This Working Life
ABC listen
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 8, 2025 • 26min
Managing up during the Trump Presidency
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.
Aug 1, 2025 • 25min
Is your dream job still dreamy?
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.
Jul 29, 2025 • 14min
Try This: grief at work edition
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.
4 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 25min
How to handle grief at work
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.
Jul 18, 2025 • 25min
Is an AI bot getting in the way of your job search?
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
4 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 26min
Feeling meh (still)? How to get your work mojo back
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.
12 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 27min
Can I give you some feedback?
Roisin McCann, a facilitator specializing in leadership capacity and feedback culture, joins James Donald, a senior lecturer in management at the University of Sydney, for an insightful discussion. They delve into the emotional reactions tied to feedback and the importance of delivering it effectively to improve performance. The conversation shifts to modern feedback methods, emphasizing trust and meaningful dialogue. They introduce the SBI model for clear communication and explore the innovative Feed Forward approach that focuses on actionable insights for future growth.
11 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 25min
It's okay, you can take a break
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!
Jun 24, 2025 • 14min
Try This: sleep tips edition
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.
8 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 25min
The power of a good night’s sleep
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.
