In the third episode of this new Podcast series from The Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM), we discuss evidence based approaches to return to work following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the transformational shift from largely workplace based employment to a hybrid model. Although working from home will remain for many, others will be returning to their employer’s premises while flexible working will be more common than it was pre-COVID. How can businesses manage this and what have occupational health and wellbeing professionals learned from the last couple of years? Guests Dr Nancy Doyle, Dr Gail Kinman and Dr Kevin Teoh join our host Steve Randall to consider the evidence.

About the speakers:

Dr Nancy Doyle is an Occupational Psychologist and the founder of Genius Within, a social enterprise dedicated to facilitating neurodiversity inclusion through consultancy, talent assessment, workshops and coaching for businesses. Dr Doyle works with customers in finance, technology, defence as well as those who are unemployed and incarcerated, working towards a future where all neurominorities are able to maximise their potential and work to their strengths. She is a Research Fellow with Birkbeck, University of London having completed her Doctoral Research at City University of London. In 2019 she was recognised by the British Psychological Society with an award for her contribution to Policy Impact in Occupational Psychology, based on her work to improve inclusion for neurominorities in all walks of life.

Dr Gail Kinman is Visiting Professor of Occupational Health Psychology at Birkbeck, University of London. Dr Kinman is a Chartered Psychologist, a Fellow of the British Psychological Society and the Academy of Social Sciences and a trustee of the Council for Work and Health. She has published widely in the field of occupational health psychology, with a particular interest in the wellbeing of people working in health and social care, education and the prison and blue light services. Dr Kinman works closely with The Society of Occupational Medicine and the British Psychological Society on several projects related to work and wellbeing, most recently to formulate guidelines to help organisations and individuals manage the demands posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.

Dr Kevin Teoh is a Chartered Psychologist and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Organizational Psychology at Birkbeck, University of London. He is also the Executive Officer for the European Academy of Occupational Health Psychology. Dr Teoh’s primary research interests are around developing healthier workplaces, and the translation of research into practice, policy, and public dissemination. He has collaborated extensively with the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work and The Society of Occupational Medicine, and has a particular interest in the working conditions and wellbeing of healthcare workers.

Resources:
•COVID-19 Work, worklessness and wellbeing factsheets https://www.som.org.uk/covid-19-work-worklessness-and-wellbeing-factsheets
•Presenteeism during the COVID-19 pandemic: Risk factors and solutions for employers https://www.som.org.uk/presenteeism-during-covid-19-pandemic-risk-factors-and-solutions-employers
•Mental Health Support for Small Business Owners and Team Leaders https://www.som.org.uk/mental-health-support-small-business-owners-and-team-leaders
•Returning to the workplace after the COVID-19 lockdown - toolkits https://www.som.org.uk/return-to-work/