If you’re like most of us these days, a pension is not in the cards. Today’s guest says not to worry – Heather McGowan has a different idea about how to have a great future at work.

Heather is a future-of-work strategist and author. Her new book called “The Empathy Advantage: Leading the Empowered Workforce” was just released. 

Heather says there are five elements that make up what she calls the “Great Reset”. She shares those with us – along with why she says “learning is the new pension.”

After our conversation with Heather, Noga Lasser will join us. Noga is director of design at Steelcase and will help us connect Heather’s ideas to designing a better workplace. 

Additional resources: 
- Be part of our community at steelcase.com/subscribe.  Get the latest workplace design, insights and research sent to your inbox. 
- You can find transcripts at www.steelcase.com/podcasts (Read today’s transcript)
- Learn more about Heather McGowan and her new book https://heathermcgowan.com/

Work Better podcast is hosted by Chris Congdon. Produced by Rebecca Charbauski. Creative art direction by Erin Ellison and Emily Cowdrey. Technical support by Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez. Digital publishing by Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks. Editing and sound mixing by SoundPost Studios.

Learning Is the New Pension with Heather McGowan (S2:E2)

When the pandemic sent everyone home, many teachers and students struggled. And according to Anya Kamenetz, one of the biggest reasons is because learning is a social event. This episode of Work Better, we’re focused on the work happening in our classrooms. We’ll talk about how online and hybrid learning are impacting kids and teachers. Plus, share some inspiring success stories. 

Anya speaks, writes, and thinks about how children learn, grow and thrive on a changing planet. She covered education for many years including for NPR, where she co-created the podcast Life Kit: Parenting. Her newest book is The Stolen Year: How Covid Changed Children’s Lives, And Where We Go Now. Before the pandemic, she wrote the book DIY U: Edupunks, Edupreneurs and the Coming Transformation of Higher Education. She also is currently an advisor to the Aspen Institute and a Co:Generate fellow working on a new initiative to end climate silence in children’s media.

Stick around after we hear from Anya because Andrew Kim, director of global research at Steelcase, will join us. Andrew will share why the physical environment makes such a difference to how we learn.

Additional resources: 
- Be part of our community at steelcase.com/subscribe.  Get the latest workplace design, insights and research sent to your inbox. 
- You can find transcripts at www.steelcase.com/podcasts (Read today’s transcript)
- Learn more about Anya Kamenetz and her book The Stolen Year: http://www.anyakamenetz.net/

Work Better podcast is hosted by Chris Congdon. Produced by Rebecca Charbauski. Creative art direction by Erin Ellison and Emily Cowdrey. Technical support by Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez. Digital publishing by Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks. Editing and sound mixing by SoundPost Studios.

Learning Is a Social Event with Anya Kamenetz (S2:E6)

Caroline Casey spent a good part of her life hiding her true self. When she finally opened up to the world, amazing things happened. Her story starts when she was inspired by the Disney movie The Jungle Book. Later, she found herself on elephant-back in India which helped her kickstart an inclusion revolution in the workplace. 

Caroline is an Irish activist and management consultant that just so happens to be legally blind. She leads the Valuable 500 — which Steelcase is proud to be a part of. The Valuable 500 is a partnership of 500 of the most influential organizations in the world that have made a commitment to work to end disability exclusion.

Caroline is bringing disability inclusion to the forefront of the diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace initiative. Learn how Caroline’s commitment to audacious inclusion is changing the ways people work. And hear her insights into what to do to design more inclusive workplaces (https://www.steelcase.com/research/articles/topics/design/ideas-designing-inclusive-workplaces/) even when everyone’s needs are so different.

Additional resources: 
Learn more about The Valuable 500 https://www.thevaluable500.com/
Read insights about how to create more inclusive workplaces www.steelcase.com/WBmagazine

Get the latest workplace design, insights and research: www.steelcase.com/subscribe
Work Better podcast is hosted by Chris Congdon. Produced by Rebecca Charbauski. Creative art direction by Erin Ellison and Emily Cowdrey. Technical support by Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez. Digital publishing by Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks. Editing and sound mixing by SoundPost Studios.

