This Working Life
ABC Australia
You spend so much time on work, why accept the status quo, when there are ways to do it better? Get expert advice, research and hacks that will crush your inertia.
Join Lisa Leong and other This Working Lifers as we experiment and explore the latest in the world of work.
We cover policy issues, like hybrid workplaces and remote work, employee wellbeing and organisational culture, the use of AI, employee surveillance, employee engagement, diversity and inclusion. We talk about progress on wider issues that relate to work, like work life balance, organisational change, restructures, and casualisation. On This Working Life our focus is on everything related to the people in a workplace too, including culture, individual experiences, performance management and career advice.
Join Lisa Leong and other This Working Lifers as we experiment and explore the latest in the world of work.
We cover policy issues, like hybrid workplaces and remote work, employee wellbeing and organisational culture, the use of AI, employee surveillance, employee engagement, diversity and inclusion. We talk about progress on wider issues that relate to work, like work life balance, organisational change, restructures, and casualisation. On This Working Life our focus is on everything related to the people in a workplace too, including culture, individual experiences, performance management and career advice.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 29, 2026 • 25min
The power of inspiring vs. infuriating leadership
When your boss sends a text complimenting your work, it feels amazing! But if they point out a mistake in front of your peers, you may feel shattered. What does it take to be an inspiring leader, and how can you avoid being an infuriating one? Guest:Adam Galinsky, Paul Calello Professor of Leadership and Ethics at the Columbia Business School This interview was recorded at the Power, Status and Influence Research Conference, for the Melbourne Business School.
Mar 22, 2026 • 25min
Meet Digital Don, the identic AI agent
You may soon have a digital clone of your work-self that can take care of many of your tasks, make decisions on your behalf, and even give presentations as you. As the emergence of “identic AI” generates more potential for digital human twins in organisations, we discuss the ethics of using them. Guests:Don Tapscott, co-author, You to the Power of Two, Redefining Human Potential in the Age of Identic AI
Mar 15, 2026 • 25min
Is more annual leave the answer to preventing burnout?
Carol Kulik, workplace research professor focused on recovery and autonomy. Shae McCrystal, labour law professor explaining legal leave frameworks. Greg Day, IKEA co-worker experience manager on five-week leave in practice. They discuss IKEA’s five-week trial, planning and uptake, the ACTU proposal and legal angles, how extra leave supports autonomy and the cultural barriers that stop people actually taking time off.
11 snips
Mar 8, 2026 • 34min
Esther Perel on conflict and power struggles at work
Esther Perel, psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author who advises organisations on relationships and power. She explores why conflict is inevitable and what people are really fighting for. She reframes power beyond hierarchy and names common destructive tactics. Plus a practical role‑play exercise and a personal habit for clearer responses.
Mar 1, 2026 • 25min
It's okay, you can take a break
Vanessa Miles, organisational psychologist who helps workplaces build break and resilience practices. Kira Schabram, management professor researching work sustainability and breaks. They discuss why breaks protect performance and wellbeing. They cover barriers to pausing, three practical break strategies, timing from micro-breaks to sabbaticals, and how leaders can normalize visible rest.
Feb 22, 2026 • 25min
Can I give you some feedback?
James Donald, a management lecturer researching feedback and leadership, and Roisin McCann, a facilitator who builds leadership and feedback cultures, unpack practical ways to give and receive feedback. They cover coaching and strengths-based approaches, SBI-style specificity, avoiding defensive reactions, setting up regular feedback routines, and simple questions to make feedback habitual and constructive.
Feb 15, 2026 • 25min
Unlock the power of a four day week
Anne Rayner, founder of The Productivity Bargain who helps organisations implement four-day weeks, and John Hopkins, management professor researching flexible work, discuss why shorter weeks are back in focus. They cover evidence on productivity, Launceston Council’s trial, planning and audits, preventing work intensification, and practical roadmaps for successful implementation.
Feb 8, 2026 • 25min
The ultimate guide to fixing meetings
Our calendars are filled with meetings, but what are they really achieving?Learn how to cut out unnecessary gatherings and make the ones that remain, more meaningful and efficient. Guest:Rebecca Hinds PhD, organisational expert and author, Your Best Meeting Ever For a copy of the resources mentioned in this episode, email us at thisworkinglife@abc.net.au
14 snips
Feb 1, 2026 • 25min
How to start strong in a new job
Jonathan Wolfrey, HR leader and managing partner who focuses on onboarding best practices. Kate Flaherty, career development professional and leadership coach who advises on wellbeing and early role strategy. They discuss prep before day one, what employers should set up, first-day behaviours to avoid, buddies and quick wins, managing cognitive load and handling probation conversations.
Jan 25, 2026 • 25min
Reinvent your career in 2026 with Dorie Clark
Dorie Clark, bestselling author and executive education professor known for career reinvention, offers practical ways to pivot. She breaks down big versus small reinventions. She explains mapping strengths to market demand, testing ideas with low-risk experiments, and crafting a clear relaunch narrative. She also suggests getting feedback, embracing uncertainty, and showing learning publicly.
