What truly makes us happier at work, and how can understanding our needs and values help us thrive?

In this thought-provoking episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien sits down with Dr. Mark Fabian, Associate Professor of Public Policy at the University of Warwick and well-being researcher, for a deep dive into the science and practice of happiness in the workplace. Together, they unpack powerful theories like self-determination and self-discrepancy, challenge common misconceptions around Maslow’s hierarchy, and explore the real drivers behind our motivation, satisfaction, and sense of purpose at work.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

1. Three fundamental psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness, and how essential they are for motivation and wellbeing at work.
2. The misrepresentation of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: Needs aren’t strictly hierarchical but intertwined and influenced by context.
3. How authentic happiness comes from aligning your actual self with your ideal and ought selves, and recognising emotions as important signals for self-actualisation.
4. How to navigate long-term goals to cultivate patience and understand your relationship to delayed gratification and intrinsic enjoyment.

Related Topics Covered:

Fulfillment at work, workplace communication, Purpose at work

Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:

1. Website
2. LinkedIn
3. YouTube

Connect with Dr. Mark Fabian | Researcher & Associate Professor of Public Policy at the University of Warwick:

1. LinkedIn
2. Website

Related Episodes You’ll Love:

Episode 184: A Framework for Building Happier Work Cultures with Aoife O’Brien

https://happieratwork.ie/184-a-framework-for-building-happier-work-cultures-with-aoife-obrien/

About 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 you.

Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Mentioned in this episode:

Thriving Talent book

Book