This practical and thought-provoking session explores what workplace wellbeing really means and the vital role managers play in shaping healthy, high-performing teams. Grounded in research, lived experience, and the realities of modern Higher Education, the session introduces the University’s Culture of Care approach and provides simple, realistic tools that managers can use immediately in day-to-day practice.

Rather than presenting wellbeing as “soft” or unrealistic, this session reframes it as the balance between challenge and support. Through engaging discussion and practical reflection, managers will explore how belonging, psychological safety, and kindness directly influence performance, engagement, resilience, and retention.

The session also looks at how managers can confidently support colleagues without feeling they need to be therapists or mental health experts. Participants will leave with practical conversation tools, quick wins, and a clearer understanding of how small everyday behaviours can have a powerful impact on team culture and wellbeing.

Suitable for individual managers, team leaders, and senior management teams, this session can be booked as an open workshop or tailored for departmental leadership groups looking to strengthen culture, communication, and wellbeing across their teams.