Working On It is your essential podcast for navigating today's evolving work environment. Hosted by Lauren Spearman and Molly Johnson-Jones, this show dives int...
Office Christmas Parties: Sticking to Fun Without Regrets
Hey everyone, welcome back to "Working On It" with your hosts Lauren Spearman and Molly Johnson-Jones! As the holidays roll in, we're here to chat about one of the most love-hate parts of the season: the office Christmas party.First up, we'll dive into a fun story from Lauren about an epic third date that took a wild turn with some karaoke action alongside her date’s workmates. This kicks off our talk about why some people might actually dread these festive get-togethers—hint: it's usually the awkward socialising and boozy antics.But don’t worry, it's not all bad! We’ll talk about how a bunch of companies (around 42%, to be exact) are getting creative by offering more inclusive activities and non-alcoholic options.Professionalism is still a big deal, though. We'll discuss why 30% of HR folks are watching your behaviour at these events and how the idea of "work-appropriate" varies from company to company. Plus, there's the not-so-fun fact that 40% of festive season workplace injuries come from these parties—like slipping on the dance floor—so safety is key!We’ll also cover how to have a great time without the stress. Got anxiety about these things? We’ve got tips for you. Worried about making a good impression at a new place? Don’t sweat it—we’ve got you covered. And yes, we’ll get into some hilarious and heartwarming Secret Santa stories that remind us what these parties are really about: connecting and having fun.From managing the chaos of virtual parties (hello, Zoom rooms) to rocking out at karaoke (Lauren's all about Adele and Destiny's Child, while Molly leans into "I'm Too Sexy"), we’ve got stories and advice to make sure your holiday party season is both fun and drama-free.So grab your favourite festive drink and join us as we unwrap the do's, don'ts, and everything in between when it comes to office Christmas parties. Let’s dive in!Key Points:00:00 Office parties mean people are judging you.06:19 Holiday fun can sometimes get a bit wild.08:46 Switch venues for easy Christmas party exits.12:44 Companies offering fun, non-drinking activities more.14:10 Enjoying Christmas parties depends on company culture.19:21 Make holiday parties welcoming for everyone.22:57 Party smart; holiday behaviour impacts reviews.26:10 Christmas party chat smoothed out team issues.28:57 Share worries with friends for easier networking.30:59 A fun activity gets everyone talking and involved.33:58 Set guidelines, and managers ensure safety at events.36:23 Chats clear things up; no worries needed.Hosts BioLauren Spearman brings a wealth of experience from her career in advertising, social media, and brand strategy to her current role advocating for salary transparency and flexible working conditions. Her journey, marked by her advocacy on TikTok against unfair hiring practices, has made her a champion for creating better work environments. Lauren’s unique perspective as a freelancer, balancing work with personal commitments, adds a rich, authentic layer to every discussion.https://www.tiktok.com/@spearmanlaurenhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenspearman/Molly Johnson-Jones, at the helm of Flexa Careers, is transforming how companies and individuals approach flexible working. With a platform that empowers millions to find roles that fit their desired working environments, Molly’s insights on the future of work, DEI, and employer branding are indispensable for anyone looking to navigate or shape the modern workplace. Her frequent speaking engagements on these topics bring cutting-edge perspectives and actionable advice to the podcast.
