Why are burnout rates still so high years after COVID, and what can leaders actually do about it?

In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Professor Jarrod Haar, one of New Zealand’s leading workplace researchers, to explore burnout, workplace loneliness, leadership, wellbeing, and the future of work.

Drawing on decades of research and data collected across New Zealand workplaces, Jarrod shares why severe burnout continues to affect around one in five workers, the surprising role workplace loneliness plays in employee wellbeing, and how leaders can better manage workload, change, and performance pressures.

The conversation also explores AI, productivity, organisational culture, Māori perspectives on work, and the leadership behaviours that make the biggest difference to employee wellbeing.

This episode challenges many of the assumptions organisations make about performance and offers practical insights into creating healthier, more sustainable workplaces.

What You'll Learn

• Why burnout remains one of the biggest workplace challenges in New Zealand

• The connection between workplace loneliness and employee wellbeing

• How workload design and job creep contribute to burnout

• What leaders can do to identify and prevent burnout earlier

• Why productivity and long hours are not the same thing

• The impact AI is having on performance, workload, and employee wellbeing

• How Māori perspectives can influence workplace culture and leadership

• The role connection, belonging, and community play in workplace success

• What great leaders do differently when supporting wellbeing and performance

Key Takeaways

• Workplace loneliness is one of the strongest predictors of burnout

• Burnout is often caused by workload design and organisational systems, not individual weakness

• High performance should not be confused with long working hours

• Organisations need to prioritise workload, not simply add more initiatives

• AI may improve efficiency, but can also increase workload expectations

• Strong leadership improves wellbeing, engagement, and performance simultaneously

• Connection and belonging are critical to creating healthy workplaces

• Small, consistent leadership behaviours often have a greater impact than large wellbeing initiatives

About Jarrod Haar

Professor Jarrod Haar is Dean’s Chair and Professor of Management and Māori Business at Massey University.

He is one of New Zealand’s most respected workplace researchers, specialising in employee wellbeing, burnout, leadership, workplace culture, and Māori business.

Jarrod has published more than 170 academic journal articles, secured numerous research grants, delivered over 140 keynote presentations, and has been ranked among the world’s top 2% of scientists since 2021.

His research regularly informs business leaders, government agencies, and organisations seeking to better understand the future of work and employee wellbeing.

Why This Episode Matters

Burnout, loneliness, and workplace pressure are affecting organisations across every sector.

For leaders, HR professionals, and business owners looking to create healthier, higher-performing workplaces, this episode provides evidence-based insights into what is really driving employee wellbeing and what practical steps can be taken to improve it.

Resources & Links

• Massey University

• Prof Jarrod Haar, PhD, FRSNZ, CFHRNZ | LinkedIn

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How do leaders support mental health at work without becoming therapists, and what role does the workplace environment really play in wellbeing?

In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Nikki Leske, Chief People & Culture Officer at Comvita, to explore mental health, psychosocial risk, leadership, and the foundations of a healthy workplace.

With extensive global experience leading people functions across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, Nikki shares a practical and refreshingly simple perspective on wellbeing. Rather than focusing on wellness initiatives and perks, she argues that great workplaces are built on strong leadership, clear communication, meaningful connection, and getting the basics right.

The conversation explores everything from psychosocial hazards and psychological safety to hybrid work, burnout, feedback, performance management, and the future role of AI in the workplace.

What You'll Learn

• What psychosocial risk means and why employers need to pay attention

• How leaders can support mental health without becoming counsellors or clinicians

• Why workplace environment has a greater impact on wellbeing than many organisations realise

• The role communication and connection play in hybrid and remote workplaces

• How to create meaningful one-on-one conversations with employees

• Why performance management should never come as a surprise

• The importance of feedback in building high-performing teams

• How AI is changing work and the capabilities organisations need to develop

• What leaders can do to create trust, engagement, and psychological safety

Key Takeaways

• Mental health should be approached with the same care and structure as physical health

• Leaders are responsible for creating supportive environments, not diagnosing problems

• Strong communication and regular connection are critical in hybrid workplaces

• Burnout and wellbeing are often influenced by a lack of boundaries and disconnection from work

• Performance issues are easier to address when feedback happens early and often

• Curiosity and adaptability are becoming essential leadership capabilities

• Honest communication builds trust, especially during periods of uncertainty

• The fundamentals of leadership still matter most: connection, feedback, clarity, and care

About Nikki Leske

Nikki Leske is Chief People & Culture Officer at Comvita, where she leads the global people, IT, and health and safety functions.

She has spent more than a decade working with globally distributed teams across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, building expertise in organisational design, workforce planning, leadership, and transformation.

Before joining Comvita, Nikki held senior people leadership roles across fintech, software, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and technology organisations. She is passionate about creating workplaces where people can thrive while delivering sustainable business performance.

Why This Episode Matters

Mental health, burnout, and psychosocial risk have become some of the most important leadership challenges facing organisations today.

Whether you're leading a team, managing organisational change, navigating hybrid work, or looking to strengthen workplace wellbeing, this episode offers practical advice grounded in real-world experience rather than theory.

Resources & Links

• Comvita

• Connect with Nikki Leske on LinkedIn

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to lead people, strategy, and transformation in an environment of constant change?

In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Cath Lomax, Chief People & Strategy Officer at Southern Cross, to explore the intersection of strategy, leadership, workforce capability, and organisational transformation.

With responsibility spanning people and culture, strategy, and transformation, Cath shares a unique perspective on how organisations can prepare for the future while staying connected to purpose, people, and performance.

The conversation explores everything from workforce capability and leadership adaptability to governance, technology, wellbeing, and the evolving role of Chief People Officers. Cath also shares practical insights on self-awareness, resilience, feedback, and why future success depends on building adaptable organisations and leaders.

What You'll Learn

• Why strategy and people capability must be developed together

• How the role of Chief People Officers is evolving

• Why workforce planning is shifting from headcount to capability

• The importance of adaptability in leadership and organisational success

• How leaders can navigate uncertainty and continuous change

• Why self-awareness and reflection are critical leadership skills

• The value of governance experience in shaping executive leadership

• How technology and AI can support connection, learning, and decision-making

• What boards are increasingly looking for in future leaders

Key Takeaways

• Successful organisations align strategy, culture, leadership, and capability

• Adaptability is becoming one of the most important leadership competencies

• Future workforce planning is about skills and capability, not just headcount

• Strong leaders focus on what they can control and influence

• Self-reflection and feedback are essential for leadership growth

• Governance experience helps leaders think longer term and more strategically

• Technology should strengthen human connection, not replace it

• Building capability for the future requires continuous learning and curiosity

About Cath Lomax

Cath Lomax is Chief People & Strategy Officer at Southern Cross, where she leads people and culture, strategy, transformation, and strategic delivery.

With experience spanning strategy, leadership, governance, and organisational transformation, Cath brings a unique perspective on how organisations create sustainable success through people, capability, and culture.

She is passionate about helping organisations navigate change, build future-ready workforces, and create environments where people and performance can thrive together.

Why This Episode Matters

As organisations face increasing disruption, workforce shifts, and rapid technological change, leaders need to think differently about capability, adaptability, and long-term success.

Whether you're a people leader, executive, board member, or HR professional, this episode provides practical insights into how leadership, strategy, and culture come together to drive meaningful organisational outcomes.

Resources & Links

• Southern Cross Health Insurance

• Connect with Cath Lomax on LinkedIn

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.