Happier At Work®

This week, Aoife is serving up a challenging and thought-provoking solo episode focused on talent management, inspired by a college lecture-discussion she took part in a couple of years ago. In this episode, Aoife explores organisational performance and the measurements of talent in the workplace, unlocking our fullest potential and excelling in our career, and probes the question; is everyone good at something? The main points covered include: - The bell curve: measuring employee performance.- Favourable treatment and equality at work. - Unlocking your key strengths and finding your career purpose.- The importance of giving people the chance to excel. - The damages a lack of employee recognition can cause. - The concept of the Peter principle. - Bluffing your way in business. - How to identify your strengths and potential. - Managing high performers and underperformers. 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:Listen back: Aoife O’Brien live on Newstalk discussing Imposter Syndrome. https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts//imposter-syndrome-in-the-workplace Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien: https://www.happieratwork.iehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrienhttps://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQhttps://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.iehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast

Did you know there is a parallel link between human psychology and animal behaviour? Here to break it down for us is this week's special guest Beth Anstandig who will be discussing the animal within and awakening our natural leadership. Beth is a licensed psychotherapist, lifelong cowgirl and author with over 25 years of experience working with human herds offering leadership, corporate culture and well-being programs through The Circle Up Experience. Get ready for a truly fascinating discussion as Beth unleashes our mammal instincts, explains the heart of psychological safety, explores supportive leadership and how to embrace collaboration in a remote world and much more. Key points throughout the discussion include: - An introduction to Beth Anstandig.- Transforming a team into a community. - Activating autopilot and ignoring our body's needs.- Is psychological needs the same as physical needs?- Overcoming conflict at work. - The culture of you and how to avoid wasted energy. - Questioning your purpose and the self-care crisis. - How to prevent group communication gaps. - Unlocking the power of self-awareness.- The impact of lack of workplace humanity and connection.- An introduction to the thought partnership: how to ignite collaboration. - The dangers of assumptions in the workplace. - Removing the shame from role modelling and teaching in the workplace. - Leadership: how can we lead ourselves effectively? - What Happier at Work means to Beth.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:The Human Herd: Awakening Our Natural Leadership by Beth Anstandighttps://www.thecircleupexperience.com/thehumanherdbook/ Connect with Beth Anstandig:https://www.thecircleupexperience.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thecircleupexperience/https://www.instagram.com/thecircleupexperience/https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanstandig992861132/%C2%A0Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O'Brien: https://www.happieratwork.iehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrienhttps://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQhttps://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.iehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast

This week’s solo episode focuses on the rising concept of toxic productivity and the busyness badge of honour. We can all strive to be productive, but do we recognise the detrimental impact of busyness on our mental health and bodies, and is it a badge of honour worth wearing? In this episode, Aoife discusses the link between busyness and success, the need for setting personal boundaries and the importance of self-reviewing to reflect and identify where time is being spent in order to create a more manageable workload. The main points covered in the discussion include:- The impact of toxic productivity and the busyness badge of honour.- The link between busyness and success. - Time management and self-evaluation: where is your time being spent?- Conducting business meetings: are they necessary? - Are you doing the right work?- The importance of setting self boundaries and goals. - Reactive VS proactive behaviour. - The blurred line between work and home. - The danger of unclear work objectives.- Managing perfectionism and imposter syndrome. - Is your overwhelming workload a form of escapism?- Getting a handle on your work routine. - The rise of stress and work burnout. 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.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrienhttps://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQhttps://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.iehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcastResources: Recent Irish Times feature with Aoife O’Brien: https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/toxic-productivity-has-become-a-hazard-to-our-health-1.4852917Happier at Work playback episodes: https://happieratwork.ie/82-creating-a-better-workday-with-niamh-brady/https://happieratwork.ie/happier-at-work-81-setting-boundaries-at-work-with-aoife-obrien/

‘’We're fighting in this war of talent. Google are coming in and knocking on the door of our people, Microsoft and Amazon too. We're losing our people to huge organisations and I don't have the weapons to keep them but I do have one great weapon, which is belonging.’’ – Stephanie Brady. Welcome back to Happier at Work. This week, Aoife is delighted to be joined by HR expert and enthusiast Stephanie Brady. Stephanie is an experienced HR leader with seven years of experience steering the HR agenda in Retail inMotion (IT/ Retail/ Aviation). But that’s not all; Stephanie also runs StephBe – a safe haven where she shares her passion and ideas, and helps people transform their lives and businesses through her coaching services. For Stephanie, when it comes to self-development and tapping into self-potential – the sky’s the limit! In this episode, Aoife and Stephanie discuss belonging: the secret weapon of business, how Covid-19 shook the travel industry overnight, Stephanie’s fertitlity journey, supportive work environments and so much more. The main points throughout include: - An introduction to Stephanie Brady.- Breaking into a new industry. - The concept of belonging in the workplace. - War for talent and employee retention. - Supportive and family-like organisations. - How to maintain company culture in a hybrid/remote working world.- Dealing with imposter syndrome and the sense of not belonging at work.- Allowing time to adapt and settle into a new working environment. - Importance of aligning personal core values and work values. - Handling hardship and challenges at work. - Stephanie’s personal fertility treatment journey.- The power of kindness at work. - The benefit of setting clear expectations and having honest conversations. - What Happier at Work means to Stephanie.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 Stephanie Brady:http://stephbe.ie/https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-brady-7b852022/https://www.instagram.com/stephbe.ie Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien: https://www.happieratwork.iehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrienhttps://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQhttps://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.iehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast

‘’People will leave managers rather than leaving organisations because the managers are the touchpoint for individuals within the organisation, especially now with most people working remotely or in a hybrid situation.’’ – Aoife O’Brien. Welcome back to Happier at Work! This week’s solo episode is inspired by a statistic that Aoife recently came across on LinkedIn, stating that only 28% of organisations have any leadership development programs in place. With the revelation of this shockingly low statistic, Aoife is dedicating this episode to discussing why investment in leadership development is vital and shares thoughts and actions on what companies should be doing to enhance their leadership training to encourage the organisation’s performance. Throughout the discussion, Aoife shares personal experiences throughout her professional journey of receiving development investment at the perfect timing, working with undertrained and inexperienced managers, and receiving delayed managerial training. The main points covered include:- Why employee development should not be overlooked. - The negative impacts of a bad manager. - Striking the right time for career development training. - Understanding your role and setting clear expectations for employees. - How to deliver effective feedback.- Introducing accountability and responsibility at work. - How organisations can support managers.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.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrienhttps://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQhttps://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.iehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast

‘I always say if you don't have a plan yourself, you will become part of somebody else's.’’ – Katrin Sturm. Welcome back to Happier at Work. This week, Aoife is delighted to welcome German-born, Dublin based renowned personal growth mentor, CEO and founder of Scale & Shine, Katrin Sturm. Katrin is passionate and devoted to empowering female leaders to reach new career heights in male-dominated industries and helps organisations close the gender gap through the incredible work of her business. So many avenues get explored in this jam-packed session with many golden nuggets peppered throughout. Aoife and Katrin discuss how the time to scale & shine is now, unconscious bias, gender stereotype language in the workplace, your own definition of success, and so much more. The main points throughout include: - An introduction to Katrin Sturm.- Transitioning into a managerial role. - The link between career progression and loneliness. - Supporting women in business and bridging the gap of workplace gender bias. - The power of mindset and the impact of imposter syndrome on businesswomen. - Understanding what drives and motivates employees. - Do women need additional or different support to men? - The importance of self-reflection and identifying your definition of success.- Understanding and aligning your value systems. - Relocating for work: would you consider it? - Katrin’s advice for achieving professional growth. - The benefits of business coaching and mentoring. - Unlocking self-appreciation: why we must be kinder to ourselves and acknowledge our wins.- Don’t hold back asking for what you want at work. - What Happier at Work means to Katrin.Listen out as Katrin also reveals exciting details of Scale & Shine’s forthcoming Leadership Circle programme, a 6-month mastermind and accountability programme to help you become the best possible leader in a male-dominated industry. ‘’You should not compare yourself with others. The only person you should compare yourself with is the one you were yesterday.’’ – Katrin Sturm.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 Katrin Sturm:https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinsturm https://www.scaleandshine.io/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/scaleandshine/ https://www.instagram.com/scaleandshine/ Join the Leadership Circle – a virtual 6-month mastermind & accountability programme: https://www.scaleandshine.io/leadership-circle Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien: https://www.happieratwork.iehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrienhttps://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQhttps://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.iehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcastResources: Listen back: Happier at Work EP 77 – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and igniting empowermenthttps://happieratwork.ie/overcoming-imposter-syndrome-igniting-empowerment

Welcome back to Happier at Work! To celebrate the recent milestone of reaching 100 episodes, Aoife has put together a selection of unique episodes. For today’s solo special, Aoife opened the floor to the listeners for any questions or topics of interest that they wished to get covered. Today’s episode will be focused on maintaining employee satisfaction during the great reshuffle as a brilliant question came in from an anonymous listener wondering how to manage an ambitious team when there are limited opportunities for career progression during these challenging times of change. Aoife will discuss the key to motivating employees and sustaining employee engagement, the power of open communication in the workplace and will share prevention techniques for employee turnover so you can retain your top talent. Key points covered include: - Work progression: are you ready to move into management? - The importance of understanding employee motivation. - Introducing opportunities for lateral moves in the workplace.- Effectively increasing responsibility at work. - Allowing time to assess career moves. - Are your employee’s satisfaction needs being met? - The value of open communication within your team.- How to encourage employee autonomy at work. THE LISTENERS SAY:Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion, or have a burning question that you would love to ask? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien: https://www.happieratwork.iehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrienhttps://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQhttps://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.iehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast

"I've actually never come across an organisation that doesn't value and doesn't require the skill of problem-solving." – Irial O'Farrell. Returning to the podcast this week is special guest Irial O'Farrell. Last July, Irial joined Aoife on the podcast to discuss The Values of Business. If you missed that in-depth discussion, fear not, as you can listen back here. This week, Irial returns to discuss the topic of the manager's dilemma to celebrate the release of her third and latest book. Throughout the episode, Irial explores the managerial mindset and differentiates between a manager VS an expert. Irial also uncovers problem-solving techniques and why we should focus on performance development rather than performance management. Listeners will also learn valuable tips on how to work smarter! Key points throughout the discussion include:- The concept of the manager's dilemma. - The difference between managers -VS- experts. - How role dimensions can enhance clarity in the workplace. - The benefits of mapping management processes.- What is leading to the great resignation? - Managing complexity in the workplace.- Imposter syndrome: feeling out of depth at work. - Why performance development is vital for business success. - Onboarding junior staff and connecting employees with the organisation. - How effective time management can vastly improve your work routine. - The rules of escalation at work. - A sample of questions every manager should be asking. - What happiness at work means for Irial. Connect with Irial O'Farrell:http://www.evolutionconsulting.ie/http://www.linkedin.com/in/irialofarrell/http://www.facebook.com/irialofarrellbookshttp://www.instagram.com/irialofarrellbooks/ http://www.twitter.com/evolution_aryIrial O'Farrell's books: https://www.evolutionconsulting.ie/product/the-managers-dilemma/ Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O'Brien: http://www.happieratwork.iehttp://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrienhttp://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQhttp://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.iehttp://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast

"Corporate culture matters. How management chooses to treat its people impacts everything for better or for worse." – Simon Sinek. Welcome back to Happier at Work! Did you know that today marks Workplace Wellbeing Day? To celebrate, Aoife will be dedicating this solo episode to releasing the top-line results from a survey she carried out last year amidst the global pandemic focusing on well-being at work. If you wish to gain access to the full survey findings, don't hesitate to get in touch with Aoife directly via her website - https://happieratwork.ie/contactIn today's episode, Aoife will discuss why it's time to prioritise well-being at work, the business impacts of Covid-19 and unpacks the challenges the pandemic brought to the surface for businesses and remote workers across the globe. Aoife kicks off the discussion by revealing startling statistics on mental health in the workplace and explores employee concerns about the future of work. Key points throughout include: - Workplace challenges during COVID-19. - The struggles with working remotely: social isolation, communication and workplace boundaries.- Unlocking work-life harmony. - The rise of job insecurity. - Striving for career fulfilment. - A loss of productivity at work. - The struggle of maintaining company culture in a remote world. - The transition of returning to work. - The key to employee retention. - Concerns with career advancement. 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.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrienhttps://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQhttps://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.iehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast

‘’You can never please everybody, but you can listen to everybody. And you can say, I hear you, and this is what we can do.’’ – Sarah Courtney. Welcome back to Happier at Work, you asked for it, and Aoife listened! Listeners have requested today’s topic of re-entering the working world, which Aoife has been excited to cover for some time now. This jam-packed episode features special guest Sarah Courtney from Sarah Courtney Coaching. Sarah is a mum first, a coach second and a champion of supporting parents who wish to work in an inclusive, family-friendly workforce. Much ground gets covered within this episode as Sarah and Aoife discuss returning to work after a leave of absence and unpack how businesses can support their staff through times of massive transition, not just for mothers and fathers but for anyone who has taken a substantial career break. The main points throughout the episode include: - An introduction to Sarah Courtney. - Transitioning back into the workplace. - Feeding the gender pay gap issues.- The importance of senior role models in an organisation. - Making choices: professional identity -VS- personal identity. - Why living policies at work are essential. - How any size business can create a family-friendly workplace culture.- Tackling difficult conversations and managing conflict at work. - How to identify and meet your needs.- The benefits of open communication at work. - The art of leading and listening: how to make your employees feel heard. - The reality of positive returns to work. - How transitioning into parenthood welcomes new skills and growth. - Breaking the narrative of mommy guilt. - What makes Sarah happier at work.‘’Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.’’ – Maya Angelou. 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 Sarah Courtney:https://sarahcourtneycoaching.ie/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-courtney https://www.instagram.com/sarahcourtneycoaching/ Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien: https://www.happieratwork.iehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrienhttps://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQhttps://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.iehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcastResources: Book: Shorter: Work Better, Smarter and Less by Alex Soojung-Kim Panghttps://www.amazon.com/Shorter-Work-Better-Smarter Listen back: Happier at Work episode with Bettina Arnafjall: https://happieratwork.ie/10-bettina-arnafjall-from-womens-career-lift/ Book: Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez https://carolinecriadoperez.com/book/invisible-women/DCU research:https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/abs/10.1287/orsc.2021.1508 https://hbr.org/2018/09/how-companies-can-ensure-maternity-leave-doesnt-hurt-womens-careers