In 2021 we asked experts to gaze into a crystal ball and give us their predictions for how work would change as a result of a global pandemic.

Were the futurists right, and what changes do they see coming in the next few years? 

Laughter is good for us, but sometimes jokes and funny quips just don't land, especially when they're delivered by your boss.

If you're a leader or you report to one, here's how to use humour to make work a more enjoyable experience for all concerned.

Put a pin in it, leverage that, circle back, LMK (let me know) - ugh! Some of us are drawn to use jargon and buzzwords, while others are annoyed by them.

Learn when and how to use jargon so that you can avoid miscommunication at work.

How is the use of artificial intelligence in meetings, recording transcripts, generating notes, listening in (!), affecting your work, and how do you feel about its presence in the 'room'?

Learn what AI can do in meetings, to improve productivity and team building, and what's still to come.

Job cuts have been announced,  a restructure is imminent, you've got a new boss, AI is about to change your job. These events are all part of regular working life, so what can you do?

Learn why we struggle with uncertainty at work, and get some skills to help you cope.

They’re usually the last step in the process, but reference checks are an important part of a job hire. And if you get them wrong, you can have a real situation on your hands.

What's best practice when it comes to reference checking: whether you’re hiring, trying to be hired, or giving a reference for someone else?

The junior person feels like they’re being micromanaged, but the manager feels like the job is not being done properly. When does good supervision tip into micromanagement?

Shona Ryan had such a difficult time being micromanaged as a millennial worker, that she decided to research the topic. 

We hear what she learned, and get advice from an expert on how to break the pattern of micromanagement.

You’ve probably got a focus music playlist but did you know being musically trained can help you in other jobs? And no, it’s not too late if you didn’t learn the piano when you were a child.

Guest: Dr Diana Tolmie - Musician and Senior Lecturer in Professional Practice at the Queensland Conservatorium

And thanks to Sophie, George, Mark and Deirdre for sharing their stories.

And if you liked this episode you’d enjoy our episode on the power of being a generalist at work - find it in our podcast feed from March 2023.

Our childhood phantasy careers (different to fantasy with an ‘f’) help uncover our unconscious motivations and can unlock job satisfaction in our careers. Here’s how to figure out yours.

Guest: Paul Harvey - Lecturer and Executive Coach at the INSEAD Business School

And thanks to Afrouz, Karen and Ryan for sharing their stories.

"Don't we all hold many things? We all have to work jobs often we don't fully politically or ethically agree with because we have to pay our rent."

When we have the privilege to choose what work we do, how do we ensure we're ethically aligned with that career choice? And once we’re working in a job, how can we ensure we’re behaving ethically day to day?

Guests:

• Dr Tim Dean - Senior Philosopher, The Ethics Centre
• Maryam Kouchaki - Professor of Management & Organizations, the Kellogg School of Management
• Jess Shane - radio and podcast producer

If you enjoyed this episode, you'd like our episodes about values at work (from April) and why good people do bad things (from June 2023). Find them in our podcast feed.