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Work in Progress: Deep Dive

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Rating
★☆☆☆☆
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This podcast has
282 episodes
Language
English
Explicit
No
Date created
2025/12/17
Latest episode
2026/08/13
Average duration
23 min.
Release period
2 days

Description

Work in Progress: Deep Dive is your behind-the-scenes look at the evolving workplace through the lens of cutting-edge research and real-world insights. Join two dynamic cohosts as they dive into Dr. Jonathan H. Westover's latest articles and research, unpacking the big ideas shaping HR, leadership, change management, and work redesign today. Each episode blends thoughtful analysis with lively conversation, breaking down complex workplace trends into practical takeaways you can actually use. Whether you're a leader navigating organizational change, an HR professional reimagining talent strategy, or simply curious about the future of work, you'll find fresh perspectives and plenty of "aha" moments here. Expect candid discussion, occasional debates, and the kind of banter that makes even the densest research feel accessible. Because the world of work is constantly shifting—and this podcast is your guide to making sense of it all, one conversation at a time.

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Check latest episodes from Work in Progress: Deep Dive podcast


A Conversation about Experience Without Empathy: The Human Side of HR Leadership
2026/08/13
This research argues that technical expertise is no longer enough to establish leadership credibility within human resources. While HR professionals often possess impressive credentials, a lack of interpersonal competence frequently leads to employee distrust and organizational disengagement. The research emphasizes that interactional justice and psychological safety are essential for fostering a healthy workplace culture and successfully managing sensitive transitions. By neglecting these human dimensions, HR leaders risk career derailment and the systemic loss of functional legitimacy. The research provides evidence-based strategies, such as practicing cultural humility and transparent communication, to help leaders balance administrative mastery with relational integrity. Ultimately, the research suggests that how HR leaders treat people is just as critical to their effectiveness as their specialized knowledge.
A Conversation about the AI Premium: Market Valuations of Artificial Intelligence Adoption
2026/08/12
This research explores the AI premium, a phenomenon where stock markets systematically assign higher valuations to companies that demonstrate deep and sophisticated artificial intelligence adoption. Research indicates that investors prioritize frontier model usage and complex, agentic workflows over superficial or casual experimentation. This market-driven valuation reveals a shift in labor demand, favoring interactive skills like persuasion and instruction while penalizing roles focused on purely analytical or routine information processing. Organizations are encouraged to transition from broad, shallow implementation to intensive capability building to capture this financial advantage. Ultimately, the research argues that equity markets serve as a real-time indicator of competitive positioning, signaling which firms are successfully navigating the risks and opportunities of the AI-transformed economy.
A Conversation about Restoring Trust: Strategies for the Higher Education Confidence Crisis
2026/08/11
Public confidence in American higher education has dropped significantly due to rising costs, perceived political bias, and doubts regarding career readiness. These systemic issues are further complicated by the rise of artificial intelligence, which many believe will reduce the necessity of traditional degrees. To combat this erosion of trust, institutions must move beyond surface-level messaging to implement transparent data sharing and operational reforms. Successful strategies include freezing tuition, integrating work-based learning, and fostering intellectual diversity to prove ongoing value. Ultimately, schools must realign their internal operations with the economic realities and expectations of a modern, skeptical public. Maintaining long-term legitimacy requires continuous engagement with stakeholders rather than relying on outdated institutional assumptions.
A Conversation about When Algorithms Inherit Bias: Auditing AI Systems for Fairness
2026/08/10
This research examines the systemic problem of algorithmic bias in critical fields like employment, finance, and criminal justice. It argues that AI tools are not neutral observers but sociotechnical artifacts that frequently inherit and amplify human prejudices through biased training data. Beyond outlining the legal and ethical risks of these failures, the research provides evidence-based strategies for organizations to improve fairness. These solutions include pre-deployment impact assessments, continuous monitoring, and the use of diverse, cross-functional teams to oversee system development. Ultimately, the research emphasizes that sustained governance and transparency are essential to prevent AI from entrenching structural inequalities. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A Conversation about Designing Human-Centered Work in the Age of AI
2026/08/09
