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Episode Summary:
In this episode of Culture Conversations, host Craig Forman sits down with Nick Bloom, a renowned Stanford economist and leading expert on remote work and workplace trends. With over two decades of research on hybrid and remote work models, Nick offers a data-driven perspective on the evolving workplace and the challenges organizations face in managing their return-to-office (RTO) strategies.
Craig and Nick dive into the economic and social dynamics of hybrid work, exploring what the data reveals about productivity, employee satisfaction, and the real reasons behind some high-profile RTO mandates. They also discuss how AI and automation are reshaping the workforce, what this means for managers, and why performance-based management is essential in a hybrid world.
Key Topics Discussed:
✅ The Rise of Hybrid Work: Nick explains how hybrid work has grown steadily over the past 20 years and why it’s here to stay as a dominant workplace model.
✅ The Reality of Return-to-Office (RTO) Policies: They unpack the motivations behind recent RTO announcements by Amazon, Starbucks, and Twitter, revealing how RTO is often used as a cost-cutting tool to reduce headcount.
✅ The Three Groups of Workers Today: Nick outlines the three distinct worker groups in the current landscape—fully in-person, hybrid, and fully remote—and what this means for organizations trying to build effective policies.
✅ AI’s Impact on Remote Work: They explore how AI and automation will impact fully remote jobs in areas like call centers and back-office roles, and why hybrid work models will continue to grow.
✅ Managing in a Hybrid World: Nick highlights the importance of managing by performance, not presence, and why surveillance-based management practices can backfire in a hybrid environment.
✅ The Power of Data-Driven Decision Making: Craig and Nick discuss why organizations need to rely on internal data—not trends or external pressures—to design their workplace policies.
Books and Resources Mentioned:
📚 Harvard Business Review Article by Nick Bloom
➡️ One Company A/B Tested Hybrid Work—Here's What They Found
📚 Trip.com Randomized Control Trial
➡️ Study on the Impact of Hybrid Work on Productivity and Quit Rates
📚 Wells Fargo Mouse Jiggler Story
➡️ A Case Study on Surveillance Software and Its Negative Impact on Employee Engagement
Relevant Links:
🔗 Connect with Nick Bloom on LinkedIn - Nick shares weekly insights on workplace trends, hybrid work, and management strategies.
Culture Conversations Host:
Craig Forman is an organizational psychologist and founder of CultureC Consulting, dedicated to helping companies create better workplace cultures through strategic employee listening and engagement programs.
🔗 Connect with Craig on LinkedIn
🌐 Website: ➡️ www.culturecraig.com
📧 Email: [email protected]
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Episode Summary:
In this episode of Culture Conversations, Craig Forman sits down with Dr. Bobbi Wegner, the CEO of Groops, an innovative platform designed to build deeper connections within teams. Bobbi is also a respected author and lecturer of Industrial/Organizational Psychology at Harvard University.
They dive into the complexities of human connection in the workplace, particularly in the post-COVID landscape. With over two years of specialized focus on helping organizations foster cohesion and teamwork, Bobbi shares her insights into the importance of building and maintaining strong interpersonal relationships at work. The conversation explores the challenges of remote work, the evolving dynamics of leadership, and how organizations can adapt to meet the changing needs of their teams.
Key Topics Discussed:
Human Connection in the Workplace: Bobbi discusses the impact of COVID-19 on workplace relationships and the increasing sense of disconnection many employees feel today. She highlights the importance of fostering strong interpersonal relationships for better quality of life and enhanced work outcomes.Balancing Remote Work with Connection: The duality of the benefits and drawbacks of remote work is explored, with Bobbi providing her thoughts on how organizations can maintain connection and cohesion even when teams are not physically together.The Role of Leadership and Power Dynamics: A deep dive into the differences between leadership and power within organizations, and how these concepts interact and evolve as structures become more fluid and less hierarchical.The Groops Approach: Bobbi shares how Groops is helping teams and leaders build deeper connections and why this work needs to be done over time rather than through one-off engagements.Organizational Structures: Craig and Bobbi discuss how different organizational structures impact team dynamics and the importance of aligning structure with both business and cultural objectives.Books and Resources Mentioned:
Humanocracy by Gary Hamel and Michele ZaniniLost and Founder by Rand FishkinCulture Code by Daniel CoyleThe Social Brain by Robin DunbarRelevant Links:
Groops - Official Website
Connect with Dr. Bobbi Wegner on LinkedIn
Culture Conversations Host:
Craig Forman is an organizational psychologist and founder of CultureC Consulting, dedicated to helping companies create better workplace cultures through strategic employee listening and engagement programs.
