Happy at Work | Coding Happiness into the AI Workplace

Tatiana Koval; Tony Koval | Why the Future of AI workplace is Human Happiness

In today’s fast-paced corporate world, achieving true wellbeing and happiness isn't just a nice-to-have; it’s a business imperative. We are pulling back the curtain on how top companies are navigating massive digital transformation without losing their human touch. Every week, we explore with international experts how cutting-edge AI is reshaping how we work while helping HR teams build an irresistible employer brand that attracts top-tier talent. We don't just talk about abstract concepts; we break down actionable strategies. We'll show you how to embrace digital transformation and leverage.

  1. The Disconnection Epidemic Is Getting Worse—Here's Why | with Jason Lauritsen

    3d ago

    The Disconnection Epidemic Is Getting Worse—Here's Why | with Jason Lauritsen

    Why is employee engagement plummeting despite all the perks? In this episode, Jason Lauritsen joins us to explain why your performance management framework is failing without a foundation of real happiness and human connection—especially in a hybrid work world.While modern organizations spend fortunes on high-tech collaboration tools, structured processes, and corporate perks, something vital is quietly disappearing: the baseline relationships that make work meaningful. Today on Happy@Work, I'm talking with Jason Lauritsen, a renowned leadership expert, keynote speaker, and author who has dedicated his career to fixing employee engagement.Jason argues that the quality of our workplace relationships isn't just a soft "nice-to-have." It is a business-critical driver that directly dictates your company's retention, daily productivity, long-term wellbeing, and overall culture. We break down the real financial and human cost of corporate disconnection and outline exactly how modern leaders can change their approach.Connect with Jason Lauritsen:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen Timecodes:00:00 — Tatiana opens the episode and introduces the topic00:30 — Teaser question about office vs remote engagement01:33 — Jason’s background and his role02:49 — What connection at work means05:12 — Definition of connection08:57 — Research setup and employee sample size09:55 — Biggest surprise: highest disengagement among non-management on-site employees10:23 — Highest connection among fully remote employees14:19 — Meaning and resonance connection17:09 — Organizational resonance as the strongest predictor18:31 — How companies can cultivate meaning and purpose21:28 — Leadership’s role in building connection23:36 — Managers as the “linchpin”28:39 — Why focusing on moderately engaged employees works best34:08 — Three main tips for improving connection at work35:07 — Advice for employees to build peer relationships36:11 — Episode wrap-upSubscribe to Happy@Work for more insights on building a workplace that people genuinely love.#Happiness #Engagement #PerformanceManagement #HybridWork #FutureOfWork #LeadershipDevelopment #HappyAtWork

    31 min
  2. How to Scale Your Company Identity Across Global Teams and Markets | with Raz Mitzna

    Jul 1

    How to Scale Your Company Identity Across Global Teams and Markets | with Raz Mitzna

    Is your brand narrative a lived reality? In this episode, Raz Mitzna reveals how to bridge the gap between high-level HR strategy and everyday moments that unlock candidate experience and employee happiness. Employer branding is no longer just about clever messaging—it’s entirely about the real experience. The true power of an employer brand isn't found in your marketing guidelines; it is revealed in the small, everyday moments where employees and candidates interact with your organization.Today on Happy@Work, I’m sitting down with global expert Raz Mitzna to map out exactly how companies can bring their identity to life across the entire employee journey. Raz shares brilliant, practical insights on how to align your brand, culture, and day-to-day employee operations so your company values are actively lived, consistently activated, and seamlessly scaled across channels, teams, and international markets.Connect with Raz Mitzna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/razmitznaTimecodes: 00:00 – intro01:15 – self-presentation of Raz02:20 – guide from Raz on how to implement EVP first time06:33 – what touchpoints are the bottlenecks in EVP implementation 11:07 – employer branding is the responsibility of the whole company16:34 – internal communications: where should you focus?21:43 – real and transparent employer brand: tell the truth28:30 – why the candidate should work for your company?33:24 – 3 tips from Raz for companies whom wants to build a strong employer brandSubscribe to Happy@Work for more insights on building a workplace that people genuinely love.#EmployerBranding #HRStrategy #CandidateExperience #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeEngagement #HappyAtWork #LeadershipDevelopment

    36 min
  3. What Happens When Leaders Stop Treating Exhaustion as Individual Failure | with Dr. Kat Page

    Jun 26

    What Happens When Leaders Stop Treating Exhaustion as Individual Failure | with Dr. Kat Page

