Let's Make This More Interesting Putting the joy back into work (with Bruce Daisley)
May 12, 2025
In this chat, Bruce Daisley, former MD of YouTube UK and author of The Joy of Work, explores how to inject joy back into the workplace. He discusses the surprising factors that drain engagement, like meeting overload and digital fatigue, while emphasizing the importance of laughter and social bonds for team cohesion. Strategies for enhancing psychological safety and positive affect are shared, alongside practical tips for regaining control of calendars. Daisley also highlights the collective strength of resilience and offers insights on leveraging AI to enhance human connection at work.
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Episode notes
Bookshop Quip Sparks Episode
- Adam recounts asking a bookseller for The Joy Of Work and being told "I don't have The Joy Of Work, but I'll see if I've got the book."
- The deadpan reply amused him and introduced the episode's theme.
Work Shapes Most Of Our Lives
- Work occupies the majority of our finite time, so its quality deeply affects life satisfaction.
- Having a job reduces illness and depression, making improving work a noble aim.
Mattering Drives Engagement
- The top predictor of engagement is having a best friend at work, followed by weekly manager feedback.
- Both factors link to a psychological sense of mattering that drives motivation and self-esteem.
