The Resilient Workplace Podcast Episode #7: Tech Tornado: Navigating the Whirlwind of Changing Workplace Technology Date: April 16, 2025

In today’s episode, we discuss how rapidly changing technology is reshaping the workplace. From AI integration to digital automation, companies must navigate new opportunities and challenges. We explore how employees and employers are adjusting to AI-driven workflows, the psychological impact of technological advancements, and strategies to foster a balanced and supportive work environment. Stay tuned for insights on AI policies, professional development, and mental health implications.

• The workplace is evolving rapidly with AI integration, automation, and digital learning.

• AI is increasingly used for:

  • Personalized learning and development programs.

  • Automating repetitive tasks to improve efficiency.

  • Enhancing HR processes, including SOP guidance and job description generation.

• Companies that fail to adapt risk falling behind in productivity and innovation.

• According to the APA’s 2023 Work in America Survey:

  • 38% of workers worry that AI will make their job duties obsolete.

  • 51% of AI-concerned workers report work negatively affecting their mental health.

  • 64% experience heightened stress due to AI integration.

  • Employees monitored by technology report feeling micromanaged and emotionally exhausted.

  • AI interactions contribute to increased workplace loneliness, sleep disturbances, and even higher alcohol consumption.

• Employers must address AI anxiety through:

  • Transparent communication on AI’s role and impact.

  • Opportunities for social interaction to counteract workplace loneliness.

  • Balanced task allocation, using AI for repetitive tasks while keeping collaborative work human-focused.

  • Support for professional development, helping employees upskill in an AI-driven landscape.

• Despite the rise of AI tools, concerns remain about data privacy and security.

• Some organizations are developing their own AI models for internal use.

• Establishing AI policies can help organizations:

  • Ensure ethical AI use in decision-making.

  • Protect employee data and privacy.

  • Train managers and HR professionals on AI-driven insights and process improvements.

• AI and automation are transforming the workplace, impacting job roles and employee well-being.

• Employers must proactively address AI-related stress by fostering transparency, social engagement, and upskilling initiatives.

• The future of work will require a balance between human collaboration and AI-driven efficiency.

• Organizations should develop AI policies to manage integration, privacy, and security concerns effectively.

Episode #8: Navigating Difficult Conversations in the Workplace

• We’ll explore how to have and manage difficult conversations at work, focusing on communication strategies and emotional intelligence a three part series.

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• LinkedIn: [/resilient-workplace-innovations]

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Resources:

• SHRM: Millennials Lead the Way in Embracing AI at Work

• Springer: AI and Workforce Transformation

• APA: 2023 Work in America AI and Monitoring Report

• APA: AI-Induced Loneliness and Mental Health

• The Times: Will 2025 Be the Year of AI Workers?

The Resilient Workplace Podcast Show Notes: Episode #5: The Hybrid Work “StruggleBus” Date: March 19, 2025

Show Notes Episode Summary: In today’s episode, we round out our 2024 lessons learned with a discussion about hybrid work culture and the benefits and challenges of this evolving work model. As workplaces struggle to adapt to flexible work expectations, we examine the historical context of work structures, the impact of remote work, and the mental health implications for employees and leaders.

Previous Episode Recap: Episode #4: Culture Clashes & Burnout Battles: Unraveling Workplace Woes • Explored how weak workplace culture contributes to disengagement and burnout. • Examined the link between compassion fatigue and organizational challenges. • Discussed HR strategies for fostering a healthy workplace culture. • Highlighted leadership's role in modeling self-care to support employee well-being.

Discussion Points: 1. Hybrid Work Struggles & Outdated Work Models • Companies failing to adapt to flexible work expectations. • Our current work culture was shaped by the Industrial Revolution (1920s model), which has remained largely unchanged. • The 9-5 workday, introduced by Henry Ford, was designed for economic reasons rather than employee well-being. • With the digital revolution (1980s) and the rise of knowledge-based jobs, work structures must evolve. • Over 52% of people today work in professional services rather than manufacturing (Source: BLS.gov). • Over 85% of people globally own a smartphone, yet workplaces have not adapted accordingly.

2. The Rise and Reality of Remote Work • Pre-pandemic, about 6% of the workforce worked remotely; during COVID-19, some industries saw as much as 30% working from home. • The Federal Government is mandating a return to office, citing concerns over productivity. • Many large corporations are following suit, despite mixed research on remote work effectiveness. • Studies present arguments both for and against remote/hybrid work, with many employees preferring a flexible option.

3. Employee Benefits & Mental Health Considerations • Flexibility & Work-Life Balance: Reduced commute times, fewer distractions, better perceived balance.

