Happier At Work®

How can you foster a more inclusive and innovative workplace in a polarised world?

In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Bhushan Sethi, a partner at PwC and an adjunct professor at NYU Stern, returns to the podcast. He shares his expert insights on the evolution of workplace trends and challenges, particularly focusing on navigating polarisation, DEI rollbacks, and the impact of AI in the workplace.

Bhushan discusses the persistent uncertainties in today's work environment, highlighting how geopolitical events, technological advancements, and societal issues influence workplace dynamics. He emphasises the importance of open dialogue to foster understanding, innovation, and productivity. Bhushan also shares actionable strategies for maintaining inclusiveness and  leveraging AI responsibly to drive business outcomes.

The main points include:

• Navigating workplace polarisation by fostering open and reasonable dialogue.
• The impact of evolving technology, particularly AI, on organisational change and workforce skills.
• The critical role of clear communication in adapting to return-to-office policies.
• Challenges and opportunities in upskilling and taking a skills-first approach to hiring.
• The societal and business implications of the rollback of DEI initiatives.

Join us as we explore these pressing issues, where Bhushan shares valuable insights on creating a happier and more productive workplace.

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 Bhushan

This is a synopsis of the key points from my conversation with Kelly McDonald.

The main points include:

• The advantages of marketing and selling to people "not like you."
• How an inclusive workplace culture can lead to greater business success.
• The relationship between employee happiness and organisational culture.
• Exploring how diverse thinking drives innovation and business growth.
• Strategies for cultivating a culture where failure is embraced as a learning opportunity.

This episode will help you discover how you can create a happier, more inclusive, and successful work environment.

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 Kelly

Do you want to embrace a growth mindset and curate more diverse perspectives at work?

In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I spoke to Kelly McDonald, a seasoned speaker, author, and consultant. With over two decades of experience, Kelly dives deep into the importance of diverse thinking and a growth mindset in fostering a thriving workplace culture. She shares her journey from a corporate professional favour to becoming a recognised authority on leadership, marketing, and culture, revealing how embracing diversity and inclusion can significantly boost both employee satisfaction and business success.

Kelly sheds light on the essential interplay between customer experience and workplace culture, emphasising the competitive edge that businesses gain by treating their employees and customers right. She also discusses the value of inclusive hiring practices and how organisations can truly thrive by fostering a culture where failure is seen as a pathway to learning.

The main points include:

• The advantages of marketing and selling to people "not like you."
• How an inclusive workplace culture can lead to greater business success.
• The relationship between employee happiness and organisational culture.
• Exploring how diverse thinking drives innovation and business growth.
• Strategies for cultivating a culture where failure is embraced as a learning opportunity.

This episode will help you discover how you can create a happier, more inclusive, and successful work environment.

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 Kelly

This is a synopsis of the key points from my conversation with Matt Shenker, all about managing expectations versus reality when it comes to workplace behaviour and wellbeing.

The main points include:

• The importance of restructuring workplaces to meet the human needs of connection and purpose.
• Understanding the six intrinsic human drives and how they relate to workplace wellbeing.
• The concept of an implementation gap in workplaces, not a knowledge gap.
• The role of leaders in connecting company missions to individual values for greater impact.
• Insights on how AI can organise data to improve workplace systems and processes.
• The significance of recognition in manager-employee relationships to enhance engagement and retention.

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 Matt

How can you identify and meet your employees’ needs and improve wellbeing?

In this enlightening episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I engage in a deep conversation with Matt Shenker, a therapist, behaviour scientist, and innovative leader in workplace transformation. Matt shares his personal journey from struggling with addiction to using behaviour science to revolutionise workplace systems. He delves into how modern workplaces are out of sync with human needs and discusses practical strategies to bridge this gap by focusing on connection, purpose, and a more empowered society.

Matt emphasises the importance of restructuring workplaces to satisfy our core needs for connection and purpose while addressing the gaps in knowledge versus implementation. He explores the six intrinsic human drives and how meeting these needs at work can lead to increased motivation, reduced burnout, and a more fulfilled life. We also covered the critical role of leaders in facilitating environments where individuals can align their personal values with their work, ultimately enhancing well-being and performance.

The main points include:

• The importance of restructuring workplaces to meet the human needs of connection and purpose.
• Understanding the six intrinsic human drives and how they relate to workplace wellbeing.
• The concept of an implementation gap in workplaces, not a knowledge gap.
• The role of leaders in connecting company missions to individual values for greater impact.
• Insights on how AI can organise data to improve workplace systems and processes.
• The significance of recognition in manager-employee relationships to enhance engagement and retention.

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 Matt