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38:44
Workplace Icks: Navigating Disruptive Behaviours and Minor Irritations in the Office
Hey there, welcome back to "Working On It," the podcast that dives into all things workplace with your hosts, Lauren Spearman and Molly Johnson-Jones.Today, we're having a fun yet oh-so-relatable chat about "workplace icks"—those little habits and behaviours in the office that just get under your skin.We’ll be sharing tips on how to handle these annoyances without making things awkward. Ever had a colleague who always talks too loudly? Turns out, addressing these things directly but gently can really help. Lauren’s got a story about exactly that—where simply asking someone to lower their voice led to a surprisingly positive reaction.We’ll also be throwing in a few stats, like how 53% of workers find loud talking the most distracting behaviour. And let’s be real, we all have things that bug us—like those loud personal calls during work hours. We’ll help you figure out what's a minor annoyance and what's actually disrupting your work groove.Adding humour in the mix can work wonders, too. For example, pointing out someone making eye contact while eating a banana on a call might just get the message across more smoothly than you'd think.We’ll get into our own personal icks, share real-life stories, and talk about strategies to handle them like a pro. And don't forget to stick around because next time we’re diving into the chaos and fun of work Christmas parties!So kick back and get ready to laugh and learn with us here on "Working On It." Let’s tackle those workplace icks together!Key Points:00:00 "'The ick' got trendy from Love Island."03:35 Office romances are now pretty common.08:50 "Can't stand when companies say 'we're family.'"10:04 Most people prefer texts over surprise calls.15:44 Icks are strong but usually forgivable annoyances.18:15 Discuss if tech distractions hurt your focus.20:50 Long emails, short names get reactions, LOL.25:26 Icks are personal; talk it out gently.29:42 Laugh off icks, keep it light and friendly.31:23 Ask about communication style for better communication.34:54 Bring it up casually to avoid drama.37:19 Romantic vs. workplace behaviour—different vibes.Hosts BioLauren Spearman brings a wealth of experience from her career in advertising, social media, and brand strategy to her current role advocating for salary transparency and flexible working conditions. Her journey, marked by her advocacy on TikTok against unfair hiring practices, has made her a champion for creating better work environments. Lauren’s unique perspective as a freelancer, balancing work with personal commitments, adds a rich, authentic layer to every discussion.https://www.tiktok.com/@spearmanlaurenhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenspearman/Molly Johnson-Jones, at the helm of Flexa Careers, is transforming how companies and individuals approach flexible working. With a platform that empowers millions to find roles that fit their desired working environments, Molly’s insights on the future of work, DEI, and employer branding are indispensable for anyone looking to navigate or shape the modern workplace. Her frequent speaking engagements on these topics bring cutting-edge perspectives and actionable advice to the podcast.https://www.tiktok.com/@mollyjohnsonjoneshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-johnson-jones/Sign up to receive the latest updates, episodes and more delivered right to your inbox at
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38:48
The Risks and Realities of Lying on Your CV
Hey everyone, welcome back to another episode of "Working On It!" If you're new here, I'm Lauren Spearman and I'm joined by my awesome co-host, Molly Johnson-Jones. Today, we’re diving into a pretty sticky topic—Lying On Your CV. Yeah, we've all been tempted to embellish now and then, but where’s the line between making your CV shine and straight-up fibbing?In this episode, we’re going to break it all down. We’ll chat about why some folks feel the need to beef up their resumes and the risks that come with it. From exaggerating your job titles and skills to claiming degrees you didn’t quite finish, we’ll cover the forgivable little tweaks and the big no-nos.Lauren’s gonna talk about why showing you’re eager to learn and improve might actually be better than sneaking in some fake work experience. Molly will share how lying about important qualifications can get you in serious trouble and why being accurate in your job titles and responsibilities is crucial.Plus, we’ll touch on the whole degree requirement debate—do you really need one for every job? Lauren’s got some strong feelings on this, and Molly weighs in with her CEO perspective. We’ll also bust some myths about Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and chat about whether you should ever lie about your salary history (spoiler: probably not!).And hey, we love hearing from you! Send us your questions or share your own CV confessions on Instagram or TikTok @workingonit.pod, or drop us an email at [email protected] Points:00:00 Lied about speaking French on my resume. Oops!05:22 People adjust their CVs a bit to avoid red flags.07:54 Asking about