
This Working Life
You spend so much time on work, why accept the status quo, when there are ways to do it better? Get expert advice, research and hacks that will crush your inertia.
Join Lisa Leong and other This Working Lifers as we experiment and explore the latest in the world of work.
We cover policy issues, like hybrid workplaces and remote work, employee wellbeing and organisational culture, the use of AI, employee surveillance, employee engagement, diversity and inclusion. We talk about progress on wider issues that relate to work, like work life balance, organisational change, restructures, and casualisation. On This Working Life our focus is on everything related to the people in a workplace too, including culture, individual experiences, performance management and career advice.
Latest episodes

May 30, 2025 • 28min
Stuck at a career crossroad? Here's how to move forward
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.

May 23, 2025 • 28min
Networking and the strength of weak ties
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.

May 16, 2025 • 27min
Cal Newport on embracing slow productivity to prevent burnout
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.

May 9, 2025 • 25min
How do you personalise your work space?
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

May 2, 2025 • 27min
Can "leisure-crafting" help you thrive?
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

Apr 25, 2025 • 25min
How to get on top of AI at work
From our phones to social media, to search engines, artificial intelligence is becoming a part of our everyday lives.Learn how organisations are incorporating it into their workflows, and explore the ethical considerations and other concerns people have about using artificial intelligence at work. Guests:Jeremy Utley, adjunct professor, Stanford University, co-host Beyond the PromptMark Pesce, futurist and co-founder Wisely AI

Apr 18, 2025 • 25min
Are you being micromanaged?
The junior person feels like they’re being micromanaged, but the manager feels like the job is not being done properly. When does good supervision tip into micromanagement?Shona Ryan had such a difficult time being micromanaged as a millennial worker, that she decided to research the topic. We hear what she learned, and get advice from an expert on how to break the pattern of micromanagement.Guests:Dr James Donald, Senior Lecturer in Work and Organisational Studies, University of SydneyShona Ryan, employee relations specialistAnd if you liked this episode you’d enjoy our story on the magic of job crafting, listen to it here.This episode was first broadcast on 2nd June 2024.

Apr 11, 2025 • 28min
Work origin stories and how they influence us
Lyndall Strazdins, a clinical psychologist and work-life researcher, teams up with Jono Nicholas, founder of The Wellbeing Outfit, to discuss how childhood experiences with work shape adult perspectives on balance. They reflect on how parents’ careers influence children's choices and emotional well-being. The conversation dives into the importance of flexible work arrangements, shared household responsibilities for gender equality, and how the pandemic has reshaped young people's views on work dynamics and collaboration. Practical tips on handling performance reviews are also shared!

Apr 8, 2025 • 18min
Try This: performance review edition
Emma Power, an independent HR consultant and education-focused lecturer at the Melbourne Business School, shares valuable insights on mastering performance reviews. She emphasizes the importance of preparing ahead by documenting achievements and fostering open communication with managers. Emma discusses how to navigate surprising feedback by advocating for a growth-oriented mindset. The conversation highlights how regular check-ins can enhance understanding, ultimately leading to more productive evaluations and aligned goals between employees and managers.

Apr 4, 2025 • 30min
Can performance reviews 'exceed' expectations?
In this engaging discussion, Michelle Brown, a Professor of Human Resource Management at the University of Melbourne, teams up with David Burkus, a former business school professor and consultant specializing in organizational psychology. They explore the pitfalls of traditional performance reviews, emphasizing the disconnect between assessment and growth. The duo champions a shift towards ongoing feedback, highlighting its potential to foster employee development but cautioning against defensiveness. They also tackle inequities in the review process, especially for women, offering practical strategies for improvement.