Registration and Arrival Tea and Coffee

Welcome

Julie Cressey | President, EAPAA

Session 1 - Economic situation and outlook

Matthew Hassan | Head of Australian Macro-Forecasting, Westpac Group

The economy can have a huge bearing on mental well-being, particularly when there are sustained periods of financial stress, but also when businesses are stretched or when economies or industries are undergoing large or sudden structural changes. All of these factors are at play right now. This session assesses how Australia and New Zealand are recovering from the cost-of-living crisis and the many challenges - global, environmental, social and technological that are shaping our economy and will be influencing mental wellbeing.

Session 2 - The well-being of the New Zealand workforce: Job burnout warnings and lessons for Australia

Prof Jarrod Haar | Deans Chair and Professor of Management and Māori Business, Massey University, NZ

Job burnout is defined as a work-related state of exhaustion that occurs among employees, which is characterised by extreme tiredness, reduced ability to regulate cognitive and emotional processes, and mental distancing. The presentation will provide insight from New Zealand data on almost 15,000 employees across 15 waves of data, highlighting the fluctuating levels of job burnout over time.

Morning Tea

Session 3 - The world of work is being reshaped - by changing employee expectations, emerging technologies, and the "human deal." So where do EAPs fit in?

Kelly McNamara | People Partner, PeopleEX

In this session, Kelly McNamara will explore the major HR megatrends influencing the future of work and what they mean for the next generation of EAPs. From reactive support to strategic enabler, she'll unpack how we can evolve to meet the moment:

• Moving from 0800 hotlines to connected digital ecosystems
• Embedding wellbeing into the fabric of workplace culture
• Shifting from passive support to proactive engagement
• Repositioning EAPs as true workforce experience partners

This session will help you to challenge your thinking and inspire new possibilities for EAP innovation.

Session 4 - From viral memes to manosphere extremes: How social media is reshaping young men's health and relationships and what we can do to curb the harms

Dr Krista Fisher | Research Fellow, Movember Institute of Men's Health

In today's digital world, young men face a complex social landscape where masculinity content offers both connection and ideological certainty. From dating advice to 'Trad' gender roles, parts of the online manosphere amplify echo chambers, leaving some young men isolated. This presentation shares new research from over 3,000 young men across the UK, US, and Australia, exploring how masculinity influencers shape views on manhood and their impact on health and relationships. A practical framework, based on Tik Tok data from over 100 young men, will help delegates decode this content and explore ways to support critical, empowered social media use.

Lunch

Session 5 - Midlife matters: Elevating hormonal health in the modern workplace

Dr Hayley Walker-Williams & Monica Barnes | Clinical Psychologist & Habit Health EAP Services Service Lead / Founder & Lead of Menopause & Wellness

The hormonal health of women at midlife has long been a neglected and under-acknowledged area seldom discussed in personal settings and even less so in the workplace. Yet, the impact of menopause on physical health, psychological well-being, and professional performance is undeniable. Evidence shows that symptoms such as sleep disruption, mood fluctuations, cognitive difficulties, anxiety, and fatigue can significantly affect workplace engagement, productivity, and career progression, particularly during what are often peak professional years.

Despite growing global awareness, menopause support remains largely absent from formal workplace health strategies. This is where the EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) framework becomes a critical vehicle for change. EAPs are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between organisational wellbeing initiatives and individual support. They offer confidential, professional, and accessible services that can normalise and address the complex realities of hormonal health. However, traditional EAP models have largely focused on general wellbeing and mental health, often overlooking midlife hormonal changes as a legitimate clinical and organisational concern.

