Episode #26
How can I make myself, and my profession, more credible to other functions? With Hannah Pearsall and Affinity Health at Work
In this episode we discuss why workplace wellbeing still lacks credibility in 2026 and what can be done about it. Our experts this week are Hannah Pearsall, recent Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing at recruitment giant Hays, and Claire Agate, Senior Consultant and Occupational Psychologist at Affinity Health at Work. Pearsall has completed the University of Nottingham's MSc in Workplace Health and Wellbeing (graduating top in her year, no less!) and has been involved in Affinity’s research into creating a professional framework for the industry. The conversation covers a raft of topics such as the lack of clear career pathways, the problem of language, lived experience as a common career entry point and Affinity's work on a new professional framework. Time stamp of conversation 00:00 Welcome and Leaders Club 00:44 The Credibility Challenge 01:57 Why Roles Lack Definition 04:53 Qualifications Build Gravitas 07:23 Building a Professional Framework 09:46 Framework Pillars Explained 11:38 Proving Impact With Data 15:01 Future of the Profession 19:07 Educating Leaders and Government 24:05 Getting Boardroom Buy In 27:22 Alien Pitch Job Design 29:37 Wrap Up and Subscribe
