My Career: Workplace wellbeing is key

Name: Myra Hayes-Gough

Age: 44

Lives: The beautiful Lee Valley!

Job title: Workplace Health and Well-being Consultant

Salary bracket; €30-60 000 plus benefits

Education background: Bachelor of Business [Hons], Post Grad Diploma Leadership in the Workplace in Health and Well-being, MA Leadership in Workplace Health and Well-being

Hobbies: Depending on the time of year, fitness, yoga, reading, home DIY projects.

Describe your job in five words: Access, coordinate, plan, oversee, deliver.

Describe yourself in five words: Friendly, curious, empathetic, diligent, and creative.

Personality needed for this kind of work? In this line of work, you really need to care. People are smart; ticking boxes or simply going through the motions affects motivation, ultimately affecting productivity, and you won’t get buy-in. 

To enable real and lasting change, you need a combination of traits that contribute to understanding, promoting, and implementing effective change - empathy, communication skills, adaptability, problem-solving, motivational, organised, knowledgeable, curious, approachable and collaborative.

How long are you doing this job? Two years.

How did you get this job? My career started in a newsroom nearly two years ago when I got my first taste of live radio and was hooked. I worked in Cork’s 96FM and RedfM before breaking into Dublin to work for Today FM, RTÉ and TV3 (Now Virgin Media TV). An opportunity arose in Cork to work in public relations, and I moved back.

My interest in health and wellbeing has been a constant guiding force in my life from as far back as I can . The intricate connection between a healthy body and a sound mind has always fascinated me. 

This enduring curiosity has led me to explore various facets of wellness, from nutrition and fitness to mental and emotional resilience, and in 2019, I studied and qualified as a Yoga Instructor.

I have been fortunate and have always liked my jobs, but it struck me that many did not. The usual ‘Sunday Silllies’, ‘Hump of the Week’ and the ‘Thank God it’s Friday’ memes were gaining ground online. More and more people seemed to be dreading Monday, waiting for Friday, had a lie-in on Saturday, and returned to the rinse-and-spin cycle on Sunday after lunch. This doesn’t make sense. Our time is worth far more than that. Considering the disproportionate time spent on paid employment, that cost-benefit analysis doesn’t check out.

Health and wellbeing are often seen as fuzzy concepts, and I wanted to know more and formally educate myself. I earned my postgraduate diploma in leadership through health and wellbeing and carried on to do my Masters.

I’m on a mission to improve people’s working lives while boosting profits for the shareholders - both can co-exist comfortably. Adopting an evidence-based approach to workplace health and wellbeing is crucial to fostering a ive and thriving work environment. By relying on validated research and data-driven insights, we tailor initiatives that address specific employee needs and enhance overall wellbeing, ensuring that wellness programmes are not only practical but also responsive to the unique dynamics of the workforce. This data-driven approach also enables employers to identify trends, measure the impact of interventions, and make informed decisions for continuous improvement. Moreover, it strengthens the business case for investing in employee health by demonstrating tangible outcomes and return on investment.

As workplaces increasingly recognise the importance of employee wellbeing, an evidence-based strategy becomes an invaluable tool for creating sustainable, impactful, and employee-centric wellness programs.

Whether adopting wholesome habits, delving into holistic approaches, or staying informed about the latest developments in the field, my commitment to health and wellbeing remains unwavering.

This interest isn’t just a personal pursuit; it’s a journey I remain on, eager to inspire and contribute positively to the wellness journey of those around me.

Do you need particular qualifications or experience? As a workplace health and well-being consultant, possessing a blend of educational qualifications and practical experience is helpful. While a Health Promotion, Public Health, or Human Resources degree provides a foundational understanding, workplace wellness and health coaching certifications can further enhance qualifications. Professional experience, especially in health promotion or related areas, equips individuals with the insights to navigate workplace dynamics effectively.

Continuous learning and adaptability are vital in this dynamic field. While specific qualifications may vary by client, a holistic combination of education, certifications, and practical experience positions individuals as well-rounded workplace health and wellbeing consultants ready to make a positive impact.

Traditionally, the responsibility for health and wellbeing rested within the domain of HR. However, given the already overwhelming workloads, the strategies employed may yield little returns to implement meaningful change. Research by CIPD shows that health and well-being shouldn’t have to be treated as an ‘add-on’ or ‘nice-to-have’ activity by organisations if employers place employee wellbeing at the centre of their business model and view it as the vital source of value creation, the dividends for organisational health can be significant.

Describe a day at work; 5am up! Coffee - headlines. Depending on the day - walk, stretch/gym/workout. I rarely work 8-9am and 3-4pm. I have some clients in the US but will still only schedule work before 5pm. The laptop firmly closes after that, the phone is on, but clients are really good at acknowledging work-life balances. 

The phone goes on “Do Not Disturb” by 8pm. Most organisations I work with already understand the benefits, so we’re all on the same page, which is incredible.

How many hours do you work a week? 30-40 hours.

