Interview summary: In this interview, James Fletcher, founder of the Queensland MedTech company HealthStack, joins Tony Vidray from 2HD Australia to discuss the findings of the State of Australian Workplace Wellness Survey 2025. The conversation explores how workplaces can improve physical and mental health, the role of technology in supporting employee wellbeing, and why simple, consistent habits are the key to sustainable health outcomes.
Tony [0:00]
All right, it’s my pleasure to speak with James Fletcher, founder of HealthStack. We’re going to talk about how healthy Australian workplaces are in 2025.
Our national survey asks a simple question: How healthy are Australian workplaces?
The State of the Australian Workplace Wellness Survey, launched by Queensland MedTech company HealthStack, digs into what’s really happening in our offices, factories, and worksites when it comes to physical and mental health. James, thanks for joining us today.
James Fletcher [0:49]
Thanks, Tony — great to be here.
You can decide for yourself about the Friday sausage sizzle! What we’re really trying to do is educate the nation about making healthier choices and offering easy opportunities to do that. What we’re seeing from our research is that Australians are burnt out — we’ve got little time, limited money, and we need to identify the easy wins when it comes to workplace health.
Technology-Driven Health Support
Tony [1:13]
HealthStack is a Queensland MedTech company — can you explain what that involves?
James Fletcher [1:23]
Absolutely. We provide support for people in organisations who need it — whether that’s physiotherapy, dietary advice, or mental health guidance.
For example, if someone’s diagnosed with high blood pressure or cholesterol, they can get immediate help through their phone. We support them through their entire journey, combining technology with behavioural science. It’s not about huge lifestyle overhauls — it’s about the small choices we make every day that add up.
Rethinking Pain and Health in the Workplace
Tony [2:01]
So how does that support reach employees — through an app or something similar?
James Fletcher [2:10]
We partner with organisations, so when they join HealthStack, all employees gain access to our support tools.
We’ve done fascinating research into pain in the workplace. Traditionally, people think pain means something’s “broken” — like if your knee hurts, there’s something wrong with your knee. But often pain is a symptom of stress, fatigue, or other health factors.
For instance, someone with mild sleep apnea might start feeling pain from normal tasks because their system is under strain. If they just rest or medicate without addressing the root causes — nutrition, recovery, mental health — they’re stuck in a loop.
We want to change that conversation. Instead of fear — “Don’t smoke or you’ll get cancer” — we want to create curiosity: How can we help you make healthier choices?
Workplace Wellness and Financial Stress
Tony [3:58]
Let’s talk about the survey. Is it still open?
James Fletcher [4:04]
Yes, it’s ongoing. We’ve had about 800 responses so far. The number one source of workplace stress? Take a guess.
Tony [4:14]
Workloads? Deadlines?
James Fletcher [4:20]
Finance — money worries are the biggest stressor. And when that happens, people often cut back on the very things that make them well: gym memberships, sports, even health insurance.
We want to help people and workplaces rethink that — to view wellbeing as a form of financial stability too. For instance, understanding your budget, reviewing expenses, and getting financial education are part of total wellness.
Wellness Programs: More Than a Tick-Box
Tony [5:12]
Many workplaces run wellness programs — but do they actually work? Or are they just for show?
James Fletcher [5:35]
That’s a great question. Many are “tick-the-box” initiatives — and while that’s at least a start, it’s not enough.
At HealthStack, we see workplace health as the first line of defence for the nation’s wellbeing. The key is to tailor wellness programs to individuals. Instead of hosting a “corporate triathlon day” that only attracts already-fit employees, we focus on supporting everyone — especially those who need a nudge.
We’ve even run creative programs — like asking participants to hold their breath to visualise how much lung function they could recover by quitting smoking. Small, personal insights can trigger lasting change.
Culture, Community, and Leadership
Tony [8:30]
That reminds me of something. In my office, we’ve had a morning tea tradition for 30 years. When it started, it was all chips, dips, and Lamingtons — now it’s strawberries, carrot sticks, and veggie chips! It shows people can shift toward healthier habits.
James Fletcher [8:31]
That’s a perfect example. Commitment and community are two key pillars of wellness.
When leadership models healthy habits — even something simple like bringing fruit or gluten-free snacks — it normalises change. People see that healthy can also be enjoyable. Building community around health creates lasting cultural shifts.
Why Healthy Staff = Better Business
Tony [9:41]
You’ve said that investing in staff health actually saves businesses money. How does that work?
James Fletcher [9:42]
Everyone wins. Healthier employees take fewer sick days, are more productive, and bring better energy to work.
Employers save money on absenteeism and replacement costs, while employees and their families benefit from better wellbeing.
We provide access to dietitians, physiotherapists, mental health programs, and even unique experiences like warm-ups with Cirque du Soleil performers — something that sparks curiosity and engagement.
Consistency and Leadership
Tony [11:04]
That reminds me of a friend who ran a trucking company. Every morning, he made his staff stretch — one guy refused, so he let him go. Later, workplace inspectors said his company was a platinum standard example of injury prevention.
James Fletcher [12:22]
That’s a brilliant story. Consistency is everything. One stretch session won’t prevent injuries — but making it a habit will.
At HealthStack, we aim to empower leaders like that — those who already believe in wellbeing — to take it further. That’s how real cultural change happens in workplaces.
How to Join the Survey
Tony [12:58]
Before we wrap up — tell us about the National Survey. Who can take part?
James Fletcher [12:58]
We’re encouraging leaders — business owners, managers, team leads — to take part.
Visit healthstack.com.au or our LinkedIn page (@HealthStack) to access the survey. We’ve had strong participation so far, and one major insight emerging is around addiction in the family — people supporting loved ones with addiction, and how that stress affects their work life.
We’re building programs to support those people too. Our goal is to share what works — to help every workplace support its people better.
Tony [14:02]
I can just see it now — “Hello, my name is Tony, and I’m addicted to Danish tarts.”
James Fletcher [14:09]
(Laughs) Don’t worry, Tony — at HealthStack, we can support you with that!
Tony [14:10]
Thanks, James. Wonderful to talk to you. Have a great day, mate.
End of Interview
James Fletcher – Founder, HealthStack
Learn more or take part in the State of Australian Workplace Wellness Survey at healthstack.com.au or via LinkedIn at @HealthStack.
💡 How healthy are Australian workplaces in 2025?
HealthStack founder James Fletcher joined Tony on air to unpack the results of the State of Australian Workplace Wellness Survey; revealing that financial stress now tops the list of employee health challenges.
From rethinking pain in the workplace to building cultures of wellbeing through leadership, James shares how small, consistent choices can transform employee health — and why healthier teams make for stronger businesses.
“It’s not about huge changes — it’s the small choices we make every day that add up.” – James Fletcher, HealthStack
#WorkplaceWellness #EmployeeHealth #Leadership #HealthStack #JamesFletcher #MedTech #MentalHealth #WorkplaceCulture #AustralianBusiness