This research examines a strategic transition in workplace management from measuring employee engagement to proactively designing the people experience. The research argues that traditional engagement surveys are merely retrospective snapshots, whereas experience design focuses on the continuous stream of daily interactions and emotions. By adopting human-centered principles like journey mapping and persona development, organizations can identify critical moments that drive long-term performance and individual wellbeing. The analysis explores how AI and digital architecture can personalize work environments while cautioning that technology must support, rather than replace, human connection. Ultimately, the research suggests that cultivating a supportive, inclusive culture and building design capabilities within HR are essential for maintaining a competitive advantage in a hybrid work landscape. This shift moves beyond simple metrics to treat employees as integrated human beings whose daily experiences determine organizational success. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A Conversation about Truth vs. Indifference: Navigating Organizational B******t
2026/08/08
This research examines the emergence of organizational b******t, defined as workplace communication that shows a fundamental indifference toward the truth. Unlike lying, this behavior involves making assertions or using jargon without regard for factual accuracy, often to project confidence or hide ignorance. Such communication patterns significantly damage employee wellbeing, erode institutional trust, and lead to poor decision-making and reduced organizational performance. To combat this issue, the research suggests implementing transparent communication frameworks, encouraging intellectual humility in leaders, and fostering cultures of psychological safety. By prioritizing evidence-based management and distributed accountability, organizations can reduce truth-disregard and improve overall structural resilience. These findings highlight that addressing "b******t" is not merely a philosophical exercise but a critical necessity for maintaining procedural justice and operational integrity. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A Conversation about the Case for Dismantling Traditional HR
2026/08/07
This research advocates for a radical transformation of Human Resources, arguing that traditional models focus too much on administrative transactions and functional silos. This conventional approach often fails because it prioritizes internal process metrics over the actual quality of work and employee experience. The research suggests dismantling these bureaucratic structures in favor of "people operations" centered on six pillars: making work clearer, fairer, faster, more productive, more humane, and more accountable. By shifting responsibility from centralized HR specialists to empowered managers, organizations can move from reactive damage control to proactive trust building. Ultimately, the research provides an evidence-based framework for redesigning learning, operations, and leadership to better align with modern business outcomes. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A Conversation about HR's Reckoning: Respect as Strategic Authority
2026/08/06
This research examines the looming crisis of legitimacy within the human resources profession, arguing that its marginalization is rooted in structural power imbalances and demographic biases rather than a simple lack of expertise. While some leaders suggest rebranding HR to emphasize technical productivity, the author contends that true strategic influence comes from treating workplace respect as a measurable business strategy. By analyzing successful models like Costco and AT&T, the research illustrates how transparent pay structures and robust development programs drive superior financial results and employee retention. Ultimately, the research challenges HR practitioners to reclaim their authority by prioritizing human dignity as the essential foundation for long-term organizational health. This shift requires moving beyond administrative compliance to act as a principled check on executive interests for the sake of sustainable performance. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A Conversation about Integrating Metrics, AI, and Empathy
2026/08/05
This research explores the modernization of personnel evaluation by moving away from outdated, periodic reviews toward a more dynamic and integrated framework. The research argues that successful systems must combine data-driven metrics and artificial intelligence with a strong focus on empathy-led leadership to maintain trust and relevance. By leveraging real-time analytics, organizations can move beyond subjective biases, yet the research emphasizes that these technical tools require human-centered governance to prevent impersonal surveillance. The research highlights that fostering psychological safety and continuous dialogue is essential for turning performance tracking into a meaningful tool for employee development. Ultimately, the research presents a balanced model where technological precision and compassionate coaching coexist to improve both organizational productivity and individual wellbeing. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A Conversation about Going Beyond Engineers: The Diffusion of Agentic AI in Enterprise
2026/08/04
This research explores the organizational transition from conversational AI to agentic AI, which focuses on autonomous task delegation rather than simple information retrieval. While technical teams were the first to adopt these tools, non-technical departments are now integrating them at a much faster rate by leveraging established infrastructure and shared knowledge. The research argues that achieving true productivity gains requires restructuring workflows and shifting human roles toward verification and coordination rather than direct execution. Consequently, deep domain expertise remains vital, as experts are uniquely qualified to supervise complex automated processes and ensure quality control. To manage these shifts, the research advocates for staged rollouts, adaptive governance, and a cultural shift toward systematic AI integration across all business functions. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A Conversation about Higher Education's Hidden Crisis: Bullying and Institutional Reform
