The Healthier Workforce Center of the Midwest (HWC) proudly presents Workplace Matters, a mini podcast series focusing on healthy work design. Here, we’ll tackle a broad range of cost-effective approaches to impact the wellbeing of today’s workforce. This series is a companion to our ongoing Total Worker Health video series, located at HealthierWorkforceCenter.org
In this episode of Workplace Matters we talk about having a financial partner. A financial partner is a third party who assists a workplace with their financial benefits and employee personal financial needs. Beyond reducing the huge administrative burden these services entail, this relationship can boost benefit participation, increase employee recruitment and retention, protect employee privacy,…
What does it actually take for an employee to feel financially secure? On this episode of Workplace Matters, we’re diving into financial well-being. We break down how workplace policies work with compensation and comprehensive benefits to help workers feel financially stable. Guest Shelly Freemole from Hills Bank shares how they help businesses empower their employees through financial education…
In this episode of Workplace Matters, we examine hearing loss and the workplace. What are the causes, risks, and long-term impacts of noise-induced and chemically-induced hearing loss on worker health, safety, and well-being? We spoke with Kellsie Busho, an audiologist and a Director of Clinical Programs in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Iowa, about why…
In this episode of Workplace Matters we are looking at multiple generations of individuals in the workplace along with strengths and challenges of having different age groups working together. We spoke with Dr. Cal Halvorsen from the Washington University in St. Louis Schools of Social Work and Public Health and Harvard Center for Work, Health, and Well-being Project Lead and Investigator. Dr.…
In this episode of Workplace Matters we talk about Musculoskeletal Disorders or MSDs. Musculoskeletal disorders are common, chronic health conditions which impact workers. Ann Marie Dale, a retired professor of medicine and occupational therapy at Washington University in St. Louis Missouri, spent years treating workers with Musculoskeletal disorders and researched how the workplace can play a…
In this episode of Workplace Matters we are discussing psychological safety. Psychological safety is a key contributor to successful teams, and benefits extend to leadership, mental health, and more. We spoke with Rong Su from the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business about how to develop psychological safety within the workplace. Guest: Rong Su Host: Michael Guhin For more information…
In this episode of Workplace Matters we are discussing safety culture. A key determining factor of injury rates and employee retention is the culture around safety in a workplace. Leadership and employee engagement, how the workplace responds to incidents, and includes worker input all define the safety culture. We spoke with safety manager and safety consultant Kirk Deighton from D.C. Taylor Co.…
An employee’s recovery journey does not stop once they enter the workplace. This episode focuses on the needs of employees in recovery, and how leadership and the work environment can have a positive impact. Guests: Sarah Swearingin & Christina Bravata Host: Michael Guhin For more information about the Center and to access free resources, visit us at www.HealthierWorkforceCenter.org The Healthier…
In this episode of Workplace Matters we are discussing how recovery friendly workplaces can retain employees with substance use disorders (SUDs). We spoke with Tim Dobblare, safety director of Tower Rock Stone in Missouri, who is committed to retaining highly skilled employees. Retaining these workers through recovery friendly workplace policies became critical to their workplace. Guest: Tim…
In this episode of Workplace Matters we are discussing the lifesaving drug that temporarily stops an opioid overdose, Naloxone. In the first quarter of 2023 the FDA approved naloxone to be sold over the counter. Dr. John Gaal is the director of worker wellness for the Missouri Works Initiative and is an advocate for supporting workers with substance use disorders and recovery friendly workplace…