SPOS #976 – Jennifer Moss On Creating Work Everyone Wants
Mar 23, 2025
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Jennifer Moss, a speaker and author specializing in workplace culture and burnout, discusses critical shifts in how we view work post-pandemic. She highlights the pressing need for organizations to adapt to hybrid work models, fostering trust and flexibility. Moss addresses the impact of AI and ‘bullshit jobs’ on employee engagement and proposes innovative productivity metrics. Drawing from her research, she shares actionable solutions for creating a fulfilling work culture that values emotional connections and well-being.
Employees are increasingly seeking purpose and meaning in their work, challenging traditional views of employment as solely a means to earn money.
The integration of AI in the workplace raises concerns about job fulfillment, highlighting the need for reskilling and proactive management strategies.
Organizations must adapt to evolving workforce expectations by fostering flexibility, autonomy, and genuine connections, especially in remote or hybrid work environments.
Deep dives
Innovative Approach to Thought Leadership
The concept of Thinkers One introduces an accessible platform for organizations to acquire brief, personalized video presentations from renowned thought leaders. These video experiences, lasting at least 15 minutes, can enhance meetings and events by integrating insights from top authors and industry experts. Examples of notable thinkers featured include Tom Peters and Rita McGrath, whose expertise can provide valuable inspiration and knowledge. This innovative approach allows businesses to leverage high-quality content in a cost-effective manner, enriching their corporate culture and engagement.
The Interconnection of Work and Life Purpose
The discussion underscores the increasingly blurred lines between work and personal life, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic. Individuals are grappling with existential questions about their purpose, leading them to reevaluate their careers in relation to their overall life satisfaction. The notion that work merely serves as a means to earn money is being challenged, as people seek deeper meaning in their professional pursuits. This quest for purpose has become more prominent as individuals reflect on their time, aspirations, and the value they derive from their work.
Shifting Workforce Expectations and Engagement
The workforce landscape is evolving, with employees prioritizing well-being and work-life balance over mere salary increases. Surveys indicate a growing trend among younger professionals willing to accept lower pay for more favorable work conditions. Furthermore, the root of employee disengagement is not only attributed to poor management but also to the changing needs of the workforce. Companies must adapt to these evolving expectations by offering flexible work arrangements that value individual contributions and promote a sense of belonging.
The Impact of AI on Job Satisfaction
As AI technologies become integrated into the workplace, there is a growing concern about how this affects job fulfillment and employee engagement. Many workers report feelings of boredom as AI takes over routine tasks, yet these employees may not have been properly reskilled for their changing roles. Furthermore, a disconnect persists between the expectations of a fulfilling job and the reality of modern work dynamics. Addressing these challenges requires proactive management strategies that focus on meaningful goal-setting, enabling employees to find purpose in their work.
The Need for a Cultural Shift in the Workplace
The conversation highlights a pressing need for a cultural reevaluation across organizations, particularly in the wake of current workforce challenges. Key issues, such as rising levels of disengagement, burnout, and a shift towards hybrid work, necessitate a hybrid approach that fosters both autonomy and connection. Companies must cultivate environments that encourage genuine employee engagement while addressing the intricate balance between personal and professional fulfillment. A shift towards compassionate leadership and workplace practices is essential for creating a sustainable and motivated workforce.
Welcome to episode #976 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.
Jennifer Moss has been a guiding voice in the evolving conversation around workplace culture, burnout, and what it truly means to find purpose in our work. Her latest book, Why Are We Here? – Creating A Work Culture Everyone Wants, takes a deep dive into how work has changed - sometimes for the better, often for the worse - and what leaders can do to fix it. Jennifer is also the author of The Burnout Epidemic and Unlocking Happiness At Work. In this conversation, Jennifer and I explore the shifting motivations of employees post-pandemic, the growing tension around remote and hybrid work, and why so many people are feeling disengaged in their careers. She shares insights from her extensive research, highlighting the erosion of trust between employers and employees, the disconnect between ideal career expectations and workplace reality, and the impact of AI on job security. We also discuss why organizations need to rethink productivity metrics, prioritize autonomy, and create spaces for in-person connection, even in remote work environments. Jennifer doesn’t just diagnose the problems - she offers real solutions, drawing on examples of companies that are getting it right. As the workplace continues to evolve, her research and advice couldn’t be more timely. If you’re wondering how to build (or rebuild) a work culture that people actually want to be a part of, this is for you. Enjoy the conversation...
This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.
Chapters:
(00:00) - Exploring Purpose: Why Are We Here? (02:52) - The Intersection of Work and Life. (05:56) - The Changing Landscape of Work. (09:06) - Generational Perspectives on Work. (12:04) - The Role of Technology in Work Dynamics. (15:08) - The Multiverse of Work: A New Paradigm. (17:58) - Trust and Expectations in the Workplace. (21:02) - The Evolution of Work Culture. (23:51) - Productivity and the Future of Work. (32:31) - Empowering Autonomy in the Workforce. (33:34) - The Importance of In-Person Connection. (35:02) - Rethinking Meetings and Communication. (36:55) - Navigating the Multiverse of Work. (39:40) - The Shifting Power Dynamics in the Labor Market. (43:24) - The Challenge of Meaningful Work. (46:21) - The Disconnect Between Ideal and Reality in Careers. (49:55) - Addressing Chronic Stress in the Workforce. (51:40) - The Impact of Disengagement on Business. (54:54) - Finding Light in the Current Work Landscape.
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