Audacious Inclusion with Caroline Casey (S3:E1)

Over the past 100 years, the office has been integral to how work gets done. It has shaped cities, cultures and how many of us, individually, behave. But the pandemic triggered a complete re-evaluation of the workplace. Jeremy Myerson says it’s time to relearn old habits and rituals and start thinking a little more like Walt Disney when we design offices in the future. 

Jeremy is a researcher, author and activist in workplace design and innovation. He is a director at WORKTECH Academy. If you aren’t familiar with WORKTECH, it is a global, online knowledge platform and member network that explores the future of work and workplace. He is a Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford and Professor Emeritus in design at the Royal College of Art. He’s also published several books on workplace design including his latest, “Unworking: The Reinvention of the Modern Office.” 

When we think about the impact the workplace has on people, we have to consider how to create better experiences for workers. Modern office design has to integrate hybrid work spaces, biophilia, social spaces, and contemplation spaces to improve workplace experiences and productivity. As a collector of knowledge, Jeremy shares four specific new ways to think about designing offices for experiences in today’s era. 

Additional resources: 
Learn more about WORKTECH Academy https://www.worktechacademy.com/
Read Unworking: The Reinvention of the Modern Office 
Read insights about how to create more inclusive workplaces www.steelcase.com/WBmagazine
Get the latest workplace design, insights and research: www.steelcase.com/subscribe

Work Better podcast is hosted by Chris Congdon. Produced by Rebecca Charbauski. Creative art direction by Erin Ellison and Emily Cowdrey. Technical support by Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez. Digital publishing by Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks. Editing and sound mixing by SoundPost Studios.

Designing the New Workplace Experience with Jeremy Myerson (S3:E2)

Look around you. Is there anything nearby that makes you smile? Our guest today argues there is a distinct connection between our surroundings, our wellbeing and our mental health. She even suggests there is time we can find joy in our physical environment even if we’re not feeling happy. 

Ingrid Fetell Lee  is the author of Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness, and the founder of the website The Aesthetics of Joy. She empowers people to find more joy in life and work through design. Her popular TED talk “Where Joy Hides and How to Find it” has been viewed more than 17 million times. 

During our conversation, Ingrid explains the difference between joy and happiness which includes why moments of joy are actually more attainable than you may think. She also helps us understand how even small changes to our workplace can make a significant difference in how we feel. 

Additional resources:
- Learn more about Ingrid Fetell Lee’s research and books at https://aestheticsofjoy.com/
- Enroll: Design a Home You Love with Ingrid Fetell Lee https://shop.aestheticsofjoy.com/products/design-a-home-you-love
- Ingrid Fetell Lee’s TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/ingrid_fetell_lee_where_joy_hides_and_how_to_find_it
- Read insights about how to design moments of joy at work www.steelcase.com/WBnew
- Get the latest workplace design, insights and research: www.steelcase.com/subscribe

Work Better podcast is hosted by Chris Congdon. Produced by Rebecca Charbauski. Creative art direction by Erin Ellison and Emily Cowdrey. Technical support by Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez. Digital publishing by Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks. Editing and sound mixing by SoundPost Studios.

Sparking Joy at Work with Ingrid Fetell Lee (S4:E1)

Spaces communicate a lot about how you are supposed to behave. In a library, everything about the lighting and the furniture tells you to be quiet and contemplative. Or a conference room indicates where to sit and where to look. 

Dr. Upali Nanda has done a lot of work around the intersection of architecture and neuroscience. And she’s figuring out how to create workplaces designed to make our brains healthier. 
We first caught up with Upali in New York where she presented her team’s work at the United Nations General Assembly's "Brain Capital Alliance" summit hosted in the Steelcase New York City WorkLife. She is Global Practice Director of Research and a Partner at HKS, and executive director of the Center for Advanced Design Research and Evaluation which is a non-profit founded by HKS. She also teaches at the University Michigan in the school of architecture and urban planning. 

She has extensive experience leading research projects in design practice, focusing on the impact of design on human health and perception. She was awarded the Women in Architecture Innovator Award and sits on the board of the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture. 

In this episode, learn about a living lab in Atlanta that’s creating a workplace designed for brain health and helping people learn how to make the most of it to create joy and happiness at work. 

