. A healthy workforce is essential for a thriving workplace.
What are you most looking forward to about the Summit in October?
Employee wellbeing is crucial because it underpins all desired organizational outcomes, such as productivity, performance, and inclusivity. A healthy workforce is essential for a thriving workplace.
Tell us, what is your vision for the future workplace, in terms of engagement, health and wellbeing?
Future workplaces should be innovative, open-minded, and technologically advanced, using these attributes to enhance health and wellbeing, not just productivity.
What areas do you think employers should be focused on over the next 12 months?
I think dopamine management is a critically important topic of discussion that all organizations should focus on. Financial wellbeing is becoming an increasingly relevant aspect of workplace health and safety. Additionally, engaging employees with chronic conditions and exploring the feasibility of a 4-day work week are needed discussions, too.
How has your organization been leading the way?
Recently, my team and I held a retreat where we dedicated two hours to challenge our core beliefs and assumptions about our work. We realized that doing less could improve our productivity and impact. We’ve also improved our communication by reducing the number of emails and amount of information we exchange – we are learning to create space in our lives by limiting information communication. We are also making an active effort to respect each other’s boundaries, including non-work hours, autonomy, control, and competency. I believe many organizations committed to employee wellbeing could also benefit from intangible but difficult work.
Duygu will be speaking in Toronto at the Wellbeing at Work Summit Canada which takes place live and in-person in Toronto and Calgary with an additional day of virtual sessions too. Further details on the Summit can be found here.
