What truly makes us happier at work, and how can understanding our needs and values help us thrive?
In this thought-provoking episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien sits down with Dr. Mark Fabian, Associate Professor of Public Policy at the University of Warwick and well-being researcher, for a deep dive into the science and practice of happiness in the workplace. Together, they unpack powerful theories like self-determination and self-discrepancy, challenge common misconceptions around Maslow’s hierarchy, and explore the real drivers behind our motivation, satisfaction, and sense of purpose at work.
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
- Three fundamental psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness, and how essential they are for motivation and wellbeing at work.
- The misrepresentation of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: Needs aren’t strictly hierarchical but intertwined and influenced by context.
- How authentic happiness comes from aligning your actual self with your ideal and ought selves, and recognising emotions as important signals for self-actualisation.
- How to navigate long-term goals to cultivate patience and understand your relationship to delayed gratification and intrinsic enjoyment.
Related Topics Covered:
Fulfillment at work, workplace communication, Purpose at work
Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:
Connect with Dr. Mark Fabian | Researcher & Associate Professor of Public Policy at the University of Warwick:
Related Episodes You’ll Love:
Episode 184: A Framework for Building Happier Work Cultures with Aoife O’Brien
https://happieratwork.ie/184-a-framework-for-building-happier-work-cultures-with-aoife-obrien/
About Happier at Work®
Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.
If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®.
Join Aoife O’Brien for weekly insights on leadership, workplace culture, career clarity, imposter syndrome, and creating work that works for you.
Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ
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