4. Challenges of Remote Work: o Blurred Boundaries: Employees struggle to disconnect, leading to burnout. o Social Isolation: Lack of spontaneous office interactions can contribute to loneliness and increased mental health concerns. o Digital Fatigue: Increased screen time and constant virtual presence can be mentally exhausting. o Compassion Fatigue Among Leaders: Managers navigating hybrid work often experience burnout themselves.

5. The Organizational Perspective: Productivity & Pay Structures • Many companies equate productivity with physical presence rather than measured output. • Employers must shift from outdated metrics to meaningful performance evaluation. • With AI and automation reshaping industries, will pay structures change to reward output over hours worked?

Considerations for Implementing Hybrid Work • Organizations must assess the why behind hybrid or remote models. • Cost-saving measures (overhead reductions) often drive return-to-office mandates. • Hybrid work may offer a balanced solution for both employees and businesses, but it requires intentional planning and cultural adaptation.

Closing Thoughts: • Hybrid work isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; organizations must tailor their approach to fit their needs. • The future of work is evolving rapidly, and companies must adapt to remain competitive. • What does the future hold for productivity, pay structures, and workplace engagement? It is to ponder.

Next Episode Teaser: Episode #6: The Three Neuros • Neurodivergence • Neuropsychology • Neuroplasticity • Exploring how they shape the workplace experience. Follow Us: • Faebook: https://www.facebook.com/ResilientWorkplaceInnovations

Thank you for listening to The Resilient Workplace Podcast! Don’t forget to leave a review and subscribe for more.

References: • Bureau of Labor Statistics: BLS.gov • Forbes: Federal Workers Return to Office

Show Notes: Episode #4 - Culture Clashes & Burnout Battles: Unraveling Workplace Woes

Date: March 5, 2025

Title: Culture Clashes & Burnout Battles: Unraveling Workplace Woes

Objectives: Explore how the absence of a strong workplace culture contributes to organizational challenges.

Discussion Points:

• Impact of Weak Workplace Culture: Increased disengagement, low morale, and amplified organizational challenges.
• The Link Between Compassion Fatigue and Burnout: Symptoms and impact on individuals and organizations.
• The Role of HR in Creating Alignment: Strategies for fostering a healthy workplace culture and addressing burnout.
• The Importance of Leadership in Modeling Self-Care: Practical steps leaders can take to support employee well-being.

Tools and Frameworks:

• The 3 R's Framework: Recognize, Respond, and Recover from burnout and compassion fatigue.
• The 10-Minute Reset: A quick tool to reduce mental fatigue during the workday.
• Strengthening Manager Training: Equipping leaders with the skills to create a healthier work environment.

Next Episode Topic:

• Hybrid work struggles.

Call to Action:

• Stay resilient!

Follow Us:

• Facebook: @ResilientWorkplaceInnovations

Thank you for listening to The Resilient Workplace Podcast!

Show Notes

Episode #3: Soft Skills and Ugly Cries

Date: February 19, 2025

Objectives:

• 5 generations in the workplace
• Summarize the soft skills needed in the modern workplace

Key Points:

• Five Generations in the Workforce: Discussed characteristics and challenges of each generation, from Traditionalists to Generation Z.
• Soft Skills Gap: Explored the post-pandemic lack of soft skills (communication, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, time management) and its impact on the workplace.
• COVID Regression: Highlighted how employees missed foundational experiences during the pandemic, leading to reduced critical thinking and decision-making skills.
• Mental Health Insights: Addressed the impact of overwhelm and stress on employees and the need for leaders to prioritize well-being.

Actionable Tips:

• Soft Skills Assessment During Onboarding: Assess soft skill gaps early on and tailor development plans accordingly.
• Mentoring: Implement mentoring programs to foster skill development and long-term relationships.
• Stretch Assignments: Assign low-risk projects to encourage critical thinking and build confidence.
• Time Management Training: Introduce techniques and tools to help employees manage workflows effectively.

Resources:

• CNM Workforce Development Panel, 9.2024
• Gallup, State of the Global Workplace Report
• https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces
• Wall Street Journal, 12/29/2024, Where have All the Managers Gone.

Next Episode:

The Battlefront Within: Unpacking the Culture Clash in Today's Workplaces

Topics:

• Burnout Blues: Navigating the epidemic of chronic fatigue.
• Ghosting the 9-to-5: Absenteeism and vanishing motivation.

Follow Us:

• Facebook: @ResilientWorkplaceInnovations

Thank you for listening to The Resilient Workplace Podcast!

Welcome to the Resilient Workplace Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, we’re spilling the tea on key workplace trends from 2024, breaking down what worked, what didn’t, and what’s coming in 2025.

