Confessions of a CEO, PLUS the rise of workaholics, Gen-Z whisperers and how to take a sick day in 2024
Leanne Elliott
Chartered Psychologist, Consultant & Coach | Helping Business Owners Find and Keep Great People | Co-host of Award-winning Psychology Podcast Truth, Lies and Work, the UK's No 1 Work Podcast
Hello you!!
Welcome to this week’s Truth, Lies & Work Podcast Newsletter!
Well, this wasn’t planned, but the timing couldn’t be better! In the same week that 亚马逊 ’s CEO Andy Jassy announced plans to bring employees back to the office five days a week, we dived deep into the ongoing debate around hybrid working and its impact on workplace culture.
With some employees pushing back and others embracing the return (not to mention the debates raging on LinkedIn !) it’s clear there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
So yeh! A happy accident that this week’s content is all about balancing flexibility, well-being and performance.
Coming up!
In the News Round-Up, we explore the rise of workaholism in the hybrid world, the role of 'Gen Z Whisperers' in helping businesses better understand their youngest employees, and the new challenges around managing sick leave when working remotely.
In Fresh Voices, we hear from Organisational Psychologist Connie Noonan Hadley , who’s been researching how simple team rituals can create psychological safety and connection, especially in hybrid or remote teams.
And of course, the World Famous Weekly Workplace Surgery is back with your questions. This week, we tackle how to encourage interaction in open-plan offices, how to bring flexible working into traditional industries, and how smaller businesses can attract Gen Z talent without the flashy perks of big firms.
Finally, in Episode 129, we chatted with Harry Cramer ?? , Founder and CEO of Smart Clinic. While Amazon is pulling people back to the office, Harry has taken a very different route, building a culture that prioritises flexibility, empathy and psychological safety.
Harry opens up about growing his business, the unique challenges of working with his wife, and how investing in workplace culture has been key to their success.
Plenty to dig into this week. Let’s get started!
Episode 128: The News Round-Up, Gen Z Whisperers, and Workaholism
Listen here ?? (or wherever you get your podcasts!)
News Round-Up: The Latest Workplace Trends
Every Tuesday, we bring you the biggest stories from the world of work. This week, the headlines revolve around mental health, generational differences and the ongoing battle for balance in hybrid work.
Story 1: Are You a Workaholic?
The Financial Times recently reported that with hybrid working blurring the line between home and office, many employees are struggling to set boundaries, and the result has been a worrying increase in workaholism.
A recent report by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development ( CIPD ) reveals a 20% rise in work-related stress, as employees find it harder to switch off. This constant state of 'being on' is leading to longer hours, higher rates of burnout and declining mental health across industries.
VIDEO: Are you a workaholic? ??
It’s not just about working long hours; it’s an addiction to work that causes anxiety when away from it.
Workaholism Checklist:
The key takeaway? Employers need to lead by example, creating a culture where setting boundaries is celebrated and taking breaks is seen as a productivity booster, not a failure.
Story 2. The Rise of the 'Gen Z Whisperers'
Gen Z is entering the workforce, and they’re shifting expectations about what work should look like. They value flexibility, transparency and purpose over traditional perks like ping-pong tables and free snacks (hurrah!!).
But many companies are struggling to keep up with these new demands. That’s where the 'Gen Z Whisperers' come in. These consultants specialise in helping businesses understand the motivations and expectations of their youngest employees and design workplace cultures that appeal to them.
VIDEO: The Gen-X Whisperers ??
A recent article in The Guardian explores how these consultants are breaking down misconceptions about Gen Z. Rather than just wanting flashy perks, this generation is focused on flexibility, meaningful work, and a sense of purpose. Businesses that fail to adapt to these values risk losing out on top young talent.
To attract and retain Gen Z, companies need to focus on offering real flexibility, aligning their values with purpose-driven work, and being transparent in their communications and actions. It’s not about the surface-level perks anymore—Gen Z wants authenticity and honesty in the workplace.
Story 3: How to take a sick day in 2024
The rise of remote and hybrid working has made managing sick leave more complicated. Many employees now feel the pressure to keep working from home, even when they’re unwell.
This is leading to an increase in presenteeism - where employees show up for work even though they’re too sick to function properly. This not only affects their health but also productivity, as people aren’t performing at their best when they’re sick.
VIDEO: How to take a sick day in 2024 ??
A recent Business Insider article explores the complexities of sick leave in the hybrid era. The traditional understanding of a 'sick day' is changing. Many employees report feeling guilty for taking time off, even when they’re sick, because they technically can work from home. Employers need to ensure that their sick leave policies are clear: if someone is unwell, they should be encouraged to fully disconnect and rest, whether they’re in the office or working remotely.
To tackle this issue, companies need to communicate clear guidelines around sick leave, ensuring that employees feel supported in taking the time they need to recover.
AND FOR THE LOVE OF RU PAUL CHARLES!!!
Leaders, if you are sick do not log in from home. Do not answer your phone. Don't even suggest that 'you're available' if anyone needs you. Sick means sick.
Fresh Voices: Connie Hadley on Team Rituals and Finding Purpose at Work
This week’s Fresh Voices segment features Connie Noonan Hadley , founder and chief scientist at the Institute for Life at Work and a research associate professor at 美国波士顿大学 . Connie’s work focuses on the future of work, team dynamics, psychological safety, and how to create meaningful connections in both in-office and remote settings.
With a PhD from Harvard and an MBA from 美国宾夕法尼亚大学 - 沃顿商学院 , she’s a recognised authority on organisational psychology and was recently named in the Thinkers50 Radar class of 2024.
VIDEO: Team Rituals and Finding Purpose at Work ??
