S9-Ep39: Boosting Workplace Well-Being

Guest: Cameron Stockdale Can a four-day workweek be just as productive – even more productive – than a five-day workweek?   The answer is an unquestionable “yes!” Cameron Stockdale talks about this and other workplace wellness initiatives with host Maureen Metcalf in this episode. Cameron is the CEO of the Work Wellness Institute in Vancouver, British Columbia. They’ve experimented with many different ways of improving employee wellness, with sometimes surprising results! For example, the staff overwhelmingly prefer taking walks outdoors over chillaxing indoors on yoga mats during their regular 17-minute breaks.   What would work in your workplace? Listen in to find out! Here's what Cameron and Maureen cover: How giving employees the tools for wellness is more effective than dumping money into the most expensive wellness programs; Why it’s important to normalize our view of mental health to the same view we have of physical health; and Uncovering the myth of the 8-hour workday (because in a “normal” office, your people only really work 2 hours and 59 minutes a day!). Produced with support from the International Leadership Association: https://ilaglobalnetwork.org. Other episodes you'll enjoy: Finding Meaning, Joy, & Purpose in What You Do with Paul Gibbons The Human Energy Crisis at Work with Joshua Freedman The Dogged Pursuit of Pet-Friendly Workplaces with Lisa Campbell   For daily wisdom from our guests, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn. We’re on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter, too!   RESOURCES:   You’ll find complete information on the Work Wellness Institute on their website at https://workwellnessinstitute.org.   Our host Maureen Metcalf posts a newsletter every week on LinkedIn. You can subscribe here.    She’s also written several award-winning books on leadership development. You can peruse and purchase them here.      Books we’re reading for fun or personal development right now include: Three Rocks: The Story of Ernie Bushmiller, the Man Who Created Nancy by Bill Griffith The Five Lost Superpowers: Why We Lost Them & Hot to Get Them Back by John Reid, et al The Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. LeGuin -----------------------   OUR PODCAST TEAM:   Host & Executive Producer: Maureen Metcalf Editor & Producer: Dan Mushalko Video & Graphics Editor: Devon Mushalko Assistant Editor & Raconteur: Luigi Morelli Feeling Fine, Thank You: Jenna Reik & Mike Morrow-Fox CONNECT WITH US:  YouTube: @InnovatingLeadership  Threads: @innovativeleaders Twitter: @IL_Institute  LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ILI-LinkedIn2  Instagram: @innovativeleader  Website: InnovativeLeadershipInstitute.com    Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating!  -----------------------   About Our Guest:   Dr. Cameron Stockdale, an executive leader and scholar in the fields of leadership, innovation, technology, law, and organizational behavior, brings his extensive experience to bear in guiding positive change within organizations. Emphasizing an approach of ongoing growth and refinement, his work focuses on increasing efficiencies and bolstering team performance. Drawing from a substantial background in emergency services, including over 25 years of hands-on experience, Dr. Stockdale’s research is rooted in its practical applications. As the CEO of the Work Wellness Institute, a non-profit research organization dedicated to conducting global research and disseminating knowledge that fosters a positive workplace environment Dr. Stockdale’s goal is to make research more accessible for workplaces and employers, with a focus on workplace health, wellness and performance issues. Besides his undergrad education in Recreation Management and Paramedicine, Dr. Stockdale holds a Doctor of Education degree in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University, a Master of Laws degree in Innovation, Technology & Law from the University of Edinburgh, a Postgraduate Certificate in Organizational Behavior from Harvard University Extension School, and a Master of Arts degree in Leadership from the University of Guelph.