The Office Reset

The lockdown has affected each of us differently - depending on which stage of our lives we are in. With businesses trying to survive and jobs on the line; maintaining our mental health seems more important than ever. But how can managers effectively lead, while juggling all this? 

In the first part of the show, I speak with Dr Jo Yarker, organisational psychologist and director of Affinity Health at Work, about the importance of managing the individual within the team and why maintaining good habits is essential in order to lead.  

In the second part, Lee Chambers, environmental psychologist, wellbeing trainer and founder of Essentialise, talks about his own redundancy experience in the 2008 economic crash, how he bounced back after losing his ability to walk, and how he is advising his clients on supporting furloughed and non-furloughed employees. With discussions unfolding about returning to the office, Lee says proactive communication by employers will be key. 

Before the pandemic, being physically present in the office was seen as a huge advantage in the workplace. Now, technology has been filling in for those crucial face times - but will it end up reducing our presence in the long-term?  

My guest Drew Austin, writer and technologist in New York, has a background in technology and urban planning and often explores the intersection of physical and digital spaces in his Kneeling Bus newsletter.  

In this episode, we discuss what some of these technological limitations might mean for our future interactions in the workplace, how technology might impact our future office status, who is likely to thrive remotely, and the potential shift in power dynamic between employers and employees.   I would love to have your feedback! 

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