HBR IdeaCast

Malissa Clark, an associate professor and head of the Healthy Work Lab at the University of Georgia, discusses the pervasive issue of workaholism exacerbated by the pandemic. She reveals how organizations inadvertently foster a culture that values long hours, leading to employee burnout and disengagement. Clark emphasizes that longer hours don't equate to higher productivity. Instead, she shares actionable strategies for companies, including adopting a four-day work week, to enhance employee well-being and, ultimately, performance.

In this insightful discussion, Alison Taylor, a Clinical Associate Professor at NYU and author of "Higher Ground," explores how businesses should navigate social and political issues. She emphasizes the importance of aligning corporate messages with actions to avoid backlash. Taylor argues for involving employees in the decision-making process, especially in today's polarized climate. With real-world examples, she highlights the influence of Gen Z in shaping corporate accountability and the necessity of authentic engagement in a turbulent era.

Cheryl Strauss Einhorn, Founder and CEO of Decisive, shares her expertise in decision-making and problem-solving. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing personal problem-solving styles and adapting strategies to tackle new challenges. Listeners learn about five distinct archetypes—adventurers, detectives, listeners, thinkers, and visionaries—that influence decision-making. Einhorn discusses cognitive biases and the significance of decision ownership, stressing that collaborative efforts and diverse perspectives can lead to better outcomes in professional environments.

Explore the dual nature of friction within organizations, where it can either stifle productivity or ignite innovation. Learn from Stanford professors about strategies to minimize harmful friction while harnessing the positive aspects that foster effective decision-making. Delve into real-world examples, like AstraZeneca's effort to simplify processes, showcasing how empowering employees can save time and boost morale. Uncover practical insights for leaders on striking the right balance to enhance efficiency and cultivate a thriving workplace.

John Winsor, founder of Open Assembly and executive-in-residence at Harvard, teams up with Jin Paik, cofounder of AI consultancy Altruistic and visiting research scientist at Harvard Business School. They delve into the evolving freelance economy, discussing how organizations must adapt their talent strategies to embrace flexible, project-based work. With the rise of digital platforms and AI, they highlight the importance of creating external talent clouds and overcoming cultural roadblocks to leverage freelance expertise effectively.

Join Chip Conley, former hospitality CEO and founder of the Modern Elder Academy, as he explores the untold potential of midlife. He shares insights on reframing our approaches to age and career, revealing how challenges can spur personal growth. Discover the transformative power of curiosity, as Chip recounts stories of people reigniting their passions—like the attorney who turned to baking. He emphasizes the value of mentorship and intergenerational collaboration, proving that midlife can be a vibrant stage filled with possibilities.

Steven Rogelberg, Chancellor's Professor at UNC Charlotte and author of "Glad We Met," dives into the nuances of one-on-one meetings. He shares actionable tips for structuring these crucial interactions to enhance employee engagement and retention. Highlighting common pitfalls, Rogelberg critiques the lack of training for managers and stresses the importance of preparation and adaptability during discussions. He emphasizes that well-conducted one-on-ones can significantly impact team dynamics and individual career growth.

Kimberly Shells, a senior director at Gartner specializing in HR practices, discusses the pitfalls of rigid return-to-office policies. She emphasizes the importance of flexibility and employee autonomy, revealing research on worker preferences for autonomy and belonging. Shells advocates for personalized strategies that include offsite team-building and support services like on-site childcare to enhance workplace culture. She believes that tailored approaches can boost productivity and collaboration, making work environments more inclusive and engaging.

Elena Botelho, a partner at ghSMART and co-leader of the CEO Genome Project, shares insights from her research on what makes CEOs successful. She reveals that traits like charisma and pedigree don’t matter as much as you’d think. The key behaviors of top CEOs include quick decision-making, proactive adaptation, and reliability in delivering results. Botelho discusses how effectively engaging stakeholders and learning from failures are crucial for leadership success, making it clear that these skills can be cultivated over time.

In this engaging discussion, Wharton marketing professor Tom Robertson, author of "The Resale Revolution," dives into the rising trend of companies embracing resale. He highlights how major brands, inspired by Gen Z's sustainability ethos, are transforming their approach to secondhand markets. Robertson details innovative strategies from names like Apple and Patagonia, emphasizing the need for brands to maintain customer relationships and adapt logistics. He also explores the balance between sustainability and profitability in this burgeoning landscape.