Additional resources: 
Read Getting to a Brain Healthy Workplace to download the full report Upali Nanda talks about https://www.hksinc.com/how-we-think/reports/getting-to-a-brain-healthy-workplace/
Read insights about how to design moments of joy at work www.steelcase.com/WBnew
Get the latest workplace design, insights and research: www.steelcase.com/subscribe
Work Better podcast is hosted by Chris Congdon. Produced by Rebecca Charbauski. Creative art direction by Erin Ellison and Emily Cowdrey. Technical support by Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez. Digital publishing by Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks. Editing and sound mixing by SoundPost Studios.

Creating a Brain Healthy Workplace with Upali Nanda (S4:E3)

We’ve all been told at some point in our lives that hard work is the key to success. But author Alex Soojung-Kim Pang is out to dispel this myth. He says you can actually get more done and experience more “Aha!” moments if you rest and relax more often. 

Alex has spent the past 20 years studying people, the future of technology and its impact on work. He is a former Microsoft research fellow and professional futurist with a PhD in the history of science as well as a visiting scholar at Stanford and Oxford.
He’s the author of four books including; The Distraction Addiction, Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less, Shorter: How Working Less Will Revolutionize the Way Your Company Gets Things Done and, most recently, Work Less Do More: Designing the Four Day Week. 

When Alex talks about rest, he isn’t just focusing on sleep. He defines rest more broadly and is championing the idea that we can actually be more productive by doing less. He offers some advice for those of us addicted to the badge of busyness.

Additional resources: 
Learn more about Alex and his books including Work Less Do More, Rest, Shorter and The Distraction Addiction https://www.4dayweek.com/alex-pang
Watch Alex’s Ted Talk: How Rest Can Make You Better at Your Job https://www.ted.com/talks/alex_soojung_kim_pang_how_rest_can_make_you_better_at_your_job

Read insights about how to design moments of joy at work www.steelcase.com/WBnew
Get the latest workplace design, insights and research: www.steelcase.com/subscribe

Work Better podcast is hosted by Chris Congdon. Produced by Rebecca Charbauski. Creative art direction by Erin Ellison and Emily Cowdrey. Technical support by Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez. Digital publishing by Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks. Editing and sound mixing by SoundPost Studios.

The Science of “Aha!” Moments with Alex Soojung-Kim Pang (S4:E4)

We all know the workplace has to support a lot of diverse needs and it could probably do a much better job than it does today. But that can be really hard because there’s a gravitational pull toward sameness. It’s just easier to establish a pattern and stick to it. So how can we embrace how different our brains are when we are designing the workplace?

Elena Sabinson (she/they) is a neurodivergent researcher passionate about the role design can play to help all people flourish. She is an assistant professor of environmental design at the University of Colorado Boulder and received her PhD in human behavior and design from Cornell University. Elena was diagnosed later in life with autism and ADHD. 

Elena’s personal experience and research on neurodiversity along with their expertise in architecture and design gives us ideas for how the workplace can do more to support all of our different brains.

Additional resources: 

Learn more about Elena Sabinson’s work and research https://elenasabinson.com/
Read insights about how to design moments of joy at work www.steelcase.com/WBnew
Get the latest workplace design, insights and research: www.steelcase.com/subscribe

Work Better podcast is hosted by Chris Congdon. Produced by Rebecca Charbauski. Creative art direction by Erin Ellison and Emily Cowdrey. Technical support by Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez. Digital publishing by Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks. Editing and sound mixing by SoundPost Studios.

Embracing How Different Our Brains Are with Elena Sabinson (S4:E6)

You may think that if you don’t hear much from your employees, everything’s going pretty well. But that may not be the case. In fact, organizational psychologist Connie Noonan Hadley believes when employees don’t feel like they can speak up, that can spell trouble for businesses. In this edition of the Work Better podcast, Dr. Hadley identifies the root causes of this silence and offers actionable ideas on how leaders can help employees feel safe to speak up. Drawing on her extensive research and experience, she provides insights into fostering a culture of psychological safety and well-being in the workplace.

Dr. Hadley is the Founder and Chief Scientist of the Institute for Life at Work. Dr. Hadley is also a Research Associate Professor at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, where she conducts research and serves as Co-Director of the Human Resources Policy Institute (HRPI). In addition, Dr. Hadley serves as a regular consulting researcher at Microsoft on future-of-work projects and the Microsoft Work Trend Index. Dr. Hadley holds a PhD in organizational behavior as well as an MA in social psychology from Harvard University, an MBA in strategic and human resource management from The Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania), and a BA in psychology from Princeton University.

The Work Better podcast is hosted by Chris Congdon. Contributing producers are Katie Pace, Rebecca Charbauski, Stav Kontis, Chiara Licari, and Brandon Lacic. Creative art direction by Erin Ellison. Editing and sound mixing is by Sound Post studios. Technical support by Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez. Digital publishing by Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks.

Make it Safe for Employees to Speak Up with Connie Noonan Hadley (S5: EP1)

New research suggests you’ll barely have the attention span to finish reading this paragraph. We shift our attention faster and more often than ever before, impacting our work and health. So, what can we do to increase our attention? Slow down, set the audio speed to 1X, and listen to author Gloria Mark explain why this is happening and how small changes to our behavior and work environments can help -- on the latest edition of the Work Better podcast.

Gloria Mark is an American psychologist and Chancellor’s Professor of Informatics at the University of California, Irvine. She earned her PhD in psychology from Columbia University and has published over 200 scientific research articles. Her work primarily focuses on human-computer interaction, social computing, and the social impacts of digital media. Mark is the author of the 2023 book “Attention Span,” which explores how digital media affects our attention spans and offers strategies for improving focus and productivity.

The Work Better podcast is hosted by Chris Congdon. Contributing producers are Katie Pace, Rebecca Charbauski, Stav Kontis, Chiara Licari, and Brandon Lacic. Creative art direction by Erin Ellison. Editing and sound mixing is by Sound Post studios. Technical support by Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez. Digital publishing by Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks. 


Our 47-Second Attention Span With Gloria Mark (S5: EP3)

What would make you feel less stressed at your office? Researcher Libby Sander joins the Work Better podcast to discuss her groundbreaking research on how work environments can impact your stress levels in the office. She’ll share the three most important things you need in the office now for better physical and mental wellbeing, and how adopting more beautiful spaces can encourage better collaboration, creativity and growth.

Dr. Libby Sander is an internationally renowned expert on the future of work and workplace design. She is an Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior at Bond University and the founder of the Future of Work Project. Dr. Sander holds a PhD in Organizational Behavior, a Master’s in Human Resource Management, and degrees in Arts and Business. She has spoken at TEDx and contributes to the World Economic Forum. Her research has been featured in prominent publications like the Harvard Business Review and The Guardian.

The Work Better podcast is hosted by Chris Congdon. Contributing producers are Katie Pace, Rebecca Charbauski, Stav Kontis, Chiara Licari, and Brandon Lacic. Creative art direction by Erin Ellison. Editing and sound mixing is by Sound Post studios. Technical support by Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez. Digital publishing by Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks. 


Why We Need More Awe at Work with Libby Sander (S4:EP4)

It’s no longer a question – AI is changing how we work, and it’s happening rapidly. A technical renaissance of sorts, AI is mainly driven by employees. But as Humanova founder Sean Gallagher tells us, leaders should act now – even if all the kinks haven’t been worked out – before their organizations are left behind.

Gallagher is the founder of Humanova and a leading expert on the future of work in Australia. He focuses on how technology, especially AI, transforms work and accelerates human capability. Dr. Gallagher led the Centre for the New Workforce at Swinburne University for six years and has conducted pioneering research on generative AI. He holds a PhD in chemistry and has been recognized for his contributions to academia and industry.

The Work Better podcast is hosted by Chris Congdon. Contributing producers are Katie Pace, Rebecca Charbauski, Stav Kontis, Chiara Licari, and Brandon Lacic. Creative art direction by Erin Ellison. Editing and sound mixing is by Sound Post studios. Technical support by Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez. Digital publishing by Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks.

Onboarding Your AI Coworker With Sean Gallagher (S5:EP6)

Seven in 10 employees have experienced disruptive change in the past year. Gallup’s Ben Wigert joins the Work Better podcast to identify three challenging trends happening at work and why ‘people-first’ change is urgently needed. 

