Hey there, welcome back to "Working On It," the podcast that dives into all things workplace with your hosts, Lauren Spearman and Molly Johnson-Jones.

Today, we're having a fun yet oh-so-relatable chat about "workplace icks"—those little habits and behaviours in the office that just get under your skin.

We’ll be sharing tips on how to handle these annoyances without making things awkward. Ever had a colleague who always talks too loudly? Turns out, addressing these things directly but gently can really help. Lauren’s got a story about exactly that—where simply asking someone to lower their voice led to a surprisingly positive reaction.

We’ll also be throwing in a few stats, like how 53% of workers find loud talking the most distracting behaviour. And let’s be real, we all have things that bug us—like those loud personal calls during work hours. We’ll help you figure out what's a minor annoyance and what's actually disrupting your work groove.

Adding humour in the mix can work wonders, too. For example, pointing out someone making eye contact while eating a banana on a call might just get the message across more smoothly than you'd think.

We’ll get into our own personal icks, share real-life stories, and talk about strategies to handle them like a pro. And don't forget to stick around because next time we’re diving into the chaos and fun of work Christmas parties!

So kick back and get ready to laugh and learn with us here on "Working On It." Let’s tackle those workplace icks together!

00:00 "'The ick' got trendy from Love Island."

03:35 Office romances are now pretty common.

08:50 "Can't stand when companies say 'we're family.'"

10:04 Most people prefer texts over surprise calls.

15:44 Icks are strong but usually forgivable annoyances.

18:15 Discuss if tech distractions hurt your focus.

20:50 Long emails, short names get reactions, LOL.

25:26 Icks are personal; talk it out gently.

29:42 Laugh off icks, keep it light and friendly.

31:23 Ask about communication style for better communication.

34:54 Bring it up casually to avoid drama.

37:19 Romantic vs. workplace behaviour—different vibes.

Lauren Spearman brings a wealth of experience from her career in advertising, social media, and brand strategy to her current role advocating for salary transparency and flexible working conditions. Her journey, marked by her advocacy on TikTok against unfair hiring practices, has made her a champion for creating better work environments. Lauren’s unique perspective as a freelancer, balancing work with personal commitments, adds a rich, authentic layer to every discussion.

https://www.tiktok.com/@spearmanlauren

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenspearman/

Molly Johnson-Jones, at the helm of Flexa Careers, is transforming how companies and individuals approach flexible working. With a platform that empowers millions to find roles that fit their desired working environments, Molly’s insights on the future of work, DEI, and employer branding are indispensable for anyone looking to navigate or shape the modern workplace. Her frequent speaking engagements on these topics bring cutting-edge perspectives and actionable advice to the podcast.

https://www.tiktok.com/@mollyjohnsonjones

https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-johnson-jones/

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Hey everyone, welcome back to another episode of "Working On It!" If you're new here, I'm Lauren Spearman and I'm joined by my awesome co-host, Molly Johnson-Jones. Today, we’re diving into a pretty sticky topic—Lying On Your CV. Yeah, we've all been tempted to embellish now and then, but where’s the line between making your CV shine and straight-up fibbing?

In this episode, we’re going to break it all down. We’ll chat about why some folks feel the need to beef up their resumes and the risks that come with it. From exaggerating your job titles and skills to claiming degrees you didn’t quite finish, we’ll cover the forgivable little tweaks and the big no-nos.

Lauren’s gonna talk about why showing you’re eager to learn and improve might actually be better than sneaking in some fake work experience. Molly will share how lying about important qualifications can get you in serious trouble and why being accurate in your job titles and responsibilities is crucial.

Plus, we’ll touch on the whole degree requirement debate—do you really need one for every job? Lauren’s got some strong feelings on this, and Molly weighs in with her CEO perspective. We’ll also bust some myths about Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and chat about whether you should ever lie about your salary history (spoiler: probably not!).

And hey, we love hearing from you! Send us your questions or share your own CV confessions on Instagram or TikTok @workingonit.pod, or drop us an email at hello@workingonit.show.

00:00 Lied about speaking French on my resume. Oops!

05:22 People adjust their CVs a bit to avoid red flags.

07:54 Asking about past salary? Definitely a red flag.

11:53 CVs matter, but questions reveal extra skills.

12:43 Screening questions help decide interview chances.

15:43 People adjust job titles to better match expectations.

20:03 Level up your skills fast to match expectations.