past salary? Definitely a red flag.11:53 CVs matter, but questions reveal extra skills.12:43 Screening questions help decide interview chances.15:43 People adjust job titles to better match expectations.20:03 Level up your skills fast to match expectations.23:43 Employees asking for feedback just want to improve.27:05 Tweaking dates on a CV is understandable to cover employment gaps.29:18 Adjust your CV to match each job role.Hosts BioLauren Spearman brings a wealth of experience from her career in advertising, social media, and brand strategy to her current role advocating for salary transparency and flexible working conditions. Her journey, marked by her advocacy on TikTok against unfair hiring practices, has made her a champion for creating better work environments. Lauren’s unique perspective as a freelancer, balancing work with personal commitments, adds a rich, authentic layer to every discussion.https://www.tiktok.com/@spearmanlaurenhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenspearman/Molly Johnson-Jones, at the helm of Flexa Careers, is transforming how companies and individuals approach flexible working. With a platform that empowers millions to find roles that fit their desired working environments, Molly’s insights on the future of work, DEI, and employer branding are indispensable for anyone looking to navigate or shape the modern workplace. Her frequent speaking engagements on these topics bring cutting-edge perspectives and actionable advice to the podcast.https://www.tiktok.com/@mollyjohnsonjoneshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-johnson-jones/Sign up to receive the latest updates, episodes and more delivered right to your inbox at
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32:25
From Girl Boss to Lazy Girl: Shifting Career Priorities
Hey everyone, welcome back to Working On It! Today, Lauren and Molly are tackling a pretty hot topic: "Lazy Girl Jobs." You’ve probably seen this term floating around social media, and we’re here to break it all down.In this episode, we're going beyond the Instagram captions and talking about why it's okay not to have sky-high career ambitions. We’ll dive into why dependable workers in non-flashy jobs are super important for any business. Plus, we’re chatting about the perks of remote work, the importance of work-life balance, and why it’s cool to clock out at 5 PM and not think about work until the next day.We’ll also discuss the stigma that comes with job-hopping or sticking around in one job for too long, and how you can embrace a career that’s just right for you. Got a friend who’s all about that stress-free work life? Or maybe you're feeling a little stuck and unsure of your next move? We’ve got some awesome advice coming your way.Kick back, relax, and let’s dive into why sometimes the best career move could be embracing a "lazy girl job." Let's get started!Key Points:00:00 Introduction to the concept of lazy girl jobs and their impact on workplace culture01:05 Exploring the origins of the term and its association with Gen Z02:02 Discussing the shift from the "girl boss" trend to the "lazy girl" movement03:30 Understanding the benefits of lazy girl jobs, including work-life balance and reduced stress05:12 Examining the potential drawbacks of these roles, including limited career progression and negative connotations07:02 Discussing the importance of recognising and valuing different types of career trajectories09:13 Exploring the benefits of flexible working arrangements and their impact on mental health11:03 Discussing the gendered nature of the term "lazy girl jobs" and its potential implications14:18 Examining the potential for a third career pathway that prioritises horizontal progression and work-life balance20:09 Discussing the importance of recognising that being unambitious in one's career does not mean being unambitious in life24:13 Addressing a listener's question about how to make the most of a lazy girl job while still growing professionallyHosts BioLauren Spearman brings a wealth of experience from her career in advertising, social media, and brand strategy to her current role advocating for salary transparency and flexible working conditions. Her journey, marked by her advocacy on TikTok against unfair hiring practices, has made her a champion for creating better work environments. Lauren’s unique perspective as a freelancer, balancing work with personal commitments, adds a rich, authentic layer to every discussion.https://www.tiktok.com/@spearmanlaurenhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenspearman/Molly Johnson-Jones, at the helm of Flexa Careers, is transforming how companies and individuals approach flexible working. With a platform that empowers millions to find roles that fit their desired working environments, Molly’s insights on the future of work, DEI, and employer branding are indispensable for anyone looking to navigate or shape the modern workplace. Her frequent speaking engagements on these topics bring cutting-edge perspectives and actionable advice to the podcast.https://www.tiktok.com/@mollyjohnsonjoneshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-johnson-jones/Sign up to receive the latest updates, episodes and more delivered right...
