Rob Baker is a specialist in bringing positive psychology to life within organisations. He is the founder and Chief Positive Deviant of Tailored Thinking, an evidence-based positive psychology, wellbeing and HR consultancy. In our latest podcast, Rob joins Michelle and James along with Chloe Mark Engagement Office of Tailored Thinking.
What is the one thing you would do to unilaterally unfuck work?
RB: I’d encourage and enable everyone to be able to personalise and craft their jobs.
CM: 4-day-week for everyone!
What is the best example of unfucking work you’ve seen in the wild?
RB: I’m super proud of how a client called Connect Health embraced the concept of Job Crafting and embedding this across the organisation.
Every quarter in check-ins between employees and their manager, they talked about opportunities to improve and personalise different aspects of their roles.
The results from the work were amazing - showing a positive impact for people, their teams, clients, and customers.
CM: I recently saw a TikTok/LinkedIn post about Houston Group who when their staff turned up to their working site on the hottest day of the year, it was filled with swimming pools and ice lollies and they gave them the day off! How about that for employee engagement?
Who is your unfucking work icon? The ultimate Work Pirate?
RB: I have a psychology crush on Adam Grant as someone who explains evidence-based ideas in a really clear and compelling way.
CM: Rob Baker! Rob has inspired me to job craft, and spot strengths in myself and in others, he has inspired me to work flexibly and to personalise my work so it benefits me.
Recommend a book, podcast or article to our Work Pirates crew that made you think differently about work.
RB: Reinventing Organizations by Frederic Laloux is a classic. Through case studies and research, it shows why and how to create more human-centric organisations. When I read it I felt that I was not alone and was inspired by the stories and insights he shared.
CM: Corporate Rebels.
Find Rob on LinkedIn.
Find Chloe on LinkedIn.