In a recent live stream with Stuart Cranor, co-founder of Thinkers 50, Connie shared some fascinating insights on how simple team rituals can help employees feel a greater sense of purpose and belonging at work. She highlighted a study she’s currently conducting with Cosmic Centaurs, where they’ve found that simple rituals like conversation starter cards can significantly boost job satisfaction and a sense of purpose, even when the core job or company hasn’t changed.
Connie also touched on the 'silent pandemic' of loneliness, which has become a growing issue in the workplace, especially with the rise of hybrid and remote working. She explained that loneliness doesn’t just affect individual employees - it can trickle down from leadership, impacting team cohesion, job satisfaction, and productivity. The need for intentional efforts to combat this loneliness is critical to maintaining a thriving workplace culture, whether in-person or remote.
Finally, Connie sees hybrid work as one of the greatest organisational psychology experiments of our time. While it offers incredible opportunities for flexibility, particularly for parents and caregivers, it also comes with challenges - like ensuring trust and connection across teams that may not always be physically together.
I may have gone on a rant at this point...
If you want to learn more about building psychological safety and creating team rituals that boost connection, be sure to check out Connie’s full talk with Stuart Cranor on Thinkers 50 or visit the Institute for Life at Work for more insights. Whether your team is hybrid, remote, or in-office, these simple practices could make all the difference.
You can watch Connie and Stuart's full conversation here ??
The 'World Famous' Weekly Workplace Surgery
In this week’s Workplace Surgery, we tackle three important questions that are on many leaders' minds right now. These cover everything from office dynamics to attracting top talent and introducing flexible work policies into traditional industries.
Question 1. How do we encourage interaction in an open-plan office?
A listener has noticed that in their open-plan office, employees often isolate themselves with noise-cancelling headphones and avoid interaction. The intention of the office design was to foster collaboration, but it seems to be having the opposite effect. So, how can they encourage more face-to-face communication without disrupting employees’ focus?
领英推荐
Question 2. How do you implement flexible working hours in a traditional industry?
Another listener works in a law firm, and while junior associates are pushing for more flexible working hours, senior partners are resistant to change. The question is how to introduce flexible working practices into a very traditional setting, where long hours and in-office presence are still seen as necessary. Is there a way to find a middle ground that satisfies both generations?
Question 3. How can small businesses compete with big firms for Gen Z talent?
A small business owner is struggling to attract Gen Z talent in the face of competition from larger firms that offer enticing perks like unlimited vacation days and large signing bonuses. The question is how can small businesses, with fewer resources, compete with these perks and still attract top Gen Z talent?
What would your advice be?! Let us know in the comments!
Episode 129: Building a Culture That Cares with Harry Cramer, Founder of Smart Clinic
Listen hereListen here ?? (or wherever you get your podcasts!)
In this episode, we chat with Harry Cramer ?? , the founder of Smart Clinic , a leading occupational health provider.
Harry didn’t come from a medical background - in fact, he started in marketing. But in 2015, he ventured into the healthcare sector, building a company focused on keeping employees healthy and reducing staff absences. Fast forward nearly a decade, and Smart Clinic now employs over 40 staff, including doctors, nurses, and therapists.
The episode touches on a range of themes, from entrepreneurship in an unfamiliar industry to the dynamics of running a business with a spouse and (of course!) the importance of workplace culture.
Introducing Harry Cramer
Harry Cramer is the Managing Director of Smart Clinic, a company that provides occupational health services to businesses across the UK. What makes Harry’s story unique is that he started his career in marketing, with no prior experience in healthcare, before jumping into the occupational health space in 2015. Together with his wife, Chloe, who manages HR and operations, Harry has grown Smart Clinic into a trusted partner for companies looking to support their employees' physical and mental well-being.
VIDEO: The pride of building a business and nurturing talent ??
Top 5 Highlights from the Episode:
Top 3 Standout Quotes
On Taking Risks in Business
“Buckle up. It's going to get fun. When you’re young, the risks are lower, so you can be a little more gung-ho. But as you get older, you become more cautious—and sometimes, that’s the right approach.”
On Building a Business with Your Partner
“Running a business can be lonely because nobody else gets it. But working with Chloe has changed that. It’s important to have someone you can share the ups and downs with.”
On Creating Jobs and a Positive Workplace
“I’m very proud to give 42 people jobs. When someone works for you, they’re dedicating 40 hours of their week to something you’ve created. That’s a huge commitment, and I take it very seriously.”
Closing Thoughts
Harry Cramer’s story is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, showing that you don’t need to come from an industry to succeed in it - you just need the drive and a willingness to learn.
His approach to workplace culture, speed and the use of technology demonstrates how modern businesses can thrive by putting employee well-being at the heart of their operations. Whether you’re thinking about starting your own business or looking for ways to improve your workplace culture, Harry’s journey offers plenty of inspiration.
Watch the full interview here ??
Let’s Chat!
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An Important Reminder
We always leave a list of mental health and support resources in the episode show notes.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, here are some resources for support:
Until Next Time...
We just wanted to say a quick thank you to the team at Valamis for including Truth, Lies and Work in their Top Podcasts Lists. We're so thrilled. It really does mean the world ??
Screw-Two-Knew
Love you! Bye!
Organizational Psychologist, Thinkers50 Radar Class of 2024
1 个月Yep, the debate over office vs. remote work continues. Thanks for featuring my research on your podcast, Leanne Elliott. Looking forward to contributing to another episode of the Truth, Lies & Work Podcast soon.
Co-host of No 1 Work podcast in the UK “Truth, Lies & Work” | Simplifying the Science of Work
1 个月“Love you byeeeeeeee”