Workforce SynQ

Description

This interactive session will center on fostering psychological safety in the workplace by exploring real-world experiences—both successful and challenging. Participants will engage in guided discussions to reflect on these scenarios and identify key principles that contribute to a psychologically safe environment. The program will also include practical role-playing exercises, allowing attendees to practice responding to difficult situations using core strategies designed to build trust, empathy, and inclusive communication.. Light refreshments and sweet treats will be served.

Speaker: Dr. Thomas Ayres
Dr. Thomas Ayres is a Doctoral research faculty within the Center for Wellbeing at Children’s Mercy Kansas City and holds an appointment as an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the Department of Pediatrics of the UMKC-School of Medicine. An Industrial and Organizational Psychologist by training, his research and work broadly focuses on how wellbeing is impacted by the employee experience, workplace social interactions, the physical work environment, and the intersection of work and technology. Current research projects include evaluating Center for Wellbeing interventions and services for improving perceived organizational support, wellbeing, and reducing stress.  He is starting projects on the impact of patient portal messaging and messages on wellbeing, and the connection between biodata captured by wearable technology and psychosocial experiences at work. He also partners with other divisions and offices across the institution to support wellbeing development and measurement in their own projects. In his personal life, he is married and just welcomed their first child, a baby girl in the Spring of 2024. Their family also includes two wonderful Australian shepherds.