23:43 Employees asking for feedback just want to improve.

27:05 Tweaking dates on a CV is understandable to cover employment gaps.

29:18 Adjust your CV to match each job role.

Lauren Spearman brings a wealth of experience from her career in advertising, social media, and brand strategy to her current role advocating for salary transparency and flexible working conditions. Her journey, marked by her advocacy on TikTok against unfair hiring practices, has made her a champion for creating better work environments. Lauren’s unique perspective as a freelancer, balancing work with personal commitments, adds a rich, authentic layer to every discussion.

https://www.tiktok.com/@spearmanlauren

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenspearman/

Molly Johnson-Jones, at the helm of Flexa Careers, is transforming how companies and individuals approach flexible working. With a platform that empowers millions to find roles that fit their desired working environments, Molly’s insights on the future of work, DEI, and employer branding are indispensable for anyone looking to navigate or shape the modern workplace. Her frequent speaking engagements on these topics bring cutting-edge perspectives and actionable advice to the podcast.

https://www.tiktok.com/@mollyjohnsonjones

https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-johnson-jones/

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Hey everyone, welcome back to Working On It! Today, Lauren and Molly are tackling a pretty hot topic: "Lazy Girl Jobs." You’ve probably seen this term floating around social media, and we’re here to break it all down.

In this episode, we're going beyond the Instagram captions and talking about why it's okay not to have sky-high career ambitions. We’ll dive into why dependable workers in non-flashy jobs are super important for any business. Plus, we’re chatting about the perks of remote work, the importance of work-life balance, and why it’s cool to clock out at 5 PM and not think about work until the next day.

We’ll also discuss the stigma that comes with job-hopping or sticking around in one job for too long, and how you can embrace a career that’s just right for you. Got a friend who’s all about that stress-free work life? Or maybe you're feeling a little stuck and unsure of your next move? We’ve got some awesome advice coming your way.

Kick back, relax, and let’s dive into why sometimes the best career move could be embracing a "lazy girl job." Let's get started!

00:00 Introduction to the concept of lazy girl jobs and their impact on workplace culture

01:05 Exploring the origins of the term and its association with Gen Z

02:02 Discussing the shift from the "girl boss" trend to the "lazy girl" movement

03:30 Understanding the benefits of lazy girl jobs, including work-life balance and reduced stress

05:12 Examining the potential drawbacks of these roles, including limited career progression and negative connotations

07:02 Discussing the importance of recognising and valuing different types of career trajectories

09:13 Exploring the benefits of flexible working arrangements and their impact on mental health

11:03 Discussing the gendered nature of the term "lazy girl jobs" and its potential implications

14:18 Examining the potential for a third career pathway that prioritises horizontal progression and work-life balance

20:09 Discussing the importance of recognising that being unambitious in one's career does not mean being unambitious in life

24:13 Addressing a listener's question about how to make the most of a lazy girl job while still growing professionally

Lauren Spearman brings a wealth of experience from her career in advertising, social media, and brand strategy to her current role advocating for salary transparency and flexible working conditions. Her journey, marked by her advocacy on TikTok against unfair hiring practices, has made her a champion for creating better work environments. Lauren’s unique perspective as a freelancer, balancing work with personal commitments, adds a rich, authentic layer to every discussion.

https://www.tiktok.com/@spearmanlauren

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenspearman/

Molly Johnson-Jones, at the helm of Flexa Careers, is transforming how companies and individuals approach flexible working. With a platform that empowers millions to find roles that fit their desired working environments, Molly’s insights on the future of work, DEI, and employer branding are indispensable for anyone looking to navigate or shape the modern workplace. Her frequent speaking engagements on these topics bring cutting-edge perspectives and actionable advice to the podcast.

https://www.tiktok.com/@mollyjohnsonjones

https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-johnson-jones/

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Welcome to another episode of "Working On It: The Modern Workplace Handbook"!

Today, hosts Lauren Spearman and Molly Johnson-Jones dive into the topic of "Getting Noticed." They will discuss the importance of being recognised in the workplace, strategies for increasing visibility, and the impact of remote or hybrid work environments.

From practical tips to insightful discussions, this episode promises to provide valuable guidance for individuals looking to enhance their career and work-life balance. T

une in as Lauren, a Salary Transparency Advocate, and Creative Director, and Molly, CEO and Co-Founder of Flexa Careers, share their expert insights and inspiring stories on navigating today's evolving work environment.

00:00 Being visible at work really matters now. Whether you're in the office or working remotely, people trust and recognise you more when they can see you. It's the same online too—if you're active and share your achievements, you'll get noticed. Just remember, people tend to assume you're not working as hard if they don't see what you're doing.

05:46 Managers, don't just listen to the loudest!

09:37 Building strong friendships at work is super valuable.

12:24 Managers should have their team's back and make sure they get noticed, especially in big organisations where it's easy to get lost. It's all about giving credit where it's due and making sure everyone gets their moment to shine.

14:33 Finding value in sharing info across teams.

16:49 Get comfortable speaking in public for success.

19:46 Networking involves going to events and building an online presence.

23:55 Popping into the office now and then can help you build good relationships. It's a good way to get noticed and be top of mind when it comes to promotions or exciting opportunities.

28:13 It's totally cool to just be happy and chill without constantly seeking approval. Women have a hard time saying no and end up saying yes to everything.

31:23 Good leaders give credit and lead by example.

35:21 Before you try to get noticed, consider how others see you.

37:17 Think about your value and get feedback.

39:23 Work isn't just about doing your tasks. It's also about managing relationships, using soft skills, and putting yourself out there for recognition.

42:36 Hit us up on Instagram or email. Share your story!

Lauren Spearman brings a wealth of experience from her career in advertising, social media, and brand strategy to her current role advocating for salary transparency and flexible working conditions. Her journey, marked by her advocacy on TikTok against unfair hiring practices, has made her a champion for creating better work environments. Lauren’s unique perspective as a freelancer, balancing work with personal commitments, adds a rich, authentic layer to every discussion.

https://www.tiktok.com/@spearmanlauren

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenspearman/

Molly Johnson-Jones, at the helm of Flexa Careers, is transforming how companies and individuals approach flexible working. With a platform that empowers millions to find roles that fit their desired working environments, Molly’s insights on the future of work, DEI, and employer branding are indispensable for anyone looking to navigate or shape the modern workplace. Her frequent speaking engagements on these topics bring cutting-edge perspectives and actionable advice to the podcast.

https://www.tiktok.com/@mollyjohnsonjones

Welcome to Working On It: The Modern Workplace Handbook!

In today's episode, hosts Lauren Spearman and Molly Johnson-Jones dive into the complex world of pay rises and employee compensation. They share personal experiences, expert insights, and actionable tips on how to navigate the delicate balance of asking for a pay raise, understanding individual values in the workplace, and exploring alternative forms of compensation.

From negotiating strategies to the concept of "work love languages," this episode delves into the modern realities of seeking fair compensation and recognition at work.

Join us as we unravel the intricacies of pay rises and equip you with the tools to thrive in today's evolving work environment.

00:00 Juggling personal needs and business profits with inflation.

04:12 Dealing with staff turnover, start-up benefits, and pay tweaks.

09:06 Work situations are frustrating, need proactive measures.

10:52 Ask for a raise with proof of performance.

14:09 Figuring out your worth by networking with folks.

19:34 Approach with positivity, exceed targets, and contribute positively. Avoid negativity.

23:09 Asking for a raise? Have a performance review.

24:33 Plan pay raises carefully to avoid budget problems.

28:30 Economic downturn means pay freeze makes sense.

30:30 Dealing with work uncertainty and feeling undervalued.

34:47 Wanting recognition, rewards, and professional growth is key. Getting acknowledged, receiving bonuses, and feeling valued matter more than a tiny salary difference.

37:15 Check in after 6 months, get feedback, and consider job change.

40:38 Handle conversation well, avoid ultimatums, and get feedback. Prepare benchmarks, and you're good to go.

Lauren Spearman brings a wealth of experience from her career in advertising, social media, and brand strategy, to her current role advocating for salary transparency and flexible working conditions. Her journey, marked by her advocacy on TikTok against unfair hiring practices, has made her a champion for creating better work environments. Lauren’s unique perspective as a freelancer, balancing work with personal commitments, adds a rich, authentic layer to every discussion.

https://www.tiktok.com/@spearmanlauren

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenspearman/

Molly Johnson-Jones, at the helm of Flexa Careers, is transforming how companies and individuals approach flexible working. With a platform that empowers millions to find roles that fit their desired working environments, Molly’s insights on the future of work, DEI, and employer branding are indispensable for anyone looking to navigate or shape the modern workplace. Her frequent speaking engagements on these topics bring cutting-edge perspectives and actionable advice to the podcast.

https://www.tiktok.com/@mollyjohnsonjones

https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-johnson-jones/

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Copyright 2024 Fairey Tale Productions

Mentioned in this episode:

Unlock Your Speaking Superpower in Just 5 Days!

Ever freeze up before a big presentation? You're not alone—public speaking can be nerve-wracking for many of us. But what if you could turn that anxiety into confidence? Our friends at...

Hey there! Welcome to "Working On It: The Modern Workplace Handbook," your one-stop-shop for all things related to the wild world of work. We're Lauren Spearman and Molly Johnson-Jones, your hosts who have been around the career block a few times, having navigated everything from advertising and social media to advocating for better work conditions and flexible employment.

Each week, we dish out the latest insights, tips, and real talk about crafting a killer CV, dealing with office drama, and understanding your workplace rights. So, whether you're climbing the career ladder, managing a team, or on the hunt for a new gig, we've got the down-low to help you succeed in today's work landscape.

Join us and master the future of work, one episode at a time on "Working On It: Let's dive in and level up your work life together!

00:00 People change careers because they're not sure, they're figuring themselves out, and they want a better work-life balance.

03:20 Sure, transferable skills can help you switch careers, but don't expect to jump into any job just because of them. It's all about managing expectations.

08:49 Yeah, balancing work and parenting is tough. Some jobs just don't work with being parents, but companies can do more to help out. It sucks when good people have to leave because of a lack of flexibility.

12:03 Meet people at events, try startups. Broaden horizons.

14:45 Actions speak louder than words when job hunting.

16:43 Don't just blast out job applications. Engage! Stand out with follow-ups and engagement.

21:28 Making a career change? Prep and flexibility matter. Feeling ready is rare, but savings or a part-time gig can help. If you're lucky, just go for it without overthinking. Career ideas stick around.

23:53 Make sure to fill skill gaps, avoid mass applying! And watch out for age bias!

25:38 Wanting to use past experience in a new role can be frustrating when you're still learning the ropes.

30:30 Approach your career and finances with objectivity.

32:07 Show you're ready, don't wait for promotion.

35:16 Take the leap and hit us up on Instagram for a chat!

Lauren Spearman brings a wealth of experience from her career in advertising, social media, and brand strategy, to her current role advocating for salary transparency and flexible working conditions. Her journey, marked by her advocacy on TikTok against unfair hiring practices, has made her a champion for creating better work environments. Lauren’s unique perspective as a freelancer, balancing work with personal commitments, adds a rich, authentic layer to every discussion.

https://www.tiktok.com/@spearmanlauren

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenspearman/

Molly Johnson-Jones, at the helm of Flexa Careers, is transforming how companies and individuals approach flexible working. With a platform that empowers millions to find roles that fit their desired working environments, Molly’s insights on the future of work, DEI, and employer branding are indispensable for anyone looking to navigate or shape the modern workplace. Her frequent speaking engagements on these topics bring cutting-edge perspectives and actionable advice to the podcast.

https://www.tiktok.com/@mollyjohnsonjones

https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-johnson-jones/

Sign up to receive the latest updates, episodes and more delivered right to your inbox at

Hey there, and welcome to Working On It: The Modern Workplace Handbook! I'm Lauren Spearman, and I'm here with Molly Johnson-Jones.

In today's episode, "Conflict," we're diving into the nitty-gritty of handling disagreements in the workplace. We'll be sharing our real-life experiences and giving you practical tips on managing conflicts, embracing diverse opinions, and creating a fab work environment.

If you're all about mastering the future of work, join us on Working On It for some awesome insights.

00:00 Work conflicts happen due to personality clashes, competitiveness, and communication issues.

06:28 Being open, finding solutions in conflicts, communication.

08:24 Rocked a bright yellow blazer on BBC!

10:16 Work gripe taught me about personal pettiness.

14:23 Less apologising, more gratitude at work now!

18:07 Unfair treatment at work led to me quitting.

21:24 Repeating behaviour to undermine is workplace bullying.

23:47 Figure out what you want, deal with conflict.

26:58 Colleague rocks at making ideas sound sharp.

30:53 Navigating conflict as a leader and personally.

33:54 Handle team conflict directly through mediation or facilitation.

37:33 Adapting and giving helpful feedback in interactions.

39:38 Differentiating between work and personal conflicts.

Lauren Spearman brings a wealth of experience from her career in advertising, social media, and brand strategy, to her current role advocating for salary transparency and flexible working conditions. Her journey, marked by her advocacy on TikTok against unfair hiring practices, has made her a champion for creating better work environments. Lauren’s unique perspective as a freelancer, balancing work with personal commitments, adds a rich, authentic layer to every discussion.

https://www.tiktok.com/@spearmanlauren

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenspearman/

Molly Johnson-Jones, at the helm of Flexa Careers, is transforming how companies and individuals approach flexible working. With a platform that empowers millions to find roles that fit their desired working environments, Molly’s insights on the future of work, DEI, and employer branding are indispensable for anyone looking to navigate or shape the modern workplace. Her frequent speaking engagements on these topics bring cutting-edge perspectives and actionable advice to the podcast.

https://www.tiktok.com/@mollyjohnsonjones

https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-johnson-jones/

Sign up to receive the latest updates, episodes and more delivered right to your inbox at workingonit.show

Copyright 2024 Fairey Tale Productions

Mentioned in this episode:

Find Your Calm in the Chaos of Motherhood with Mindful Mummers

Motherhood is a journey filled with love, joy, and challenges. The daily struggles, worries, and unending demands can sometimes feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to navigate it alone. Introducing Mindful Mummers—the maternal mental health app designed to support you at every stage of motherhood, from trying to conceive to empty nesting. Founded by a psychologist, Mindful Mummers offers the first program that spans the entire life cycle of motherhood. Whether you have just 60 seconds or a full 10 minutes, the app provides sips of self-care that fit seamlessly into your busy day. Cultivate peace, enjoy...

Hey there! In this episode of Working On It, Lauren and Molly tackle the tough topic of getting fired. They’re sharing personal stories, giving advice, and digging into the nitty-gritty of what happens when you find yourself in this situation.

From manager-manager dynamics to legal rights and handling the aftermath, they've got you covered. Whether you're dealing with a sticky work situation or just want to level up your career game, this episode is for you.

It's time to take charge of your work life with Working On It!

00:00 Unfair dismissal rules and discrimination examples explained. Covers cases involving minorities, neurodivergent individuals, and disabilities within and after 2 years of employment.

06:08 Managers struggle with lack of training, avoiding tough talks with their team.

08:56 Identifying and dealing with toxic behaviour in leadership.

10:09 It's hard to know when to bail from a tough job.

13:57 Company got bought, new role, flexible hours.

18:26 Get a free chat with a lawyer.

22:39 If it feels risky, just leave. Don't sign anything.

25:45 Make sure your managers are trained well!

27:48 Stay in control, get good references, and empower yourself.

31:11 Employee annoyed by lack of HR communication.

35:42 Getting let go: role gone, not wanted. The economic slump is causing loads of layoffs. Entire departments are getting cut due to cutbacks.

37:13 When companies do mass redundancies, they often use it as a chance to get rid of poor performers and start fresh. Legally, it's easier than firing, but just changing a job title might not be enough to avoid legal issues from the employee who got let go.

39:19 Learn from failures, own up, and keep it brief in interviews.

Lauren Spearman brings a wealth of experience from her career in advertising, social media, and brand strategy, to her current role advocating for salary transparency and flexible working conditions. Her journey, marked by her advocacy on TikTok against unfair hiring practices, has made her a champion for creating better work environments. Lauren’s unique perspective as a freelancer, balancing work with personal commitments, adds a rich, authentic layer to every discussion.

https://www.tiktok.com/@spearmanlauren

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenspearman/

Molly Johnson-Jones, at the helm of Flexa Careers, is transforming how companies and individuals approach flexible working. With a platform that empowers millions to find roles that fit their desired working environments, Molly’s insights on the future of work, DEI, and employer branding are indispensable for anyone looking to navigate or shape the modern workplace. Her frequent speaking engagements on these topics bring cutting-edge perspectives and actionable advice to the podcast.

https://www.tiktok.com/@mollyjohnsonjones

https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-johnson-jones/

Sign up to receive the latest updates, episodes and more delivered right to your inbox at workingonit.show

Copyright 2024 Fairey Tale Productions

Mentioned in this episode:

Find Your Calm in the Chaos of Motherhood with Mindful Mummers

Motherhood is a journey filled with love, joy, and challenges. The daily struggles, worries, and unending demands can sometimes feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to navigate it...