The Good Day At Work Podcast

Why are men less likely to talk about their health – and what’s that got to do with work?   In this episode of The Good Day at Work Podcast, host Matt Liggins is joined by clinical psychologist and Chief Clinical Officer for Handl's wellbeing division, Dr. Nick Zygouris, to explore the striking health inequalities affecting men – and how workplaces can be part of the solution.   From higher rates of suicide, cancer and heart disease to the pressures of social conditioning, Nick unpacks the cultural norms that often stop men from seeking help. Together, he and Matt explore the emotional costs of staying silent, and why employers need to create psychologically safe spaces where men can open up, feel supported and access the help they need.   Tune in to discover:   Why men are less likely to seek support – and how that impacts physical and mental health The role of emotional awareness in prevention, resilience and recovery What line managers can do to create open, supportive environments for everyone How employers can challenge unhelpful norms and foster healthier conversations Trusted resources for men’s mental health support – including CALM, Samaritans and Andy’s Man Club   Whether you’re a senior leader, line manager or colleague, this episode offers clear, practical steps to support men’s health at work – and shows why talking really can save lives.   🎧 Listen now and explore what it means to create a culture of care.   Find out more about how Robertson Cooper is creating Good Days at Work for more people, more often: 👉 https://www.robertsoncooper.com/

Can a good laugh really make for a good day at work?   In this episode of The Good Day at Work Podcast, our host Matt Liggins is joined by stand-up comedian and workplace wellbeing advocate Sam Avery to explore the power of humour in professional life – and why it’s far more than just a “nice to have”.   From building psychological safety to boosting resilience, Sam draws on over two decades of experience in comedy and his work with The Comedy Trust to explain how humour can be a powerful tool for connection, creativity and communication in the workplace.   Tune in to discover:   The surprising science behind humour and mental health – and why laughing more could be good for your heart, sleep, relationships and productivity Why humour is more than cracking jokes – and how conversational, light-touch humour can reduce stress and bring people together The link between laughter and psychological safety – and how humour can help teams communicate openly, without fear of judgement The role of humour in resilience – and how laughing can help people process pressure, bounce back and move forward Practical ways to bring more humour into your workplace culture – without being cringey, cheesy or inappropriate   Whether you’re a manager looking to boost morale or someone who wants to feel more connected and confident at work, this episode offers fresh, accessible insight into the human side of performance.   🎧 Listen now and find out how humour could be your team’s untapped superpower.   Find out more about how Robertson Cooper is creating Good Days at Work for more people, more often: https://www.robertsoncooper.com/

When it comes to workplace wellbeing, there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all – especially for neurodivergent employees. So, how can organisations move beyond a box-ticking approach and create environments where everyone can truly thrive?   In this episode of The Good Day at Work Podcast, our host Matt Liggins speaks with Liz Mulhall, a business psychologist, neurodiversity coach, and valued member of Robertson Cooper’s associate network.    Drawing on her own lived experience with ADHD and her extensive coaching work, Liz brings a powerful perspective on how organisations can better understand and support neurodivergent employees – and why it’s time for a more human, more personalised approach to wellbeing.   Tune in to hear Liz and Matt explore:   What neurodiversity really means: discover the difference between “neurodiversity” and “neurodivergence”, and why it’s crucial to understand the workplace through both individual and systemic lenses The hidden costs of typical work environments: from sensory overload to poorly designed roles, Liz shares the barriers that can impact performance and wellbeing – especially when jobs are built around neurotypical norms Why traditional wellbeing strategies miss the mark: find out why the standard wellbeing calendar isn’t enough – and what businesses should do instead to ensure their strategies are inclusive, proactive, and person-centred Simple changes that make a big difference: Liz explains why things like clear expectations, flexibility, and autonomy are not just “nice-to-haves” – they’re essential tools for levelling the playing field What managers can do today: learn how asking the right questions, ditching assumptions, and focusing on trust can help managers support their teams more effectively – whether or not someone has a formal diagnosis   If you want to create a workplace where everyone feels safe, supported, and able to do their best work, this conversation is full of insights you won’t want to miss.   Find out more about how Robertson Cooper is creating Good Days at Work for more people, more often: https://www.robertsoncooper.com/

A good day at work isn't just about ticking boxes or fulfilling job requirements – it's about building meaningful connections, creating a culture that supports employees, and empowering leaders to nurture those connections.   In the first episode of season 2 of The Good Day at Work Podcast, our host Matt Liggins sits down with Claire McLean, Founder and CEO of Realise HR. Claire, a seasoned HR expert with over 25 years of experience, shares her insights into the essential trends in HR and the evolving role of leadership in creating healthier, more engaged workplaces.   Tune in to hear Claire discuss: Leadership Development: Discover why 2025 is shaping up to be the year for human-centered leadership. Claire emphasises the importance of leaders fostering authentic connections with their teams and guiding them through the complexities of today’s workplace. Culture and Values Alignment: Did you know that only 1 in 4 employees understand how their company values align with its culture? Claire explains why it's critical to bring values to life and connect them to the everyday experiences of employees. Strategic Workforce Planning: Learn why organisations must look beyond traditional workforce planning and invest in talent development, succession planning, and personalised career pathways to drive retention and wellbeing. Wellbeing Initiatives: Claire shares how Realise HR supports its team with wellbeing allowances, an employee wellness app, and volunteer days. She shares practical advice on how organisations can start small and build a meaningful well-being program based on what their employees truly need.   If you're looking to align your HR and wellbeing strategies for a healthier, more productive workplace, this episode will leave you with plenty of actionable insights.   Don't miss this engaging conversation on the importance of investing in people - because when employees thrive, so does the business!

