Truth, Lies and Work cover image

Truth, Lies and Work

176. Google’s 60-Hour workweek, Asda's bonus backlash and how to go from friend to boss. PLUS! Leaders are human too, with Dr Elaine Smith - This Week in Work, 4th March 2025

Mar 4, 2025
Dr. Elaine Smith, a Clinical Psychologist and Business Wellbeing Consultant, joins the discussion on compassionate leadership. She dives into Asda's controversial bonus cuts and their effects on morale, contrasting it with the tech industry's flexible approaches. The conversation shifts to the importance of vulnerability in leadership, revealing how addressing mental health can enhance workplace connections. Elaine also offers insights on transitioning from friend to boss, emphasizing empathy and communication for effective managerial relationships.
52:30

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Asda's decision to scrap bonuses for over 10,000 managers highlights the impact of financial struggles on employee morale and retention.
  • Sergey Brin's call for 60-hour workweeks at Google raises concerns about employee flexibility and work-life balance in a competitive landscape.

Deep dives

Asda's Bonus Cuts and Its Impact on Morale

Asda has announced the cancellation of annual bonuses for over 10,000 managers due to declining sales and market share, which significantly impacts approximately 14,000 employees. This decision follows one of the worst holiday seasons in the company's history, raising concerns about its workplace culture and employee morale. Many employees expressed a lack of confidence in the company's strategy, with reports indicating that morale among staff may plummet, prompting some top performers to consider leaving the company. The restructuring efforts and layoffs in recent years have only compounded the challenges Asda faces in reviving its corporate identity and stability.

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