The Virtual Vibe Podcast

Welcome, Virtual Vibe listeners, to another fascinating episode of your favorite deep-dive into the interplay of technology and human dynamics in the workplace. I'm your host, David Howe, and today's show, episode eleven, promises to be a truly inspiring listen.

We're thrilled to have Lauren Ernst join us on The Virtual Vibe Podcast. As the Communications and Employee Experience Lead at Halliburton Highlands Health Services, Lauren has a unique story that takes us from the bustling tech hubs of London, Ontario, to the heart-centered corridors of healthcare. Her journey is a testament to the power of personal transformation and the search for meaningful work.

In today's conversation, we'll uncover the pivots and passions that led Lauren from a high-paced tech environment to crafting roles that touch the hearts and minds of hospital staff. She'll share insights into overcoming industry burnout, the art of pitching impactful wellness initiatives to leadership, and the importance of nurturing a supportive culture in any sector.

What's more, Lauren is a prolific sharer of video content and discussions that relate to these topics on LinkedIn, where she encourages the continuation of dialogue. David recommends everyone to follow her there for a more in-depth look at her work and ideas.

So, whether you're seeking inspiration to rejuvenate your team's spirit or simply curious about the personal drive that leads to a career shift, this episode with Lauren Ernst is not one you'll want to miss. Join us in exploring how to be bold, curious, and proactive in both personal and professional realms. Don't forget to follow Lauren on LinkedIn to keep the conversation going, and, as always, stay tuned for more of The Virtual Vibe Podcast.

In this episode of The Virtual Vibe Podcast, we have Monty Washington, the VP of Human Resources at M Science, a data-driven research and analytics firm. Monty shares insights on HR strategies for a successful remote workforce. From building a strong HR team to organizing engaging off-site events and wellness initiatives, Monty emphasizes the importance of knowing your audience, being open to new possibilities, and actively seeking feedback to improve the company's culture and wellness programs continuously. Tune in to hear Monty's valuable tips for HR leaders navigating the remote work landscape and striving for a happy, healthy, and connected workforce.

Hey there, vibrant listeners! Tune into another electrifying session of The Virtual Vibe Podcast where we delve deep into the heart of remote work culture. I'm your host, David Howe, and today I was joined by the magnificent Emily Brunelle of Bloomerang.

In just 30 seconds, let me whisk you through the revolutionizing ways Bloomerang is redefining employee wellness and engagement in a remote-first world. With 356 team players spread across North America, they're crafting a company culture that's as dynamic as it is supportive. Think virtual events, monthly social gatherings, and initiatives that prioritize emotional, physical, and mental well-being — all because at Bloomerang, it's not just about making an impact; it's about flourishing while you do it. Remember to stay connected, keep thriving, and until next time, keep vibing with us on The Virtual Vibe Podcast. Thanks for listening!

Hello, go-getters! This is a powerhouse session with the fabulous Laurie Butson. She’s transformed her career to help businesses inject positive psychology into their culture, boosting happiness and performance. Remember, it's not just about fixing what's wrong; it’s about amplifying what's right and thriving in work and life. Laurie's wisdom on creating meaningful workplace well-being, through mindful strategies and practical resilience training, is pure gold for modern leaders. Just envision a workforce that’s not only content but flourishing. Stay driven, stay vibrant, and tune into our full episode for an exclusive deep dive with Laurie Butson on how to spark positive change in your workspace. 

Hello and welcome back to The Virtual Vibe Podcast, where we explore the harmony of passion, technology, and the future of work. I'm your host, David Howe; joining me in this episode is the remarkable Doug Zeh, an expert in cultivating workplace wellness and a former Chief People Officer of Quility Insurance. 

Today, we dive into a discussion inspired by Marcus Buckingham's insightful book "Love + Work," examining the profound connection between personal passions and professional engagement. Doug shares his transformative journey from behavioral health to pioneering wellness strategies in people operations and embracing positive psychology for a balanced work-life.

We unpack the power of positive attention in the workplace; challenging conventional management styles by showing care is vastly more effective than criticism. Doug also urges us to consider the impact of our belief systems on job satisfaction and encourages embracing challenges to fuel personal growth and productivity.

Join us for a candid conversation on finding love in your work, championing wellness initiatives, and the simple yet transformative practice of regular, meaningful dialogues. Together, we'll delve into the practical ways to align your strengths with your work, foster a supportive culture, and perhaps rediscover the joy in your profession.

So, tune in to this soul-stirring episode of The Virtual Vibe Podcast with Doug Zeh. Whether you're a leader, a team player, or simply someone searching for that spark of fulfillment in your work life, this conversation promises valuable insights and actionable advice for all. Let's get started!

Welcome to The Virtual Vibe Podcast! In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Michelle Anderson, Senior Human Resources Generalist and Team Lead at Bennington Financial. Michelle shared valuable insights into the tools and values that help support the culture of wellness at Bennington, a company that has ingrained a family-oriented culture since its founding in 1996. She also provided advice for HR professionals looking to build a culture of wellness for their teams. Additionally, our host, David Howe, shared the story of Bright Breaks evolution from a hair service company to a digital wellness program. Tune in to hear about the pivotal moments and innovative approaches that led to the success of both Bennington Financial and Bright Breaks.

In our recent episode on The Virtual Vibe Podcast, we had insightful conversations with Isaac Lumley from Quility Insurance. Isaac shared how breaking down project management tasks, addressing employees' struggles, and creating a company culture of vulnerability all contribute to a healthier and more productive workplace. He also hinted at the necessity of consistent communication, especially while embracing a hybrid work model. Isaac's humanitarian approach towards treating employees outside of work and the concept of creating wellness ambassadors within the team are gems for every business. A treat to our ears, this episode is packed with invaluable lessons and leadership advice you'll want to take to heart.

Welcome back to another episode of The Virtual Vibe Podcast! In today's episode, we have a special guest, Molly Thompson, the Director of Employee Experience and Culture at VelocityEHS. Joining host David Howe, Molly shares insights into how VelocityEHS has embraced a remote-first approach to work and created a culture of wellness for their global team. From their "Work for All" program to initiatives like the "Jan Plan" and bi-monthly fitness challenges, Molly highlights the importance of employee well-being and its positive impact on talent attraction and retention. Tune in as Molly offers valuable advice for HR leaders looking to improve their own remote workforce culture of wellness. Let's dive in!

Welcome to episode three of The Virtual Vibe Podcast! In this episode, our host David Howe, sits down with Amanda Payne, the Employee Relations and HR Program Management Lead at The Commonwell. The Commonwell, a highly regarded insurance provider based in Canada, is known for its commitment to employee wellness and has been recognized as one of the best workplaces in the country. Amanda shares insights into the company's remote work environment, the importance of wellness in their culture, and the various initiatives they have implemented to support their employees' well-being. The Commonwell is dedicated to keeping its team engaged and healthy, from corporate wellness programs to flexible benefits and mental health support. Join us as we delve into the strategies for creating a happy and connected workforce in a work-from-home world. Let's get started!

Welcome to the second episode of the Virtual Vibe podcast! In this episode, our host David Howe is joined by Melanie Johnson, the Senior Manager, People Operations at PandaDoc. They dive into the world of HR strategies for a happy, healthy, and connected workforce in a work-from-home world. 

Melanie shares insights about PandaDoc, an all-in-one document automation software, and how their global team operates. They discuss the transition to becoming a remote-first company and the competitive advantage it brings in terms of talent recruitment and hiring. 

They also delve into the values at PandaDoc - learning, impact, fun, and empathy - and how they shape the company's culture and wellness initiatives. Mel emphasizes the significance of empathy in leadership and the value of providing learning opportunities, making an impact, and incorporating fun into the work environment. 

Listen in to learn more about how PandaDoc successfully fosters a culture of wellness for both office-based and remote employees!

Welcome to the Virtual Vibe Podcast! 

In today's episode, we have a special guest, Jared Perry, the Chief of Staff at Bright Breaks. Jared joins our host, David Howe, to discuss how to implement and create a culture of wellness in a remote and hybrid working world. 

As the CEO and co-founder of Bright Breaks, David will be interviewing HR and People leaders at companies of all sizes to gather their advice, tactics, stories, and strategies on remote wellness. 

Jared, who plays a crucial role in leading the service operations team at Bright Breaks, shares insights into Bright Breaks' strong culture of wellness and the unique challenges they face as a hybrid and remote company. From inviting teammates to take breaks and incorporating wellness into meetings to building trust and creating initiatives to connect team members across different locations, Jared and David provide valuable insights and practical tips for fostering wellness in a remote work setting. 

Tune in to this enlightening conversation as we delve into the world of remote wellness with Jared Perry and David Howe! 

• (01:57) - Operating model: on-site and remote team promoting well-being.
• (05:54) - Trust, communication, and connection are essential values in the company. Remote teams face challenges in creating strong team connections.
• (09:11) - Encouraging connection through wellness
• (11:20) - Company culture fosters open communication and feedback.
• (13:54) - Trust and support in the workplace are crucial.
• (16:49) - Grateful for the first interview, excited to share!