Why does the drive for productivity so often miss the point? The relentless focus on rules, compliance and systems risks a disconnect from the experience of real people.

In this episode, Sarah is joined by Christine Armstrong of Armstrong and Partners. Christine works with business leaders to help them understand trends in the world of work, within their organisations and beyond, through research and practical strategies.

We explore why strategies fail when organisations don’t put people at the heart of them. Christine shares research and stories about hybrid working, burnout, and the surprising ways AI is reshaping confidence and power inside organisations.

It’s a conversation about finding joy, rediscovering human connection and making work better.

We cover…

• Why productivity initiatives often crush the human energy they’re meant to harness.
• Why joy and human connection aren’t ‘nice-to-haves’ but the real engine of better work.
• Attitudes and trends around hybrid working, and why ‘flexibility’ and ‘predictability’ both matter to people.
• How AI is shifting traditional power structures inside organisations.
• The surprising value of deep listening, and how three minutes of attention can transform relationships.

Episode resources:

• Armstrong and Partners https://www.armstrongpartners.co.uk/
• Find Christine on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechristinearmstrong/

Speak to the human is a podcast by Acteon a communication and learning agency that harnesses behavioural insights to help organisations connect with their people and deliver positive change. Find out more at acteoncommunication.com.