Wigert is the Lead Researcher for Gallup’s workplace management practice, specializing in human capital management and performance optimization. He holds a Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and an MBA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Dr. Wigert has authored numerous publications on performance management and employee engagement. He also leads a cross-functional team focused on evolving workplace strategies for the future.

The Work Better podcast is hosted by Chris Congdon. Contributing producers are Katie Pace, Rebecca Charbauski, Stav Kontis, Chiara Licari, and Brandon Lacic. Creative art direction by Erin Ellison. Editing and sound mixing is by Sound Post studios. Technical support by Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez. Digital publishing by Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks. 


Battling Change Fatigue With Gallup’s Ben Wigert (S5:E7)

Why the Office Needs Social Infrastructure with Eric Klinenberg (S5:E8)

Many people say they feel ‘burned out’ at work, but how do they really know? How is ‘burnout defined? Or measured? And could other factors be at play? McKinsey researcher Jacqui Brassey joins the Work Better podcast to dive deeper into feeling ‘burned out’ and gives perspective on how our work can influence and even improve our holistic health in new ways.

Jacqui Brassey is a Senior Fellow and Director of Research Science at the McKinsey Health Institute, where she co-leads the Healthy Workforces initiative. With over 25 years of experience, she promotes mental health, wellbeing, agility, and resilience in organizations. Brassey is also a fellow researcher at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and an adjunct professor at IE University in Madrid. She holds multiple degrees, including a PhD in economics and business from Groningen University and a joint master's in affective neuroscience from Maastricht University and the University of Florence.

The Work Better podcast is hosted by Chris Congdon. Contributing producers are Katie Pace, Rebecca Charbauski, Stav Kontis, Chiara Licari, and Brandon Lacic. Creative art direction by Erin Ellison. Editing and sound mixing is by Sound Post studios. Technical support by Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez. Digital publishing by Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks.

Burnout Isn’t What You Think It Is with special guest Jacqui Brassey (S5: Episode 9)

In today's demanding work environment, understanding the impact of languishing at work – and how to overcome it – is vital. On the Work Better podcast, host Chris Congdon and guest Corey Keyes, a renowned author and sociologist, delve into how languishing at work affects our lives and how fostering a sense of belonging, community, purpose and meaning can significantly enhance our mental health.

Corey Keyes is a bestselling author, sociologist, professor at Emory University, and a member of an advisory board for the World Happiness Forum. He has written several books, including Languishing: How to Feel Alive Again in a World That Wears Us Down. Keyes is a member of the Positive Psychology Network and has worked for the Center of Disease Control and Prevention. 

The Work Better podcast is produced with assistance from Katie Pace, Rebecca Charbauski, Stav Kontis, Chiara Licari, Brandon Lacic, and Celeste Johnson. Erin Ellison and Emily Cowdrey provide creative art direction. Soundpost Studios edits and mixes the podcast. Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez provide technical support. Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks publish digitally.



How Languishing at Work Impacts Your Life with Corey Keyes (S6: Ep.2)

Starting Your Relationship with AI with Mike Pell (S6E3)

In today's fast-paced world, balancing work and life can seem daunting. But building a life outside of work — establishing hobbies, cultivating a positive family life and engaging in community activities — can help create full, meaningful lives that translate to the workplace. On this episode of the Work Better podcast, host Chris Congdon and guest Danna Greenberg, an organizational psychologist and professor at Babson College, explore how elements of personal wellbeing can help us thrive professionally.

Danna Greenberg is a professor of organizational behavior at Babson College, a published author of several books including Maternal Optimism: Forging Positive Paths Through Work and Motherhood, is the Associate Editor for the Academy of Management Learning and Education, and has published in over 30 articles in leading journals. 

The Work Better podcast is produced with assistance from Katie Pace, Rebecca Charbauski, Stav Kontis, Chiara Licari, Brandon Lacic, and Celeste Johnson. Erin Ellison and Emily Cowdrey provide creative art direction. Soundpost Studios edits and mixes the podcast. Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez provide technical support. Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks publish digitally.

The Myth of Work-Life Balance with Danna Greenberg (S6 Ep04)

AI is revolutionizing productivity in the workplace. Economist Chad Syverson joins the Work Better podcast to share fascinating insights on AI's transformative potential and explain how this technology can enhance efficiency and drive innovation across business functions. Tune in to the Work Better podcast to learn how embracing AI could unlock unprecedented productivity.

