Your Work Friends | Fresh Insights on the Now and Next of Work

Send us a textThe work news just doesn't quit - here's what we're talking about....WTF News: Two stories that had us going, WTF?! WellsFargo employee dies at her desk. Co-workers don't find her for four days. Four.Teammate gets stranded on the side of a mountain during a work-sponsored team building event. Can we stop with the mountaineering already?Office Therapists on the Payroll Wall Street Journal reported on the latest employer to bring in the latest solution for mental health wellbeing - on-site, office therapists. Is this the cure for mental health in the workplace? We discuss. We referenced: https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/in-office-therapy-benefit-synchrony-financial-83ab814eIs Wellbeing Fixable? US workplace wellbeing continues to decline according to the latest findings from John Hopkins and Gallup. We referencedHR Grapevine: US Workplace Wellbeing in decline, study findsUS News Work Stress May Help Bring On A-FibHow to Implement Wellbeing as a Strategic Priority at the Org Level with GallupEmployee Wellbeing Hinges on Management, Not Work ModeJohns Hopkins Study: Well-Being at Work: Fostering a Healthy Climate for AllJournal of the American Heart AssociationDisclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.Thanks for listening! Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us! On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca. The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to friend@yourworkfriends.com

Brayden Olson, co-founder of Almas Insight and author of "Twilight of the Idols," dives into the complex web of socioeconomic status and its profound impact on life opportunities. He shares eye-opening personal anecdotes revealing how access to education and career paths often hinges on inherited resources, not just hard work. The discussion also highlights how technology and leadership can either reinforce or dismantle these inequities. Olson advocates for awareness and reform, emphasizing the need for empathy and inclusivity in addressing systemic biases.

Send us a textThis week, we're talking about... Why Are So Many Executive Women  Quitting? We tackle the unsettling trend of women leaders stepping down from Ivy League presidencies amid intense scrutiny. This concerning pattern highlights the persistent gender biases in leadership roles across academia and corporate America. As we dig into statistics from the Chronicle of Higher Education and discuss findings from McKinsey's Women in the Workplace Report, we underscore the need for systemic change. Work Resorts and Remote CEOs There are two stories getting heat in the great 'office debate:One: Introducing..."work resorts" where office spaces are designed to be aesthetically pleasing and offer additional layers of hospitality to get folks back to the office. Will it work or is this 2024's answer to the ping pong table?Two: Starbucks and Victoria's Secret welcomed new CEOs who will also be working 'remotely'. Begging the question about fairness of remote work policies, especially when CEOs work remotely while expecting their employees to adhere to in-office requirements. This disparity can create negative optics and affect employee morale.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.Thanks for listening! Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us! On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca. The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to friend@yourworkfriends.com

Duena Blomstrom, co-founder of PeopleNotTech and author of Tech Led Culture, dives into the pressing issue of Human Debt in workplaces. She explains how unfulfilled emotional promises can lead to toxic cultures and disengagement among employees. Highlighting the critical need for emotional intelligence and genuine connections, Duena advocates for cultural shifts in organizations. She emphasizes that fostering psychological safety can boost creativity and productivity, offering actionable insights for creating healthier work environments.

Send us a textWe're back with New Week, New Headlines! Here's what we're talking about this week..Topic #1: Project 2025's Impacts to Workers: unpacks the conservative Project 2025 agenda and its potential ramifications for the Department of Labor and US workers. We tackle the intricate implications of a conservative policy proposal aimed at bolstering American workers and families. This segment raises thought-provoking questions about deregulation, union power, and the elimination of DEI mandates. We highlight specific changes like modifications to overtime pay and the contentious proposal to link time-and-a-half pay to working on the Sabbath, scrutinizing how these shifts could transform the American workplace. Topic #2: There's a Happiness Gap at Work: Mel's talking about the happiness gap and what we can do about it, given Fast Company's article, "There's a Happiness Gap at Work, Here's What We Learned From Leaders in Finland and Denmark - the Happiest Countries in the World". Purpose and trust emerge as central themes in our discussion on workplace dynamics. With a McKinsey report revealing that 70% of employees find their jobs define their sense of purpose, we address the growing gap between executives and frontline workers. Practical tips for leaders to foster purpose and trust are shared, from initiating meaningful dialogues about workplace purpose to ensuring equitable access to high-profile projects. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.Thanks for listening! Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us! On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca. The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to friend@yourworkfriends.com

Send us a textFrom our LIVE event on Fishbowl...Let's talk about...ENVYYou know envy, that little green monster that likes to show up from time-to-time. 🔥 Maybe your co-worker got the promotion you've been waiting for for three years. 🔥 Maybe your college roommate made a billion dollars in tech and your back in your parents basement. 🔥 Or, maybe you find yourself hovering over the delete button of that very important presentation your teammate needs to deliver tomorrow. At work, envy shows itself in a lot of different ways, and we want to talk about. How you can recognize it, how you can manage it, and what to do if you're a victim of someone's jealousy. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.Thanks for listening! Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us! On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca. The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to friend@yourworkfriends.com