The workplace has evolved, but have organizations kept up? Today, we highlight the biggest challenges HR professionals and employees faced in 2024, and provide insights and tools to navigate the road ahead.

In a world where the growing soft skills crisis leaves critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and adaptability in short supply, we’re here to help you, your team, and your organization thrive.

Facing the Burnout Epidemic: Chronic stress and compassion fatigue are taking a toll on retention and engagement. With employees overwhelmed by competing priorities and unrealistic workloads—and even leadership feeling the strain—burnout is more than a buzzword; it’s a call to action. We believe in actionable solutions:

Promote Work-Life Balance: Embrace flexible schedules and robust mental health support. Reduce Meeting Overload: Carve out dedicated time for focused work. Manager Training: Equip leaders with skills in emotional intelligence and resilience-building.

Navigating the Hybrid Work Dilemma: As 63% of companies increased in-office requirements in 2024, many are discovering that simply mandating a return to the office doesn’t boost engagement. The key lies in structuring hybrid work models that balance flexibility with productivity:

Adapt Policies: Align workplace guidelines with evolving employee expectations. Outcome Over Hours: Focus on results, allowing flexibility while maintaining accountability. Foster Inclusivity: Create collaborative environments for both in-office and remote teams.

The Mental Health Impact in Today’s Workplace: Economic uncertainty and rising stress levels are fueling anxiety and compassion fatigue—even among leaders. Although mental health conversations are becoming normalized, actionable support is still lagging. It’s time for a shift:

Implement Mental Health Initiatives: Go beyond awareness to provide real, accessible support. Lead by Example: Encourage leadership to model healthy work-life balance. Integrate Resources: Ensure HR embeds comprehensive mental health tools into your culture.

Join the Conversation: Our platform is dedicated to sharing tangible tools and strategies for every level of your organization:

Next Episode: Soft Skills & Communication: Tackle multigenerational challenges as Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z navigate differing expectations. Post-Pandemic Workplace Culture: Understand what’s changed and what still needs to evolve in our work environments.

Leadership & Productivity Tools: Assess Leadership Gaps: Utilize 360-degree feedback and self-assessment tools like DISC or MBTI.

Manage Stress with the “Resilient REST” Formula: R ecognize triggers E ngage in recovery (try the 4-4-4 breathing exercise) S implify your workload (use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix) T ake time to reprioritize

Productivity Hacks: Explore frameworks such as the Eisenhower Matrix, MoSCoW Method, Pareto Principle, and Priority Matrix.

Our mission is clear: empower you to build a resilient, inclusive, and thriving workplace. Whether you’re a leader looking to enhance your team’s engagement, an employee striving for better balance, or an organization ready to embrace change, we invite you to join the conversation. Drop us a comment, send an email to info@resilientworkplaceinnovations.com, or subscribe to our updates.

Together, we can create a more resilient future—one innovative solution at a time. Let’s be RESILIENT! 💪 Follow Us: • TikTok: @resilientworkplace • YouTube: @ResilientWorkplaceInnovations • Linkedin: /resilient-workplace-innovations

Welcome to the first-ever episode of the Resilient Workplace Podcast! 🎉 Join hosts Joy Davis, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, therapist, and author, and Kellie Tinnin, a Human Resource Consultant and Trainer, as they share the story behind this podcast and why HR and mental health go hand in hand in today’s workplace.

💡 Why We Started This Podcast: ✔ HR & Therapy Overlap – The challenges in HR and mental health aren’t so different. ✔ Workplace Burnout Is Real – Compassion fatigue, stress, and overwhelm are at all-time highs. ✔ Soft Skills Matter – Employees and organizations struggle with emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and situational awareness.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✅ What Are Soft Skills? Why they are crucial for workplace success. ✅ Upcoming Topics & Hot Workplace Trends: ✔ Communication & conflict resolution strategies. ✔ Emotional intelligence & cultural awareness. ✔ Leadership development & employee retention. ✔ HR & mental health insights for workplace resilience.

🛠️ Our Podcast Format: 🔹 Identify the problem or workplace trend. 🔹 Share HR & mental health insights backed by research. 🔹 Provide actionable tools & real-world solutions. 🔹 Answer listener questions and discuss real challenges.

🎧 Next Episode: Spilling the Tea on Workplace Trends in 2024! 🔥 We’re diving into post-pandemic workplace shifts, the critical thinking gap, and why chronic fatigue & disengagement are skyrocketing.

🚀 Join the Conversation! Have a workplace challenge or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a comment or email us at info@resilientworkplaceinnovations.com.

🔔 Subscribe now & let’s build a more resilient workplace—together! Let’s be RESILIENT!