People and Performance Podcast · 2025-09-11 · 11 min
What if the most powerful driver of workplace performance isn't complicated systems or cutting-edge technology, but something as fundamental as social support? Dr. Amanda Hagman , Chief Scientific Officer at Atana, reveals this insight in a conversation with Chris Bjorling about human behavior, organizational learning, and strategic development. Drawing from her extensive research, Amanda challenges listeners to reconsider how social dynamics shape workplace behavior. Through the relatable example of kitchen sink habits at home versus at work, she illustrates how environmental cues and social expectations profoundly influence our actions - regardless of generation. While acknowledging surface-level differences between age groups, she argues that the fundamental mechanisms of human learning remain consistent: we observe others, adapt to social norms, and mirror behaviors we see around us. The discussion takes a compelling turn toward the strategic potential of Learning and Development professionals. Amanda proposes that L&D teams occupy a uniquely valuable position in organizations, with access to employees across departments during training initiatives.
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