This Working Life

AI usage is on the rise, but its implementation within jobs and workflows is causing problems. Research shows there is a capability gap amongst Australian workers, and a lack of AI fluency and context-poor AI use is creating job strain. What can leaders do to turn this around?Guests: Dr Rebecca Hinds, head of the Work AI Institute at Glean Dr Sean Gallagher, founder of Humanova and the former Director of Swinburne University's Centre for the New Workforce

Tying together what your team does within your organisation’s strategy is a key skill for middle managers and something workers at all levels can benefit from.  Learn how a strategy is put together and ways you can work towards it. Guests:Brandon Lee, Associate Professor at Melbourne Business School, consultant, researcher and executive educator   Rebecca Murray, principal of strategy consultancy, Marlborough and Ferdinand 

If you’re always busy but feel as though you’re not getting on top of things, you may be experiencing cognitive and emotional overload. Liane Davey, the ‘Teamwork Doctor’, calls this “thoughtload” and offers ways to manage overwhelm and focus attention, to improve productivity and wellbeing in individuals and teams. Guest:Liane Davey PhD organisational psychologist and author Thoughtload: Manage the Madness and free your Team to do great Work

Once you’ve made the decision to quit your job, it’s worth considering how to do it in a way that fits the situation. The researcher who coined the term, “The Great Resignation” shares his insights on different resignation styles, from the “grateful goodbye” to “bridge burning” and what managers can learn from the way employees quit.  Guest:Professor Anthony C. Klotz, UCL School of Management, author Jolted, Why we Quit, When to Stay and Why it MattersCheck out our companion episode Should you really quit your job?

The researcher who coined the term, "The Great Resignation", says most of us are only one event away from quitting our jobs. He calls them “jolts” and describes the one that led Oprah to quit her new job at 60 Minutes, and Jürgen Klopp to give up his successful role as manager of Liverpool FC. What motivates us to quit, what should we consider before we do it? Guest:Professor Anthony C. Klotz, UCL School of Management, author Jolted, Why we Quit, When to Stay and Why it MattersLook out for our companion episode Try This: how to quit in your podcast feed. 

The narrative around AI at work is moving away from “job apocalypse” towards jobs transforming. So how do you redesign roles to improve productivity and take care of the psychosocial safety and wellbeing of workers?Guests:John Curtin Distinguished Professor Sharon Parker, Director of  Centre for Transformative Work Design, Curtin University If you’d like to try the S.M.A.R.T. job design assessment, the link is here.  

Have you struggled to make lasting behaviour change at work, and wondered why you can’t get to the next level?  The author of bestsellers Hooked and Indistractable, spoke with readers who loved his books but couldn’t nail the change part. He spent the next five years researching what was missing, Beyond Belief is the result.  Nir Eyal, behavioural design expert, author, Beyond Belief: The Science-Backed Way to Stop Limiting Yourself and Achieve Extraordinary results

Working for longer can help you financially, as well as giving you purpose, a social life and a healthier brain. We speak with three Australians working past retirement age, and an expert coach who helps individuals and organisations achieve longevity goals.Guests:Ronni Kahn AO, social entrepreneur, Founder and Visionary in Residence, OzHarvest  Brian James, co-founder, The Copper Doctors Alison Hernandez, co-founder, Re-create 100 Scientia Professor Henry Brodaty, co-director of Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, UNSW, 2026 Senior Australian of the YearYou can find Professor Henry’s Brodaty’s healthy brain ageing tips at the end of this episode.

Circadian rhythms dictate our peak times or chronotypes and they vary across the workforce, so why does everything start so early? Learn how these biological rhythms interact with cognitive and emotional performance and how practicing circadian-influenced leadership can help get the best out of your team. Guest:Stefan Volk, Professor of Management at the University of Sydney Business School 

Jackie O’s lawyers claim ARN breached workplace health and safety obligations by failing to protect her psychosocial health while she was working with co-host Kyle Sandilands.  As the case heads to court this week, find out how leaders should manage psychological safety at work, and learn the potential consequences if they fail to do so. Guests:Martyn Campbell, former Chief Executive of SafeWork SA and Secretary-General of the International Association of Labour inspection. Fay Calderone, employment lawyer and partner, Hall and Willcox and author, Broken to Safe: tackling toxic workplace cultures and burnout

