Workplace Psychology with Dr. Martha Grajdek
Workplace Psychology with Martha Grajdek addresses a wide variety of topics related to the workplace. The podcast examines current issues through the lens of Industrial and Organizational Psychology (I-O Psychology), a branch of psychology that focuses on improving both performance and the well-being of individuals and organizations. In addition to discussing various topics, the podcast will explore potential solutions to workplace-related issues. Intended to stimulate conversation, listeners are invited to further consider each topic as it applies to them and their workplaces.
Episodes
July 28, 2025 • 9 mins
Not all workplace hierarchies are formal. In this episode, Dr. Grajdek unpacks how perceived status influences everything from speaking up in meetings to how credit is distributed. She examines how subtle status signals shape team dynamics and impact employee engagement, and offer strategies for leaders to create more inclusive, status-balanced environments where everyone feels seen and heard, regardless of title or tenure. Tune in...
Mark as Played
July 21, 2025 • 9 mins
When too many voices weigh in – or when no one takes the lead – teams can get stuck in a state of indecision. In this episode, Dr. Grajdek explores decision paralysis in collaborative environments, exploring its psychological roots and organizational consequences. Moreover, Dr. Grajdek offers insight into group dynamics, fear of conflict, and choice overload, allowing listeners to gain tools to streamline decision-making, boost cla...
Mark as Played
July 14, 2025 • 12 mins
Stories aren’t just for marketing – they’re a powerful internal tool that shapes meaning and motivation. This episode, Dr. Grajdek explores how corporate storytelling enhances employee engagement by connecting everyday work to purpose, vision, and shared values. She discusses how leaders can use storytelling to inspire trust, align teams, and drive culture change, and offers strategies for turning communication into connection. Tun...
Mark as Played
July 7, 2025 • 12 mins
In this episode, Dr. Grajdek uncovers the powerful impact of microbreaks on focus, productivity, and well-being. From neuroscience to practical examples, Dr. Grajdek explains how short resets can counteract fatigue, boost mental clarity, and improve overall job performance. Listeners will learn how to build microbreaks into their daily routine and how organizations can support a culture that values strategic recovery over nonstop h...
Mark as Played
June 30, 2025 • 14 mins
In today's remote and hybrid work environments, much of communication happens through screens, where tone and intent can easily be misinterpreted. In this episode, Dr. Grajdek explores the concept of digital body language, as she highlights how timing, punctuation, word choice, and formatting affect how messages are received. She offers strategies for improving digital communication, ensuring professionalism, and maintaining strong...
Mark as Played
June 23, 2025 • 16 mins
Going above and beyond at work – known as organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) – can sometimes lead to burnout when extra efforts become expected rather than simply appreciated. In this episode, Dr. Grajdek explores the phenomenon of workplace citizenship fatigue, its signs, and its effects on both employees and organizations. Listeners will gain strategies for setting boundaries, recognizing voluntary contributions, and balan...
Mark as Played
June 16, 2025 • 16 mins
In this episode, Dr. Grajdek addresses the cost of perfectionism in high-performing organizations. She examines the signs of organizational perfectionism, its impact on creativity and mental health, and how unrealistic expectations can stifle innovation. Dr. Grajdek offers solutions for building a culture that values learning, growth, and progress over unattainable standards of flawlessness. Tune in to learn more.
Check out Stres...
Check out Stres...
Mark as Played
June 9, 2025 • 14 mins
In this episode, Dr. Grajdek examines the nature of humor at the workplace. Humor can be a powerful force for building bonds and reducing stress at work, but it can also alienate or offend when used poorly. This episode Dr. Grajdek discusses the dual nature of workplace humor, the benefits of encouraging appropriate, inclusive humor, and the risks when humor crosses lines. Listeners will learn how to foster a positive humor culture...
Mark as Played
June 2, 2025 • 13 mins
In this episode, Dr. Grajdek examines psychological contracts and their influence on employee satisfaction and engagement. She discusses how these contracts form, how breaches damage trust and motivation, and how leaders can maintain strong, healthy psychological agreements through consistent communication, honesty, and expectation management. Dr. Grajdek also highlights the critical role psychological contracts play in employee re...
Mark as Played
May 26, 2025 • 13 mins
In this episode, Dr. Grajdek shines a light on the often invisible and undervalued burden of emotional labor (or emotional burden) – the effort employees expend to manage their emotions in professional settings. She explains how roles in healthcare, customer service, and leadership among others are particularly affected. Dr. Grajdek examines the mental health consequences of unrecognized emotional labor. Listeners will learn strate...
Mark as Played
May 19, 2025 • 14 mins
In this episode, Dr. Grajdek explores organizational restructuring and its potential to trigger anxiety, grief, and uncertainty among employees, often leading to lowered morale and engagement. She discusses the psychological toll that major structural changes can take on individuals and teams and outlines leadership strategies to support employees during transitions. Dr. Grajdek advises that by focusing on transparency, reassurance...
Mark as Played
May 12, 2025 • 14 mins
In this episode, Dr. Grajdek explores how unconscious cognitive biases influence daily decisions in the workplace, from hiring practices to team collaboration. She breaks down common biases, showing how they can lead to flawed decision-making and hinder diversity and innovation. The episode offers strategies for increasing awareness, implementing bias-reducing practices, and creating a more objective, fair, and inclusive workplace ...
Mark as Played
May 5, 2025 • 17 mins
In this episode, Dr. Grajdek discusses the fact that many employees struggle with saying “No”, fearing it will harm their reputation or opportunities for advancement. She points out that the inability to set boundaries can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. Dr. Grajdek provides practical strategies for saying no in a professional and respectful way, empowering employees to protect their time and mental well-being while mai...
Mark as Played
April 28, 2025 • 20 mins
In this episode, Dr. Grajdek discusses workplace energy. Energy levels in the workplace can be contagious – in both positive and negative ways. Dr. Grajdek explores the impact of individuals who drain motivation and enthusiasm from others at work. She discusses strategies for maintaining personal energy, setting boundaries, and fostering a positive and high-energy work culture where employees feel motivated rather than depleted. Tu...
Mark as Played
April 21, 2025 • 17 mins
In this episode, Dr. Grajdek considers toxic positivity at work. She reminds us that although a positive mindset is often encouraged at work, excessive or forced positivity can lead to emotional suppression and burnout. Dr. Grajdek examines the concept of toxic positivity, explaining how it can create a culture where real concerns are dismissed. Listeners will learn how to foster a balanced work environment that encourages open dis...
Mark as Played
April 14, 2025 • 14 mins
In this episode, Dr. Grajdek discusses how to make the most of your personality traits in order to have the best workplace experiences. Whether that means strengthening, changing, or eliminating a personality trait, putting some work and effort into self-improvement can come with valuable benefits. Dr. Grajdek shows listeners that The Big Five Personality Traits are not written in stone and can be changed to your benefit. She offer...
Mark as Played
April 7, 2025 • 14 mins
In this episode, Dr. Grajdek discusses personality traits and their role in shaping workplace behaviors, which can influence everything from leadership style to team dynamics. This episode she breaks down the Big Five personality traits and their impact on collaboration, conflict resolution, and career growth. Listeners will learn how self-awareness and adaptability can enhance professional success. Similarly, organizations will di...
Mark as Played
March 31, 2025 • 15 mins
In this episode, Dr. Grajdek discusses how making constant decisions throughout the workday can lead to decision fatigue, increasing stress and reducing creativity. She examines how decision overload affects employees and leaders, as she offers strategies for streamlining workflows, prioritizing tasks, and reducing cognitive exhaustion. Listeners will gain practical tools to improve focus, enhance efficiency, and make better decisi...
Mark as Played
March 24, 2025 • 14 mins
In this episode, Dr. Grajdek explores workplace gossip. While gossip can be seen as an inevitable part of the workplace, it is not without the potential for damaging effects. Dr. Grajdek explores the role of workplace gossip in building social bonds while also highlighting its potential to create division, mistrust, and disengagement. She outlines how organizations can address workplace gossip by focusing on balancing informal soci...
Mark as Played
March 17, 2025 • 11 mins
In this episode, Dr. Grajdek explores workplace design and the role it plays in employee productivity and mental wellbeing. She also discusses the psychological impact of office layouts, noise levels, lighting, and ergonomics on employee performance and satisfaction. Dr. Grajdek considers how businesses can optimize both in-office and remote workspaces to foster a healthier, more efficient workforce. Tune in to learn more.
Check o...
Check o...
Mark as Played
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.