The Healthy Work Podcast

The Healthy Work Podcast

By Healthy Work Research Unit, Aston UniversityHealth & FitnessMental Health
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The Healthy Work Podcast episodes

  • “Older adults can thrive as entrepreneurs”

    In this episode of The Healthy Work Podcast, Dr Simon McCabe sits down with Dr Isabella Moore CBE, founder of the Olderpreneur Alliance and advocate for later-life entrepreneurship.

    Dr Moore, an Aston University alumna and renowned businesswoman, shares powerful insights on how starting a business in later life can boost mental well-being, confidence, and resilience. She introduces the concept of "age capital" – the unique skills and adaptability older adults bring to the entrepreneurial world – and highlights how her "Later-Creator" programme supports mature entrepreneurs in overcoming societal and personal barriers.
    Dr Moore also discusses the cognitive and social benefits that motivate older adults to pursue new ventures, encouraging everyone to challenge age-related stereotypes and embrace the potential of later-life entrepreneurship.
    Listen now to discover how later-life entrepreneurship can redefine retirement and enhance quality of life!

    34 min
  • Existential Concerns and the Future of Work

    A senior lecturer in behavioural science at Aston University has highlighted the evolving perceptions of work, retirement and existential concerns across generations.

    Dr Simon McCabe, head of the Healthy Work Research Unit at Aston University, looks into the impact of generational experiences on how people approach retirement and meaningful work in the latest episode of The Healthy Work Podcast.
    This episode, Existential Concerns and the Future of Work, sheds light on how different generations are grappling with profound shifts in the modern workplace. The episode taps into recent research from the Healthy Work Research Unit and explores how older workers can be encouraged back into the workforce by reframing job roles to focus on generativity and mentorship.
    Dr McCabe explains how younger generations, shaped by economic challenges and global crises like COVID-19, are prioritising meaningful, purpose-driven careers over traditional employment paths, while older generations face existential challenges when leaving the workforce.
    Dr McCabe said:
    “Retirement isn't what many expect, especially when you’ve spent your whole life working.
    “Losing that structure can lead to significant mental and physical health challenges, but the generational gap is clear. Younger people today aren’t as driven by money - they’re looking for purpose.
    “Millennials and Gen Z are more likely to pursue careers in sustainability and social impact roles, reflecting a shift away from the traditional career paths of older generations.
    “We found retirees often face social isolation and a loss of identity, with an emphasis on the gender differences in adjusting to post-work life. Older workers are increasingly interested in roles that allow them to pass on their expertise and leave a legacy, rather than simply seeking material rewards.”
    Tune into The Healthy Work Podcast to hear more about how existential psychology can help explain the growing divide between generational approaches to work and retirement.
    Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
    Dr Simon McCabe 👉 https://tinyurl.com/j7b5dn8e
    The Healthy Work Research Unit 👉 https://tinyurl.com/2zw2fuu4
    Aston Business School 👉 https://tinyurl.com/3tbcdf5d#teamaston

    25 min
  • The Power of Kindness: Effective Leadership Strategies for a Better Workplace with Professor Shivani Sharma

    In this episode, host Dr Simon McCabe sits down with the Professor Shivani Sharma, deputy dean for people, culture and inclusion within Aston University's College of Business and Social Sciences.
    As a chartered psychologist and a champion of equity, Professor Sharma shares her unique insights on fostering kindness, transparency and equity in the workplace.
    🔹 Episode Highlights:
    Professor Sharma's journey from a first-generation university student to a leadership role at Aston University.
    The intersection of psychological research and practical leadership.
    Current projects focused on health equity and inclusive practices.
    The role of kindness in leadership and its impact on organizational culture.
    🎉 Join us for this episode, recorded during International Women's Day Week, as we delve into how workplace well-being can be enhanced through compassionate leadership. This conversation is not just a discussion but a masterclass in integrating kindness into the fabric of leadership.
    Dr Simon McCabe 👉 https://tinyurl.com/j7b5dn8e
    Professor Shivani Sharma 👉 https://tinyurl.com/bdf9422t
    The Healthy Work Research Unit 👉 https://tinyurl.com/2zw2fuu4
    Aston Business School 👉 https://tinyurl.com/3tbcdf5d
    #TeamAston #OneAston

    26 min
  • Transcending Disciplines: Navigating the Behavioural Science Landscape with Dr Emma Bridger

    In this episode, Dr Simon McCabe hosts Dr Emma Bridger, a lecturer in psychology at the University of Leicester. They discuss Emma's journey from cognitive neuroscience to behavioural science and her impactful work in addressing health inequalities.


    🌐 Emma has a background in cognitive neuroscience and shifted to applied behavioural science approaches to tackle socioeconomic health inequality.


    🤔 Discover Emma's unique journey from electrophysiology research to a master's in behavioral science at Stirling, where she pivoted towards well-being research.


    🌍 Learn how behavioral science encompasses psychology, behavioral economics, and epidemiological approaches to address health disparities.


    🔍 Emma shares her experiences in Germany's competitive research environment and compares it with the UK's doctoral programs.


    👥 The conversation delves into the challenges of interdisciplinary communication and the evolving recognition of psychologists in policy discussions.


    👩‍💼 While Emma hasn't specifically studied workplace inequality, she discusses perceptions of health differences based on occupational social class.


    📈 Emma shares insights into her ongoing projects, exploring how people conceptualize non-medical health factors and investigating burnout and stress in primary care settings.


    🔮 In a reflective moment, Emma encourages authenticity and a quicker leap into areas of passion for aspiring researchers.


    🙏 Subscribe, share and stay tuned for more insights! 🎧💡


    Dr Simon McCabe 👉 https://tinyurl.com/j7b5dn8e


    Dr Emma Bridger 👉 http://tinyurl.com/3cj7a6vr


    The Healthy Work Research Unit 👉 https://tinyurl.com/2zw2fuu4


    Aston Business School 👉 https://tinyurl.com/3tbcdf5d


    #TeamAston #OneAston

    22 min
  • Practical experiences and academic insights: Finding the Balance with Paul Jones

    Aston University brings you a podcast hosted by the Healthy Work Research Unit.
    The Healthy Work Research Unit aims to provide cutting edge research that offers insights and empirically based recommendations for how we can improve work.
    Each month, top academics and practitioners are interviewed about their work related to wellbeing in the workplace.
    This podcast is hosted by Dr Simon McCabe.
    On today's episode, Paul Jones brings together a range of people-focused skills, abilities and knowledge, blending together practical experiences with academic insights. In this episode Paul explores his thoughts on doctoral study, why he believes utilising the strengths of individuals can unlock organisational potential and offers advice to those who want to maximise their career potential.
    Additionally, Paul also speaks about his experiences relating to well-being in the workplace and his excitement about making a difference to others through research.
    Dr Simon McCabe 👉 https://tinyurl.com/j7b5dn8e
    Paul Jones 👉 https://tinyurl.com/3nvh9mm3
    The Healthy Work Research Unit 👉 https://tinyurl.com/2zw2fuu4
    Aston Business School 👉 https://tinyurl.com/3tbcdf5d
    #TeamAston #OneAston

    36 min

About The Healthy Work Podcast

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Aston University brings you a podcast hosted by the Healthy Work Research Unit.