We are Drs. Keaton Fletcher & Maryana Arvan, two Industrial-Organizational psychologists who care about how to make work a healthier experience for everyone. We run a bi-weekly podcast to bring the science directly to your ears. Please tune in and learn how you can make your work life a healthier experience. Email us at HealthyWorkPodcast@gmail.com healthywork.substack.com
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In episode 124, we sit down with Dr. Phoenix Van Wagoner, Assistant Professor of Management at California State University, Fullerton, to discuss an fun workplace resource for mental health: curiosity. Mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression affect millions of employees, yet organizations often struggle to understand what helps people manage these experiences during the workday.…
In episode 123, we explore a fascinating new study on physical activity, unhealthy snacking, and workplace health habits . We chat about a paper published by Völker, Koch, and Sonnentag in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology . This paper presents a field experiment that tested whether a simple goal-setting intervention could help employees become more active and make healthier choices…
In episode 122 of Healthy Work , we sit down with Dr. Liza Barnes , Assistant Professor of Management at Drexel University, to discuss a critical but often overlooked workplace issue: medical leaves of absence . When employees face a serious health challenge, whether it’s cancer treatment, a mental health crisis, an autoimmune disease flare-up, or a major injury, medical leave should provide the…
In Episode 121, we turn our focus to a critical issue in healthcare: patient aggression and its impact on worker well‑being . We’re joined by Dr. Lisa Kath , Associate Professor of Psychology at San Diego State University, to discuss new research on how healthcare workers are affected not just by direct exposure to aggressive patient behavior, but also by witnessing and hearing about it . Drawing…
In Episode 120, we explore a topic that is incredibly common, but rarely talked about at work: reproductive loss . We’re joined by Dr. Katrina Brownell , Assistant Professor of Management at Virginia Tech, who uses an autoethnographic approach to examine her own experiences with pregnancy loss and what happens when organizations lack the language, policies, and support to acknowledge it.…
In episode 119 , we dig into a question many of us have experienced firsthand: Why does a stressful day at work make us (and our partners!) devour cookies, takeout, or comfort food. We’re joined by Dr. Wiston Rodriguez , Assistant Professor of Psychology at San Diego State University, to explore new research on how workplace stressors, specifically illegitimate tasks , shape employees’ eating…
We are excited to introduce the Healthy Work Graduate Student Research Contest. If you are currently a graduate student (Masters or PhD) engaged in research on the intersection of employment/work and health/wellbeing, please consider submitting your research for consideration for this contest.Winners will be invited onto the podcast to share their research, and will receive a certificate and small…
In episode 118, we’re joined by Dr. David Arena to explore how people decide whether, when, and how to reveal important parts of their identity at work , especially in environments that feel unwelcoming or hostile. Much of the research on workplace identity assumes disclosure is a simple yes‑or‑no choice. But Dr. Arena’s work shows that identity management is far more nuanced. Through two studies…
In episode 117, we explore a question many working parents and professionals experience daily: Why do some demanding workdays leave us energized and fulfilled at home, while others leave us completely drained? Drawing on a recent daily diary study published by Junker and colleagues in Work & Stress , we unpack new research on workload, work‑related rumination, boundary control, and work‑to‑home…
In episode 116, we’re joined by Dr. Beth Stelson , Assistant Professor at Washington University in St. Louis, to unpack an often invisible, but consequential, workplace hazard: vicarious trauma . Vicarious trauma occurs when workers are repeatedly exposed to other people’s traumatic experiences, leading to psychological and physiological stress responses—even when they haven’t experienced the…
In episode 115, we explore a workplace trend that refuses to die despite years of employee complaints and growing research evidence: open office layouts . Drawing on a newly published study by Michael Rosander and Morten Nielsen in Occupational Health Science , we break down what different types of office setups mean for bullying experiences, job satisfaction, and turnover intentions . Using a…
In episode 114, we sit down with Dr. Verena Haun , Professor of Work and Organizational Psychology at the University of Würzburg, to explore a question many of us feel every Friday afternoon: Why is it sometimes easy to switch off from work—and other times almost impossible? Drawing on a multi‑week study of more than 150 employees, Dr. Haun’s research uncovers three distinct patterns of…