Chad Syverson is the George C. Tiao Distinguished Service Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. His research focuses on productivity, firm structure, and market dynamics, and he has coauthored the textbook Microeconomics. Before academia, he worked as a mechanical engineer and holds degrees in both engineering and economics.

The Work Better podcast is produced with assistance from Katie Pace, Rebecca Charbauski, Stav Kontis, Chiara Licari, Brandon Lacic, and Celeste Johnson. Erin Ellison and Emily Cowdrey provide creative art direction. Soundpost Studios edits and mixes the podcast. Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez provide technical support. Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks publish digitally.


Productivity, AI and the Future of Work with Chad Syverson (S6E5)

Could this meeting have been an email? We ask it every week. Employees have long held a love-hate relationship with the traditional office meet-up. However, Dr. Steven Rogelberg, an expert in organizational psychology, believes meetings can go from mundane to magnificent. He joins host Chris Congdon on the Work Better podcast to share insights and practical tips on overcoming common challenges, the impact of virtual and hybrid meetings, and the importance of face-to-face interactions.

Rogelberg is Chancellor’s Professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he teaches Organizational Science, Management, and Psychology. Widely recognized for his groundbreaking research on workplace meetings, team effectiveness, and employee well-being, Rogelberg has authored over 100 publications and delivered more than 50 invited talks around the world. His work has been featured in major media outlets including NPR, The Wall Street Journal, and Scientific American Mind. 

The Work Better podcast is produced with assistance from Katie Pace, Rebecca Charbauski, Stav Kontis, Chiara Licari, Brandon Lacic, and Celeste Johnson. Erin Ellison and Emily Cowdrey provide creative art direction. Soundpost Studios edits and mixes the podcast. Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez provide technical support. Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks publish digitally.


Why Meetings Still Suck with Steven Rogelberg (S6E6)

Sustainability isn’t relegated to just one team anymore. For many organizations, it's becoming intertwined with everything they do – and this elevated focus on sustainability is changing how many people work. In this episode of the Work Better podcast, workplace transformation and real estate experts Joaquina Garrido and Susana Quintas discuss the impact of workplace culture on sustainability and how creating sustainable office environments can boost productivity and employee wellbeing.

Joaquina Garrido is a member of the Board of Directors at IFMA España and sponsor of its Workplace and People Commission. She is a leading advocate for sustainable, human-centered office design that supports collaboration and well-being in hybrid work environments. Susana Quintás is the Director of the Sustainability Commission at IFMA España. With a background in finance and corporate strategy, she champions ESG-driven workplace transformation and co-leads initiatives like the “Playbook de la Oficina Sostenible.”

The Work Better podcast is produced with assistance from Katie Pace, Rebecca Charbauski, Stav Kontis, Chiara Licari, Brandon Lacic, and Celeste Johnson. Erin Ellison and Emily Cowdrey provide creative art direction. Soundpost Studios edits and mixes the podcast. Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez provide technical support. Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks publish digitally.

The Connection Between Culture and Sustainability with Joaquina Garrido and Susana Quintas (S6E7)

Are you ‘indistractable?’ Probably not. Distractions constantly barrage us. How we choose to focus can profoundly impact our mental health, physical wellbeing and our closest relationships. As author Nir Eyal says, “Choosing your attention is truly how we choose our lives.” On this episode, Eyal sheds light on the root causes of distraction and shares actionable tips to make being ‘indistractable’ your superpower.

Nir Eyal is a bestselling author and behavioral design expert known for Hooked and Indistractable, which explore habit formation and focus in the digital age. He’s taught at Stanford, founded and sold tech startups, and consults on creating products that positively shape user behavior.

The Work Better podcast is produced with assistance from Katie Pace, Rebecca Charbauski, Stav Kontis, Chiara Licari, and Brandon Lacic. Erin Ellison and Emily Cowdrey provide creative art direction. Soundpost Studios edits and mixes the podcast. Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez provide technical support. Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks publish digitally.


