Your Work Friends | Fresh Insights on the Now and Next of Work

By Mel Plett & Francesca RanieriBusiness Education Careers Management

Your Work Friends | Fresh Insights on the Now and Next of Work episodes

September 04, 2024New Week, New Headlines: Office Therapists on Payroll, Is Wellbeing Fixable & Don't Leave Teammates on Mountains
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The work news just doesn't quit - here's what we're talking about....

WTF News: Two stories that had us going, WTF?!
WellsFargo employee dies at her desk. Co-workers don't find her for four days. Four.
Teammate gets stranded on the side of a mountain during a work-sponsored team building event. Can we stop with the mountaineering already?

Office Therapists on the Payroll
Wall Street Journal reported on the latest employer to bring in the latest solution for mental health wellbeing - on-site, office therapists. Is this the cure for mental health in the workplace? We discuss. We referenced:
https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/in-office-therapy-benefit-synchrony-financial-83ab814e

Is Wellbeing Fixable?
US workplace wellbeing continues to decline according to the latest findings from John Hopkins and Gallup. We referenced
HR Grapevine: US Workplace Wellbeing in decline, study finds
US News Work Stress May Help Bring On A-Fib
How to Implement Wellbeing as a Strategic Priority at the Org Level with Gallup
Employee Wellbeing Hinges on Management, Not Work Mode
Johns Hopkins Study: Well-Being at Work: Fostering a Healthy Climate for All
Journal of the American Heart Association
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

Thanks for listening!

Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us!
On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca.
The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn
Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to [email protected]
34 min
August 27, 2024How Socioeconomic Status Impacts Work w/Brayden Olson, Co-Founder of Almas Insight
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Your socioeconomic status dictates your future.

Wealth inequality has a more significant impact on where you go and what you can do.

From the education you receive to the career paths you can access, and even how you view yourself in society. And this isn't just your problem—it's a generational crisis.

We sat down with expert, Brayden Olson co-founder of Almas Insight and Author of Twilight of the Idols to dive into the unspoken class system in America and suss out how individuals and organizations can work to level the playing field.

Olson provides eye-opening personal anecdotes and insights into how inherited resources, rather than individual effort, frequently dictate life outcomes.

We take a closer look at the unspoken class system in America and its daunting effect on social mobility. From the misconception that hard work alone can surmount socioeconomic barriers, to the critical role that financial and social resources play, we expose the hidden dynamics influencing career opportunities and self-worth. Engaging stories reveal how individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds face unique challenges, particularly in high-status professions, and highlight the importance of confidence and inherent knowledge in navigating job interviews and college applications.

Lastly, our discussion shifts to the workplace, where we explore the role of technology and leadership in perpetuating or dismantling socioeconomic biases. Olson introduces innovative AI-driven solutions designed to level the playing field in hiring processes, stressing the potential of technology to foster equality. We cap off the episode by reflecting on the broader societal impacts of economic divides and the urgent need for empathy, resilience, and collective action to build a more equitable society. Don't miss this insightful conversation on addressing and overcoming socioeconomic challenges in education, work, and beyond.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

Thanks for listening!

Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us!
On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca.
The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn
Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to [email protected]
57 min
August 20, 2024New Week, New Headlines: Why Are So Many Executive Women Quitting? & Work Resorts and Remote CEOs
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This week, we're talking about...

Why Are So Many Executive Women Quitting?
We tackle the unsettling trend of women leaders stepping down from Ivy League presidencies amid intense scrutiny. This concerning pattern highlights the persistent gender biases in leadership roles across academia and corporate America. As we dig into statistics from the Chronicle of Higher Education and discuss findings from McKinsey's Women in the Workplace Report, we underscore the need for systemic change.

Work Resorts and Remote CEOs
There are two stories getting heat in the great 'office debate:
One: Introducing..."work resorts" where office spaces are designed to be aesthetically pleasing and offer additional layers of hospitality to get folks back to the office. Will it work or is this 2024's answer to the ping pong table?
Two: Starbucks and Victoria's Secret welcomed new CEOs who will also be working 'remotely'. Begging the question about fairness of remote work policies, especially when CEOs work remotely while expecting their employees to adhere to in-office requirements. This disparity can create negative optics and affect employee morale.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

Thanks for listening!

Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us!
On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca.
The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn
Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to [email protected]
29 min
August 13, 2024How to Reduce Human Debt in the Workplace w/ Duena Blomstrom Co-Founder of PeopleNotTech & Tech Led Culture Author
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You may not have heard the term Human Debt before. But, you've felt it.