Send us a textIn the US, do you have a right to a safe, psychologically safe workplace? Because, right now, there is no legislation protecting employees from toxic work environments. None. Join us for an eye-opening discussion with Deb Falzoi and Vicky Courtemanche, founders of the End Workplace Abuse Initiative. They are spearheading efforts to implement the Workplace Psychological Safety Act in 20 states by 2025, aiming to protect employees from toxic work environments. Learn about their journey from being victims to advocates for change, emphasizing the need for accountability in combating workplace bullying. Gain insights into recognizing and addressing abuse, and discover practical strategies for creating healthier workspaces. Don't miss out on creating a culture of psychological safety at work.Check out: End Workplace Abuse: https://endworkplaceabuse.com/Sign the petition: https://endworkplaceabuse.com/sign-the-petition/Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.Thanks for listening! Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us! On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca. The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to friend@yourworkfriends.com

Send us a textIn this episode, we are talking about Gluttony ...you know gluttony, that feeling of entitlement - to time, resources, office supplies. Maybe you think it is ok to spend 20-minutes of a 30-minute meeting talking about your weekend to your co-workers. Maybe you steal the free snacks before you head home from training.  Or, maybe you find yourself arguing with the same co-worker over resources for equally important projects at work. At work, gluttony shows itself in a lot of different ways, and we want to talk about it. How you can recognize it, how you can manage it, and what to do if you're a victim of someone's appetite for overindulgence. About the "7 Deadly Work Sins" Summer Series You want to know what really messes employees up? Raw human emotions. Listen, we ALL experience them from time to time (we totally have), but if you don't handle them well, man can they be deal breakers. In this series, we break down• The common spectrum of experiences with each 'sin', • We talk about real-life (kinda salacious stories) scenarios (yeah, this stuff happens every day), • How to not ‘commit’ the sin, and• Most importantly, how to deal with a sinnerDisclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.Thanks for listening!Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.Thanks for listening! Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us! On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca. The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to friend@yourworkfriends.com

Send us a textEver wondered how to handle that gaslighter or micromanager in your office? Join us as we explore these challenging workplace dynamics with Dr. Tessa West, a psychology professor at NYU and author of "Jerks at Work." Dr. West shares her journey from the high-end retail world to academia, offering practical advice and engaging anecdotes that illuminate the complex nature of dealing with difficult colleagues. You'll walk away with actionable strategies to not only survive but thrive in your professional environment.We highlight the significant impact of interpersonal relationships on your career, featuring discussions on the importance of nurturing meaningful connections beyond specific job contexts. Dr. West emphasizes how consistent networking can act as a safety net during career disruptions and offers insights into managing negative relationships effectively. Learn how to maintain professional composure, safeguard your reputation, and disengage from toxic colleagues without resorting to harmful tactics.Finally, we dissect the complexities of workplace culture and provide tips for navigating new job dynamics, especially in the first 90 days. Dr. West underscores the importance of gathering comprehensive information to avoid toxic work cultures and stresses the need for transparency and procedural justice in fostering a healthy work environment. Tune in for a compelling episode that not only identifies the jerks in your workplace but also equips you with the tools to excel in any professional setting. Don't forget to stay connected with us on TikTok and LinkedIn at yourworkfriendscom for more engaging content!Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.Thanks for listening! Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us! On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca. The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to friend@yourworkfriends.com

Send us a textThis week, we're talking about...WRATH.Ever wonder 'what the hell is that person's problem? In this episode, we are talking about Wrath ...you know wrath, that fiery feeling that bubbles up in the pit of your stomach and you have to control your face? Maybe you lost it on your co-workers in a stressful meeting and things got awkward. Maybe you thought you were on mute but said 'this is dumb' out loud to 3000 people. Or, maybe you find yourself being the target of fury from a co-worker and you don't know why. At work, wrath shows itself in a lot of different ways, and we want to talk about it. How you can recognize it, how you can manage it, and what to do if you're a victim of someone else directing their rage at you.About the "7 Deadly Work Sins" Summer Series You want to know what really messes employees up? Raw human emotions. Listen, we ALL experience them from time to time (we totally have), but if you don't handle them well, man can they be deal breakers. In this series, we break down• The common spectrum of experiences with each 'sin', • We talk about real-life (kinda salacious stories) scenarios (yeah, this stuff happens every day), • How to not ‘commit’ the sin, and• Most importantly, how to deal with a sinnerDisclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.Thanks for listening! Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us! On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca. The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to friend@yourworkfriends.com