Marcus Buckingham’s latest research shows that love is a driver of super productive human behaviour. He argues the case for "designing love in" to experiences at work.Learn how to create experiences that inspire your colleagues and staff to say, "I love that!"Guest:Marcus Buckingham, global researcher focused on unlocking strengths, increasing performance and pioneering the future of work. Author, Design Love In

Worrying about your young person’s future? The impact of AI is already changing the job market in some industries.So what’s the best approach for guiding them into a career during this time of uncertainty? Guests:Alana Kilmartin, speaker and author, Unserious Careers: a fun guide to the first five years of your careerDavid Carney, Executive Director, Career Industry Council of Australia 

When your boss sends a text complimenting your work, it feels amazing! But if they point out a mistake in front of your peers, you may feel shattered. What does it take to be an inspiring leader, and how can you avoid being an infuriating one? Guest:Adam Galinsky, Paul Calello Professor of Leadership and Ethics at the Columbia Business School This interview was recorded at the Power, Status and Influence Research Conference, for the Melbourne Business School.

You may soon have a digital clone of your work-self that can take care of many of your tasks, make decisions on your behalf, and even give presentations as you.  As the emergence of “identic AI” generates more potential for digital human twins in organisations, we discuss the ethics of using them. Guests:Don Tapscott, co-author, You to the Power of Two, Redefining Human Potential in the Age of Identic AI 

With burnout and overwork a problem for staff and employers alike, a proposal to add an extra week to annual leave balances for Australian workers is on the table.  We speak with a business that already offers five weeks of annual leave per year, and hear from management and labour law experts on whether this add on is the answer, or if there's a better solution.Guests:Shae McCrystal, Professor of Labour Law, The University of Sydney Law School Carol Kulik, Bradley Distinguished Professor, Centre for Workplace Excellence, Adelaide University Greg Day, Co-worker Experience Manager, IKEA 

What’s really behind the reaction a colleague has when you disagree with them? And how do you manage a conflict when it arises? Esther and Lisa delve into workplace conflict and power dynamics and explore how to understand them and find a way through.  Plus answers to your questions and an exercise Esther wants you to test out for Try This. Don’t forget to report back! [email protected]:Esther Perel, New York Times bestselling author and psychotherapist  For more from Esther Perel, check out these episodes from our colleagues at All in the Mind: Family estrangement and infidelity: Esther Perel answers your questionsMind Hacks: Esther Perel 

When you’re under the pump, it can feel like taking a break at work is impossible. But that can be habit forming, and bad for your physical and mental health. Learn the benefits of building breaks into your workday, and how to do it in a way that feels manageable. Guests:Kira Schabram, Assistant Professor of Management & Organisation at Smeal College of Business, The Pennsylvania State University Vanessa Miles, organisational psychologist, Transitioning WellThis program was first broadcast on 27th June 2025

It's an important part of monitoring and improving performance, but when feedback is given or received in the “wrong” way, it can damage relationships and affect work. Here’s a masterclass to help you get better at giving and receiving feedback. Guests: Roisin McCann, facilitator who works with organisations to build leadership capacity and develop a better culture of feedback and strategic communication James Donald, senior lecturer, University of Sydney Business SchoolThis program was first broadcast on 3rd July 2025

What have we learned so far about reducing working hours without losing productivity, and what are the tips and tricks for ensuring a four day week is a success for staff, organisations and customers?The Launceston city council is in the process of moving towards a four day week.   Guests:John Hopkins, Professor of Management, Deakin Business School Anne Rayner, founder, Productivity Bargain 

Our calendars are filled with meetings, but what are they really achieving?Learn how to cut out unnecessary gatherings and make the ones that remain, more meaningful and efficient. Guest:Rebecca Hinds PhD, organisational expert and author, Your Best Meeting Ever For a copy of the resources mentioned in this episode, email us at [email protected]

So you landed the job, congrats! Now it's time to start your new role.What steps can you take and what can your new employer do, to set you up for success?  Guests:Kate Flaherty, National President of the Career Development Association of Australia, leadership coach and counsellor Jonathon Woolfrey, WA State President & Non-Executive Director, Australian HR Institute, managing partner, Talenting 

