Why Companies Keep Inventing Work That Isn't Worth Doing | Wankernomics

From endless meetings and meaningless corporate jargon to mission statements, values workshops and post-it note exercises, Charles and James have spent years observing the strange rituals of the modern workplace. In this episode of Jimmy’s Jobs of the Future, they explore why so much of the working day seems to be spent creating work rather than actually doing it. They reveal the tricks people use to avoid responsibility, explain how phrases like “let's take that offline” and “who's holding the pen?” became workplace survival tools, and question why organisations keep adding layers of management, processes and bureaucracy. And what happens when AI starts replacing jobs? Their argument is that we shouldn't be too worried: companies have an extraordinary ability to invent entirely new tasks to keep everyone busy. The conversation also takes in Britain's obsession with bureaucracy, why getting things built has become so difficult, and how corporate culture has spread far beyond the traditional office — reaching NHS workers, gardeners and even professional rugby players. In this episode: Why modern workplaces seem to generate so much pointless work The art of looking busy while avoiding responsibility What corporate jargon really means Why companies keep inventing meetings, missions and values Whether AI will actually make our working lives any easier How bureaucracy gets in the way of getting things done About the guests: Charles and James are the comedians behind Wankernomics, turning the absurdities of corporate life into comedy, drawing on their own experiences in the business world. 👋 Jimmy’s Jobs of the Future takes career advice from people at the top of their game. Hosted by former Downing Street Special Adviser, Jimmy McLoughlin. Follow us on socials! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimmysjobs Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jimmysjobsofthefuture Twitter / X: https://www.twitter.com/JimmyM Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-mcloughlin-obe/ Sponsor the show or Partner with us: [email protected] Check out our clips channel here! ⬇️ https://www.youtube.com/@JimmysJobsClips Credits: Host / Exec Producer: Jimmy McLoughlin OBE Producer: Thuy Dong Editor: Rhodri Beynon Social Producer: Alex Kularatnam Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices