The Healthy Work Podcast

Healthy Work Research Unit, Aston University

Aston University brings you a podcast hosted by the Healthy Work Research Unit. Each month, top academics and practitioners are interviewed about their work related to wellbeing in the workplace. This podcast is hosted by Dr Simon McCabe (head of the Healthy Work Research Unit). Find out more 👉 https://bit.ly/42ed73B #TeamAston

Episodes

  1. 10/28/2024

    Existential Concerns and the Future of Work

    A senior lecturer in behavioural science at Aston University has highlighted the evolving perceptions of work, retirement and existential concerns across generations. Dr Simon McCabe, head of the Healthy Work Research Unit at Aston University, looks into the impact of generational experiences on how people approach retirement and meaningful work in the latest episode of The Healthy Work Podcast. This episode, Existential Concerns and the Future of Work, sheds light on how different generations are grappling with profound shifts in the modern workplace. The episode taps into recent research from the Healthy Work Research Unit and explores how older workers can be encouraged back into the workforce by reframing job roles to focus on generativity and mentorship. Dr McCabe explains how younger generations, shaped by economic challenges and global crises like COVID-19, are prioritising meaningful, purpose-driven careers over traditional employment paths, while older generations face existential challenges when leaving the workforce. Dr McCabe said: “Retirement isn't what many expect, especially when you’ve spent your whole life working. “Losing that structure can lead to significant mental and physical health challenges, but the generational gap is clear. Younger people today aren’t as driven by money - they’re looking for purpose. “Millennials and Gen Z are more likely to pursue careers in sustainability and social impact roles, reflecting a shift away from the traditional career paths of older generations. “We found retirees often face social isolation and a loss of identity, with an emphasis on the gender differences in adjusting to post-work life. Older workers are increasingly interested in roles that allow them to pass on their expertise and leave a legacy, rather than simply seeking material rewards.” Tune into The Healthy Work Podcast to hear more about how existential psychology can help explain the growing divide between generational approaches to work and retirement. Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. Dr Simon McCabe 👉 https://tinyurl.com/j7b5dn8e The Healthy Work Research Unit 👉 https://tinyurl.com/2zw2fuu4 Aston Business School 👉 https://tinyurl.com/3tbcdf5d#teamaston

    25 min
  2. 01/15/2024

    Transcending Disciplines: Navigating the Behavioural Science Landscape with Dr Emma Bridger

    In this episode, Dr Simon McCabe hosts Dr Emma Bridger, a lecturer in psychology at the University of Leicester. They discuss Emma's journey from cognitive neuroscience to behavioural science and her impactful work in addressing health inequalities. 🌐 Emma has a background in cognitive neuroscience and shifted to applied behavioural science approaches to tackle socioeconomic health inequality. 🤔 Discover Emma's unique journey from electrophysiology research to a master's in behavioral science at Stirling, where she pivoted towards well-being research. 🌍 Learn how behavioral science encompasses psychology, behavioral economics, and epidemiological approaches to address health disparities. 🔍 Emma shares her experiences in Germany's competitive research environment and compares it with the UK's doctoral programs. 👥 The conversation delves into the challenges of interdisciplinary communication and the evolving recognition of psychologists in policy discussions. 👩‍💼 While Emma hasn't specifically studied workplace inequality, she discusses perceptions of health differences based on occupational social class. 📈 Emma shares insights into her ongoing projects, exploring how people conceptualize non-medical health factors and investigating burnout and stress in primary care settings. 🔮 In a reflective moment, Emma encourages authenticity and a quicker leap into areas of passion for aspiring researchers. 🙏 Subscribe, share and stay tuned for more insights! 🎧💡 Dr Simon McCabe 👉 https://tinyurl.com/j7b5dn8e Dr Emma Bridger 👉 http://tinyurl.com/3cj7a6vr The Healthy Work Research Unit 👉 https://tinyurl.com/2zw2fuu4 Aston Business School 👉 https://tinyurl.com/3tbcdf5d #TeamAston #OneAston

    21 min

About

Aston University brings you a podcast hosted by the Healthy Work Research Unit. Each month, top academics and practitioners are interviewed about their work related to wellbeing in the workplace. This podcast is hosted by Dr Simon McCabe (head of the Healthy Work Research Unit). Find out more 👉 https://bit.ly/42ed73B #TeamAston