The Workplace Productivity Trap - Dynamic Work Design wirth Nelson Repenning MIT OrgDev Episode 99

The Workplace Productivity Trap - Dynamic Work Design wirth Nelson Repenning MIT OrgDev Episode 99

From OrgDev with Distinction by Dani Bacon and Garin Rouch

April 1, 2026 · 1h 5m · Season 6 · Episode 99

About this episode

Nelson Repenning discusses the hidden systems affecting workplace productivity and why improvements often fail.

We'd love to hear from you so send us a message! Why do so many organisations struggle to improve productivity - even when they invest heavily in strategy, transformation and new ways of working? Nelson Repenning, co-author of There’s Got to Be a Better Way, describes the hidden systems that shape how work actually gets done. Drawing on decades of research at MIT and real-world organisational transformation, Nelson unpacks why well-intentioned improvements often fail - and what leaders can d...

People in this episode

Hosts: Dani Bacon, Garin Rouch

Guest: Nelson Repenning

Topics covered

  • workplace productivity
  • dynamic work design
  • organizational transformation
  • hidden systems
  • leadership

Keywords

  • productivity
  • organizational change
  • work design
  • leadership
  • MIT research

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: MIT

Books & works: There’s Got to Be a Better Way

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