Episode Summary
What if workplace wellness wasn’t just a benefit—but a core business strategy? In this episode of Built by People, host Dave D’Angelo welcomes Laura Harmon, Head of People at One Workplace, to unpack the real cost of burnout and what it takes to rebuild a people-first culture.
Laura shares her unconventional journey into HR and why the pandemic exposed a critical gap in wellness across organizations—especially in HR teams themselves. Drawing from nearly 30 years of experience and a design-thinking background, she walks us through the bold moves her team made to embed wellness into their day-to-day operations, from pausing nonessential work to certifying HR staff in mental health first aid.
You’ll hear practical strategies for overcoming hustle culture, building healthier boundaries, and making wellness a business imperative—not an afterthought. Whether you're an HR leader, executive, or people manager, Laura’s insights offer a roadmap to create space for well-being without sacrificing performance.
Key Timestamps
[00:51] – Laura’s winding path to HR and how curiosity led the way
[01:43] – Recognizing signs of burnout during the pandemic
[03:38] – The listening-first approach to wellness transformation
[04:10] – Mental health training and practical tools for the HR team
[05:47] – Shifting from survival mode to wellness as part of team DNA
[06:47] – Immersing in the business to support people more effectively
[08:02] – Why wellness isn’t a perk—it’s a people strategy
Takeaways
Recognize burnout early—don’t wait for exit interviews to find out your culture is breaking
Lead with listening to understand what your people truly need
Simplify and clarify expectations to reduce overwhelm and promote focus
Train HR to support mental health, starting with tools like first aid certification
Prioritize business literacy in HR—follow the money to understand the mission
Make wellness foundational, not a fringe benefit
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