What do you wear to work? Depends. When working from home, it’s whatever is close to hand that morning; it’s smart casual for client meetings or speaking engagements.

Is your industry male or female-dominated? The health and wellbeing sector includes various professions such as healthcare, wellness, fitness, and counselling and has a diverse workforce with individuals of multiple genders. The gender distribution within the sector can vary depending on specific roles and geographic locations. Historically, certain healthcare professions, such as nursing and istration, have had a higher representation of females. However, there has been a notable increase in gender diversity across the entire health and wellbeing sector in recent years. Men and women are pursuing careers in healthcare management, fitness training, mental health counselling, and other related fields. 

Thankfully, the health and wellbeing sector is evolving, and efforts are being made to promote inclusivity and diversity across all roles. Individuals of any gender can contribute meaningfully to the industry, and organisations actively encourage a diverse workforce to better serve diverse populations.

Does this affect you in any particular way? Directly, no. However, I am acutely aware of ongoing global issues. The gender pay gap remains, although the extent of the gap varies across countries. The Pew Research Center confirmed that women are paid 82% of what men earned (2022). This persistent problem is particularly acute in healthcare and the caring sectors. Globally, women in the health and care sectors face a more significant gender pay gap than in other economic sectors, earning, on average, 24% less than peers who are men. Many countries have implemented policies and legislated to address the gender pay gap, and advocacy groups globally are working to raise awareness about it and promote measures to reduce and eliminate it.

The gap is narrower in developed countries but remains substantial in others.

 The underrepresentation of women in leadership positions, the ‘motherhood penalty’, and occupational segregation need much more work. Societal wellbeing and equality cannot be achieved if any group, in this case, women, continues to face systemic inequalities.

Is your job stressful? How? Rate it on a scale of 1-10: 4-5. I am very fortunate to say it’s not overly stressful. Of course, sometimes I am busier than others when deadlines are looming, but I’m in the business of doing good, and I absolutely love my job!

Do you work with others or on your own? Our strategies and solutions cover the biological, psychological and social pillars of good health. Depending on the client’s needs, I partner with a multidisciplinary team of health professionals like dieticians, psychotherapists, sleep experts, doctors, personal trainers and data analysts. Collaboration with a diverse team ensures a comprehensive and holistic approach to employee health and wellness.

When do you plan to retire or give up working? Never!

Best bits: Working with like-minded people, when key metrics are met and exceeded and when teams are happier. Raw data can quantify this, and the proof shows up in the profit!

Worst bits: The non-believers! When I started, I spent so much time trying to convince organisations and decision leaders who believed having a happy and healthy workforce was simply a “nice to have” or that people’s health and wellbeing were just another box to be ticked. This was a wasted exercise on many levels.

The scientific conclusion is that research consistently demonstrates a strong connection between health and happiness and its impact on the wellbeing and productivity of workers. The information is in the public domain. A doctor doesn’t have to convince patients to visit; this sector is no different. We consistently deliver results that exceed expectations and, using measurable metrics, allow organisations to make informed decisions that are good for business. Anecdotally, I hear this, but research also shows that most full-time employees feel their employers don’t care about their health and wellbeing as long as they get the job done, and that’s actually a bit sad. It also makes my introduction sometimes shaky, so I have much convincing to do when I appear!

Advice to those who want your job? Go for it! It really is a rewarding job. Engaging in any job that creates positive change offers a multitude of benefits that extend beyond professional success. It provides a sense of purpose and fulfilment, fostering a meaningful connection between one’s work and its impact on the world. 

Anyone who dedicates their career to creating positive change absolutely experiences a heightened sense of satisfaction and personal growth.

 Also, contributing to societal wellbeing can lead to a more profound and lasting impact, enhancing job satisfaction and overall life contentment. Furthermore, working towards positive change can cultivate a ive and collaborative work environment as teams rally around shared goals beyond individual success. Ultimately, a job focused on creating good change benefits the individual and contributes positively to the community, fostering a sense of collective accomplishment and making a lasting difference in the world.

Any other comments? Our relationship with work has evolved, and a significant (even disproportionate) portion of our lives is dedicated to employment. The demands of the modern workplace lead many to spend a disproportionate amount of time engaged in work-related activities. This shift is due to increased connectivity, globalised business operations, and the rise of technology that allows work to permeate into personal spaces. The consequences of this extended work involvement are multifaceted.

While some may argue that it may contribute to professional success and financial reward, it can also impact personal well-being and work-life balance. Burn-out is on the rise. Research by Deloitte found that 77% of workers have experienced burnout at their current jobs, and the top driver of burnout is a lack of and recognition from leadership.

If you have convinced yourself to get to Friday and all will be OKA then until Monday, that’s simply not true. There is a proven “spillover” effect: how and where we work considerably impacts our personal lives. But most of us need to work, and employment has various psychological benefits that positively impact an individual’s wellbeing. So, while we may not have a choice about working, we always have a choice about who we work for.