Brigid Schulte, a former Washington Post journalist and author of "Overwork," dives into the complexities of modern work culture. She discusses Intel's innovative 'Freelance Nation' program, which successfully introduced flexible work but was unexpectedly discarded. The conversation also covers the crucial role of well-trained middle managers and the struggle between effort and reward in today's workplace. Schulte emphasizes the need for new narratives that inspire positive change and improve work-life balance.
Brigid Schulte emphasizes the necessity of work-life balance, advocating for transformative changes in work culture to improve employee satisfaction and well-being.
Intel's Freelance Nation program exemplifies innovative work redesign, successfully blending gig flexibility with job security to enhance employee engagement and productivity.
Deep dives
The Quest for Better Work-Life Balance
The discussion emphasizes the need for a better work-life balance as explored in Bridget Schulte's book 'Overwork'. Schulte delves into her extensive research, which highlights how people are often overwhelmed by their work commitments. By capturing various global experiences, the book proposes that work culture can be transformed to better serve individuals’ needs. This transformation is essential for improving job satisfaction and enhancing overall well-being in the workforce.
Intel's Freelance Nation Experiment
The Intel Freelance Nation program serves as a noteworthy example of innovative work redesign aimed at improving employee engagement and productivity. This initiative allowed employees to take on freelance projects within the company while retaining job security and benefits. By creating an internal marketplace for freelance work, Intel effectively harnessed the flexibility of gig work while fostering a sense of belonging among employees. The success of the program demonstrated how companies can adapt to modern work demands while also enhancing worker satisfaction.
Iceland's Shorter Work Hours Movement
Iceland's successful shift toward shorter work hours presents a compelling case study on improving job quality and employee well-being. With 85% of the workforce now benefiting from reduced hours, this movement showcases a collective commitment to re-evaluating work-life dynamics. The evidence from these experiments suggests that reducing work hours can lead to increased productivity and a more equitable distribution of unpaid care work. This transformation stands as proof that work redesign can yield positive outcomes for both individuals and organizations alike.
The Importance of Management Training
The conversation highlights the critical need for effective management training to reshape workplace dynamics positively. Many managers lack the necessary skills and support to motivate their teams effectively, often leading to disengagement and inefficiencies. By equipping leaders with training focused on empathy, flexibility, and accountability, organizations can cultivate a healthier work environment. This transformation is key to addressing the root causes of workplace dissatisfaction and creating a more collaborative culture.
Brigid Schulte is a journalist and writer who brings a reporter's ear for stories to her exploration of modern work.
Over the course of a decade Schulte has talked to people about the impact their jobs has on their lives - and has explored any hope that we might be able to make this better.
Her new book, Over Work and paints a hopeful image of how we might fix the toxic elements of our jobs.
One of the examples is about Intel, who in 2013 experimented with a new initiative styled Freelance Nation to bring some of the upsides of gig work to a professional knowledge work environment. It proved hugely successful and yet they decided to scrap it.