Healthy Work

In Episode 121, we turn our focus to a critical issue in healthcare: patient aggression and its impact on worker well‑being.We’re joined by Dr. Lisa Kath, Associate Professor of Psychology at San Diego State University, to discuss new research on how healthcare workers are affected not just by direct exposure to aggressive patient behavior, but also by witnessing and hearing about it.Drawing on data from pediatric healthcare settings, this conversation highlights how repeated exposure to patient aggression shapes stress, burnout, and turnover—and why the effects extend beyond the individual directly involved.We discuss:* Why frequency of exposure, not just extreme incidents, drives psychological harm * The surprising impact of witnessing or hearing about aggression, and how it increases stress and turnover intentions * Why nurses face higher risk due to constant bedside exposure * How workplace context (e.g., ER and behavioral health units) shapes exposure levels* What these experiences signal about organizational support and safety culture* Practical solutions, including peer support programs and post‑incident recovery strategiesYou can find Dr. Kath here: https://psychology.sdsu.edu/people/lisa-kath/You can read the paper here: https://www.pediatricnursing.org/article/S0882-5963(26)00173-9/fulltext This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit healthywork.substack.com

In episode 119 , we dig into a question many of us have experienced firsthand: Why does a stressful day at work make us (and our partners!) devour cookies, takeout, or comfort food.We’re joined by Dr. Wiston Rodriguez, Assistant Professor of Psychology at San Diego State University, to explore new research on how workplace stressors, specifically illegitimate tasks, shape employees’ eating behaviors after work.Illegitimate tasks are assignments that fall outside your role or feel demeaning (like being asked to do work that “isn’t your job”). Dr. Rodriguez’s research shows these experiences don’t just impact your mood—they can trigger negative emotions that lead to unhealthy eating behaviors, and those effects don’t stop with you.We discuss:* What illegitimate tasks are and why they feel so stressful* How workplace stress drives emotional eating and poor food choices* The surprising finding that these eating behaviors spill over to partners and families* How broader systems—like income, access to food, and work conditions—shape health outcomes* Why workplace stress doesn’t just affect performance—it affects physical health and long‑term well‑being* Practical steps managers and organizations can take to reduce harm, from clear communication to supportive workplace cultureThis episode highlights how everyday workplace decisions—like how tasks are assigned—can ripple outward into employees’ homes, relationships, and health behaviors.You can find Dr. Rodriguez here (https://psychology.sdsu.edu/people/wiston-rodriguez/).You can find the paper here (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41542-025-00247-w). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit healthywork.substack.com

In episode 118, we’re joined by Dr. David Arena to explore how people decide whether, when, and how to reveal important parts of their identity at work, especially in environments that feel unwelcoming or hostile.Much of the research on workplace identity assumes disclosure is a simple yes‑or‑no choice. But Dr. Arena’s work shows that identity management is far more nuanced. Through two studies of lesbian, gay, and bisexual employees in the U.S. and U.K., this research highlights identity signaling: subtle, strategic behaviors people use to “test the waters” before deciding whether to stand out or blend in.We get a little personal and discuss:* What identity signaling looks like in everyday workplace interactions* How employees scan their environment for cues about safety and belonging* Why hostile work environments and everyday incivility push people to hide who they are* The emotional exhaustion that comes from blending in and suppressing identity* Why some employees respond to hostility by doing the opposite—standing out more defiantly* What coworkers, managers, and leaders can do to create climates where authenticity is truly optional, not riskyFind Dr. Arena here: https://www.uta.edu/academics/faculty/profile?user=david.arenaThis is the paper we discussed: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/job.70073 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit healthywork.substack.com

In episode 106, we speak with Dr. Hana Johnson, Associate Professor at Washington State University, about her recent research on how disaster from pandemics to wildfires impact employees differently based on social class and identity. Learn how class salience intensifies feelings of devaluation, anxiety, and social withdrawal at work, and why organizations must rethink disaster response policies to support vulnerable workers. This episode explores the psychological toll of inequality, the role of identity in resilience, and what leaders can do to build more inclusive, disaster-ready workplaces.Find Dr. Johnson here: https://business.wsu.edu/directory/hana.johnson/Find the paper here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10869-025-10064-1 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit healthywork.substack.com