If you’re feeling stuck and ready for a change, why not harness the momentum of the new year to turn that around? Whether it’s a new job or a whole new career, Dorie shares her approach to help you figure out what’s next, and how to make it happen. Guest:Dorie Clark, Top 50 business thinker and executive education professor, best selling author, Reinventing You: Define your Brand, Imagine your Future

When work feels difficult, practising hope could help you find a way forward. A former chief wellbeing officer at Deloitte shares evidence-based strategies for developing hope that will improve worker wellbeing and performance. Guest:Jen Fisher, workplace wellbeing expert, author, Hope is the Strategy

Four in ten Australians are not getting enough sleep, and work could be a part of the problem.  Whether you work 9 – 5 or irregular hours, lack of sleep impacts performance, safety and can compound work stress. So how can you balance work responsibilities and sleep? Guests:Dr Moira Junge, CEO Sleep Health Foundation, Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor, Monash UniversityDr Charlotte Gupta, Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Appleton Institute, CQ University This episode was first broadcast on 20th June 2025

Career regret is a common phenomenon, with more than half of people recently surveyed expressing dissatisfaction with their career choice.Why do so many people have career regret, and what practical advice can help those who are at a career crossroads? Guests:  Leah Lambart, Career and Interview Coach, resident career expert for SEEK  Annie Louey, celebrant, comedian and writer who has experienced and interviewed others about career breaksThis episode was first broadcast on 30th May 2025

Pick something you enjoy doing and you can 'leisure craft' it! We learn about the benefits of this technique as a way of improving your personal wellbeing, and your performance at work. Plus we'll give you some practical tips on how to 'leisure-craft' in Try This.Guest: Alex Hamrick, Assistant Professor of Management, Robins School of Business, University of Richmond This episode was first broadcast on 2nd May 2025

If you have a tendency to take on too much, you might want to look at the boundaries you have with your co-workers and your boss.  It seems hard, but setting boundaries could improve your life, and your work as well. Boundaries expert Nedra Glover Tawwab teaches you how. Guest:Nedra Glover Tawwab, therapist and author of New York Times best seller, Set Boundaries, Find Peace This episode was first broadcast on 21st March

In helping young people prepare for a life of work, asking them what they want to do for a job, or what they’re good at may limit their options. Learn a different way of thinking about careers that focuses on challenges, rather than job titles. Guests:JP Michel, organisational psychologist and author, The World Needs You: A New Mindset for Career ExplorationKate McBeath, who works with career advisors in schools in Australia and New ZealandThis episode was first broadcast on 7th March 

Have you been bamboozled by the language colleagues use at work? What’s the best way to describe yourself on LinkedIn? Charles and James from Wankernomics want to help you use more buzzwords, so you can move into upper management. James Schloeffel, Chief Disruptor and Strategy Optimisation Evangelist, WankernomicsCharles Firth, Customer Engagement Jedi, Wankernomics

Should you lie on the couch or go hiking with friends? Discover what to do before, during and after a holiday to get the most out of it.Experts share the best ways to fully recover from work stress and offer practical tips to make that post-holiday glow last longer.Guests: Stacey Parker, Associate Professor in the School of Psychology, University of Queensland   Ty Ferguson, Research Fellow in the Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA) research centre at the University of South Australia Greg Stark, Director, Better BeingFor a copy of the recovery resources mentioned in this story, email us at [email protected]

Almost half of Australian workers are impacted by some kind of post-employment restraint. The government plans to ban non-compete clauses for middle and lower paid workers. But how do you strike the balance between an employee’s right to move jobs and a business’ right to protect their commercial interests? Guests:Paula McDonald, Professor of Work and Organisation, QUT Centre for Decent Work and Industry Charles Cameron, CEO Recruitment Consulting and Staffing Association of Australia and New Zealand (RCSA) 