    Are your employees thriving, or are they just surviving the grind? In this episode, Dr. Kat Page reveals how organizational psychology and intentional leadership can systematically dismantle burnout and protect your team's wellbeing.We often treat exhaustion as an individual failure—telling people to manage their stress better. But true transformation requires looking at how jobs are built. Today on Happy@Work, I’m sitting down with the incredible Dr. Kat Page, organizational expert and author of the groundbreaking book Good Work: Transforming Your Work from the Inside Out.If you are a CEO, an HR leader, or a professional trying to protect your own mental energy while making a massive impact, this masterclass with Dr. Kat Page is a must-watch.Connect with Dr. Kat Page:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kat-page-2366514/Timecodes:00:00 – intro 01:13 – self-presentation of Dr. Kate02:01– what is the "Good work" according to the Kat`s book02:35– 3-level powerful framework against burnout04:33 – level of “me”: improving your workplace by yourself06:15 – level of “leader”: what he has to provide for the team to prevent burnout09:38 – what factors affect positively and negatively on the psychological safety13:35 – how to prevent corporate bullying and toxic workplaces17:11 – the right to mistake: how to provide the culture of innovation 22:48 – may we talk about stress with the manager and colleagues?28:15 – should companies fight against the loneliness of workers?32:19 – 3 tips for leaders who want to build organizations that will be named by people “Good work”Subscribe to Happy@Work for more insights on building a workplace that people genuinely love.#BurnoutPrevention #WorkplaceWellbeing #OrganizationalPsychology #LeadershipDevelopment #JobDesign #FutureOfWork #HappyAtWork

    35 min
  4. The Serendipity Mindset: Christian Busch on How to Engineer Your Own Good Luck

    Jun 18

    The Serendipity Mindset: Christian Busch on How to Engineer Your Own Good Luck

    Can you actually engineer your own good luck? In this episode, Christian Busch explains how mastering serendipity transforms your networking, fuels innovative leadership, and opens unexpected doors in your career. We often look at highly successful people and assume they just got lucky. But according to groundbreaking research from world-renowned management scientist Christian Busch, author of the bestselling book The Serendipity Mindset, luck isn’t just a random stroke of fate—it’s a process you can actively cultivate. Today on Happy@Work, we are breaking down how to shift from a passive observer of life to an active catalyst for unexpected opportunities. Christian shares how leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals can develop a structural framework to spot hidden connections, turn unexpected moments into positive outcomes, and build a highly resilient mindset in the face of uncertainty.Connect with Dr. Christian Busch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianwbuschTimecodes: 00:00 — intro01:08 — self-presentation of Christian02:08 — what is the serendipity mindset?04:25 — how to increase the chances for luck?09:15 — creating the moments that can change our career14:35 — how to connect with an industry leader? How to build international connections?19:42 — Christian`s secret questions to establish connections with people23:20 — preparing for cultural differences during networking27:15 — strategies to create a strong connection with the business star35:44 — the role of personal brand in serendipity40:20 — how to present your ideas and services to partners44:15 — tips from Christian to minimize regrets during networkingSubscribe to Happy@Work for more insights on building a workplace and a life that you genuinely love.#SerendipityMindset #ChristianBusch #LeadershipDevelopment #NetworkingHacks #CareerGrowth #MindsetShift #HappyAtWork

    48 min
  5. Beyond Yoga Classes: Building a Corporate Culture That Cultivates Happiness | with Laura Putnam

    Jun 11

    Beyond Yoga Classes: Building a Corporate Culture That Cultivates Happiness | with Laura Putnam

    Are you tired of corporate wellbeing programs that don't actually work? In this episode, we dive into how to build true workplace wellbeing, unlock genuine employee happiness, and ensure your team is happy at work.For too long, organizations have treated wellness as an individual chore rather than a collective culture. Today on Happy@Work, we are sitting down with the phenomenal Laura Putnam — workplace wellbeing expert, international keynote speaker, founder of Motion Infusion, and author of the bestselling book Workplace Wellness That Works.Connect with Laura Putnam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraputnam/Timecodes: 00:57 – self-presentation of Laura01:20 – well-being approach to manage employees02:33 – balance between the result-oriented culture and care for employees03:58 – the burnout tips in 202606:57 – C-level responsibility for employee`s care10:37 – leadership model and psychological safety 16:11 – barriers for consultants teaching leaders for psychological safety 19:17 – 3 key wellbeing actions for managers22:04 – wellbeing program is not a set of benefits only27:35 – how can you personally improve your workplace and atmosphere?30:15 – 3 main workplace wellbeing tips from Laura Subscribe to Happy@Work for more episodes on building a workplace that actually works for people. Discover the text version of podcast episodes posted weekly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/happyatworkclub/ #Wellbeing #WorkplaceWellness #LeadershipDevelopment #HappyAtWork #CorporateCulture #EmployeeEngagement #LauraPutnam #podcast

    33 min
  6. Keeping your workforce engaged when repetitive tasks are handed over to algorithms | with Rafael Uribe

    Jun 2

    Keeping your workforce engaged when repetitive tasks are handed over to algorithms | with Rafael Uribe

