Happier At Work®

Are you hesitant to showcase your accomplishments? Join the conversation as we delve into the intricate world of self-promotion, with a particular focus on the challenges faced by women. Nicola sheds light on the biases and barriers that often undermine women's confidence in highlighting their achievements. Aoife and Nicola share personal experiences and discuss the societal expectations and cultural norms that contribute to this phenomenon.Furthermore, Aoife and Nicola offer practical strategies to empower women to overcome these obstacles and thrive professionally. They emphasise the importance of leveraging platforms like LinkedIn to amplify one's voice and build a strong personal brand. By embracing self-promotion and owning their successes, women can break through the glass ceiling and pave the way for gender equality in the workplace.This discussion serves as a call to action, urging individuals to recognize the significance of self-promotion not only for personal growth but also for achieving a more inclusive and equitable society. Together, we can challenge the existing narratives and create a supportive environment where women feel empowered to celebrate their accomplishments and contribute to their fullest potential. Further points throughout include: - Self-promotion creates opportunities and connections.- Self-promotion is confidently expressing your unique perspective.- Own your achievements and let your authentic self shine.- Self-promotion celebrates your journey and invites others to join.- Recognize and embrace your worth without self-effacement.- Overcome fear and share your unique gifts with the world.- Self-promotion empowers you to make a positive impact.- Embrace self-promotion as an act of self-love and inspiration.“I think self-compassion is quite a loaded word in terms of females … because we have been traditionally taught to put other people first, and then if we put ourselves first, put our own needs first. It's kinda seen as selfish or we feel that it's selfish. And so then when it comes to self-compassion, it doesn't sit quite naturally with us and it's really about changing your perspective around that insofar as if you want to have a self-compassionate nature to others, you must. Have it to you first. It's not selfish. It's not about complacency either. In fact, it's actually coming from a place where you're acknowledging that things are okay. You don't always have to be the best at everything.”THE LISTENERS SAY:Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you!Connect with Nicola McGuinness:Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolamcguinness/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/nicolamcguinnesscoachingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/nicolamcguinnesscoaching/Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:https://happieratwork.iehttps://www.impostersyndrome.ie/Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrienTwitter - https://twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQInst - https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/happieratwork.ieYoutube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm0FKS19I5qSlFFmkx1YGqA

In this week’s Happier at Work podcast episode, Aoife O'Brien chats with Fania Stoney, Business Development Strategist with Great Place to Work. They explore a range of topics relating to the future of work: the challenges faced by entry-level employees in remote work settings, including the lack of cues and guidance needed to navigate the workplace effectively, the growing concern of isolation and the need for organisations to bring people together and create opportunities for collaboration. The main points throughout this podcast include: ● Job crafting: how to create a career you love● The importance of listening to your employees● The future of work is now and how to get remote/ hybrid right● Employer branding and the importance of stories● How to help women succeed at work● Menopause at work and the introduction of the Menopause Friendly Workplace Award“Any organisation can create a great culture. I truly believe that and sometimes it's about making what you're already doing explicit and sometimes it's about making those tweaks that can really kind of drive that overall experience. Always focusing on the three Cs. So communication, connection, and career. And that's gonna look different in lots of different organisations, and it's gonna look different for different people."Connect with Fania: Email - fania.stoney@greatplacetowork.com LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/fania-stoney/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/faniastoney/ GPTW Website - https://www.greatplacetowork.ie Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you! Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien: https://happieratwork.iehttps://www.impostersyndrome.ie/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ Inst - https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/happieratwork.ie YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm0FKS19I5qSlFFmkx1YGqA

Are you ready to seize control of your path to success? In this empowering podcast episode, Simon Alexander Ong shares valuable insights on the importance of directing your attention towards what you can control and taking small steps forward. Discover how embracing a bias towards action, even without waiting for confidence or motivation, can cultivate the momentum and confidence you need to thrive. By making intentional choices and aligning your behaviours with your desired identity, you can overcome overthinking, eliminate self-sabotage, and propel yourself towards exponential growth.Simon emphasises the significance of creating a supportive and appreciative work environment where you can authentically express yourself and find joy in your endeavours. Learn how making conscious choices and understanding the power of choice can transform your work experience and lead to a happier, more fulfilling professional journey. Take that first courageous step towards the life you envision and unlock the keys to success and happiness at work.The main points throughout this podcast include: - Overcome challenges and achieve goals by focusing on what you can control.- Take small action steps to develop confidence and create momentum.- Align your work and life with your authentic self.- Make conscious choices that align with your values, passions, and strengths.- Break free from overthinking and paralysing doubts.- Embrace your potential and unleash your true self.- Success is a continuous journey, not a destination.- Choose to respond and take control of your life.- Start making progress towards the life you desire“The way to make the progress you want and not to let them defeat you, it's to focus on what you can control. However small, and there is always something that you can control. What actually happens is that many of us focus on the things we cannot control. And when you spend too much time and energy, focus on the things that you cannot control.”Listen back: https://happieratwork.ie/happier-at-work-74-the-values-of-business-with-irial-ofarrell/https://happieratwork.ie/120-the-journey-to-self-mastery-and-success-with-sharath-jeevan/ Connect with Simon:Energize book - https://getenergizebook.com/Energize 30 day audio program - https://www.simonalexanderong.com/energize-audio-course/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonalexanderongInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/simonalexandero/Twitter - https://twitter.com/SimonAlexanderOYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/simonongWeb - https://www.simonalexanderong.com/ Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you! Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien: https://happieratwork.ie https://www.impostersyndrome.ie/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/Twitter - https://twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ Inst - https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/happieratwork.ie YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm0FKS19I5qSlFFmkx1YGqA

