Bernard Brogan Talks Employee Mental Health & The New Importance of a ‘Virtual Cuppa’

This month, Shane Curtin, MD of VROOM Digital, spoke to Employee Well-being leaders, Bernard Brogan and Ailís McSweeney of PepTalk about the recent impact of remote work on employee mental health and how employers can offer their employees advice and support during this difficult time.

Bernard is a Dublin GAA legend and Ailís is a former international sprinter. Both Bernard and Ailís have used their experience in the sporting world to develop PepTalk, a business that focuses on employee well-being, positive workplace communication and improved work performance. Recent statistics identified by data experts in VROOM Digital highlighted a clear well-being and mental struggle being experienced by employees since remote working as a result of COVID-19. This led to the VROOM x PepTalk collaboration.

Work Culture and Recreating that ‘Watercooler Moment’

According to Bernard Brogan, ‘’To drive real and sustainable performance, you need regular communications’’. The term ‘Watercooler Moment’ is one being discussed a lot in recent times. This is the general office chit chat. Due to the lack of opportunities to have such conversations as we continue to work remotely, it is important for employers to nurture and encourage a sense of community, albeit through digital means. PepTalk are strong believers that while workers are not physically present in the office, creating a positive working culture is still possible.

Virtual Team Building

Ailís McSweeney highlights that team building is not something PepTalk views as occurring once a year on an annual team day out. There are endless benefits for employers to engage in team-building activities with their employees on a daily or weekly basis. PepTalk provides digital toolboxes to their clients which enable them to engage in activities that promote positive relationships and break down barriers in the virtual workplace setting. Implementing these changes results in increased productivity, drive and collaboration.

Bernard Brogan, Co-Founder of PepTalk commented; ‘’We look at culture heavily because a good culture drives sustainable high performance. Why in the business world you want good culture is in times of challenge like COVID-19, when you have a positive environment, when managers have good relationships with their teams, when leadership is strong, then you have that teamwork, that selflessness. All the things that you strive for in the sporting world, in the business world it’s just exactly the same.’’

The Remote Work Environment & Productivity 

Last month, VROOM Digital data experts identified a 110% increase in YouTube searches for ‘’Home Office Videos’’. Employees have been actively trying to maximise their new working environments. Bernard discusses how due to his family situation, he often works late into the night, and for so many people, this is the case. For employers during this time, being aware that employees are navigating uncharted waters is key to productivity. Communicating that there is an understanding speaks volumes to struggling employees. Additionally, scheduling in time for what Ailís McSweeney refers to as a ‘virtual cuppa’ among teammates to tune out from work for a short time can be hugely beneficial.

Employers Helping Employees Struggling With Their Mental Health

In May, VROOM’s charity partner Turn2Me had a 300% increase in visits to their group counselling page. For employees struggling with their mental health during this time, PepTalk recommends for employers to make helpful resources and information readily available. Ailís highlights the responsibility that employers have. From small gestures to picking up the phone and asking how their day is going to offering a counselling or advice service if someone is struggling financially, physically or mentally can be a great help.

Ailís McSweeney, Head of Product Engagement at PepTalk commented on the importance of communication, ‘’Having trust between an organisation and having conversations, that’s what’s magic’’. 

Technology to Reach Employees Where They Are 

Technology is an excellent way to communicate with employees. This way, they can be reached anywhere and at any time. PepTalk uses a digital app that enables employers to reach their employees at any moment. Whether it be the need for a meditation video at 3 am due to difficulty sleeping, or financial tips at the weekend, it is all easily accessible through digital means. Employers can be relied upon as a trusted source of information regarding such topics. Though since remote working, many employees have struggled with back-to-back video meetings and the constant checking in online. Taking some time to step back and reset is key to sustained productivity.

Remote Work vs. Office Work 

A recent remote work survey by VROOM Digital highlighted that 71% of people miss colleague relationships the most since remote working. The ability to grab a coffee with someone in the office is gone. Isolation and lack of human contact is the main negative that remote working brings. Though the benefits are endless; More time with family, no commute, more time to get things done. The balance between remote work and office work is now being heavily discussed. Many employees don’t want to return to their two hour morning commute every day and might be delighted to do that just once a week instead. The conversation is opening up and it is clear the future of remote work has arrived.

Shane Curtin, MD VROOM Digital commented on remote work, ‘’Full-time remote is not for everybody. It showed up clearly in our own data research. People are searching for tips online to promote good mental health during this time, and the lack of support from their employer is almost certainly leaning towards this. There’s a huge increase in work from home isolation searches. They’re massively on the rise.’’