Happier At Work: Leadership, Culture, Performance

Are some people at work simply lazy, or is disengagement an organisational issue?In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife dives deep into the controversial topic of "quiet quitting" and whether workplace disengagement is a result of individual laziness or systemic challenges within organisations. Drawing from recent opinion pieces and the launch of the Thriving Talent book, Aoife questions long-held assumptions about employee motivation, ambition, and accountability, exploring how workplace environments, values, and leadership play pivotal roles in shaping people’s willingness to contribute.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:The importance of viewing disengagement as a systemic issue rather than placing blame solely on individuals.The role of recognising and leveraging employees’ strengths to energise performance.The need for regular accountability conversations and clarity of expectations.Related Topics Covered:Life Changes, Feedback at Work, Personal Development Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Related Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 297: Creating Space for Talent to ThriveAbout Happier at Work®Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®.Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald.Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ Mentioned in this episode:Thriving Talent book - out nowBook

In this bonus episode of the The Happier at Work Podcast, host Aoife O’Brien reflects on her recent conversation with Leanne Elliott, unravelling the growing sense of overwhelm affecting both individuals and organisations. Together, Aoife and Leanne explored practical ways to reduce stress, foster genuine connections, and build psychological safety at work, all while linking these priorities to commercial success and organisational values. Here are the key takeaways:How to manage overwhelm at work The impact of organisational culture and psychological safety Simple strategies for building healthy team relationships and fostering civilityThe role of job crafting, understanding strengths, and the importance of recovery activities The effect of AI and technology on workplace wellbeingPractical steps for leaders to create thriving, high-performing teams and set boundaries that work Why understanding your own workplace "vitals" leads to fulfillment and happiness at work Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Leanne Elliott | Chartered Psychologist & Podcast Host:PodcastLinkedInRelated Episodes You’ll Love:234: From Overwhelm to Intentional Fulfillment with Cherylanne SkolnickiAbout Happier at WorkHappier at Work is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work.Join Aoife O’Brien for weekly insights on leadership, workplace culture, career clarity, imposter syndrome, and creating work that works for you.Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald.Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ Mentioned in this episode:Thriving Talent book - out nowBook

Are you struggling with overwhelm at work and wondering how to create a thriving, positive environment?In this episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife sits down with Leanne Elliott, occupational psychologist and host of Truth, Lies and Work, to unravel the growing sense of overwhelm affecting both individuals and organisations. Together, they explore practical ways to reduce stress, foster genuine connections, and build psychological safety at work, all while linking these priorities to commercial success and organisational values. The conversation covers actionable strategies to address overwhelm from both individual and leadership perspectives, and highlights the importance of rest, recovery, civility, and creating conditions where people can truly thrive.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:How practical communication strategies, like honest conversations about preferred message formats, can reduce stress and nurture relationships.Why civility is essential for team happiness and a positive workplace culture.The key recovery activities that are essential for preventing burnout at work.The role of AI in both driving burnout but also creating opportunity.Related Topics Covered:Strengths at Work, Burnout, Workplace Expectations Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Leanne Elliott | Chartered Psychologist & Podcast Host:PodcastLinkedInRelated Episodes You’ll Love:234: From Overwhelm to Intentional Fulfillment with Cherylanne SkolnickiAbout Happier at Work®Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®.Join Aoife O’Brien for weekly insights on leadership, workplace culture, career clarity, imposter syndrome, and creating work that works for you.Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald.Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Are you struggling to balance resilience with realistic workplace expectations?In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien takes a deep dive into the concept of resilience at work. Challenging the traditional view that resilience is purely an individual trait, Aoife explores the systemic factors that shape our need for resilience, and makes a compelling case for addressing both personal practices and organisational structures. Through personal stories, frameworks from her book "Thriving Talent," and live audience reflections, Aoife highlights the importance of psychological safety, values alignment, and sustainable workplace cultures.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:The pitfalls of treating resilience as only an individual responsibility.How organisational culture, values alignment, and psychological safety affect resilience and well-being.The necessity of open dialogue about workload.Related Topics Covered:Self Care, Burnout, Psychological Safety Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Related Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 297: Creating Space for Talent to ThriveEpisode 258: How to be More Resilient with MH PelletierAbout Happier at Work®Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®.Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald.Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ Mentioned in this episode:Thriving Talent book - out nowBook

How can leaders and organisations create truly thriving and happier workplaces in today’s ever-changing world?In this milestone 300th episode of the Happier at Work podcast, recorded live at PwC in New York, host Aoife O’ Brien swaps seats and answers insightful questions from Bhushan Sethi about her new book, “Thriving Talent.” Together, Aoife and Bhushan dig into practical ways individuals and organisations can drive performance, foster well-being, and build resilient cultures where both people and business results thrive, even amid global disruption, generational shifts, and the rise of AI.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:The importance of setting clear expectations and frequent feedback for performance and well-beingWhy thriving workplaces benefit both people and the bottom line, supported by research showing significant gains in profitability, engagement, and retentionThe difference between “being nice” and true kindness as a leadership strengthUnderstanding the cost of turnover and the business case for investing in peopleRelated Topics Covered:Cost & Turnover, Transparency at Work, Thriving Talent Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Bhushan Sethi | Partner at PwC:TikTokLinkedInWebsiteTwitterRelated Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 50: Bhushan Sethi on the Future of WorkEpisode 150: Navigating the New Business Landscape with Bhushan SethiEpisode 200: Reskilling Diversity and Building a Happier Workplace with Bhushan SethiBonus Episode: Bhushan Sethi on Building a Happier WorkplaceAbout Happier at Work®Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®.Join Aoife O’Brien for weekly insights on leadership, workplace culture, career clarity, imposter syndrome, and creating work that works for you.Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald.Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ Mentioned in this episode:Thriving Talent book - out nowBook