In episode 113, we sit down with occupational health researcher Dr. Annabelle Neall , Senior Lecturer in Mental Health and Wellbeing and Director of the Flinders Workplace Wellbeing Lab in Australia, to explore a critical and often misunderstood question: Why do so few workers report sexual harassment, even when it’s widespread and well‑recognized? Drawing on surveys of Australian workers and…
In episode 112 we sit down with renowned management scholar Dr. Yehuda Baruch to unpack one of today’s biggest questions: Are careers truly more dynamic now than in the past? Drawing on a decade of population‑level labor market data from Bulgaria, Dr. Baruch reveals surprising insights about job mobility, career transitions, wage growth, multinational vs. local employers, and the evolving nature…
In Episode 111, we kick off 2026 with a powerful conversation featuring Drs. Julian Barling and Simon Rego, co-authors of The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Workbook for Leaders . Together, they explore how evidence-based psychological strategies can help leaders manage stress, burnout, anxiety, and other mental health challenges that undermine leadership effectiveness. Key insights include: * Why…
In Episode 110, we are joined by Dr. Gena Cox, IO psychologist, executive coach, and author of Leading Inclusion. We explore what it really takes to create workplaces where everyone thrives. Gina introduces her R-E-D-I framework (Respect, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) and explains why respect must come first to build trust and meaningful inclusion. You can find Dr. Cox on her website (…
In episode 109, we sit down with Drs. Ian Katz and Shelly Rauvola, co-editors of a groundbreaking special issue in Industrial and Organizational Psychology . Together, we explore how current public policy changes in the United States are reshaping the world of work, from employee well-being and marginalized worker experiences to the future of I-O psychology education and research. Key takeaways…
In episode 108, we chat with Justin Weinhardt to explore his recent research on ADHD in the workplace. Drawing from a multi-day study of employees with ADHD, they unpack how daily symptom fluctuations impact engagement—and how job crafting can serve as a powerful, science-backed strategy for managing attention and motivation at work. Key insights include: * Why ADHD symptoms vary day-to-day and…
In episode 107 we unpack the global and domestic landscape of workplace safety regulation. Drawing from a recent paper by Maureen Dollard and Rachael Potter, we explore how psychosocial risks (e.g., job stress, job insecurity, and AI disruption) are increasingly recognized as legitimate safety concerns. The conversation dives into: * How Australia enforces psychosocial safety standards * Why…
In episode 106, we speak with Dr. Hana Johnson, Associate Professor at Washington State University, about her recent research on how disaster from pandemics to wildfires impact employees differently based on social class and identity. Learn how class salience intensifies feelings of devaluation, anxiety, and social withdrawal at work, and why organizations must rethink disaster response policies…
In this episode 105 we chat with Drs. Katina Sawyer and Patricia Grabarek, co-authors of Leading for Wellness , to unpack what it means to be a “generator” versus an “extinguisher” in leadership. We explore how person-centered planning, authentic leadership, and microcultures can foster thriving teams—even in toxic organizations. Learn how real-world interviews shaped their framework, and get…
In episode 104 we chat with Alyssa McGonagle, Associate Professor at UNC Charlotte and author of Chronic Health Conditions and Work: Proactive Strategies for Supporting Employees and Doing Well by Doing Good . We explore the intersection of chronic illness, disability, and employment. We cover key legal protections like the ADA, FMLA, and ACA, the challenges of disclosure and identity management,…
In episode 103 we chat with Drs. Andrea Bazzoli and Ian Hughes to explore their recent publication in the Journal of Business and Psychology . The conversation dives deep into how financial stress fluctuates over time , why small monetary changes —not just big windfalls—can significantly impact employee well-being, and how the nonlinear nature of these relationships challenge traditional…
In Episode 102 we chat with Drs. Denise Vesper and Michael Zickar about a recent special collaborative piece they published in Occupational Health Science . In this powerful episode we dive deep into the evolving role of labor unions in promoting worker health and safety across the globe. Topics include: * The psychological impact of strikes and union activity * How unions address health and…