We had the privilege of sitting down with powerhouse Duena Blomstrom to talk about HumanDebt™ in the workplace.

Duena is a HumanDebt™ fighter, author of Tech Led Culture, Co-founder of PeopleNotTech, and Neurospicy at Work. She also has a fantastic newsletter on LinkedIn, Chasing Psychological Safety,.

How do broken promises and neglected well-being create a toxic anti-culture at work? Join us in a heart-to-heart with Duena Blomstrom, a leading voice in Human and Tech Debt and workplace culture, as she unpacks the critical issue of human debt in modern organizations.

Duena sheds light on how human debt, can cripple an organization if left unresolved, emphasizing the importance of genuine human connections and understanding emotions and emotional intelligence is critical for organizations to literally survive in the long term.

This is a unfiltered conversation about what workplace and every individual within an organization can do to decrease human debt and make work more healthy and human.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

Thanks for listening!

Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us!
On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca.
The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn
Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to [email protected]
39 min
August 06, 2024New Week, New Headlines: Project 2025's Impacts to Workers & There's a Happiness Gap at Work
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We're back with New Week, New Headlines! Here's what we're talking about this week..

Topic #1: Project 2025's Impacts to Workers: unpacks the conservative Project 2025 agenda and its potential ramifications for the Department of Labor and US workers. We tackle the intricate implications of a conservative policy proposal aimed at bolstering American workers and families. This segment raises thought-provoking questions about deregulation, union power, and the elimination of DEI mandates. We highlight specific changes like modifications to overtime pay and the contentious proposal to link time-and-a-half pay to working on the Sabbath, scrutinizing how these shifts could transform the American workplace.

Topic #2: There's a Happiness Gap at Work: Mel's talking about the happiness gap and what we can do about it, given Fast Company's article, "There's a Happiness Gap at Work, Here's What We Learned From Leaders in Finland and Denmark - the Happiest Countries in the World". Purpose and trust emerge as central themes in our discussion on workplace dynamics. With a McKinsey report revealing that 70% of employees find their jobs define their sense of purpose, we address the growing gap between executives and frontline workers. Practical tips for leaders to foster purpose and trust are shared, from initiating meaningful dialogues about workplace purpose to ensuring equitable access to high-profile projects.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

Thanks for listening!

Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us!
On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca.
The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn
Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to [email protected]
33 min
August 01, 2024🔥 #4: Envy - From Our Fishbowl LIVE "7 Deadly Work Sins" Summer Series
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From our LIVE event on Fishbowl...

Let's talk about...ENVY

You know envy, that little green monster that likes to show up from time-to-time.
🔥 Maybe your co-worker got the promotion you've been waiting for for three years.
🔥 Maybe your college roommate made a billion dollars in tech and your back in your parents basement.
🔥 Or, maybe you find yourself hovering over the delete button of that very important presentation your teammate needs to deliver tomorrow.

At work, envy shows itself in a lot of different ways, and we want to talk about. How you can recognize it, how you can manage it, and what to do if you're a victim of someone's jealousy.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

Thanks for listening!

Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us!
On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca.
The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn
Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to [email protected]
49 min
July 23, 2024How to End Workplace Abuse w/ "Workplace Psychological Safety Act" Authors and End Workplace Abuse Founders, Deb Falzoi & Vicki Courtemanche
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In the US, do you have a right to a safe, psychologically safe workplace?
Because, right now, there is no legislation protecting employees from toxic work environments. None.
Join us for an eye-opening discussion with Deb Falzoi and Vicky Courtemanche, founders of the End Workplace Abuse Initiative.
They are spearheading efforts to implement the Workplace Psychological Safety Act in 20 states by 2025, aiming to protect employees from toxic work environments.
Learn about their journey from being victims to advocates for change, emphasizing the need for accountability in combating workplace bullying.
Gain insights into recognizing and addressing abuse, and discover practical strategies for creating healthier workspaces.
Don't miss out on creating a culture of psychological safety at work.

Check out:
End Workplace Abuse: https://endworkplaceabuse.com/
Sign the petition: https://endworkplaceabuse.com/sign-the-petition/

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

Thanks for listening!

Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us!
On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca.
The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn
Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to [email protected]
35 min
July 17, 2024🔥 #3: Gluttony - From Our Fishbowl LIVE "7 Deadly Work Sins" Summer Series
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In this episode, we are talking about Gluttony

...you know gluttony, that feeling of entitlement - to time, resources, office supplies. Maybe you think it is ok to spend 20-minutes of a 30-minute meeting talking about your weekend to your co-workers. Maybe you steal the free snacks before you head home from training. Or, maybe you find yourself arguing with the same co-worker over resources for equally important projects at work.

At work, gluttony shows itself in a lot of different ways, and we want to talk about it. How you can recognize it, how you can manage it, and what to do if you're a victim of someone's appetite for overindulgence.

About the "7 Deadly Work Sins" Summer Series
You want to know what really messes employees up? Raw human emotions. Listen, we ALL experience them from time to time (we totally have), but if you don't handle them well, man can they be deal breakers. In this series, we break down
• The common spectrum of experiences with each 'sin',
• We talk about real-life (kinda salacious stories) scenarios (yeah, this stuff happens every day),
• How to not ‘commit’ the sin, and
• Most importantly, how to deal with a sinner
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

Thanks for listening!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

Thanks for listening!

Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us!
On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca.
The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn
Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to [email protected]
57 min
July 09, 2024How to Deal with Jerks at Work w/ Dr. Tessa West
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Ever wondered how to handle that gaslighter or micromanager in your office? Join us as we explore these challenging workplace dynamics with Dr. Tessa West, a psychology professor at NYU and author of "Jerks at Work." Dr. West shares her journey from the high-end retail world to academia, offering practical advice and engaging anecdotes that illuminate the complex nature of dealing with difficult colleagues. You'll walk away with actionable strategies to not only survive but thrive in your professional environment.

We highlight the significant impact of interpersonal relationships on your career, featuring discussions on the importance of nurturing meaningful connections beyond specific job contexts. Dr. West emphasizes how consistent networking can act as a safety net during career disruptions and offers insights into managing negative relationships effectively. Learn how to maintain professional composure, safeguard your reputation, and disengage from toxic colleagues without resorting to harmful tactics.

Finally, we dissect the complexities of workplace culture and provide tips for navigating new job dynamics, especially in the first 90 days. Dr. West underscores the importance of gathering comprehensive information to avoid toxic work cultures and stresses the need for transparency and procedural justice in fostering a healthy work environment. Tune in for a compelling episode that not only identifies the jerks in your workplace but also equips you with the tools to excel in any professional setting. Don't forget to stay connected with us on TikTok and LinkedIn at yourworkfriendscom for more engaging content!
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

Thanks for listening!

Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us!
On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca.
The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn
Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to [email protected]
58 min
June 26, 2024🔥 #2: Wrath - From Our Fishbowl LIVE "7 Deadly Work Sins" Summer Series
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This week, we're talking about...WRATH.

Ever wonder 'what the hell is that person's problem? In this episode, we are talking about Wrath ...you know wrath, that fiery feeling that bubbles up in the pit of your stomach and you have to control your face? Maybe you lost it on your co-workers in a stressful meeting and things got awkward. Maybe you thought you were on mute but said 'this is dumb' out loud to 3000 people. Or, maybe you find yourself being the target of fury from a co-worker and you don't know why. At work, wrath shows itself in a lot of different ways, and we want to talk about it. How you can recognize it, how you can manage it, and what to do if you're a victim of someone else directing their rage at you.

About the "7 Deadly Work Sins" Summer Series
You want to know what really messes employees up? Raw human emotions. Listen, we ALL experience them from time to time (we totally have), but if you don't handle them well, man can they be deal breakers. In this series, we break down
• The common spectrum of experiences with each 'sin',
• We talk about real-life (kinda salacious stories) scenarios (yeah, this stuff happens every day),
• How to not ‘commit’ the sin, and
• Most importantly, how to deal with a sinner
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

Thanks for listening!

Hey! We love new friends! Connect with us!
On The Socials! You Tube, TikTok, Instagram on LinkedIn - Mel + Francesca.
The LinkedIn Group: We'd love to have you join the Your Work Friends Group on LinkedIn
Drop Us a Line: Send us your ideas, questions, comments, complements, whatnot, to [email protected]
57 min

About Your Work Friends | Fresh Insights on the Now and Next of Work

From the publisher's feed

We break down the now and next of work. You stay ahead.

Its not just you - work is bonkers. Burnout is high, trust is low, and everything is changing at breakneck…