With the official arrival of autumn, while we’re still enjoying warm Indian summer days in many places, we’re also facing the reality that COVID-19 cases are on the rise across many parts of the world, and that this is likely to worsen as temperatures get colder and flu season is back upon us.
Nevertheless life and work must continue. Employers and business leaders have learned a lot over the past six months since the onset of the health pandemic about the importance of looking after the mental health and wellbeing of employees. But as we brace for the next wave of the pandemic and the unprecedented impacts it will continue to have on workers, there is an important opportunity to share with one another what we’ve learned so far.
Which is why our digital global Make a Difference event series this autumn—bringing the voices of some of the world’s top leaders to address workplace culture, mental health and wellbeing—is more timely than ever. Our Global Director of Content, Claire Farrow offers a preview of our third annual MAD World Summit UK, to be held on October 8th. Inspiring speakers will include, John Amaechi OBE CEO of APS Group, Director of Commercial Banking at Lloyd’s Banking Group David Oldfield, Unilever’s CHRO Leena Nair and former England rugby captain Will Carling.
And we are honored to welcome former U.S. Representative and founder of The Kennedy Forum, Patrick J. Kennedy as a keynote speaker for our October 15th US event, Make a Difference Summit in association with Mind Share Partners. Kennedy is one of the world’s most influential voices on mental health reform. In an exclusive event preview interview, Kennedy offers his views on what COVID-19 can teach the business community about mental health.
Wellbeing leaders are being faced with a complexity of challenges as they continue to adapt support for workers through the health pandemic. Chris Pinner, founder of training provider Innerfit shares with us the three top challenges he sees leaders facing and practical tips to help get through the next wave of the pandemic.
Gary Raucher, EVP ASICS EMEA suggests a solution for employers committed to supporting staff wellbeing, through the global sportswear company’s new ASICS Movement for Mind program—offered in workplaces. Aimed at getting staff to be physically active, the science-based program is already showing positive impacts on participants through its feasibility study.
Strong and effective leadership is essential in these challenging times we’re facing, as we know that poor leadership can adversely impact employee wellbeing. Investors in People’s, Paul Devoy outlines the four key leadership behaviors that can help improve wellbeing for the whole team.
Speaking of effective leaders, Danielle Shanes, Head of Wellbeing and Benefits for the National Basketball Association (NBA) reveals some of the key successes of the NBA’s pioneering international wellbeing program which she leads for employees and athletes across thirteen countries and five continents. We’re very proud to welcome Danielle as a panellist at Make a Difference (digital) Summit US in association with Mind Share Partners on October 15th.
For employers, like the NBA, who are focused on supporting the wellbeing of a global workforce—don’t miss out on our third and final digital autumn event to be held on November 11th, Make a Difference Summit Asia.
We hope you find this week’s issue enjoyable and valuable!
Well wishes,
Heather Kelly
Online Editor, Make a Difference News
