This Working Life

Dr. Caroline Fleck, a licensed psychologist and corporate consultant, dives into the art of validation in the workplace. She explains how validation signals care and understanding, contrasting it with praise, and emphasizing its role in building psychological safety. Common misconceptions are addressed, highlighting that validation is not agreement but a precursor to influence. Caroline shares practical skills, including attending questions for addressing complaints and exploring underperformance, ultimately showcasing that validation strengthens relationships and enhances influence at work.

Whether you approve of it or not, research shows gossip does have value within organisations, especially when it’s used positively.  Learn how you can harness gossip to improve relationships and communication with colleagues. Guests:Amy Gallo, workplace expert and contributing editor, Harvard Business Review. Author, Getting Along: how to work with anyoneJames Greenslade-Yeats, Research Fellow in Management, Auckland University of Technology 

In this engaging discussion, Megan Gerhardt, a business professor and co-author of Gentelligence, and Florence Potter, the founder of No Umbrellas, tackle the generational divides in today's workplace. They emphasize moving past stereotypes and understanding unique generational perspectives. The podcast dives into navigating mental health views shaped by the pandemic and highlights practical strategies for fostering collaboration across ages. Listeners will learn about the transformative power of open dialogue and mutual mentoring in boosting team productivity and harmony.

We've reached the one year anniversary of the right to disconnect regulations, which now also apply to small businesses. What are the challenges of managing this change to the ways we contact each other outside of work hours, and how is it impacting work life balance? Guests: Anna Volkova, People and Culture leader, Hi Bob Matthew Addison, Chair, Council of Small Business of Australia (COSBOA) Lisa Heap, senior researcher and labour lawyer, Centre for Future Work, Australia Insitute And thanks to Jeromine Alpe from Corporate Diversity Pathways for sharing her tips for small businesses More information for small businesses navigating the right to disconnect can be found at www.smallbusinesspeak.org.au

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.