266: Rethinking work with Josh Drean

Are you ready to reimagine the future of work in an age of tech disruption?In this week’s episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O'Brien sits down with Josh Drean, co-founder of the Work3 Institute, Harvard Business Review Press author, and employee experience design expert. Together, they dive deep into why the traditional employment contract is failing today’s workforce and how emerging technologies like AI, smart contracts, and Web3 platforms are revolutionising what work looks like. Josh shares his personal journey from Harvard innovation labs to helping organisations worldwide design employee-centric workplaces, and why focusing on employee happiness is the key to long-term business success.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Why workforce experience goes beyond "employee engagement".Actionable steps like listening to employee needs, leveraging AI to eliminate drudge work, and investing in ongoing learning.How to upskill and embrace AI as a productivity tool, not a replacement.The danger of prioritising short-term shareholder value, leading to disengagement and high turnover, costing businesses billions worldwide.Related Topics Covered:Artificial Intelligence at Work, Generational Gaps, Purpose at Work Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Josh Drean | Co-founder of the Work3 Institute:LinkedInYouTubeInstagramTikTokRelated Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 191: The pursuit of purpose: Shifting perspectives with Will PolstonEpisode 245: Optimising talent and purpose at work with Matt PoepselAbout 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 youWebsite: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