Can entrepreneurship truly lead to freedom, success, and overcoming challenges? In this podcast episode, Aoife addresses the topic of entrepreneurship and shares her own journey as an entrepreneur. She highlights the reasons why many people consider starting their own businesses, such as the desire for freedom, flexibility, and the challenges of reaching the top in traditional corporate hierarchies. The host emphasizes the importance of finding a compelling "why" behind entrepreneurship and caring deeply about the opportunity.The podcast also explores the realities of being an entrepreneur, including the need to market and sell oneself, the challenges of securing clients and dealing with rejection, and the importance of setting clear boundaries and managing work-life balance. The issue of money and pricing is discussed, with the recognition that determining pricing can be challenging and that steady income is not guaranteed. The podcast concludes by encouraging listeners to consider key considerations and factors when pursuing entrepreneurship.The main points throughout this podcast include: - Reasons for considering entrepreneurship: freedom, flexibility, and challenging traditional corporate hierarchies- Importance of finding a compelling "why" behind entrepreneurship- Realities of being an entrepreneur: marketing and selling, securing clients, dealing with rejection- Setting boundaries and managing work-life balance- Challenges of determining pricing and uncertainty of steady income- Encouragement to consider key factors before pursuing entrepreneurship”I wasn't intending to set up my own business at all. I wasn't intending to be an entrepreneur, but I got into it because I saw that there was an opportunity and it was something I really cared deeply about. And I think oftentimes when people set up in business, it's because they see an opportunity and they care about something deeply.” Listen back: https://happieratwork.ie/101-the-squiggly-road-to-happier-at-work-with-aoife-obrien-cathal-quinlan/Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you! Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien: https://happieratwork.ie https://www.impostersyndrome.ie/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/?originalSubdomain=ie Twitter - https://twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ Inst - https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/happieratwork.ie YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm0FKS19I5qSlFFmkx1YGqA

How can organizations foster a culture of compassionate accountability? In a captivating conversation with Nate Regier, the CEO and founding owner of Next Element Consulting, the concept of compassionate accountability is explored. Nate emphasizes the significance of finding and retaining exceptional talent within organizations. He suggests that recruitment should focus not only on resumes but also on identifying individuals who possess a compassionate mindset. Moreover, he highlights the importance of fostering a quality culture and effective leadership to ensure employee satisfaction and retention. Nate delves into the idea of compassionate accountability, emphasizing the need for organizations to treat employees as valuable, capable, and responsible. He discusses the development of leadership competencies that align with what top performers desire, emphasizing the importance of values, capabilities, and responsibility. Nate also highlights the need for compassion and accountability beyond organizational boundaries. He notes that these traits are vital for addressing societal challenges, such as politics, climate change, and restorative justice. The main points throughout this podcast include: - Compassionate accountability involves valuing and respecting others while holding them responsible. - Self-awareness, effective communication, and leadership are crucial for cultivating a culture of compassionate accountability. - Recruitment for compassion involves finding individuals who already possess the compassion mindset and teaching it to those who may not have it initially. - Retention of talent is influenced by the quality of organizational culture and leadership. - Compassionate accountability is relevant not only within organizations but also in addressing broader societal issues. - Being happier at work means treating oneself and others as valuable, capable, and responsible. “Never before in our history of the world has the need for compassion and accountability been greater. Not only is it the key to thriving organizations during turbulent times, think about what's going on in politics, climate change. Restorative justice inclusion. These are big issues that are unfortunately dividing... when we really should be applying compassionate accountability.” Listen back: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4NpcfD0XU9CBNjYLVnAdeW Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you! Connect with Nate: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nateregier/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/NextNate Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NextElement/ Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien: https://happieratwork.ie https://www.impostersyndrome.ie/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/?originalSubdomain=ie Twitter - https://twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ Inst - https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/happieratwork.ie YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm0FKS19I5qSlFFmkx1YGqA