In Episode 101 we chat with Mikaila Ortynsky , a PhD candidate at the University of Ottawa, to unpack her groundbreaking research on menstruation in the workplace. We explore how menstrual cycles impact task performance, emotional regulation, and organizational citizenship behaviors, and why most workplaces are still failing to provide even the most basic support. We challenges the default male…
We made it to triple digits! In this celebratory episode, we reflect on how the field of occupational health psychology—and our own lives— have evolved over the past 100 episodes of Healthy Work —from burnout and sleep to leadership and labor policy. From burnout and bullying to policy and precarity, we’ve covered a lot. We talk about the shift from individual-level interventions (remember when…
In a special Episode 99, we have a live-recorded interview with the Winners of the 2024-2025 Best Paper Award from Occupational Health Science. Drs. Leslie Hammer, Jennifer Dimoff, Cynthia D. Mohr, & Shalene J. Allen won for their paper “A Framework for Protecting and Promoting Employee Mental Health through Supervisor Supportive Behaviors.” We chat about strategies managers can use to prevent and…
In episode 98, we are joined by Dr. Alicia Grandey, co-author of the new book Emotionally Charged: How to Lead in the New World of Work . Together, we explored the realities of emotions , emotional labor , burnout , and how leaders can cultivate emotional intelligence to thrive in today’s demanding workplace. Dr. Grandey shared the core principles from her book, including: * Why emotional labor is…
In episode 97, I talk with Dr. Kimberly French about her recent study on how daily stressor pile-up impacts parents’ and adolescents’ health, sleep, and cortisol patterns. We discuss surprising findings from the Work, Family, and Health Network study — including that as stress piles up, sleep first gets shorter, but at extreme levels, both parents and teens actually start sleeping more. Dr. French…
In Episode 96, we complete our EAOHP Spotlight Mini-Series, sponsored by a small grant from the European Academy of Occupational Health Psychology. We are joined by Dr. Marijke Verbruggen. We talk about the benefits and challenges of flexible careers, job transitions, and work-life balance. Dr. Verbruggen shares insights on how career mobility affects well-being, the role of government support and…
What happens when you step outside and truly take in your surroundings? In Episode 95 we chat about a recent paper published by Hilbert et al (2025) in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology exploring how savoring the beauty of nature can help us feel more relaxed, serene, and restored during the workday. We discuss what makes this research so exciting, and what managers (and all of us) can…
In Episode 94, we continue our bonus mini-series: EAOHP Spotlight, sponsored by a small grant from the European Academy of Occupational Health Psychology. We are joined by Dr. Bram Fleuren. We talk all about sustainable employment and sustainable employability and what it means to help people have healthy, meaningful, and fulfilling employment for as long as they want. You can find Dr. Fleuren…
In Episode 93 are joined by Dr. Alex Jackson. We talk about his recent paper on barriers and facilitators to healthy choices at work. We talk about how the work environment can nudge you toward or away from healthier eating and exercise! You can find Dr. Jackson here and the paper here . https://cohre.mtsu.edu/staff_alexander-t-jackson/ https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41542-025-00220-7…
In Episode 92, we continue our bonus mini-series: EAOHP Spotlight, sponsored by a small grant from the European Academy of Occupational Health Psychology. We are joined by Dr. Maria Charalampous. We talk all about remote e-work and worker wellbeing, particularly for people with disabilities and neurodiversity. You can find Dr. Charalampous here and you can find more about EAOHP here .…
In Episode 91 we continue our bonus mini-series: EAOHP Spotlight, sponsored by a small grant from the European Academy of Occupational Health Psychology. We are joined by Dr. Mats Glambek. We talk all about bullying at work. You can find Dr. Glambek here and you can find more about EAOHP here . https://eaohp.org/…
In Episode 90 are joined by Dr. Mallory McCord. We talk about her recent paper on biases people hold against introverts. We talk about how it really is an extravert’s world out there! You can find Dr. McCord here and her paper here . https://www.odu.edu/directory/mallory-mccord https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41542-024-00218-7 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this…
In Episode 89 we continue our bonus mini-series: EAOHP Spotlight, sponsored by a small grant from the European Academy of Occupational Health Psychology. We are joined by Dr. Kati Karhula. We talk about shift work and sleep and how important they are for our health and performance. You can find Dr. Karhula here and you can find more about EAOHP here . You can also find the Finnish Institute of…