Connect with Craig on LinkedIn or Email: [email protected]
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Episode Summary:
In this episode of Culture Conversations, Craig Forman sits down with Gary Ware, a dynamic consultant and workshop facilitator who uses purposeful play to help organizations combat burnout and build resilience. Gary shares his unique approach to fostering creativity and connection within teams by integrating play into the workplace. The discussion delves into the current challenges facing organizations in 2024, including burnout and the complexities of remote work. Gary and Craig explore how leaders can redefine play to drive high performance, and the importance of human responsibility in setting boundaries and protecting well-being in a demanding work environment.
Key Takeaways:
Burnout and Resilience in 2024: Despite the advancements in workplace flexibility, many employees are still feeling burned out. Gary emphasizes the need to address this by rethinking how we work and interact.The Role of Play in Transformation: Gary explains how play can serve as a powerful tool for transformation in organizations, allowing teams to open up, shed egos, and tackle challenges more effectively.Redefining Play: Drawing on insights from *Prime to Perform*, Craig and Gary discuss the importance of play, not just as a fun activity, but as a critical component of flow and creativity in the workplace.Human Responsibility: The conversation highlights the role of leaders and employees in setting boundaries and protecting their well-being, emphasizing that organizations will naturally push for maximum efficiency unless humans intervene.Practical Tips for Managers: Gary offers simple, actionable advice for managers looking to create psychologically safe spaces and integrate more play into their teams’ routines.Relevant Links and References:
Gary Ware’s Website: https://www.breakthroughplay.com
Book Mentioned: Prime to Perform by Lindsay MacGregor and Neil DoshiMovie Mentioned: Soul by Pixar, directed by Pete DocterAbout Gary Ware: Gary Ware is a consultant and workshop facilitator who specializes in using play as a medium for organizational transformation. With over a decade of experience, Gary has helped numerous teams break through barriers, enhance creativity, and build resilience through his innovative approach.
Connect with Gary:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyware Instagram: @garywareConnect with Craig Forman:
Website: https://www.culturecraig.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigforman -
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Culture Conversations, Craig Forman sits down with Adam "Smiley" Poswolsky, a renowned author and speaker on workplace culture and human connection. They delve into the challenges and opportunities of fostering meaningful connections in the modern workplace, especially in an era increasingly dominated by remote work and AI technology. Smiley emphasizes the importance of prioritizing human connection, the role of organizational culture, and the need for flexible, people-centric policies.
Key Topics Discussed:
The Importance of Human Connection: Smiley highlights the necessity of remembering the human element in the workplace, especially as technology and remote work become more prevalent.Balancing Flexibility and Connection: Exploring the dichotomy of enjoying remote work benefits while addressing the resulting disconnection and loneliness among employees.Organizational and Individual Roles: Discussing how both organizations and individuals can take responsibility for fostering a connected workplace.Designing for Connection: The concept of prioritizing human connection in all work environments—remote, hybrid, or in-person.Autonomy and Innovation: How giving employees more autonomy and ownership can lead to greater innovation and change.AI and the Future of Work: Smiley's perspective on AI's potential to improve work efficiency while emphasizing the critical need to reinvest the saved time back into people.Building Community: Insights from Craig’s experience in building the Culture First community and the importance of localizing leadership and topics within global frameworks.AI Ethics: The growing importance of AI ethics training and making principled decisions in the use of AI technologies.Relevant Links:
Smiley’s Website: Explore Smiley’s work, download the free Workplace Belonging Toolkit, and sign up for his newsletter.
LinkedIn: Connect with Smiley on LinkedIn for more insights and updates.
Recommended Reading:
Super Communicators by Charles Duhigg - An insightful book on the science of connection and effective communication.
About Our Guest:
Adam "Smiley" Poswolsky, a renowned workplace and connection expert, motivational speaker, and bestselling author. Smiley is best known for his impactful books such as "The Quarter-Life Breakthrough" and "Friendship in the Age of Loneliness," which have inspired countless individuals to find meaningful work and foster deeper connections in their lives.
Smiley's work focuses on fostering workplace belonging, increasing employee engagement, and building high-performing teams. His insightful keynotes provide actionable strategies for leaders to attract and retain top talent by creating a culture of empathy, connection, and belonging. Smiley has spoken at numerous Fortune 500 companies, including Apple, Google, and Deloitte, and his TEDx talk on the quarter-life crisis has garnered over 1.5 million views.
Smiley has a unique approach to creating inclusive workplaces, the challenges of modern work culture, and his strategies for building stronger human connections in the digital age.
