255. Why some people are difficult at work, with Aoife O'Brien

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture. This week, Al and Leanne sit down with Aoife O’Brien Founder of Happier at Work and host of the Happier at Work podcast — for a conversation about why so many people feel misaligned at work, and what leaders can do about it. Aoife combines evidence, honesty and lived experience to break down the real drivers of engagement: values, fit, autonomy, fairness and meaning. It’s a grounded, practical discussion that cuts through surface-level “happiness initiatives” and focuses instead on the deeper psychological conditions that actually make work feel good. Expect to learn: Why values misalignment is one of the strongest predictors of disengagement How to diagnose whether your team is missing autonomy, clarity or recognition The role of data in understanding what employees really want How senior leaders accidentally create the problems they’re trying to solve What organisations can do to build cultures where people genuinely thrive The biggest myths about “workplace happiness” (and how to avoid them) Whether you're a founder, a manager or anyone rebuilding their relationship with work, this episode is full of practical, evidence-based ideas you can act on immediately. 🔗 Find Aoife O’Brien Website: https://happieratwork.ie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happieratwork YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@happieratworkhq Happier at Work Podcast: https://happieratwork.ie/happier-at-work-podcast/ 🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected] 📬 Connect with Al & Leanne LinkedIn (podcast): https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat