Happier At Work · 2026-06-05 · 50 min
Are you ready to rethink workplace culture for lasting happiness and performance? In this episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O’Brien sits down with Matthew Cook, co-founder of The Shift, for an in-depth discussion on how organisations and leaders can intentionally shape workplace culture to foster happier, more engaged teams. Drawing from personal experience, ongoing research, and real-world examples, Matthew explores why company culture is more prominent post-COVID, how the “psychological contract” between employer and employee has shifted, and what leaders can do to create teams where everyone thrives. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: How the psychological contract at work is now more transactional, with employees expecting more than just what’s on paper. The need for organisations to intentionally design (not inherit) their workplace structures and cultures. Practical steps leaders can take: from self-awareness and introspection to adaptive management and fostering new mindsets within teams. The growing importance of EQ (emotional intelligence) and AQ (adaptability quotient) for managers and leaders.
309: Discovering Universal Concerns on a Book Tour Across America!30 / 100Bonus Episode: How to Shape Meaningful Employee Experiences308: How to Shape Meaningful Employee Experiences with Gráinne Earley307: Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Unexpected ObstaclesBonus Episode: Redesigning Workplace Culture Without the Contract