Host:
Craig Forman, founder of CultureC Consulting, is an organizational psychologist and HR technology expert dedicated to improving workplace culture through employee listening and engagement programs.
Connect with Us:
Website: CultureC Consulting
LinkedIn: Craig Forman
Listen and Subscribe: Don’t miss out on future episodes of Culture Conversations. Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.
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Episode Description:
In this episode of Culture Conversations, I sit down with Jerome Deroy, the CEO of Narativ, Inc., to explore the transformative power of storytelling in organizational culture. Jerome shares his unique journey, from being handed a shoebox full of notes by the founders of Narativ, Inc. to revolutionizing the way companies use storytelling to enhance communication, employee engagement, and leadership development.
Join us as we delve into: The intersection of AI and storytelling The critical role of storytelling in onboarding processes How to harness personal narratives to build a cohesive organizational culture The art of listening and its impact on storytelling Practical tips for leaders on leveraging stories to drive change Jerome’s expertise extends beyond Narativ as he lectures at Parsons New School of Design, teaching the art of storytelling. In this conversation, he provides actionable insights and real-world examples from his work with clients like CIGNA, Warby Parker, and Twitter. Whether you're a leader, manager, or simply passionate about the power of stories, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you transform your organizational culture.
Key Takeaways:
AI and Storytelling: Jerome discusses the evolving role of AI in storytelling and how it can enhance productivity and creativity.Storytelling in Onboarding: Learn how stories can significantly improve onboarding processes by creating connections and providing context.Cultural Alignment: Discover how storytelling can align employees with organizational values and foster a sense of belonging.Listening as a Skill: Jerome emphasizes the importance of listening in storytelling and how it can lead to more impactful narratives.Driving Change with Stories: Practical advice on using data and stories together to inspire and drive organizational change.Reference Links:
Narativ, Inc. - Learn more about Jerome's company and their storytelling approach.
Powered by Storytelling - A book by Narativ’s founder, Murray Nossel.
The Danger of a Single Story - TED Talk by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - A powerful talk on the importance of diverse perspectives in storytelling.
Connect with Jerome Deroy:
LinkedIn: Jerome Deroy
Twitter: @JeromeDeroy
Twitter: @CultureCraig
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Culture Conversations on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us bring more insightful conversations to you!
#Storytelling #OrganizationalCulture #Leadership #EmployeeEngagement #Onboarding #CultureConversations #AI #Narativ
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Guest: Kamaria Scott
Kamaria Scott is an experienced industrial-organizational (I/O) psychologist and a veteran in the field of employee engagement. With a career spanning over two decades, Kamaria has a deep understanding of the intricacies of workplace culture, employee engagement, and the essential role of managers in creating healthy and productive organizational environments.
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Craig Forman sits down with Kamaria to discuss the current state of employee engagement in 2024. They explore the minimal progress made over the years and dive into the psychological aspects of work, the evolving role of managers, and the importance of aligning individual and organizational values. The conversation provides valuable insights into creating meaningful work experiences and effective management practices.
Key Points:
State of Employee Engagement:
Discussion on the progress of employee engagement over the past two decades, referencing Gallup's findings. Examination of the slight uptick during the pandemic and subsequent decline.Philosophical Agreement on Work:
Importance of revisiting the psychological contract between employers and employees. - Need for clarity on what work should mean for individuals.Role of Managers vs. Leaders:
Distinction between executives, leaders, and managers.Managers as both employees and leaders within organizations.Importance of supporting and developing managers.Personal Development and Self-Awareness:
Encouraging employees to understand their goals and aspirations.Fostering growth through passion projects and aligning individual goals with organizational needs.Separating performance management from development conversations.Creating Win-Win Scenarios:
Strategies for aligning company values with employee values.The role of managers in creating supportive and productive work environments.Resource Links:
Research:
Gallup 2024 State of the Global Workforce ReportBooks:
"Hardwiring Excellence" by Quint Studer "Change the Culture, Change the Game" by Roger Connors and Tom Smith -
Craig and Anna go deep into AI’s impact on skills and work culture, why flexibility and resilience are key to making it through these uncertain times, and Listen to hear more about:
Why listening is crucial for organizational Change managementHow AI can help level up skillsWhy embracing mistakes is not only part of the journey but the opportunity to iterate and improveAnna Binder - https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabinder/
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Colin and Craig sit down to talk about inclusive leadership, building community, and the importance of empathy and understanding within HR.