What’s Really Causing Distraction with Nir Eyal (S6:E8)

Most people want more from their work than just a paycheck. They want to feel like what they do matters. And that shift isn’t just a trend — it’s a call to action for today’s leaders. This special episode of the Work Better podcast (Recorded live at the American Society of Interior Designers National Conference in Atlanta) features Wes Adams, a positive psychology researcher at the University of Pennsylvania and author of Meaningful Work: How to Ignite Passion and Performance in Every Employee. He shares practical insights and powerful research on what drives meaningful work and how leaders can help people feel more connected to their work, colleagues, and organization by creating community.

The Work Better podcast is produced with assistance from Katie Pace, Rebecca Charbauski, Stav Kontis, Chiara Licari, and Brandon Lacic. Erin Ellison and Emily Cowdrey provide creative art direction. Soundpost Studios edits and mixes the podcast. Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez provide technical support. Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks publish digitally.


Making Work Meaningful with Wes Adams (S6:E9)

Most people want to feel like what they do matters – but too often, they’re expected to care without being shown that they’re cared for. In this episode of Work Better, host Chris Congdon talks with Zach Mercurio, researcher and author of The Power of Mattering, about why feeling valued is essential to adding value. Learn how leaders can build cultures of significance that reduce loneliness, boost engagement, and help people thrive.

Zach Mercurio, Ph.D., is a researcher and advisor on purposeful leadership and the science of mattering. He helps organizations build cultures of meaning and motivation, and teaches at Colorado State University’s Center for Meaning and Purpose. His clients include the U.S. Army, Marriott, and Simon Sinek’s Optimist community.

The Work Better podcast is produced with assistance from Katie Pace, Rebecca Charbauski, Stav Kontis, Chiara Licari, and Brandon Lacic. Erin Ellison and Emily Cowdrey provide creative art direction. Soundpost Studios edits and mixes the podcast. Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez provide technical support. Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks publish digitally.


Why Mattering Matters with Zach Mercurio - Part One (S6:E10)

Most people want to feel like what they do matters -- but too often, they’re expected to care without being shown that they’re cared for. In this episode of Work Better, host Chris Congdon continues her conversation with researcher and author Zach Mercurio about the power of mattering. Discover how leaders can build cultures of significance by noticing, affirming, and showing people they’re needed. It’s not just about soft skills -- it’s about unlocking real performance and helping people thrive.

Zach Mercurio, Ph.D., is a researcher and advisor on purposeful leadership and the science of mattering. He helps organizations build cultures of meaning and motivation, and teaches at Colorado State University’s Center for Meaning and Purpose. His clients include the U.S. Army, Marriott, and Simon Sinek’s Optimist community.

The Work Better podcast is produced with assistance from Katie Pace, Rebecca Charbauski, Stav Kontis, Chiara Licari, and Brandon Lacic. Erin Ellison and Emily Cowdrey provide creative art direction. Soundpost Studios edits and mixes the podcast. Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez provide technical support. Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks publish digitally.

Why Mattering Matters with Zach Mercurio - Part Two (S6:E11)

94% of people say they’re more productive when they feel connected. In this episode of Work Better, Erica Keswin explains why great leaders act more like cruise directors -- curating connection, not just managing tasks. Tune in for insights on building human workplaces that boost engagement, retention, and the bottom line.

Erica Keswin is a workplace strategist, speaker, and bestselling author dedicated to helping organizations build more human-centered cultures. Her books – “Bring Your Human to Work,” “Rituals Roadmap,” and “The Retention Revolution—explore the power of connection, intentional leadership, and meaningful rituals in driving engagement and performance.” She’s also a passionate advocate for finding the sweet spot between tech and connect – especially in the age of AI – and a proud dog mom to Cruiser, her very human pup.

The Work Better podcast is produced by Katie Pace, with assistance from Rebecca Charbauski, Stav Kontis, Chiara Licari, and Brandon Lacic. Erin Ellison provides creative art direction. Soundpost Studios edits and mixes the podcast. Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez provide technical support. Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks publish digitally.


Leading Humans in the Age of AI with Erica Keswin (S7:E1)

Listening is hardest when it matters most – and many of us are doing it wrong. In this Work Better episode, researcher Jeff Yip reveals the five mistakes that sabotage our ability to truly hear others. Find out what they are, and learn why listening is the key to connection, engagement, and leadership – and how to start doing it better.