    How do you successfully navigate a digital transformation without losing the human touch? In this episode, Rafael Uribe shares how to balance AI in HR with an unshakeable focus on employee happiness.The rise of AI is doing much more than just automating tasks—it is fundamentally reshaping human behavior, workforce expectations, daily mindsets, and overall organizational dynamics. Today on Happy@Work, I am sitting down with Rafael Uribe, an experienced leader in culture, internal communication, and organizational transformation, to discuss how companies can successfully support their people through this massive technological shift.Rafael shares brilliant strategic insights on how modern organizations can balance speed with purpose, data with empathy, and automation with true meaning. We dive deep into why open communication and genuine human connection remain the absolute core of any successful corporate evolution.Timecodes: 00:00 – intro 00:53 – self-introduction of Rafael03:10 – how do the AI reshape the organizations?07:00 – erosion of connections inside the organizations and how to keep our culture14:08 – what competences should be developed among employees during digital hr transformation22:45 – typical mistakes made by organizations in the workplace AI transformation30:03 – 3 tips from Rafael for those who want to redevelop corporate cultureFollow more content from Rafael Uribe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-uribe-uribe/ Subscribe to Happy@Work for more episodes on building a workplace that actually works for people. Discover the text version of podcast episodes posted weekly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/happyatworkclub/ #DigitalTransformation #AIinHR #WorkplaceCulture #OrganizationalChange #Leadership2026 #HappyAtWork

    35 min
  7. Happy Hiring: How to Build a Human-Centered Recruiting Strategy | with Kara Dennison

    May 27

    Happy Hiring: How to Build a Human-Centered Recruiting Strategy | with Kara Dennison

    Are you tired of transactional hiring that leaves everyone frustrated? In this episode, Kara Dennison reveals how to build an authentic sourcing and recruitment ecosystem that elevates the candidate experience while delivering top talent.The modern job market feels more divided than ever, but it doesn't have to be a battlefield. Today on Happy@Work, we are sitting down with the incredible Kara Dennison—Executive Career & Leadership Coach, CEO of Optimized Career Solutions, and contributor to Forbes.Together, we explore a critical question: What does “happy hiring” actually look like from both sides of the interview table? We break down how organizations can move past cold, automated tracking systems to build a more human, transparent, and mutually beneficial experience that actually respects people's time.Timestamps:00:00 – intro01:01 – self-presentation of Kara02:32 – what happy hiring means for Kara03:51 – how to increase the candidate experience and HR impact on the hiring process07:43 – making the transparent candidate experience for the culture fit of the company and employee12:29 – positive effect of recruitment on business results16:42 – how to make real feedback for candidates in the AI era 22:11 – strategy of networking that makes all happier26:00 – 3 tips from Kara for a happy hiring process (both for the company and candidate)Whether you’re an HR leader looking to overhaul your hiring funnel or a professional navigating your next career move, Kara's dual-perspective insights are a masterclass in modern talent strategy.Follow more content from Kara Dennison.Subscribe to Happy@Work for more episodes on building a workplace that actually works for people.Discover the text version of podcast episodes posted weekly on LinkedIn.#Hiring #Recruitment #CandidateExperience #TalentAcquisition #HRStrategy #LeadershipDevelopment #HappyAtWork

    29 min
  8. Culture, Performance, Retention: Zech Dahms on Strategic Alignment

    May 20

    Culture, Performance, Retention: Zech Dahms on Strategic Alignment

    Are you ready to transform your organization's growth? In this episode, Zech Dahms breaks down how to align your Culture, Performance, and Retention strategy to build a workplace that thrives in 2026.Most leaders treat employee engagement, reviews, and turnover as isolated HR headaches. But if you want sustainable success, you have to treat them as an interconnected ecosystem. Today on Happy@Work, we are unpacking the CPR Model—a holistic framework designed to get your people and your business objectives entirely in sync.Whether you are a founder scaling a team, an HR executive reshaping corporate policy, or a consultant looking for a proven model to deliver to your clients, Zech’s insights on strategic alignment will change how you look at organizational health. Timecodes: 00:00 — intro 01:10 — self-presentation of Zech 03:15 — What to focus on in HR strategy in 2026-27 06:30 — What is the CPR Model 09:35 — People Strategy in the new era of AI 16:25 — How to improve the engagement in 2026? 22:50 — Belonging to the organization: what is the future of leadership? 30:21 — Psychological safety for the employee perspective 36:58 — 3 main tips for HR leaders from Zech to build People Strategy Subscribe to Happy@Work for more episodes on building a workplace that actually works for people. Discover the text version of podcast episodes posted weekly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/happyatworkclub/ #CorporateCulture #HR2026 #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeRetention #StrategicAlignment #CPRModel #HappyAtWork #Leadership

    43 min

About

In today’s fast-paced corporate world, achieving true wellbeing and happiness isn't just a nice-to-have; it’s a business imperative. We are pulling back the curtain on how top companies are navigating massive digital transformation without losing their human touch. Every week, we explore with international experts how cutting-edge AI is reshaping how we work while helping HR teams build an irresistible employer brand that attracts top-tier talent. We don't just talk about abstract concepts; we break down actionable strategies. We'll show you how to embrace digital transformation and leverage.