Duygu Biricik Gulseren

Personal Details

Bio

Dr. Duygu Biricik Gulseren is an accomplished academic and healthy work expert, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at York University's School of Human Resource Management. She holds a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Saint Mary's University, showcasing her commitment to understanding and improving workplace dynamics.

Dr. Gulseren's academic journey includes an M.A. in Social and Organizational Psychology from Koc University, where she further honed her expertise in the intricacies of human behavior within organizational settings. Prior to her specialization in psychology, she earned a B.Sc. in Chemical and Biological Engineering from Koc University, demonstrating her diverse academic background.

Her primary research focus revolves around leading healthy workplaces, with a keen interest in leadership, invisible disabilities such as chronic pain, mental health conditions, and chronic illnesses. Dr. Gulseren is dedicated to promoting well-being within professional environments and has become a sought-after figure in her field.

As an engaging speaker, Dr. Gulseren has been featured at various conferences and invited to organizational events, sharing her insights on cultivating healthy work environments. Notable organizations she has collaborated with include the Canadian Mental Health Association (Vancouver, Canada), Lin Health (US/Israel), and the Work Wellness Institute (Vancouver, Canada).

Her research has gained recognition in reputable outlets, including publications in Harvard Business Review and Psychology Today. Dr. Gulseren's contributions have made her a respected authority, and she frequently participates in podcasts as a guest, offering her expertise to a broader audience. Additionally, she is a go-to expert for media commentary on topics related to her research, further amplifying the impact of her work. With a passion for creating positive change in the workplace, Dr. Duygu Biricik Gulseren continues to be a driving force in the field of organizational psychology and healthy work practices.

Current position (1)

Assistant Professor

York University

Presentations

Presentations (5)

Reducing employee stress using the RIGHT way of leadership

I discussed the profound impact of the RIGHT leadership framework on creating healthy workplaces and elevating psychological safety. Building on the American Psychological Association's healthy workplace model, this presentation delved into the strategic implementation of Recognition, Involvement, Growth, Health and safety, and Teamwork as key pillars for cultivating a supportive organizational culture. Throughout the session, I shared practical approaches and actionable insights based on my experiences, illustrating how these principles were applied to mitigate stress, nurture employee well-being, and unlock the full potential of a harmonious work environment.

Caring for Caregivers: Practical Strategies for Understanding and Managing Chronic Pain at Work

Chronic pain, defined as pain lasting for more than three months, is a condition that affects 20-40% of the global adult population. According to WorkSafeBC's annual report, chronic pain ranks as the second leading cause of workers' compensation claims, trailing only mental health disorders. Although anyone can experience chronic pain, research highlights that some occupations are at a higher risk of experiencing chronic pain and caregiving is one of them. In this webinar, we will delve into the best available evidence to explore the nature and profound impact of pain on individuals in the workplace. Furthermore, we will analyze various workplace factors contributing to chronic pain and share evidence-based, practical strategies specifically tailored for caregivers. Our discussion aims to empower caregivers with occupation-specific insights and equip them with tools to prevent, manage, or address chronic pain in their crucial roles.

Working through pain: How can we address chronic pain at work?

The social capital theory posits that relationships with others can be a resource for the individual. Past research has identified leadership, particularly transformational leadership, as a source of social capital. Transformational leadership is a positive leadership style that involves four groups of inter-related behaviors. These are being a positive role model for others (i.e., idealized influence), envisioning and communicating a positive future (i.e., inspirational motivation), addressing individual needs of employees (i.e., individual consideration), and encouraging employees to think out of the box (i.e., intellectual stimulation).
Chronic pain is a common experience and a leading source of work disability. Despite its prevalence, it is an understudied topic in the organizational context. In this talk, I will provide a high-level overview of my research on chronic pain. Then, I will share the results of a longitudinal quantitative study about how transformational leadership re

Work safety after Covid-19. Safety Panel

In the insightful "Work Safety after Covid-19" panel, experts and industry leaders convened to explore and discuss the evolving landscape of workplace safety in the post-pandemic era. Delving into the challenges and innovations, the panel provided valuable insights and strategies for organizations to adapt and prioritize safety measures, ensuring a resilient and secure work environment in the face of ongoing global changes.

Chronic pain in the workplace

Stunning research recently published in Harvard Business Review revealed that 80% of leaders recognize that chronic pain is a concern for their organizations, yet, when asked, that same 80% did not know how to deal with their employees in pain, and 77% wanted to know what they could do as leaders to help.
Good news, leaders, help has arrived.

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This conversation, led by two outstanding contributors to the chronic pain space, addresses:

The scope of the problem and the best way to tackle it from the inside
Practical and proactive steps every business leader can take to address chronic pain and related conditions in their organizations
Tips for listening to and understanding your people and their needs, best practices for thinking through your physical workspace, where and what kind of resources you can tap into, and more.