How to Help People Love What They Do At Work

Originally released by myHRfuture on 11 August, 2020
Hosted by David Green

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Welcome to the fourth of our series of summer special episodes of The Digital HR Leaders Podcast that collectively provide an outside in perspective on HR.

In many respects the COVID-19 pandemic is essentially a people crisis and it has been heartening to witness that many organisations we work with at Insight222 have put the safety and wellness of their workforce at the centre of their response to the crisis. However, multiple studies show that an alarming majority of employees are actively disengaged and un-motivated. They are not helping their organisations and by suppressing what neuroscientists call “our seeking systems” organisations are not helping their employees by focusing on making work routine instead of creative and joyful.

Our guest for this week's episode is Dan Cable, Professor of Organisational Behaviour at London Business School. Dan explains that because we spend most of our waking hours at work, his mission is to spend his working hours trying to understand how people can feel like work is part of their real life, rather than the long commute to the weekend.

After recording this episode with Dan, I had an extra zest and spring in my step for the rest of the day. I am confident that many of you will experience the same positive reaction after listening to Dan's energy, passion, ideas and the evidence he provides that backs this up.

In our conversation Dan and I discuss:

• Why biology as opposed to lack of motivation causes the malaise of workplace disengagement

• How by galvanising three triggers, leaders can activate their employees seeking systems and drive exploration and learning

• How HR can use job crafting to drive engagement, stimulate learning, create innovation and essentially enable people to bring their best selves to work

• A three-step process for people to stimulate their full potential as outlined in Dan’s upcoming book, Exceptional.

This episode is a must listen for anyone interested in how neuroscience can help drive culture, engagement and wellness in their organisations. So that is Business Leaders, Organisational Psychologists, Chief HR Officers, Senior HR Leaders and anyone in a People Analytics or HR Business Partner role.

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