On World Mental Health day we are all going to see and hear a great deal about how we can all help each other improve our collective mental health. I, like many others, read them with interest to help me in both my professional and personal journey in this area. On this mornings’ commute to Canary Wharf, the staff on the DLR summed up the words written by many eminent academics in this simple phrase.
"We don't have to agree on anything to be kind to one another"
It is one of the first things we try to teach children and yet in the busy lives we lead kindness can be quickly forgotten. It doesn’t take a minute to ask someone if they are OK, to reach out and connect to someone or to do that small thing that makes a colleague or a friend smile. So I will keep my words on this important day brief - be kind to each other and be kind to yourself.
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Guest Q&A - Steven McCann on alcohol culture in professional services
Happy hour? A conversation about alcohol and work – culture, risk and belonging
From post-deal drinks to client events and team celebrations, alcohol is woven into workplace culture. Yet when something goes wrong, it’s rarely seen as ‘just a drink’.
With new duties on employers to prevent sexual harassment, and growing attention on workplace risk and inclusion, it’s time to take a more intentional look at how alcohol shapes workplace culture – and the risks it carries.
This short, focused webinar will explore:
• How alcohol contributes to conduct, harassment and reputational risk
• The assumptions we make about what’s normal, social or expected
• How alcohol intersects with inclusion, wellbeing and boundaries
• What to think about when conducting risk assessments and looking at policies
• Practical steps to build positive connection while protecting what matters
Speakers:
Helen Dallimore
Head of Training, Byrne Dean
An experienced facilitator, trainer and former employment lawyer, Helen works with organisations to strengthen leadership capability and embed respectful workplace behaviours. She brings particular expertise in creating inclusive cultures where people feel safe, respected and able to thrive.
Cicilia Wan
Principal Consultant, Byrne Dean
A former employment lawyer and experienced Headof Employee Relations in global financial services, Cicilia has seen first-hand how alcohol canaffect conduct at work. She brings deep expertise in leadership, culture and managing people risk.
Steven McCann
Founder and Director, MCG Consulting
A leading voice in workplace addiction and recovery inclusion, Steven advises organisations on addiction awareness, recovery-informed culture and social mobility. He has spoken at the Bank of England and works regularly with law societies, the Legal Services Board and institutions across law, finance and corporate sectors.
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