If your career progression has stalled it may be because you lack emotional intelligence and the ability to regulate your behaviour in the workplace. A Harvard Business School expert says the key to great leadership is understanding yourself so you can manage others, and she’s helped thousands of people do it.  Guest:Margaret C Andrews, managing director The MYLO Center,  author of Manage Yourself to Lead Others For a copy of Margaret’s Six questions for Self Understanding Worksheet, email us at [email protected]

What are the best ways to learn at work, and how can you make that new information stick?Understand the science of learning and how online courses and workshops can be designed to optimise motivation and opportunities to practise.Guests: Michelle Ockers, Founder and Chief Learning Strategist, Learning Uncut Ryan Jesson, cognitive scientist, School of Psychology, University of Queensland 

New research has uncovered early warning signs of burnout that could help you get on top of it, before it goes too far. Learn strategies to identify these signs, recover from work stress and prevent burnout. Dr Ben Searle, organisational psychologist, consultant and researcher Luke Martin, Senior specialist and clinical spokesperson, Beyond Blue For more details on Ben’s Recovember Challenge follow him on LinkedIn or visit his websiteIf you or someone you know needs mental health support, call Beyond Blue for free 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 or via email or webchat at www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupportYou might like to check out our episode The Burnout Shop featuring pioneer of burnout theory, Christina Maslach.

A Westpac employee with parental responsibilities was recently awarded the right to work from home five days a week, by the Fair Work Commission.How might this decision affect business hiring practices, and the working conditions parents are allowed by their bosses in future? Guests:Dr Giuseppe Carabetta, Associate Professor of workplace and business law with the UTS Business School Emma Walsh, CEO Parents at Work  For more information and free resources for small organisations visit https://familyfriendlyworkplaces.com/

Have you ever turned up to work and thought...where is everyone?! Empty offices and flexible work is part of the reason why so many people are experiencing work loneliness, but it's not the whole picture.We explore how organisations can diagnose work loneliness and build more connected workplaces. Guest:Connie Noonan Hadley, organisational psychologist, Research Associate Professor, Boston University Questrom School of Business and Founder, Institute for Life at Work. And big thanks to "Jade" for sharing their experience of loneliness at work.

Lisa is joined by Panio Gianopolous, co-founder and editorial director of the Next Big Idea Club, as they each nominate three non-fiction books related to work that have changed the way they work and live. Tune in to Radio National’s Top 100 Books countdown, Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th October from 1pm. Or catch up anytime on the ABC Listen app.Panio’s picks:The Work of Art: How Something Comes from Nothing by Adam Moss  Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport Grit: Passion, Perseverance, and the Science of Success by Angela Duckworth Lisa’s picks:The Design of Everyday Things, Don Norman Improv Wisdom, Patricia Ryan Madson The Art of Possibility, Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander Extra pick: Atomic Habits, James Clear 

How can reorganisations, restructures and redundancies be managed in a way that works for everyone?With obligations to manage psychosocial hazards now front of mind, this process has never been more important. Guests:Melinda Bell, partner at Norton Rose Fulbright in Melbourne Leonie Green, founder and consultant, Conscious WorkplaceAlso check out our related episode Your role is being made redundant, now what?

There are lessons you can take from the careers of David Bowie and Oprah about identity and authenticity.Being “authentic” in your life and career is something we’re told to aspire to. But can that be taken too far?Dr Tomas, Chamorro- Premuzic, Professor of Business Psychology at University College London and Columbia University, author, Don’t Be Yourself: Why Authenticity is overrated and what to do instead  Julianna Pillemer, Assistant Professor of Management and Organisations, NYU Stern School of Business 

Need help organising your desk or kitchen table workspace? Get decluttering tips that will help clear your mind and your home. Guest:Amy Revell, decluttering expert For more on the psychology of decluttering, check out the All In the Mind episode, Is clutter making you feel bad? 

