We hear it all the time in workplaces. “Gen Z need too much reassurance.” “Older colleagues don’t like change.” “Millennials are burnt out.” “Younger people don’t want to pick up the phone.” “Senior leaders just want everyone back in the office.” These comments are often said casually. Sometimes jokingly. Sometimes with real frustration behind them. But once a team starts explaining behaviour through age, curiosity tends to disappear. The person in front of us becomes a categ

A wellbeing strategy can look strong on paper and still fail under pressure. It may include awareness campaigns, manager toolkits, EAP signposting, wellbeing days and mental health training. All of these can be useful. But the real test is not whether the strategy exists. The real test is whether it still works when the organisation is stretched. What happens when workloads spike? What happens when teams are navigating uncertainty? What happens when a manager notices someone

A colleague opens up about burnout. Someone else shares that they are struggling at home. Another person asks for advice after a difficult conversation with their manager. Before long, your Wellbeing Champion, Mental Health First Aider or Ally has become the person everyone turns to when things feel heavy. That trust matters. But it also carries risk. These roles are often created to reduce stigma, increase support and help people feel less alone at work. When they are proper

When workloads increase, HR hears about it. When managers avoid difficult conversations, HR is pulled in. When change is poorly communicated, HR is left to manage the fallout. When people lose trust, HR becomes the place where the pressure lands. This is the reality for many HR teams: they are expected to hold culture, risk, wellbeing, conflict, policy, employee relations and leadership support. Often with limited time and resource. But HR cannot be the shock absorber for the

Many organisations are investing in workplace wellbeing. On paper, that sounds positive. There are more webinars, awareness days, mental health policies, EAPs and training modules than ever before. But many teams are still exhausted. People are still overwhelmed by constant change, unclear expectations, high workloads and emotionally demanding cultures. Managers are still unsure how to have difficult conversations. HR teams are still carrying the pressure of being “all things