Finding Joy in the Workplace with Kathryn Owler

Welcome to another episode of The Authentic Change Podcast, I am Mike Horne, your host and I am joined today by Kathryn Owler an expert on happiness, fun, and joy work. Her mission is to provide people who are unhappy at work with easy-to-follow (empirically proven) steps that they can take immediately to achieve greater joy and purpose at work. In today’s episode, Kathryn shares practical ways to support and promote a happier and more fulfilling workplace.

• [2:24] Kathryn shares a few words about herself.
• [5:01] Kathryn talks about critical thinking as a very useful tool but emphasizes the significance of joy.
• [6:03] Kathryn shares her definition of joy and happiness.
• [10:23] Kathryn speaks about a particular research project she conducted.
• [12:24] After resigning from her “dream job” Kathryn asked herself: Have I made the right decision?
• [14:31] What contributed to Kathryn feeling miserable in that job?
• [17:04] There is no perfect job.
• [18:15] Mike talks about one of the keys of engagement.
• [19:16] Kathryn talks about the value of relationships at work.
• [22:03] How can you support people to take responsibility for their own happiness?
• [23:30] Kathryn talks about communication.
• [26:11] How is a team encouraged to have joy and happiness at work?
• [28:10] How to apply these concepts to jobs that are not necessarily purpose filled jobs?
• [31:08] Kathryn shares her research on finding purpose at work.
• [32:25] People tend to criticize rather than seek ways to optimize efficiency.
• [34:40] How Kathryn’s work was impacted by the global COVID pandemic.
• [37:45] Kathryn shares practical tips with the audience.