What makes a “good day at work?”   Is it the people? The culture? Organisational initiatives? Data-led insights? Or something else entirely?   Welcome to the Good Day at Work Podcast, hosted by Matt Liggins, General Manager at Robertson Cooper.    In this podcast series, we’ll explore the many factors that shape workplace wellbeing through conversations with those leading the way. You’ll hear from a range of leaders and experts, whose insights will help you enhance wellbeing and productivity in your own organisation   From personal experiences and company policies, to useful advice and the science behind workplace wellbeing: together, we’ll uncover what truly makes a good day at work.    Join us for thought-provoking discussions and practical takeaways - because better days at work lead to better places to work.   Tune in to the Good Day at Work Podcast today to find out more!

What truly goes into building a modern workplace that thrives on positivity, embraces diversity, and fosters genuine inclusion? In this episode of The Good Day at Work Podcast, hosts Vikkie Buxton-Cope and Ben Moss are joined by Neil Morrison, Director of HR and Communications at Severn Trent at Seven Trent Water.  Neil Morrison emphasises creating positive work environments across industries. At Argos and Penguin Random House, he led digital transitions, and at Severn Trent, he focused on supportive culture, strong leadership, and addressing challenges like NHS waiting times. He advocates for inclusive workplaces that prioritise work over social debates. Join our hosts as they explore Neil Morrison's path to success and the challenges he overcame throughout his career journey. Tune in and discover how to: Consider how businesses can support employee healthcare needs given NHS wait times. Reflect on learning from past practices of line management and community-focused employment to enhance the future of work. Design work and workplaces focusing on understanding individual employee needs rather than external recommendations. Ready to discover how to create better days at work? Get set and join us for an insightful conversation!

To create a thriving work environment, a holistic approach that integrates leadership, data, and cultural change is essential. But how do you build a culture that genuinely prioritises employee health and wellbeing? In this episode of The Good Day at Work Podcast, hosts Vikkie Buxton-Cope and Ben Moss are joined by Sarah Jackson, Chief Medical Officer at EDF. Sarah, with her rich background from serving as a medical officer in the British Army to her current role at EDF, brings a fresh perspective on fostering a truly supportive workplace. Dive into this episode to discover: The Power of Leadership: Explore how thoughtful leadership can shape a nurturing work environment, informed by Sarah’s experiences in both military and corporate settings. Data-Driven Insights: Learn why understanding and measuring presenteeism, along with other key metrics, is crucial for enhancing organisational performance and employee wellbeing. Tailoring Wellbeing Strategies: See how EDF customises its approach to meet the unique needs of employees across various business units, creating more impactful and meaningful initiatives. Addressing Presenteeism: Gain insights into different types of presenteeism and how recognising and managing them can improve overall workplace health. Cultural Shift: Understand the importance of evolving workplace culture to genuinely support and prioritise employee wellbeing beyond quick fixes. If you’re ready to enhance your approach to workplace wellbeing and make a meaningful impact, this episode is a must-listen. Join us for an inspiring conversation that will guide you in creating a more holistic and effective strategy for supporting employee wellbeing.

Every company dreams of growth, but with expansion comes a crucial question: how to keep employees thriving? It's a delicate balancing act – ensuring a safe and positive environment while scaling up any organisation.   In this episode of The Good Day at Work Podcast, Dr. John Hamilton, Chief People Officer at Bellrock Group, joins our co-hosts, Vikkie Buxton-Cope and Ben Moss, to share their secrets for crafting a winning people strategy.   Dr. John Hamilton is a unique voice in the world of health and wellbeing. He combines his dual qualifications in HR and safety with a deep passion for improving the lives of those he works with. Together with our hosts, they'll unveil the secrets to crafting a thriving work environment – one that fosters health and wellbeing alongside business success.   Tune in and discover how to:   Build bridges, not walls: Dr. Hamilton shares strategies for integrating health, safety, and wellbeing into your people strategy, ensuring everyone feels valued and supported.   Empower leaders: Learn how to equip managers and build manager capability with the skills they need to guide their teams effectively, fostering a culture of psychological safety and open communication.   Celebrate diversity: Discover how to create a truly inclusive work environment that embraces everyone’s unique needs and perspectives.   Are you ready to find out how to create more good days at work? Buckle up and join us for this insightful conversation!