Work Week

As climate events increase in frequency and intensity, they become more than environmental concerns—they become workforce issues. In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Gabby Burlacu of The Upwork Research Institute explores how weather-related disruptions are costing U.S. businesses billions in lost productivity each year, along with what leaders can do to build climate resilience. Learn how mental health and remote work infrastructure factor into your strategy, and what steps you can take today to future-proof your workforce while supporting employees. Whether you're an executive, HR leader, team manager, or front-line worker, this episode will help you navigate the rising climate risks impacting the future of work.

What happens when AI takes the tedious, routine work off our plates? In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Kelly Monahan explores how AI is enabling worker potential—not by replacing jobs, but by removing repetitive tasks and enabling more strategic and creative work. Based on exclusive research from The Upwork Research Institute's Future Workforce Index and real-life freelancer success stories, learn how leaders and teams can partner with AI to drive growth, efficiency, and innovation. Whether you're a business leader or independent professional, this episode will help understand how AI helps maximize human brilliance.

How can organizations rethink middle manager roles in an AI-driven workplace? In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Gabby Burlacu of The Upwork Research Institute examines the changing role of middle managers in an AI-powered workplace. We highlight findings from The Upwork Research Institute's latest report, From Tools to Teammates: Navigating the Human-AI Relationship, as well as relevant industry research from Gallup, Gartner, and Capgemini. We uncover why middle managers feel disengaged—and why their role is more important than ever as organizations integrate AI. Learn how freelancers are modeling sustainable AI use, why reimagining—not eliminating—middle management is critical, and how to support middle managers amid the AI transformation.

Is AI eroding human connection? In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Gabby Burlacu of The Upwork Research Institute explores a surprising paradox in the modern workplace: AI is driving huge gains in workplace efficiency—but those who report the biggest productivity boosts are also most at risk of burnout and disconnection, even leading to resignation. Drawing from The Upwork Research Institute's latest research report, From Tools to Teammates: Navigating the Human-AI Relationship, we discuss how to strike the right balance between driving productivity and maintaining close, professional relationships in an AI-driven workplace. Plus, learn steps you can take to restore human connection in your workflows. Listen to the episode to discover how to build both high-performing and deeply connected teams.

What's the difference between AI agents and agentic AI—and how do those differences affect you? In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Kelly Monahan, Managing Director of The Upwork Research Institute, breaks down how these two types of AI are shaping the future of work. While AI agents execute tasks, agentic AI systems pursue goals, adapt over time, and make complex decisions—often with minimal or no human intervention. We'll explore research from Anthropic, insights from Upwork data, and how teams can effectively integrate and manage emerging AI technology. Whether you're a business leader building AI-powered workflows or a worker navigating a developing digital landscape, this episode will equip you with the clarity to act—and the questions to ask.

Is remote work a sustainable option for organizations and employees? In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Kelly Monahan, Managing Director of The Upwork Research Institute, discusses what recent research reveals about the effectiveness of remote and hybrid work environments. You'll learn why visibility, alignment, and intentional communication—not physical location—are the keys to success. Kelly shares a real-world practice she uses with her team called "Mindset Mondays," a quick yet powerful ritual that creates clarity, connection, and momentum at the start of each week.

Whether your organization is remote, hybrid, or fully in-office, this episode offers practical insights to help you drive alignment and clarity across your team.

AI is transforming hiring tasks including writing job descriptions, scheduling interviews, and evaluating candidates. But where is the line separating productivity gains from the loss of human insight and connection? In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Gabby Burlacu explores candidate and employer perspectives and shares relevant data behind the role of AI in recruiting. The episode also covers how to strike the right balance between automation and human connection in the hiring process. Listen to learn how the mindful use of AI can support an improved hiring experience for both candidates and organizations without losing the human touch.

AI agents are autonomous software programs that can perceive their environment and make decisions, and they are reshaping the work landscape. In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Kelly Monahan explores a bold new vision of work, where AI agents operate alongside humans—and every employee becomes an "agent boss." Drawing on insights from Microsoft and Upwork's Future Workforce Index, we break down what it means to lead in the age of AI, why uniquely human skills are more valuable than ever, and how organizations can rethink structure, culture, and strategy to stay competitive. Whether you're a business decision maker or an independent professional, this episode will equip you to navigate—and shape—the AI-powered workplace of tomorrow.

Is a four-year college degree still the best predictor of workplace success? In this episode of Work Week, host Dr. Gabby Burlacu explores why companies are rethinking traditional hiring practices in favor of a skills-first approach. Featuring new data from the Upwork Research Institute and industry research from the World Economic Forum, we discuss why executives are removing degree requirements, as well as steps your organization can take to adopt skills-based hiring. Whether you're a leader or hiring manager, or are curious about how talent is evolving, this episode offers actionable insights into building a more effective, agile workplace.

In this episode of Work Week, Dr. Kelly Monahan explores the rise of mini-retirements—intentional pauses early- and mid-career—and what this trend signals about growing burnout in the workforce. Drawing on data from The Upwork Research Institute and external research, we examine how Gen Z and millennial workers in particular are redesigning their careers with intentional pauses, flexibility, and freelancing. Learn how organizations can respond by prioritizing flexibility and mental health in the workplace—before burnout drives talent out the door.