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29:09
Getting Noticed: How To Positively Advance in Your Career
Welcome to another episode of "Working On It: The Modern Workplace Handbook"! Today, hosts Lauren Spearman and Molly Johnson-Jones dive into the topic of "Getting Noticed." They will discuss the importance of being recognised in the workplace, strategies for increasing visibility, and the impact of remote or hybrid work environments. From practical tips to insightful discussions, this episode promises to provide valuable guidance for individuals looking to enhance their career and work-life balance. Tune in as Lauren, a Salary Transparency Advocate, and Creative Director, and Molly, CEO and Co-Founder of Flexa Careers, share their expert insights and inspiring stories on navigating today's evolving work environment.Key Points:00:00 Being visible at work really matters now. Whether you're in the office or working remotely, people trust and recognise you more when they can see you. It's the same online too—if you're active and share your achievements, you'll get noticed. Just remember, people tend to assume you're not working as hard if they don't see what you're doing.05:46 Managers, don't just listen to the loudest!09:37 Building strong friendships at work is super valuable.12:24 Managers should have their team's back and make sure they get noticed, especially in big organisations where it's easy to get lost. It's all about giving credit where it's due and making sure everyone gets their moment to shine.14:33 Finding value in sharing info across teams.16:49 Get comfortable speaking in public for success.19:46 Networking involves going to events and building an online presence.23:55 Popping into the office now and then can help you build good relationships. It's a good way to get noticed and be top of mind when it comes to promotions or exciting opportunities.28:13 It's totally cool to just be happy and chill without constantly seeking approval. Women have a hard time saying no and end up saying yes to everything.31:23 Good leaders give credit and lead by example.35:21 Before you try to get noticed, consider how others see you.37:17 Think about your value and get feedback.39:23 Work isn't just about doing your tasks. It's also about managing relationships, using soft skills, and putting yourself out there for recognition.42:36 Hit us up on Instagram or email. Share your story!Hosts BioLauren Spearman brings a wealth of experience from her career in advertising, social media, and brand strategy to her current role advocating for salary transparency and flexible working conditions. Her journey, marked by her advocacy on TikTok against unfair hiring practices, has made her a champion for creating better work environments. Lauren’s unique perspective as a freelancer, balancing work with personal commitments, adds a rich, authentic layer to every discussion.https://www.tiktok.com/@spearmanlaurenhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenspearman/Molly Johnson-Jones, at the helm of Flexa Careers, is transforming how companies and individuals approach flexible working. With a platform that empowers millions to find roles that fit their desired working environments, Molly’s insights on the future of work, DEI, and employer branding are indispensable for anyone looking to navigate or shape the modern workplace. Her frequent speaking engagements on these topics bring cutting-edge perspectives and actionable advice to the podcast.https://www.tiktok.com/@mollyjohnsonjones
Working On It is your essential podcast for navigating today's evolving work environment. Hosted by Lauren Spearman and Molly Johnson-Jones, this show dives into the realities of the modern workplace, offering practical advice and insightful discussions.
Lauren, a Salary Transparency Advocate and Creative Director, shares her journey from advertising and social media to her current freelance life, championing for better work conditions and salary transparency. Molly, CEO and Co-Founder of Flexa Careers, brings her expertise in flexible working and employer branding, helping companies and individuals thrive in the modern work landscape.
Tune in for actionable tips, expert insights, and inspiring stories on topics like crafting standout CVs, managing office dynamics, and understanding workplace rights. Whether you're an employee, manager, or job seeker, this podcast provides valuable guidance to enhance your career and work-life balance.
Join Lauren and Molly on Working On It: The Modern Workplace Handbook and master the future of work, one episode at a time.
Your Hosts
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Lauren Spearman brings a wealth of experience from her career in advertising, social media, and brand strategy, to her current role advocating for salary transparency and flexible working conditions. Her journey, marked by her advocacy on TikTok against unfair hiring practices, has made her a champion for creating better work environments. Lauren’s unique perspective as a freelancer, balancing work with personal commitments, adds a rich, authentic layer to every discussion.
https://www.tiktok.com/@spearmanlauren
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenspearman/
Molly Johnson-Jones, at the helm of Flexa Careers, is transforming how companies and individuals approach flexible working. With a platform that empowers millions to find roles that fit their desired working environments, Molly’s insights on the future of work, DEI, and employer branding are indispensable for anyone looking to navigate or shape the modern workplace. Her frequent speaking engagements on these topics bring cutting-edge perspectives and actionable advice to the podcast.
https://www.tiktok.com/@mollyjohnsonjones
https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-johnson-jones/
UK