Working It

Nick Bloom, a Stanford professor specializing in workplace behavior, joins to discuss the changing dynamics of lunch breaks in our new remote world. He highlights how flexible work has led people to forgo their lunch hours for errands and exercise. Is this shift affecting social connections at work? Bloom shares insights alongside FT Magazine's Harriet Fitch Little, revealing the evolution of business lunches and the humorous realities of eating at your desk. Can a great homemade lunch spark connections, or are we just spilling on our keyboards?

Chloe Combi, a researcher and futurist, has delved into the minds of over 20,000 young people to uncover what motivates Gen Z in the workplace. She discusses the generational tensions between Gen Z and millennials, emphasizing the need for better mentorship. Chloe also highlights Gen Z's strong focus on work-life balance and the pressures they face, including the influence of social media on their mental health. The duo explores how understanding these dynamics can help managers create more inclusive work environments.

Brigid Schulte, an author and journalist, teams up with freelance journalist Oliver Balch to unpack the pitfalls of working on vacation. They discuss how holiday work is not just a personal choice but a symptom of poor management practices. The conversation highlights the irony of overwork in cultures that glorify constant availability, and how some executives struggle to truly disconnect. They also reflect on global vacation policies, contrasting countries with robust time-off systems against those like the U.S., emphasizing the need for systemic change to promote better work-life balance.

Lucy Kellaway, a former journalist turned teacher, and Stefan Stern, an author exploring ambition's complexities, dive into the contradictions of professional desire. They question if relentless ambition truly leads to happiness and highlight the importance of balancing career aspirations with personal well-being. Kellaway shares insights on the benefits of tempering ambition to enhance life satisfaction, while Stern reflects on how societal pressures shape our understanding of success. Together, they argue that ambition can sometimes be more harmful than helpful.

Muriel Wilkins, a seasoned leadership coach, engages with Sarah, a professional grappling with burnout from past roles. They delve into the delicate art of setting boundaries, highlighting how personal limits can foster a healthier work-life balance. The conversation reveals the emotional toll of burnout and the necessity of reflecting on one’s definition of success. Listeners gain insights into practical strategies for preventing burnout, emphasizing self-awareness and effective communication as essential tools for navigating workplace dynamics.

Hugh Carnegy, a senior editor who oversees corrections at the Financial Times, and Sandra Sucher, a Harvard Business School professor, dive into the messy world of workplace mistakes. They analyze the recent CrowdStrike software outage and discuss strategies for owning up to errors. Hugh emphasizes the importance of transparency in journalism, while Sandra explores how organizations can rebuild trust after failures. Together, they unveil the financial repercussions of mistrust and how sincere apologies can rejuvenate relationships at work.

Bestselling author Daniel Pink and CEO Aaron Levie discuss optimizing productivity by understanding individual energy peaks, chronotypes, and task alignment. They explore remote work flexibility, effective breaks, and work-life balance strategies. Aaron shares insights on his night owl schedule and the importance of accommodating individual work preferences for enhanced productivity.

Former Olympic rower Cath Bishop and FT's Andrew Hill discuss CEOs' responsibilities, creating sustainable working cultures, and balancing knowledge vs. micromanagement. They explore the importance of team dynamics, learning cultures, and transparent communication in effective leadership.

Laura Empson, a professor at Bayes Business School, discusses the challenges of starting a new leadership role, including building team confidence, setting priorities, and navigating through office politics. She emphasizes the importance of making impactful actions early on to establish credibility and gain team support. Strategies for new leaders include assigning prestigious titles, understanding organizational culture, and honing listening skills to build trust.

Decision strategist and former poker champion Annie Duke discusses the misconception that quitting is always negative. The podcast explores the biases hindering timely quitting decisions and the benefits of embracing uncertainty in decision-making. Learn how setting deadlines and using kill criteria can enhance efficiency in strategic decision-making.