This Working Life

Soon more people will be leaving the workforce than joining it, but most organisations don't encourage older workers to stay on and thrive.Experts say redesigning work to retain mature-age workers across the life cycle is part of the solution to Australia’s ageing population and productivity challenges. We explore how planning for "longevity work" across the career cycle, can help eliminate bias and ageism well before workers hit retirement age.Guests:Daniela Andrei, Associate Professor in the School of Management and Marketing at Curtin University, Associate Investigator with CEPAR Stream 3, Organisations and the Mature Workforce  Chris Eaton, General manager, People and Culture, Chobani And thanks to contributors: Julian Williams, Maturious, a talent platform for hidden mature age talent Alison Hernandez, co-founder, Recreate100 Michele Lemmens, longevity work advocate, strategic innovation expert 

Everyone at work plays a part in preventing psychosocial hazards, including you.We ask an expert how to create a psychosocially safe workplace, and why it's important.Guest:Dr Laura Kirby, chief psychologist, Australian Psychological ServicesCheck out our companion episode: What are we getting wrong about psychosocial safety? , featuring Professor Amy Edmondson from Harvard Business School and Dr Rachael Potter, research lead and expert in psychosocial safety, Uni of South Australia.

Rachael Potter, a research lead at the University of South Australia, and Amy Edmondson, a Harvard Business School professor, tackle the confusion between psychological and psychosocial safety in workplaces. They discuss the pressing need for mental health investments, especially in small businesses, and how leadership plays a crucial role in fostering open communication. The conversation highlights Australia's regulatory advancements and their impact on workplace conditions, emphasizing the importance of understanding psychosocial hazards for overall productivity.

Renowned psychologist Dr. Ellen Langer, the mother of mindfulness, joins the conversation alongside experts Dr. Janneke Blijlevens and Dr. Adrian Camilleri. They explore the paradox of decision-making, revealing how we often struggle with the mundane yet rush significant choices. Instead of seeking the perfect option, they advocate for embracing randomness to reduce stress. The discussion also touches on career transitions, emphasizing resilience and perspective in making fulfilling choices, while addressing how emotions can skew our decision-making process.

Margie Warrell, a leadership advisor and author of The Courage Gap, shares invaluable insights from her experience working with powerful figures on Capitol Hill. She discusses the art of 'managing up' by building authentic relationships rather than relying on flattery. Warrell highlights the surprising camaraderie among politicians across party lines and the importance of compromise. She also delves into overcoming workplace fear, navigating tough conversations, and using empathy to influence leaders, offering practical strategies for career advancement.

Jon M. Jachimowicz, an Assistant Professor at Harvard Business School, dives into the complexities of passion in the workplace. He challenges the myth that following your passion guarantees job satisfaction, offering insights on how to navigate the emotional ups and downs of career pursuits. The conversation touches on maintaining passion without falling into burnout and embracing change when passions evolve. With relatable stories, Jachimowicz emphasizes that true fulfillment comes from balancing what you love with practical realities.

Tasha Broomhall, Founder and Director of Blooming Minds, specializes in helping organizations support grieving employees. She discusses the complexities of grief in professional settings, emphasizing the need for empathy and open communication. Tasha introduces the 'Listen Loudly' technique to enhance support for grieving colleagues. She also highlights the importance of self-empathy, encouraging individuals to process emotions and seek help from friends or professionals. Her insightful strategies aim to foster a compassionate workplace culture.

In this engaging discussion, Diane Bergeron, a social psychologist, and Chris Hall, CEO of Grief Australia, tackle the often-ignored topic of grief in the workplace. They delve into the emotional complexities employees face when dealing with loss, emphasizing the need for understanding and tailored support. The duo stresses the importance of flexible work policies and compassionate approaches from employers. With real-life examples and strategies, they highlight how organizations can better support grieving employees and foster a healthier work environment.

Videos of job applicants being interviewed by artificial intelligence avatars are being posted on social media.How can job seekers and recruiters navigate the AI-powered recruitment process in a way that keeps things human?  Guests: Dr Natalie Sheard, lawyer and McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Melbourne with expertise in discrimination by AI systems   Daryl Keeley, Managing Director, Macro Recruitment Emily B. DeJeu, Assistant Teaching Professor of Business Management Communication at Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business For more information about cases of discrimination relating to the use of AI in hiring, check out the Law Report 

In this engaging discussion, Jennifer Moss, a workplace culture strategist and author, delves into the pervasive feelings of detachment and burnout in today's work environments. She emphasizes the urgency for a cultural shift to combat workplace ennui, advocating for deeper, empathetic relationships among colleagues. Moss offers actionable strategies to reclaim work motivation, highlighting the importance of aligning personal values with work goals, recognizing small wins, and prioritizing meaningful connections to enhance overall well-being.