Jeffrey Yip, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Management at Simon Fraser University and the founder of ListeningWorks. His research focuses on leadership, mentoring, and career development, with a special emphasis on interpersonal dynamics and organizational psychology. A Fulbright scholar, Yip earned his PhD in Organizational Behavior from Boston University and a master’s degree in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard University.

The Work Better podcast is produced by Katie Pace, with assistance from Rebecca Charbauski, Stav Kontis, Chiara Licari, and Brandon Lacic. Erin Ellison provides creative art direction. Soundpost Studios edits and mixes the podcast. Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez provide technical support. Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks publish digitally.


Make Listening Your Superpower with Jeff Yip (S7:E2)

We think we know what our coworkers want – but we’re often wrong. In this episode of Work Better, behavioral scientist Nick Epley reveals why we misread even those closest to us, and how asking deeper questions can unlock trust, connection, and better collaboration. Epley challenges us to rethink small talk, lean into hard conversations, and design spaces that make connection the default – not the exception.
Nick Epley is a leading behavioral scientist known for his work on social cognition and human connection. He is the John Templeton Keller Distinguished Service Professor of Behavioral Science at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and Director of the Roman Family Center for Decision Research. His research explores how people perceive and misunderstand each other, with notable contributions to the understanding of egocentrism, miscommunication, and anthropomorphism.

The Work Better podcast is produced by Katie Pace, with assistance from Rebecca Charbauski, Stav Kontis, Chiara Licari, and Brandon Lacic. Erin Ellison provides creative art direction. Soundpost Studios edits and mixes the podcast. Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez provide technical support. Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks publish digitally.


Why We Misunderstand Each Other at Work with Nick Epley (S7:E3)

Job postings that include the word “curiosity” have grown by 90% year over year. But curiosity isn’t just a personal trait -- it’s becoming a business imperative. As Stefaan van Hooydonk shared on the Steelcase Work Better podcast, organizations that embrace curiosity empower people to learn faster, foster psychological safety, and spark innovation. This episode explores how leaders can create space for curiosity and why it’s the key to building stronger cultures and better business results.
Stefaan van Hooydonk is the founder of the Global Curiosity Institute and author of The Workplace Curiosity Manifesto. He is a seasoned former Chief Learning Officer for Fortune 200 companies, including Nokia, Philips, Cognizant, and Saudi Aramco. Today, he consults and speaks globally, helping leaders and organizations build cultures of curiosity to drive growth and innovation.

The Work Better podcast is produced by Katie Pace, with assistance from Rebecca Charbauski, Stav Kontis, Chiara Licari, and Brandon Lacic. Erin Ellison provides creative art direction. Soundpost Studios edits and mixes the podcast. Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez provide technical support. Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks publish digitally.

Creating A Curious Organization with Stefaan van Hooydonk (S7:E4)

Novel ideas often hinge on the right relationships. Research shows that if we lean on the wrong connections – or work alone when collaboration is needed – we can derail creativity before it ever takes off. On this episode of the Work Better podcast, Jill Perry‑Smith reveals why our weakest ties, those acquaintances we barely know, may be the strongest source of fresh perspectives and breakthrough innovation.

Jill Perry Smith is a Professor of Organization & Management at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. She serves as Academic Director for the Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation and is recognized for her research on how social networks shape creativity and innovation. With a background in civil engineering and organizational behavior, she bridges technical problem‑solving with insights into human relationships and workplace design. 

The Work Better podcast is produced by Katie Pace, with assistance from Rebecca Charbauski, Stav Kontis, Chiara Licari, and Brandon Lacic. Erin Ellison provides creative art direction. Soundpost Studios edits and mixes the podcast. Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez provide technical support. Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks publish digitally.


Boosting Creativity by Talking to Strangers with Jill Perry Smith (S7:E5)

The Work Better Podcast by Steelcase brings you the latest trends and research shaping the ways people work, today and in the future. Each episode invites leading thinkers in the world of work to share their insights on what’s driving change and ideas for how to make it better. Learn how to improve employee engagement, wellbeing, and productivity by creating workplaces that work better.

Stay-up-to-date on design, insights and research to help people work better at steelcase.com/subscribe.

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