Listen to learn:
Why accountability and shared responsibility are essential for effective decision-making and stakeholder engagement.How partnering with like-minded individuals can amplify the impact of efforts to improve workplace culture.Why Traditional organizational structures can lead to isolation and hurtful behavior.Colin Mincy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinhoustonmincy
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Craig and Gogi discuss all things data, from how it plays a pivotal role in organizational transformation and supports employee success to creating a purpose-driven environment to foster productivity and engagement.
Learn more about:
Why data-driven decision-making is essential for leadershipWhat responsible use of data looks like and why it’s necessary for building trust and achieving strategic goalsHedonic and Eudaimonic happiness - the differences and the important role they play in purpose-driven work.Show Notes:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gogianand
https://positivepsychology.com/hedonic-vs-eudaimonic-wellbeing/
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Craig and Emily reflect on the diverse experiences of belonging and acceptance, focusing on disability, accessibility and personal growth.
Listen in to learn more about:
Emily’s story and her journey with disability and how she is incorporating it into her work.The importance of authenticity and accessibility in the media and corporate workplaces and why representation matters.Creating psychological safety in workplaces and why it’s critical in the fight against toxic behaviors.Show Notes:
Emily Goodson - https://www.ecgoodson.com/
Emily's LA Times Article: https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2022-02-27/la-affairs-dating-in-los-angles-when-you-are-disabled
Emily's Blog: https://www.tydy.co/blog/emily-goodson-how-one-woman-found-her-voice-and-the-courage-to-embrace-her-whole-self
Amy Edmondson - Psychological Safety: https://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/four-steps-to-build-the-psychological-safety-that-high-performing-teams-need-today
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Craig and Lars share their personal experiences with addiction, the shift from transactional HR to collaborative strategies and what resilience in the modern workplace really means. Listen to learn more about: How modern HR practices emphasize collaboration, decentralization and what the shift from reactive to proactive and strategic mindsets means for HR professionals AI adoption in HR and why HR practitioners need to embrace AI tools to increase productivity and effectiveness, despite associated risks and challenges The future of work, and the importance of staying curious and learning in a rapidly changing world Show Notes Amplify Talent - https://amplifytalent.com/ Redefining Work – Podcast - https://amplifytalent.com/redefining-work Redefining HR - https://larsschmidt.com/#book Darren Murph - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6r9kf6DvTuY
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Dive into 'Culture Conversations,' where host Craig Forman, an Organizational Psychologist, explores the essence of thriving workspaces. This podcast uncovers the crucial role of culture in organizational success and employee engagement through insightful, unscripted discussions. 'Culture Conversations' sheds light on creating effective, human-centered workplaces, touching on organizational design, people analytics, and inclusivity. Ideal for leaders, HR professionals, and culture enthusiasts, this series is a beacon for anyone eager to contribute to a more engaging workplace. Join 'Culture Conversations' to be part of the journey toward work that truly works for everyone. Let’s redefine the future of work together.
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Craig and Steve chat about finding meaningful work through personal growth, DEI's current state, and integrating psychedelic insights into performance reviews. Listen to learn more about: The intersection of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), psychedelics, and personal growth. The potential of AI in workplace culture Steven’s thoughts on performance reviews and how he incorporates psychedelic insights And the importance of meaningful work and purpose especially in the DEI space. Episode Show Notes: Adrienne Marie Brown – Pleasure Activism - https://adriennemareebrown.net/books/ Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies - https://maps.org/
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Craig and Marta go deep into the importance of employee branding, why data is critical for every employee engagement play and how to look after your teams during layoffs. Listen to find out: Why consultants can provide fresh perspectives and valuable insights to move an organization forward. What roles employee engagement and data analysis play in shaping authentic employer branding strategies And why compassionate communication is the cornerstone for maintaining a positive employer brand amidst layoffs. Episode Show Notes: NFL Scorecard - https://nflpa.com/posts/nfl-team-report-cards-2024-for-the-players-by-the-players Gallup Global Report - https://www.gallup.com/workplace/349484/state-of-the-global-workplace.aspx Craig’s Gallup Global Report Wrap Up – YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aqmSJLr99U 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits/ Simon Sinek’s Infinite Game - https://simonsinek.com/books/the-infinite-game/ Fred Kofman - https://www.fredkofman.org/index-ing.php Carla Harris - https://www.carlaspearls.com/
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Craig and Tara sit down to discuss processing trauma, the importance of human connection and why we need to rethink organizational design. Listen to hear more about: The transformative power of personal growth through experiences such as theatre and musical creativity. How to address social issues like race, trauma, and empathy in the workplace, emphasising creating inclusive environments. Insights into HR leadership, organizational culture, and the importance of human-centric approaches to organizational design. Show Notes Tara Turk-Haynes - https://topmate.io/t_tara_turk_haynes