In episode 104 we chat with Alyssa McGonagle, Associate Professor at UNC Charlotte and author of Chronic Health Conditions and Work: Proactive Strategies for Supporting Employees and Doing Well by Doing Good. We explore the intersection of chronic illness, disability, and employment. We cover key legal protections like the ADA, FMLA, and ACA, the challenges of disclosure and identity management, and the importance of inclusive organizational culture. Dr. McGonagle also introduces the vivid and relatable Spoon Theory and shares evidence-based interventions to make work better for everyone including people living with chronic health conditions. Whether you're an HR professional, manager, researcher, or someone living with a chronic condition, this episode offers actionable insights and compassionate strategies for creating healthier, more equitable workplaces.You can find Dr. McGonagle here (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-mcgonagle/) and here (https://orgscience.charlotte.edu/directory/alyssa-mcgonagle/).You can order her book here (https://global.oup.com/academic/product/chronic-health-conditions-and-work-9780197660638?cc=us⟨=en&), using the code AUFLY30 for a discount. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit healthywork.substack.com

In Episode 102 we chat with Drs. Denise Vesper and Michael Zickar about a recent special collaborative piece they published in Occupational Health Science. In this powerful episode we dive deep into the evolving role of labor unions in promoting worker health and safety across the globe. Topics include:* The psychological impact of strikes and union activity* How unions address health and safety risks in high-hazard industries* The resurgence of organized labor in the U.S. (Starbucks, UAW, Volkswagen)* The intersection of IO psychology and labor movements* Policy gaps and the role of unions in climate change and mental health advocacyWhether you're an IO psychologist, HR professional, union member, or just curious about the future of work, this episode offers rich insights into how organized labor is adapting to global challenges—and why researchers should pay attention.🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review to help more listeners discover Healthy Work!You can find the paper here: https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_citation&hl=en&user=Z38glpIAAAAJ&sortby=pubdate&citation_for_view=Z38glpIAAAAJ:iH-uZ7U-co4CYou can find Dr. Vesper here: https://www.uni-saarland.de/lehrstuhl/koenig/personen/denise-vesper-msc.htmlYou can find Dr. Zickar here: https://www.bgsu.edu/arts-and-sciences/psychology/people/mzickar.htmlKeywords: labor unions, occupational health, worker safety, IO psychology, strikes, union research, workplace well-being, global labor movements, climate change, mental health, industrial-organizational psychology, union advocacy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit healthywork.substack.com

We made it to triple digits! In this celebratory episode, we reflect on how the field of occupational health psychology—and our own lives— have evolved over the past 100 episodes of Healthy Work—from burnout and sleep to leadership and labor policy. From burnout and bullying to policy and precarity, we’ve covered a lot. We talk about the shift from individual-level interventions (remember when mindfulness was 🔥?) to systemic, policy-driven change. We also look ahead to the next 100 episodes: AI, women’s health, gig work, and the future of workplace regulation.Plus, we celebrate with a Healthy Work trivia game—play along and see how well you know the pod.Thanks for being part of this journey. Whether you’ve been here since Episode 1 or just joined us, we’re so glad you’re part of the Healthy Work community.The Champagne Pop is from: OWI Popping Champagne.wav by TCduP66 -- https://freesound.org/s/655981/ -- License: Attribution 4.0The Noise Maker is from: Party noise maker _ soundstack.wav new yeears eve, party, horn, party favor by soundstack -- https://freesound.org/s/203246/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit healthywork.substack.com

In episode 98, we are joined by Dr. Alicia Grandey, co-author of the new book Emotionally Charged: How to Lead in the New World of Work. Together, we explored the realities of emotions, emotional labor, burnout, and how leaders can cultivate emotional intelligence to thrive in today’s demanding workplace.Dr. Grandey shared the core principles from her book, including:* Why emotional labor is essential in most modern jobs* How emotions are valuable sources of information, not distractions* The hidden costs of emotional suppressionWe also got to peak behind the scenes to see what it was like writing such a powerful book with a close friend. Whether you're a leader, employee, or anyone navigating emotional demands at work, this episode offers research-based strategies for sustainable well-being and authentic leadership.You can buy Emotionally Charged here, and use the code “ASPROMP8” for 30% off!You can find Dr. Grandey here, her lab here, and Dina Denham-Smith here. https://global.oup.com/academic/product/emotionally-charged-9780197750155?cc=us⟨=en&https://psych.la.psu.edu/people/aag6/https://weld.la.psu.edu/https://www.dinadsmith.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit healthywork.substack.com