In this episode, Jivan welcomes performance coach Mark Dinardo, who shares his transformative journey from a secure career in the IT industry to managing his own health and wellness clinic. Mark discusses the toxic workplace dynamics he experienced, including the challenges of advocating for his team's well-being amidst rigid performance metrics and calibration processes. He reflects on the personal toll of stress and burnout, which ultimately led him to reassess his career path.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Toxicity in the workplace can stem from rigid processes and a lack of understanding of individual contributions, leading to stress and burnout among employees. It's crucial for organizations to recognize the unique value each team member brings rather than forcing them into a standardized performance curve.

• Personal health and well-being are paramount. The transition from a high-stress job to a focus on health and wellness can be a transformative experience, highlighting the need for individuals to prioritize their mental and physical health over job security.

• Encouraging open discussions about stress, burnout, and work-life balance is essential. Managers should advocate for their teams and seek to implement supportive initiatives, even when faced with resistance from higher management.

• Individuals should explore personal outlets outside of work, such as hobbies or community activities, to decompress and manage stress. Engaging in activities that bring joy can help mitigate the negative effects of a toxic work environment.

• Sometimes, a significant life event or realization can prompt a career change. Recognizing when a job no longer aligns with personal values or well-being is crucial, and individuals should be open to pursuing new paths that better suit their passions and health.

BEST MOMENTS

"I felt I had a duty to care for those people and to look out for them, but just got a sense that it was obviously jarring with too many people."

"Sometimes the whole point of a calibration exercise is meant to have a much wider helicopter view of all of the ratings, but it has to work for everybody."

"It was only through taking a break from that that I realized how much stress I'd built up in myself, it took the point of actually coming to that final health crisis."

"Pain doesn't just come from nothing. Pain is manifesting from emotions, different situations. And once we uncover what that actually is, we can do something about it."

"No one actually deserves to be working in an environment where it is so toxic that they're not actually enjoying it."

HOST BIO

Jivan Dempsey has first hand experience of workplace toxicity and bad boss behaviour. Triggered by the #MeToo movement she was compelled to talk about her experiences in her early career, groomed and assaulted by a boss at work, his subsequent aggression and bullying behaviour which impacted her work performance, mental health and eventually cost her a job she'd loved.

Listeners are drawn to her raw honesty and insightful reflections on change and resilience. Her book, "The HR Change Manager's Handbook" and collaboration on "Can't Break Me," attest to her change and transformation expertise and dedication to empowering others - from someone who's been in the trenches and emerged stronger.

As a seasoned HR professional, consultant, psychologist and speaker, she offers bespoke consultancy and programmes to help companies navigate HR transformation that delivers a better employee experience and cultural shifts to create healthier, happier, and more inclusive workplaces for all.

Please connect with her on Linked In:

Jivan Dempsey FCIPD GMBPsS | LinkedIn

Or send her an email at:

jivan@fiverivers-consulting.com

www.fiverivers-consulting.com

HR Change Manager’s Handbook: The 3 Step Guide To Managing HR Transformation: https://amzn.eu/d/drvToPv

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