In Episode 87, we’re joined by Dr. Victoria Mattingly. We chat about what DEI really is, and why companies and employees should still care about making a wide range of people feel included in the workplace (and how to do it!). We also get a sneak peak of Dr. V’s upcoming book. You can find Dr. V here You can order her previous book Inclusalytics here and you can pre-order Dr. V’s upcoming allyship…
In Episode 86 we continue our bonus mini-series: EAOHP Spotlight, sponsored by a small grant from the European Academy of Occupational Health Psychology. We are joined by Dr. Prisca Brosi. We talk about all things emotions in the workplace. You can find Dr. Brosi here and you can find more about EAOHP here . https://www.klu.org/faculty-research/faculty/resident-faculty/prisca-brosi…
In Episode 85, we’re joined by Professor David Yamada. We chat about his drafted legislation, the Workplace Bullying Accountability Act and why we need laws to protect workers from abusive workplace environments. You can find Professor Yamada here as well as his Minding the Workplace Blog here. You can find the Workplace Bullying Accountability Act national campaign page here You can find the…
In Episode 84 we continue our bonus mini-series: EAOHP Spotlight, sponsored by a small grant from the European Academy of Occupational Health Psychology. We are joined by Domenico Sanseverino. We talk about the role of technology in the workplace and its impact on worker wellbeing. You can find Dominico Sanseverino here and you can find more about EAOHP here .…
In Episode 83, we’re joined by Dr. Claire Smith. We chat about her recent paper on sleep profiles. Turns out, sleep is really important for short and long term wellbeing and many people aren’t getting enough high quality sleep. You can find Dr. Smith here . Smith, C. E., Lee, S., Allen, T. D., Wallace, M. L., Andel, R., Buxton, O. M., Patel, S. R., & Almeida, D. M. (2024). Designing work for…
In Episode 82 we kick off our bonus mini-series: EAOHP Spotlight, sponsored by a small grant from the European Academy of Occupational Health Psychology. We are joined by the President of EAOHP, Dr. Stavroula Leka. We talk about EAOHP as an organization, OHP more broadly as a field, and the intersection of OHP research and public policy. You can find Dr. Leka here , and you can find more about…
In Episode 81 we chat about a recent paper published by Chen et al (2025) ! We discuss people’s trajectories in money and time at work over time. They find that at the top, the tradeoff for more money with more work hours might not be worth it! Chen, J. H., Yang, Y., Fang, C., Huang, C. H., Chiang, C. J., Wu, C. F., ... & Drake, B. (2025). Balancing work and earnings: The long-term impact on…
In Episode 80 we chat about a recent paper published by Schlegel et al (2024) ! We discuss the impact that daily displays of appreciation from colleagues can have on our emotions and ultimately how ready we are to tackle the next day! Go out there and be kind! Schlegel, L., Kleszewski, E., & Otto, K. (2024). The butterfly effect of appreciation at work: An impulse for daily perfectionistic…
In Episode 79 we chat about a recent paper published by Keaton ( Fletcher, 2024 )! We discuss the prevalence and nature of child labor, laws in the United States that impact child employment, and the (lack of) I-O research focusing on children at work. Major take away is that children are working, are going to continue to be working and exposed to a range of hazards, and we need to study them.…
In Episode 78, we talk about the Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s recent proposed regulations on Heat Stress. We chat about what is heat stress, who is susceptible, how do we prevent it, and where is all the OHP research on heat stress? We recommend that listeners who are able respond to the call for public comment for OSHA to share your expertise, address their specific questions ,…
In Episode 77 we are joined by Dr. Kimberly French who talks about her recently published paper ( Tong, Van Egdom, French & Zhang, 2024 ). We chat about the impact that being emotionally exhausted from work, but trying to hide that around your kids, has on them. Turns out, they learn to hide their emotions too when you do this! You can find Dr. French here Tong, J., Van Egdom, D., French, K. et…
In Episode 76 we are joined by Dr. Trevor Spoelma who talks about our recently published paper ( Spoelma & Fletcher, 2024 ). We chat about the our findings that leaders who experience more financial stress are more likely to engage in abusive supervision. This is especially true for leaders who are men! We also chat about some other cool findings in our paper! You can find Dr. Spoelma here…
In Episode 75 we continue our book club episodes! We wrap up our discussion of Brave New Workplace by Dr. Julian Barling. In this episode we chat about the social aspects of work, dirty work, safety, being valued by companies, unions and macro-economic trends. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit…