How can organizations effectively communicate their strategies to ensure that employees not only receive the information but also understand it, take action, and feel inspired to contribute towards achieving the organisation's goals? In this enlightening podcast episode, Joanna Parsons is a multi-award-winning internal communications leader, discusses the importance of effective communication strategies in the workplace. Academically trained as a sociologist, Joanna brings her expertise in human behaviour and research into the world of internal communications and she delves into the significance of understanding a company's business goals and objectives when developing a communication strategy and emphasizes the need to align communication efforts with broader business objectives, such as increasing market share, driving sales, and enhancing customer satisfaction. The main points throughout this podcast include: - Build a communication strategy aligned with business objectives. - Effective communication goes beyond distribution; it requires understanding and action.- Transform strategy into a compelling story for engagement and motivation. - Autonomy, mastery, and purpose contribute to happiness at work. "At the base level, everyone wants autonomy, mastery, and purpose in their work. When individuals have the opportunity to make their own decisions, develop their skills, and contribute towards something meaningful, it greatly enhances their job satisfaction." Listen back: https://happieratwork.ie/happier-at-work-74-the-values-of-business-with-irial-ofarrell/ https://happieratwork.ie/79-unlocking-true-happiness-at-work-with-aoife-obrien/ Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you!Connect with Joanna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannaparsons/ Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien: https://happieratwork.ie https://www.impostersyndrome.ie/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien Twitter - https://twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ Inst - https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/happieratwork.ie YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm0FKS19I5qSlFFmkx1YGqA

Are you looking to reduce the amount of time you spend at work while maintaining productivity? In this episode, Aoife discusses work-time reduction strategies that enhance productivity and promote work-life balance with her guest Joe O’Connor, the director and co-founder of the Work Time Reduction, Center of Excellence, in Toronto Canada. They explore the concept of Parkinson's Law and the importance of optimizing time as a limited resource. Discover the significance of building a culture of trust and involving employees in decision-making processes. Learn about job redesign, technology automation, and reevaluating the necessity of meetings. Understand the crucial role of leaders in monitoring progress, setting clear expectations, and managing distractions. Delve into the benefits of AI and alternative billing structures. Discover how work-time reduction fosters sustainability, prevents burnout, and improves overall well-being. Join us for a transformative discussion on optimizing productivity and achieving a healthier work-life balance. Further points throughout include: - Parkinson's Law: Time expands to fill the work allotted. - Success in Less Time: Counterintuitively, successful individuals focus on time as a scarce resource and streamline processes- Positive Tension and Inefficiencies: Implementing a four-day workweek can surface existing organizational inefficiencies. - Cultivating the Right Culture: Leadership buy-in, trust, and employee involvement are crucial for work-time reduction to succeed.- Process Failures vs. Other Factors: Failed work-time reduction initiatives are often due to process and system failures rather than inherent flaws in the concept. - Achieving More with Less: How to achieve the same level of output with reduced inputs, emphasizing the importance of optimizing workflows. - The Pareto Principle: Understanding that 80% of work can be achieved 20% of the time- Automation and Mindful Tech Use: AI and automation can provide significant efficiencies - Agency Work and Alternative Billing: Agency-type work billed by the hour may face challenges in transitioning to project-based or quality-based billing structures. "The Pareto principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, highlights that 80% of work can be achieved in 20% of the time. Embracing discomfort and setting clear boundaries helps optimize efficiency and expectations." - Joe O’Connor Listen back: https://happieratwork.ie/7-andrew-barnes-from-4-day-week/ https://happieratwork.ie/34-andrew-barnes-charlotte-lockhart-from-4-day-week-5/ https://happieratwork.ie/happier-at-work-51-lasse-rheingans-on-the-5-hour-work-day/ Connect with Joe O’Connor: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeoconnor990/ Website: https://worktimereduction.com/ Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien: https://happieratwork.ie https://www.impostersyndrome.ie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happieratwork.ie YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm0FKS19I5qSlFFmkx1YGqA