Session 6 - The future of EAP: Digital transformation, AI integration and human connection

Business Leaders Panel

Panelists:
• Andrew Hume — CEO, Converge International
• Jacinta Pollard — CEO, Caraniche
• Julie Cressey — General Manager, TELUS Health
• Michele Grow — CEO, Mental Health and Wellness, APM Group
• Andy Jamieson — CEO, AccessEAP

Afternoon Tea

Session 7 - From busywork to breakthrough: How agentic AI is transforming business

Chris Phair & Andrew Hill | Chief Operations Officer, Bosley / CEO & Founder, Bosley

Artificial intelligence is everywhere, yet many organisations struggle to understand what's actually practical versus what's just hype. This educational session cuts through the noise to provide a clear framework for understanding how AI is genuinely transforming workplace operations across Australia. You'll learn the fundamental difference between user-led AI tools (like ChatGPT) and process-led agentic systems that operate autonomously to complete entire workflows. The session will cover the core principles of agentic AI and practical implementation considerations for different organisational sizes. Attendees will gain an understanding of where these technologies can fit within their frameworks and the operational changes required for successful integration.

Session 8 - The impact of diet culture on employee mental health & wellbeing

Dr Jim Hungerford | CEO, Butterfly Foundation

The pressure of diet culture and unrealistic appearance ideals are creating major issues for employers, their staff and their families. Social and traditional media are driving increasing numbers of people to use prescription weight loss drugs, and GPs know that people with eating disorders have accessed them inappropriately, putting their lives at risk. Awareness of the issues and risks, and practical steps that can be taken to access help and support, is critically important.

Conference Dinner

Café Del Mar | 35 Wheat Rd, Sydney 2000

Registration and Arrival Tea and Coffee

Welcome

Julie Cressey | President, EAPAA

Session 1 - The state of modern leadership: Emerging trends and priorities

Camille Davey | Principal Consultant, Grow Together Now

We all know that mental health in the workplace isn't something leaders can shy away from, particularly since the tightened WH&S laws in 2022. However, leaders in organisations are working in environments that have increasing demands and reduced resources, placing an unprecedented pressure on leaders and organisations to manage it all. These cumulative challenges for workplaces alike require leaders to keep up with the growing need for values-led leadership, whilst meeting the KPI's of running a profitable business - but where is the balance? This session will explore the emerging trends and priorities that leaders need to be focusing on to be able to lead a sustainable and psychologically safe workplace for their employees, whilst maintaining their own mental health.

Session 2 - Swiping away potential? The hidden toll of social media and connectivity on young workers

Dr Danielle Einstein | Clinical Psychologist, Distinct Psychology, Adjunct Fellow, Macquarie University

Young people entering the workforce today face unique challenges shaped by the rapid pace of technological change, much of which unfolded during their formative years in school, adolescence, and university. These shifts have reshaped how they learn, communicate, and cope, often straining focus, well-being, and long-term capacity. While digital tools promote constant connection, they can also erode the mental and professional resilience essential for thriving at work. In this keynote, Dr. Einstein examines the impact of these changes on the way that young workers respond to worry. The session will cover practical strategies for counsellors and support professionals to help employees build clarity, confidence, and sustainable contribution in the modern workplace.

Morning Tea

Session 3 - The clinical landscape: Post-pandemic challenges and the evolution of AI

Clinical Panel Discussion

Panelists:
• Nelly Kalizinje — Counselling Psychologist and Service Lead for EAP, Habit Health
• Cate Page — Chief Clinical Officer, Converge International
• Dr Alana Johnston — Principal Practitioner, Behavioural and Workplace Health, Caraniche
• Dr Marguerite Biasatti — Team Manager, Clinical Operations, EAP, TELUS Health

Session 4 - Creating neuro-inclusive workplaces

Amelia Jenkins | Neurodiversity Educator and Speaker

Despite growing awareness of the strengths neurodivergent individuals bring, many organisations still struggle to provide effective support. This session explores the common gaps in understanding, communication, and structural support – and how EAPs can play a key role in bridging them. With real-life examples and a forward-thinking lens, this session invites a deeper conversation about the evolving role of workplaces in creating environments where neurodivergent staff don’t just survive – but thrive.

Conference Concludes & Lunch

EAPAA Annual AGM

EAPAA Members Only