2026/08/03
This research examines the systemic prevalence of academic bullying, highlighting how hierarchical structures and prestige-driven cultures enable persistent mistreatment within higher education. The research argues that traditional features like tenure and intense power imbalances often shield perpetrators, leading to severe consequences for research integrity, institutional productivity, and individual mental health. To address these issues, the research proposes evidence-based interventions, such as independent reporting systems, bystander activation programs, and structural reforms to mentorship models. It emphasizes that leadership accountability and psychological safety are essential for shifting academic culture away from normalized suffering toward genuine intellectual flourishing. Ultimately, the research serves as a call for institutions to align their stated values with the lived experiences of students and faculty through proactive, data-driven reform. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A Conversation about the Paradox of Emotional Intelligence in Toxic Organizations
2026/08/02
This research explores the paradoxical vulnerability of employees with high emotional intelligence when operating within toxic organizational cultures. While usually considered a professional asset, deep emotional attunement can become a detrimental liability in environments characterized by low psychological safety and chronic interpersonal harm. The research examines how neurological sensitivity and an innate drive for relational repair lead these individuals to experience disproportionate burnout and health issues. To mitigate these risks, the research advocates for compassionate leadership, structural safety mechanisms, and targeted support for emotionally sensitive talent. Ultimately, organizations are urged to view relational health as a critical strategic capability rather than a secondary concern. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A Conversation about the AI Growth Dividend: Expanding Employment and Elevating Skills
2026/08/01
Research from the PwC 2026 Global AI Jobs Barometer and other experts refutes the idea that artificial intelligence primarily causes mass unemployment and falling pay. Instead, evidence indicates that AI-intensive organizations are growing their headcounts faster, providing higher wages, and achieving massive productivity gains compared to their peers. These firms are using technology to augment human talent rather than replace it, often shifting entry-level roles toward high-level tasks that require empathy, judgment, and creativity. To succeed in this transition, leaders must move beyond cost-cutting to focus on strategic workforce architecture and continuous skill development. By treating AI as a capability amplifier, companies can foster a sustainable ecosystem where technological efficiency and human opportunity expand together. Successful integration ultimately depends on transparent communication, fair implementation processes, and a commitment to inclusive growth. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A Conversation about Navigating the Transition: Strategies for Return-to-Office Mandates
2026/07/31
This research explores the complex challenges organizations face when transitionining employees from flexible remote work back to mandatory office attendance. The research highlights how these restrictive mandates often violate the psychological contract between employers and staff, leading to increased turnover and decreased trust. To mitigate these risks, the research advocates for transparent communication and the adoption of outcome-based performance evaluations rather than monitoring physical presence. It also emphasizes the importance of capability building, such as training managers to lead distributed teams and optimizing office spaces for collaboration. Ultimately, the research argues that long-term organizational success depends on creating adaptable systems that balance business needs with employee expectations for autonomy. Successful transitions are presented as a matter of procedural justice and strategic infrastructure rather than simple policy enforcement. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A Conversation about Bridging the GenAI Productivity Gap through Organizational Redesign
2026/07/30
This research explores why generative artificial intelligence has yet to produce significant economic productivity gains despite widespread corporate adoption. The research argues that simply giving employees AI tools fails because it ignores measurement complexities, hidden costs, and the risk of quality degradation known as "workslop." To capture real value, organizations must move away from focusing on individual task speed and instead prioritize comprehensive process redesign. This transformation requires specialized training, rigorous quality governance, and a shift in leadership mindset toward long-term capability building. Ultimately, the research suggests that AI's potential is only realized when it is deeply integrated into reimagined workflows rather than treated as a simple plug-and-play solution. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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