Have you ever experienced the mismatch between what senior leaders think about employee well-being and what employees actually feel? On this latest solo episode of Happier at Work, Aoife discusses the importance of well-being at work and how to better influence senior leadership, with data to back it up. Get ready to learn how to create a happier workplace with Aoife's valuable framework and discover what it takes to ensure your team is adequately staffed and set clear boundaries between work and home life. Plus, learn the key to providing regular feedback and recognition within the workplace. Further points throughout include: - Well-being at work: why it matters and the implications of ill-being at work- The role of well-being in talent recruitment and retention- The cost of disengaged and underperforming employees - Addressing wellness obstacles: The C-Suite mismatch of well-being in the workplace - Are you optimising your organisational data? - An insight into the Happier at Work framework - Workplace authenticity: are leaders transparent about their struggles?- How employee recognition can empower your workforce- The importance of communicating and committing to your boundaries "There is a mismatch between what C suite executives think employee well-being is versus how they're supporting it, or what employees are saying when it comes to their well-being. On the one hand, C suite executives think they're doing a great job of employee well-being, but employees are not saying that same thing." – Aoife O'Brien.Resources:Deloitte research findings: Employee Wellness in the Corporate Workplace https://www2.deloitte.com/xe/en/insights/topics/leadership/employee-wellness-in-the-corporate-workplace.html Listen back: From Burnout to Bliss with Lesley Cooper https://happieratwork.ie/147-from-burnout-to-bliss-building-a-culture-of-well-being-with-lesley-cooper/ THE LISTENERS SAY:Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you! Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O'Brien: https://www.happieratwork.iehttps://www.impostersyndrome.ie https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrienhttps://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQhttps://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.iehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast

As managers, it's our job to create an environment that fosters a sense of belonging, motivation, and development among our team. But with the ever-changing workplace, how can we ensure we always have productive, meaningful conversations with our employees?Anna Rasmussen, CEO and founder of OpenBlend, shares her expertise in creating a positive work environment by having structured conversations around well-being, motivation, development, feedback, and performance. Anna emphasises the importance of a sense of belonging at work, where employees feel aligned with company culture, part of a team, and valued as individuals. Anna also provides practical advice on how managers can create clarity and transparency for their employees to understand their contribution to the bigger picture, providing feedback on their performance to foster growth and development. Further key points throughout include: - An introduction to Anna Rasmussen and the OpenBlend framework- The importance of structured performance management conversations and employee-led agendas - Belonging at work and supporting well-being in the workplace - Why creating safe environments for open and honest conversation matters- Workplace clarifications: managing and communicating expectations - What factors can motivate employees in an organisation?- What being Happier at Work means to Anna"69% of managers are uncomfortable communicating with their employees, which is terrifying. And only 14% of employees feel comfortable talking to their manager about stresses that they're feeling. So you can see the problem regarding well-being: managers don't feel comfortable talking, and individuals don't feel comfortable talking to their managers. But yet 85% of managers say that the well-being of their employees is their responsibility." – Anna Rasmussen THE LISTENERS SAY:Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you! Connect with Anna Rasmussen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rasmussenanna/ https://www.openblend.com/ Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O'Brien: https://www.happieratwork.iehttps://www.impostersyndrome.ie https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrienhttps://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQhttps://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.iehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast

Are businesses investing enough in their people? Happiness and well-being at work aren't a one-size-fits-all approach. It requires a systemic approach that puts people first and gives them the power to choose! Joining Aoife to explore how companies can create a happier workplace is Ally Fekaiki, the CEO of Juno, a global platform offering a complete well-being solution for employees. Ally delves into the importance of investing in employee well-being as a crucial focus for businesses worldwide. Ally also discusses the future of remote work and the importance of need satisfaction in creating a supportive and empowering work environment. So if you want to foster a positive workplace culture, this episode is a must-listen! Further key points throughout include: - An introduction to Ally Fekaiki - The system of well-being - The importance of putting yourself and your needs first - The role of need satisfaction in the workplace- Is delayed gratification impacting your work? - The challenge of becoming comfortable being uncomfortable - How systems and policies can help you strike an idyllic work-life balance - The pursuit of pleasure: find your sparks of joy every day - How to drive support and empowerment in the workplace "People have a very innate need to be autonomous and to feel like they have free will. So, when you have this kind of two squares, no hole whatsoever, this bashing against each other of individuality, you're not really going to get anywhere." – Ally Fekaiki THE LISTENERS SAY:Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you! Resources: Book: The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene https://www.amazon.com/Laws-Human-Nature-Robert-Greene/dp/0525428143 Episode playback: Unlocking True Happiness at Work with Aoife O'Brienhttps://happieratwork.ie/79-unlocking-true-happiness-at-work-with-aoife-obrien/ Connect with Ally Fekaiki: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allyfekaiki/ https://www.withjuno.com/ Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O'Brien: https://www.happieratwork.iehttps://www.impostersyndrome.ie https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrienhttps://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQhttps://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.iehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast