S1E2: Breaking Workplace Taboos - Lauren Lunniss on Data, Mental Health & Burnout at BNP Paribas
Show Notes:
In this episode of "I Am Pausing," host Hannah Godfrey sits down with Lauren Lunniss, Health and Wellbeing Lead at BNP Paribas, to explore the evolution of corporate wellness strategy in today's hybrid workplace.
From Personal Training to Strategic Wellbeing Leadership
Lauren brings over 17 years of health and wellbeing expertise to the conversation. She shares her career journey from personal training to leading wellbeing initiatives at one of the world's largest banks. Her role has transformed from operational tasks to strategic culture change, focussing on embedding sustainable wellbeing practices across the organisation.
Breaking Taboos: Menopause, Mental Health & Neurodiversity at Work
The conversation tackles topics many workplaces still avoid. Lauren discusses why organisations must address menopause, mental health, neurodiversity, and other previously taboo subjects to support their workforce effectively. Creating psychologically safe environments where employees feel comfortable discussing health needs isn't just compassionate—it's essential for business performance.
As Lauren powerfully states: "Wellbeing affects every single facet of the business."
00:00 Introduction to Wellbeing Conversations
01:15 Lauren's Journey into Health and Wellbeing
04:33 Evolution of Workplace Wellbeing
11:04 The Importance of Data in Wellbeing Strategies
15:47 Creating a Culture of Psychological Safety
22:30 Empowering Employees through Wellbeing Advocates
26:46 Understanding Burnout in the Age of AI
32:19 Personal Wellbeing Strategies in a Digital World
34:01 Hybrid Work: Tailoring Wellbeing Strategies
41:02 Addressing Neurodiversity and Other Taboo Topics
48:07 The Importance of Prioritising Wellbeing
