Workplace dynamics part 2: culture and systemic change

Episode summary

Welcome back to the WorkWell Podcast! This is the second and final part of our workplace dynamics mini-series, where we dig into the cultural and systemic forces shaping today’s workplaces.

Last time, we tackled barriers and biases like the glass ceiling, the maternal wall, and pay gaps. This week, we’re diving deeper into workplace culture, unpacking hidden forces like cultural tax, quiet quitting, AI discrimination, and the pet-to-threat pipeline.

These dynamics shape how we work, who gets ahead, and who gets left behind. Whether you’re an employee trying to navigate these challenges or a leader looking to create real change, we’ve got practical strategies to help you take action.

What we talked about:

Why workplace barriers aren’t just personal hurdles - -they’re systemic issues

• Cultural tax & code-switching - the unspoken pressures on employees from underrepresented groups to adapt, educate, and represent, often without recognition.
• Tall poppy syndrome & pet-to-threat - why some high-achievers face backlash for standing out (and why it disproportionately affects Black women).
• Quiet quitting - is it disengagement, or is it healthy boundary-setting?
• AI discrimination - how biases are baked into algorithms and why hiring tools are failing marginalised groups.
• The glass cliff - when women and minorities are handed leadership roles only when failure is likely.
• What employees can do: spotting these dynamics and advocating for yourself without burnout.
• What leaders must do: creating systemic change that actually makes workplaces fairer and more inclusive.

Try this: one step toward change

This week, take one concrete action to challenge workplace dynamics:

• For employees: identify an experience that resonates with you from today’s episode. Can you set a boundary, push back on an unfair expectation, or seek support from an ally?
• For leaders: take stock of your workplace. Are certain employees asked to do more unpaid labour (like DEI work)? Are high performers being isolated? Start addressing the root causes.

Useful resources:⁠

Work Won’t Love You Back by Sarah Jaffe

Algorithms of Oppression by Safiya Umoja Noble

Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

Bias Interrupted by Joan C. Williams

WorkWell’s definitive course on self-advocacy - Own Your Brilliance

Send us your workplace dilemmas!

We’re planning Season 2, and we want to hear from you! Have a workplace dilemma you’d love us to tackle?

• Struggling with a difficult boss?
• Unsure how to advocate for yourself?
• Navigating weird office politics?

Send us your dilemmas at [e-mail] or DM us on Instagram @thisisworkwell.

Connect with us

We’d love to hear how you’re tackling workplace barriers! Email us at [e-mail] or share your stories with us on social media. Search for @thisisworkwell on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Next week’s episode

This is the last episode in our mini workplace dynamics series, but next week, we’re closing out Season 1 with an important conversation on mental wellbeing at work and in life. We’ll be joined by psychotherapist and mental health advocate Phil Shaw, who’ll break down how we can protect our wellbeing and thrive in workplaces that often don’t make it easy. Don’t miss it!