

Fast Company Daily
Fast Company
Stories, tips, and advice on how employees, managers, and businesses are working smarter, all from Fast Company and all in less than five minutes each weekday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 17, 2025 • 9min
How philosophy can help with burnout
Burnout often stems from a lack of meaning in work. Philosophical inquiry can guide employees to rediscover their purpose. Leaders can use reflective questions to clarify success and values. A VP found renewed energy by reframing her career narrative. Another founder shifted focus from vanity metrics to meaningful decisions through philosophy. Practical rituals like assumption audits and Socratic stand-ups can infuse organizations with deeper purpose. Ultimately, asking better questions can redirect colleagues' thinking towards fulfillment.

Dec 16, 2025 • 9min
Three hacks to improve your odds of success
Discover strategies to enhance your chance of success! Learn how compound probabilities can hinder your big goals and why thinking negatively might actually be a smart move. Uncover the power of persistence—more attempts can lead to greater success. Plus, find out why tackling the most uncommon challenges first can save you time and effort. It's all about shifting your mindset to improve your outcomes!

Dec 15, 2025 • 8min
How to be an ally at work without feeling like an imposter
Allies who are men, leaders, younger employees, and people of color were found to more likely to experience the impostor phenomenon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 12, 2025 • 5min
People on TikTok are dragging unlimited PTO
The rise of unlimited vacation policies has sparked a heated debate among workers, with many feeling it's a trap. A TikTok skit highlights how these policies can backfire, causing employees to take less time off. Statistics reveal a significant portion of workers are leaving vacation days unused due to guilt or confusion about their limits. TikTok reactions showcase a mix of resentment and enthusiasm, reflecting the complex feelings surrounding this modern workplace trend. It’s a spirited discussion about work-life balance and the effectiveness of such policies.

Dec 11, 2025 • 8min
The neuroscience of why you’re always feeling behind at work
People think they’re short on hours, but research shows they’re actually trapped in a distorted internal timeline shaped by stress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 10, 2025 • 5min
Your next job interview could be with an AI. Here’s how to nail it
An expert shares the secrets to success Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 9, 2025 • 9min
The difference between genuine authenticity and performed authenticity means everything
Here’s how to get it right. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 8, 2025 • 6min
Why ‘job hugging’ can be worse than quitting
In a cooling labor market, many are opting to cling to unsatisfying jobs, a phenomenon known as 'job hugging.' This choice can lead to anxiety, burnout, and long-term disengagement. Experts discuss how these performative efforts drain energy and harm relationships, creating a cynical work environment. The instinct to seek job security during downturns complicates the situation further. Listeners gain insights into coping strategies, including speaking up and reevaluating their workload, to combat the negative effects of job hugging.

Dec 5, 2025 • 7min
Your company just had layoffs. Can you still ask for a raise?
Navigating raises in a shaky job market can be daunting. Layoffs have heightened anxiety around asking for more pay, making many employees hesitate. Experts discuss why fear persists, especially during economic uncertainty and AI disruptions. It's essential to frame requests thoughtfully, focusing on contributions rather than just money. Workers are encouraged to ask about career growth and alternatives like mental health support instead of monetary increases. Engaging in these conversations can still be fruitful despite challenging times.

Dec 4, 2025 • 6min
Corporations say they prioritize people. So why do so few chief people officers become CEOs?
Only 16 of the CEOs at the 1,000 biggest companies have HR experience. These experts explain why chief people officers are good leaders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


