Truth, Lies and Work

234. Job hugging, Microsoft meltdowns and career regrets. PLUS! The truth about white noise and your brain - This Week in Work, 23rd September 2025


Listen Later

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioral science meets workplace culture.

Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, bringing you the latest workplace stories that actually matter.

This week we explore "job hugging" - the new workplace trend where people stay in roles they don't love out of fear rather than engagement. Plus troubling reports from inside Microsoft suggest a cultural shift leaving employees feeling powerless, and we launch our new "Truth or Lie?" segment examining whether white noise actually helps concentration.


News Roundup:

Job Hugging - The New Workplace Trend

The flip side of quiet quitting where people stay in jobs they don't love due to market uncertainty. Affects younger workers choosing security over progression.

Nicole Williamson's LinkedIn post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nicolewilliamsorganisationalpsychology_first-we-had-quiet-quitting-now-its-activity-7373611657425559552-NZL-?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAPpxk8B1ivB8GiszIgdppDkaIkcd6hBmOo


Microsoft Culture Crisis

Reports from a 7-year employee describing managers who look "like pinballs, completely powerless" and colleagues "jumping ship." Shows how culture frays slowly before collapse.

Microsoft story: https://www.financialexpress.com/trending/its-scaring-me-microsoft-employee-of-7-years-says-current-work-culture-has-changed-for-the-worse/3982230/


Arthur Brooks on Career Risk

Research shows the biggest workplace risk isn't failing - it's living with regret because you never tried. Fear of regret makes us play it safe and avoid growth opportunities.

Simon Sinek article: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/18/simon-sinek-backwards-career-moves-can-make-you-happier-more-successful.html


Truth or Lie?!

This week's question: does white noise help you concentrate? The answer: true, but only for some people. Research shows it helps those with ADHD or attention difficulties, but actually harms performance in people with strong focus.


Workplace Surgery:

Real listener questions this week:

  • Dealing with unfulfilling work when your team and manager are great
  • Managing a brilliant employee who's struggling after promotion to management
  • Building genuine passion in your team as a young entrepreneur

  • Get in touch:

    • Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/
    • Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne
    • Join the discussion about this episode on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/
    • Follow us on Instagram: @truthlieswork
    • Chat with us on X: @truthlieswork
    • YouTube channel: @TruthLiesWork
    • Check us out on TikTok: @truthlieswork
    • Want a chat about your workplace culture? [email protected]

      Got feedback/questions/guest suggestions? Email [email protected]

      Like this kind of content? Click here to subscribe: /subscribe


      ...more
      View all episodesView all episodes
      Download on the App Store

      Truth, Lies and WorkBy HubSpot Podcast Network

      • 5
      • 5
      • 5
      • 5
      • 5

      5

      30 ratings


      More shows like Truth, Lies and Work

      View all
      Wake Up to Money by BBC Radio 5 Live

      Wake Up to Money

      56 Listeners

      Coaching for Leaders by Dave Stachowiak

      Coaching for Leaders

      1,452 Listeners

      The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk by Ryan Hawk

      The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk

      1,295 Listeners

      Investors' Chronicle by Investors' Chronicle

      Investors' Chronicle

      12 Listeners

      The StoryBrand Podcast by StoryBrand.com

      The StoryBrand Podcast

      1,934 Listeners

      Eat Sleep Work Repeat - better workplace culture by brucedaisley.com

      Eat Sleep Work Repeat - better workplace culture

      287 Listeners

      The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett by DOAC

      The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

      8,485 Listeners

      F1 Beyond The Grid by Formula 1

      F1 Beyond The Grid

      2,649 Listeners

      On The Money by interactive investor

      On The Money

      3 Listeners

      The High Performance Podcast by High Performance

      The High Performance Podcast

      622 Listeners

      The Green Insider Powered by eRENEWABLE by The Green Insider Powered by eRENEWABLE

      The Green Insider Powered by eRENEWABLE

      54 Listeners

      ZOE Science & Nutrition by ZOE

      ZOE Science & Nutrition

      2,065 Listeners

      Fixable by TED

      Fixable

      227 Listeners

      HBR On Leadership by Harvard Business Review

      HBR On Leadership

      160 Listeners

      Product Therapy by SVPG

      Product Therapy

      15 Listeners