This Working Life
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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
Nov 1, 2024 • 26min
Why the push to get bums on seats in the office?
Join Stephen Davis, a work trends expert, John Hopkins, a flexible work specialist, and Richard Wynn, CEO support authority, as they dissect the controversial push for in-office work. They reveal preferences for hybrid arrangements and discuss surprising effects on diversity and productivity. The conversation highlights research on employees' desire for flexibility and the challenges companies face in adapting to new work dynamics. The episode tackles corporate mandates’ impact on talent retention, giving keen insights into the future of work.
Oct 25, 2024 • 25min
Live at SXSW – 2050: A Work Odyssey
In this engaging live discussion, Ryan Patel, a futurist renowned for advising on innovation, Greta Bradman, a psychologist and values coach, and Simon Kustenmacher, a social demographer, dive into the future of work by 2050. They tackle the impact of demographic shifts, especially the growing demand for aged care workers, and the evolving acceptance of hybrid work post-pandemic. The panel also debates the balance between technology and humanity, emphasizing the importance of empathy in management while exploring how AI can address workforce shortages and enhance inclusivity.
23 snips
Oct 20, 2024 • 25min
Adam Grant on how to unleash your hidden potential
Adam Grant, an organisational psychologist and Wharton professor, explores how to unlock our hidden potential. He discusses the importance of shifting from ambition to character-driven goals, especially during tough times. Grant emphasizes embracing discomfort for growth, particularly in public speaking. He shares personal anecdotes about resilience after self-doubt and the transformative power of mentorship. The conversation also introduces 'deliberate play' as a way to spark creativity and passion in our careers.
Oct 13, 2024 • 25min
The power of saying No at work
Saying "yes" too often can leave you feeling overwhelmed and perhaps a bit resentful. You might hear yourself saying "yes of course I can" when your inner voice is screaming "no!"So here's how you can say "no" more often at work, without feeling rude.GuestsNatalie Lue — Author, The Joy of Saying NoBenjamin Law — Writer and broadcasterHema Kangeson — Founder, The Leaders CircleBruce Tulgan — Author, The Art of Being Indispensable at WorkAlisha Taylor-Jones — Diversity and inclusion professionalThis story was first broadcast on 3rd February 2023
Oct 4, 2024 • 25min
Work life balance is BS
Tim Duggan, an author focused on workplace well-being, joins Dr. Stacey Parker, an organizational psychology specialist, and Carly Hopgood, an engineer and work-life coach. They challenge the traditional idea of work-life balance, advocating for 'life-work balance' that emphasizes personal fulfillment. The discussion highlights how our work shapes leisure time and the importance of dedicating personal time for mental health. They also share effective strategies for overcoming burnout, stressing that vacations alone aren't enough for true recovery.
Sep 27, 2024 • 25min
Advice for first time managers
Karina Calder, an expert in leadership development, Dr. Stacey Ashley, a leadership coach and author, and Professor Greg Harper, a business dean, dive into the challenges first-time managers face without formal training. They discuss the importance of foundational management skills, self-awareness, and interpersonal effectiveness. The trio emphasizes creating supportive cultures for continuous learning, the necessity of peer coaching, and the pivotal role of feedback loops to enhance leadership development. Essential skills like practical experience and social learning are also key topics.
Sep 20, 2024 • 25min
Learn how to think like an entrepreneur, wherever you are.
Melanie Perkins, Richard Branson, Mark Zuckerberg, and Elon Musk all have one thing in common. They’ve leveraged the entrepreneur mindset to achieve success in business. Whether you work for yourself or within a larger organisation, what can you borrow from high achievers that’s relevant to your career? Guests:Rachael Neumann, co-founder, Flying Fox Ventures Alex Newman, Professor of Management and Associate Dean (Faculty), Melbourne Business School Eleni Dracakis, business psychologist
12 snips
Sep 13, 2024 • 25min
Maybe change isn't all it's cracked up to be
Ashley Goodall, a leadership expert and co-author of "Nine Lies About Work," challenges the notion that disruption is inherently beneficial. He argues that constant change can harm employee satisfaction and performance, advocating for prioritizing genuine improvement over superficial transformations. Goodall emphasizes the need for stability and team cohesion to enhance innovation. He also redefines HR's role, advocating for it to evolve into a supportive force that enhances employee well-being amidst uncertainty.
Sep 6, 2024 • 25min
How to avoid ‘death by powerpoint’
We know that putting up slides with lots of text, and talking about them at the same time, is not a very engaging way to get your point across in a presentation or training session. So why is it still happening? And how can we all tell better stories at work?
Aug 30, 2024 • 25min
Debunking the bad apple myth: what prevents workplace bullying
Awareness of psychosocial safety is growing and we know how destructive bullying can be. Yet incidents continue to occur, with performance management and generational differences creating flashpoints.Despite decades of research and tighter regulations, many organisations struggle to prevent workplace bullying. We find out why, and learn about a prevention program that is making a difference.
