In this final episode, Associate Professors Goodman Sibeko and Nadine Harker shift the focus from individual-level responses to the organisational systems that shape wellbeing at work. The conversation looks at how workplaces can create environments that reduce stressors and promote healthier behaviours before problems escalate.

Prof. Harker highlights the role of leadership commitment, ongoing wellness initiatives, and policies that prioritise prevention rather than once-off interventions. She also discusses challenges such as cost, organisational culture, and the need for clear pathways for referral and reintegration when employees return from treatment.

A reflective close to the series, drawing together key lessons for organisations, policymakers, and practitioners working to embed prevention in real-world settings.

Featured Voices 

Host – A/Prof. Goodman Sibeko 

ISSUP Global Scientific Advisor.

Head of Addiction Psychiatry, University of Cape Town.

LinkedIn: goodmansibeko

Twitter/X: @profgsibeko

Guest – A/Prof. Nadine Harker

Specialist Scientist in the Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drug Research Unit of the South African Medical Research Council. 

Time Stamps

[00:00] – Introduction

[00:39] – What Resilience Means Today

[01:46] – Designing Healthy Work Environments

[02:05] – Social Capital and Team-Based Prevention

[05:30] – Micro Interactions and Leadership Modeling

[10:33] – Workplace Assessment and Practical Next Steps

[11:03] – Wellness Days, Screening, and Ongoing Programmes

[14:12] –Measuring Success and Low-Hanging Metrics

[15:15] – Closing Reflections

About the ISSUP Exchange 

The ISSUP Exchange podcast series explores the evolution of responses to the challenges of substance use—from research and training to ethics, quality standards and evidence-based practice. We connect the dots so you can see the big picture. 

Explore more episodes and join the ISSUP podcast community here>>>

About ISSUP 

ISSUP is a global network that unites, connects, and shares knowledge across the substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery support workforce. Our mission is to make our members’ work as effective as possible—by providing access to training, resources, and a vibrant professional community.