A Work In Progress - Unlocking wellbeing with Gethin Nadin

Oven-Ready HR

In this episode I welcome back multi-award winning psychologist and bestselling author Gethin Nadin widely considered as one of the worlds leading employee experience influencers.

Gethin has just published his new book titled A Work In Progress written in the long shadow of the pandemic and partly as an andidote to the hundreds of thousands of off-the-self wellbeing apps and services that organisations buy and the majority of which offer no discernible benefit to workers.

A Work In Progress meticulously draws upon some 500 research papers and studies neatly bringing us back to the evidence based fundamentals of wellbeing. His book. I predict, will become an invaluable resource for organisations withing to understand and improve employee wellbeing.
What's the underlying message from a A Work In Progress? [03:31]
Wellbeing has become highly commoditised and has moved away from the fundamentals such as how organisations are structured and managers trained. Nadin wanted instead to concentrate on what employers can do in terms of wellbeing as opposed what to what can be purchased off-the shelf.
Is there a definition of wellbeing? [05:00]
Nadin reveals there isn't a universally agreed definition of wellbeing let alone workplace wellbeing. For him, it's about trying to achieve a balance between say between work pressures, family pressures and money pressures and giving individuals the resource to help manage the inevitable ups and downs life brings.
How is job purpose and wellbeing at work linked? [08:20]
Linked inextricably to wellbeing at work is the concept of job purpose. Nadin points out that the wellbeing market ignores the importance of purpose and community.
Quiet quitting a genuine phenomenon? [13:24]
A rejection of the hustle culture and my job is my life is perfectly understandable says Nadin and people should not feel shame for not wanting to work extra hours.
I wish I could write a prescription for a better boss [17:00]
Nadin says managers get bashed a lot and often unfairly as they tend to be appointed for their technical abilities rather than their coaching or leadership style. Nadin outlines a different team structure with managers on the same level as other team members which he feels could work better - Managers as a Maitre D.
The cost of living crisis and employee wellbeing [25:05]
Nadin argues that employers will really need to get their heads around how to support employees with financial wellbeing concerns. At [26:54] Nadin expands further with financial wellbeing often seen as the most 'hidden' of the wellbeing pillars and how it often affects those most on the margins of society.
How should HR professionals use A Work in Progress? [34:14]
Nadin hopes that his new book will appeal to HR and non HR people alike. he has written it in a way that it's accessible to anyone who has an interest in workplace wellbeing and for budgets of all sizes.
Resources
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gethinnadin/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Work-Progress-Unlocking-Sustainable-Organisations/dp/B0BGN8X8DQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8IKEGWQ9ICP&keywords=gethin+nadin&qid=1665410258&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjAwIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&s=books&sprefix=gethin+nadin%2Cstripbooks%2C43&sr=1-1