This Working Life

In this engaging discussion, Kira Schabram, an Assistant Professor at Smeal College of Business, dives into the crucial yet often overlooked importance of taking breaks at work. She reveals how regular breaks can combat burnout and enhance productivity, especially in high-stress roles. With insights into 'compromise breaks' and the need for supportive work cultures, Kira shares practical strategies for recognizing when to pause and ways to incorporate joyful, micro breaks into daily routines. A must-listen for anyone feeling overwhelmed!

Join Alex Sweetman, a Senior Program Manager at the Australasian Sleep Association, as he sheds light on the persistent issue of insomnia. He shares expert strategies for achieving better sleep, emphasizing personalized routines that integrate relaxation techniques. Listeners learn about the psychological aspects of sleep, the importance of gratitude before bedtime, and calming nighttime rituals. Alex also discusses how lifestyle changes, like reducing alcohol and embracing morning light, can dramatically enhance sleep quality and workplace productivity.

Moira Junge, CEO of the Sleep Health Foundation and a sleep psychologist, teams up with Charlotte Gupta, a Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow specializing in shift work. They reveal that 40% of Australians are sleep-deprived, primarily due to work stress. Important insights include the economic impact of sleep issues, costing $66.3 billion annually. They also discuss effective self-help strategies for better sleep, emphasizing a supportive sleep environment and healthy bedtime routines. Plus, they introduce the Bedtime Window initiative for community support.

Penny Williams, an Associate Professor studying AI in worker management, and Dale Tweedie, a Senior Lecturer focused on performance monitoring, dive into workplace surveillance trends. They discuss the evolution from Taylorism to AI tools, highlighting ethical concerns around privacy and trust. The conversation reveals how invasive monitoring affects employee morale and the rise of 'ghost working.' Plus, they explore the benefits of a collaborative approach in evaluation, showcasing a success story of improved productivity through transparency.

Dr. Kirstin Ferguson, an author and leadership expert, dives into the common blind spots that hinder effective decision-making in leadership. She discusses the dangers of hubris and the importance of intellectual humility, illustrating these concepts with examples like the UK Post Office scandal. Kirstin emphasizes the art of reflective leadership—urging leaders to ask impactful questions and stay open to opposing viewpoints. She also shares tips for embracing uncertainty, highlighting how admitting one's limitations can foster a more collaborative and innovative culture.

Leah Lambart, a career coach and resident expert for SEEK, teams up with Annie Louey, a celebrant and comedian who’s explored career breaks. They discuss the common experience of career regret and how over half of people feel dissatisfied with their jobs. Leah emphasizes the importance of self-assessment and aligning personal values with career choices, while Annie shares transformative stories of stepping back to prioritize mental health. They also explore the benefits of networking and redefining achievements during career transitions.

Mark Granovetter, a Professor of Sociology Emeritus at Stanford, revolutionized our understanding of networking with his theory on the importance of 'weak ties.' Joining him is Wendy Dawson, President of the Melbourne Business Network, who champions a service-oriented approach to building genuine connections. They discuss how casual acquaintances can unlock job opportunities and share practical tips for maintaining networks. Expect insights on shifting from a taking to a giving mindset, plus strategies for enhancing your professional relationships, catering to both introverts and extroverts.

If you think of productivity as hustle culture, endless multi-tasking, and constant busyness, you might be on the wrong track and you may be on the way to burnout.New York Times bestselling author Cal Newport is a long-time advocate for making changes to the way we work. Now he has a new work philosophy: Slow Productivity.He says doing fewer things, working at a natural pace, and obsessing over quality will deliver lasting success.Guest:Cal Newport, author of Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout.

From pets to pot plants, comfy clothing to noise-cancelling headphones. There have never been more ways to bring a personal touch to your office experience.   But what happens when different employees have conflicting approaches? Guests:Christhina Candido, Professor of Environmental and Sustainable Design, University of MelbourneDr Amantha Imber, organisational psychologist, founder, Inventium, and host of the 'How I Work' podcast

Pick something you enjoy doing and you can 'leisure craft' it! We learn about the benefits of this technique as a way of improving your personal wellbeing, and your performance at work. Plus we'll give you some practical tips on how to 'leisure-craft' in Try This.Guest: Alex Hamrick, Assistant Professor of Management, Robins School of Business, University of Richmond