Tessa West, PhD, is a psychology professor at NYU and author of "Job Therapy: Finding Work that Works for You." She delves into the roots of job dissatisfaction and unveils strategies for identifying what truly makes you unhappy at work. The conversation covers navigating toxic coworkers and emphasizes effective communication as a key to workplace harmony. Tessa also explores the dynamics of intergenerational communication and the importance of psychological safety for employee well-being, challenging traditional exit interviews for more open dialogue.
Read more
AI Summary
Highlights
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Understanding the root causes of job dissatisfaction, such as toxic coworkers and overwhelming workloads, is essential for finding effective solutions.
Fostering psychological safety and open communication in the workplace is crucial for employee satisfaction and addressing career challenges effectively.
Deep dives
Navigating Career Dissatisfaction
Many individuals experience frustration with their jobs due to factors like toxic coworkers, lack of promotions, or overwhelming workloads. It's essential to identify the root causes of this dissatisfaction, as understanding the specific reasons can lead to more effective solutions. Open communication with coworkers and bosses is crucial in addressing these issues and finding a fulfilling work environment. By improving workplace communication, individuals can navigate challenging career situations and potentially re-evaluate their current job or consider a career change.
Key Drivers of Job Change
The discussion highlights five main drivers that may prompt people to contemplate leaving their jobs. One significant factor is experiencing an identity crisis, where individuals struggle with their professional identity and question their passion for their work. Other drivers include feeling distant from their job, being overwhelmed by responsibilities, and experiencing a lack of recognition despite contributions. These drivers emphasize the importance of understanding one's evolving relationship with work and recognizing that dissatisfaction often emerges from a combination of personal and professional factors.
The Role of Psychological Safety
Psychological safety is vital for workplace satisfaction and affects individuals' ability to express thoughts and concerns openly. Workers increasingly seek environments where they feel secure in providing and receiving feedback without fear of negative repercussions. While fostering this safety, organizations also need to ensure that critical feedback is properly communicated to help employees grow. Balancing psychological safety with effective communication practices is essential for promoting a healthy workplace culture.
Strategies for Career Assessment
When considering a job change, gathering information about potential workplaces is key to avoiding toxic environments. Networking with current and former employees can provide insights into workplace culture and dynamics that may not be evident during the interview process. Asking specific, open-ended questions about the organization enables candidates to uncover hidden expectations and interpersonal norms that can greatly impact job satisfaction. This proactive approach can help individuals make more informed decisions about their career paths and find roles that truly align with their values and interests.
Are you and your job just not clicking anymore? New York University psychology professor Tessa West, PhD, author of “Job Therapy: Finding Work that Works for You,” talks about the most common sources of job dissastisfaction, how you can figure out why you’re unhappy at work and find a job that’s a better fit, how to handle -- or avoid -- toxic coworkers, and the importance of good communication at work.