When you validate someone, it shows that you’re there, you get it and you care, even if you don't agree with their point of view.Learn the difference between validation and praise, and how you can use the former to strengthen relationships and build influence at work. Guest:Dr Caroline Fleck, licensed psychologist, corporate consultant and author, Validation: The New Psychology of Influence 

Whether you approve of it or not, research shows gossip does have value within organisations, especially when it’s used positively.  Learn how you can harness gossip to improve relationships and communication with colleagues. Guests:Amy Gallo, workplace expert and contributing editor, Harvard Business Review. Author, Getting Along: how to work with anyoneJames Greenslade-Yeats, Research Fellow in Management, Auckland University of Technology 

Learn how to build co-operation rather than war, between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X and Baby Boomers.Instead of leaning on stereotypes, there are ways to work to the strengths of people in teams that include multiple generations.  Guests:Megan Gerhardt, Professor at Farmer School of Business, Miami University and co-author of GentelligenceFlorence Potter, founding director, No umbrellas

We've reached the one year anniversary of the right to disconnect regulations, which now also apply to small businesses. What are the challenges of managing this change to the ways we contact each other outside of work hours, and how is it impacting work life balance? Guests: Anna Volkova, People and Culture leader, Hi Bob Matthew Addison, Chair, Council of Small Business of Australia (COSBOA) Lisa Heap, senior researcher and labour lawyer, Centre for Future Work, Australia Insitute And thanks to Jeromine Alpe from Corporate Diversity Pathways for sharing her tips for small businesses More information for small businesses navigating the right to disconnect can be found at www.smallbusinesspeak.org.au

Soon more people will be leaving the workforce than joining it, but most organisations don't encourage older workers to stay on and thrive.Experts say redesigning work to retain mature-age workers across the life cycle is part of the solution to Australia’s ageing population and productivity challenges. We explore how planning for "longevity work" across the career cycle, can help eliminate bias and ageism well before workers hit retirement age.Guests:Daniela Andrei, Associate Professor in the School of Management and Marketing at Curtin University, Associate Investigator with CEPAR Stream 3, Organisations and the Mature Workforce  Chris Eaton, General manager, People and Culture, Chobani And thanks to contributors: Julian Williams, Maturious, a talent platform for hidden mature age talent Alison Hernandez, co-founder, Recreate100 Michele Lemmens, longevity work advocate, strategic innovation expert 

Everyone at work plays a part in preventing psychosocial hazards, including you.We ask an expert how to create a psychosocially safe workplace, and why it's important.Guest:Dr Laura Kirby, chief psychologist, Australian Psychological ServicesCheck out our companion episode: What are we getting wrong about psychosocial safety? , featuring Professor Amy Edmondson from Harvard Business School and Dr Rachael Potter, research lead and expert in psychosocial safety, Uni of South Australia.

There’s confusion about the terms psychological safety and psychosocial safety in workplaces, so what’s the difference? Leading expert on psychological safety, Professor Amy Edmondson, and researcher Rachael Potter explain. Plus, are Australia's regulations around psychosocial hazards making a difference to workplace safety and productivity?  Guests:Amy C. Edmondson, Professor of Leadership and Management at the Harvard Business School Dr Rachael Potter,  research lead specialising in psychosocial factors and workplace safety at the University of South Australia And check out our companion episode for practical tips Try This: psychosocial safety tips edition

It’s estimated we make up to 35,000 decisions every day so how can you make better decisions at work? Before you start drawing up pros and cons lists, listen to this episode to hear how you can make decisions with less stress and a lot more satisfaction - from small everyday ones, to big ones like changing career.Guests:Dr Ellen Langer - Professor of Psychology, Harvard University. Author, The Mindful Body.Dr Janneke Blijlevens - Senior Lecturer in Experimental Methods, RMIT UniversityDr Adrian Camilleri - Associate Professor of Marketing, University of Technology Sydney Business SchoolBrigitte Duclos - Counsellor This story was first broadcast on 11 February 2024

We can learn a lot about gaining influence when you don't have power, from those who work on Capitol Hill. A leadership adviser reveals how Congressional Chiefs of Staff navigate a volatile political environment, with challenging bosses. This is a masterclass in how to manage up and build relationships that can further your career.Guest: Margie Warrell, Leadership advisor, author The Courage Gap

Have you ever been told that if you follow your passion, you’ll never work a day in your life? As it turns out, the research doesn’t support that narrative. We explore what’s really going on with passion at work, and discover how to sustain and nurture it over time.Guest:Jon M. Jachimowicz, Assistant Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business SchoolThanks to Renata, Yin and Melissa for sharing their stories and advice.