Truth, Lies and Work

182. My boss wants to spy on me, London’s hiring crisis and why holidays last longer than you think. PLUS! Is the five-day week dead? with Grace Tallon

Mar 25, 2025

49:55

Truth, Lies and Work is the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. Every Tuesday we tackle workplace news, answer your dilemmas, and bring fresh insights to help you build great workplace cultures.

🎙 This Week’s Headlines

Would You Let Your Employer Monitor You at Home?
Australian financial firm AMP faced backlash over claims employees were pressured to accept contracts allowing constant video surveillance—even at home. Full story: https://www.hrleader.com.au/business/26623-amp-refutes-claims-of-video-surveillance-of-at-home-workers

London Firms Can’t Hire Staff—Is Remote Work to Blame?
Nearly half of London businesses are struggling to recruit, and many blame remote work expectations. Full story: https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/london-firms-struggling-recruit-staff-164038974.html

Good News: Your Holiday Benefits Last Longer Than You Think
Research in the Journal of Applied Psychology shows the wellbeing benefits of a holiday can last up to six weeks. Full story: https://www.bps.org.uk/research-digest/holiday-benefits-last-longer-we-thought

🔥 Hot Take: Why the Five-Day Workweek Is History (with Grace Tallon)

Grace Tallon from the Work Time Reduction Centre says the traditional five-day workweek is no longer fit for purpose. Cutting working hours isn’t just a perk—it's vital for business success, productivity, and mental health. Could a shorter week be the most important change we make this generation?

Connect with Grace: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-tallon/

Learn more about Work Time Reduction: https://worktimereduction.com/

💡 Workplace Surgery: Your Workplace Problems Solved

"Am I Mentoring My Replacement?"

A listener fears they're training someone overqualified who may take their job.

"Personality Tests Are Ruining My Team!"

Managers forced to assign projects based on personality colour charts rather than skills.

"Help! My Productivity’s Hijacked by a Calendar Bully!"

A developer struggles to protect their deep work sessions from a colleague who repeatedly schedules conflicting meetings.

🎧 Listen to More From Truth Lies and Work

John Amaechi on Personality Testing

Hogan's Ryne Sherman on Personality in Business

🎧 Coming Up Next

This Thursday:

Jeanette Ramsden, CEO of The Curve Group, reveals how she successfully implemented a four-day workweek—without compromising client satisfaction. Plus, she shares her perspective as a female CEO navigating leadership in a world obsessed with "masculine energy."

Next Tuesday:

Another packed episode of This Week in Work with the latest workplace trends, bold takes, and practical advice.

Enjoying the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and join us on LinkedIn to continue the conversation!

General Support with Mental Health and Well-being

If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.

Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/

If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World)