Welcome back to "Working On It," the podcast where we delve into the complexities of today's workplace. I'm Lauren Spearman, your brand consultant and advocate for salary transparency, and joining me as always is the awesome Molly Johnson-Jones, CEO and co-founder of Flexa.

Today we're getting into a hot topic that's been buzzing everywhere—"quiet quitting." It’s that whole vibe where you’re mentally checked out at work, doing just enough to get by without actually being engaged or aiming for that next promotion. Sound familiar?

We’re diving deep into why this happens—think lack of career growth, feeling unappreciated, and not seeing the rewards for your hard work. Molly’s got a personal story about how she quietly quit when she got stuck in a role without the promised promotion, and I’ll share how I avoided it by proactively shaking things up for myself.

Plus, we’ve got a tonne of practical tips to help both employees and managers turn that disengagement around. Whether it's through open communication, flexible work schedules, or even just more regular one-on-one meetings, there are so many ways to keep the passion alive at work. Oh, and wait till you hear about the "region beta paradox"—it’s that weird thing where people stick with mildly crappy situations because the unknown feels scarier.

So if you’ve ever felt stuck at work or you're a manager looking to boost team morale, this episode is for you. We’ve got real-life stories, expert insights, and actionable steps to help you move from quiet quitting to being totally engaged and excited about work again.

Settle in, grab your coffee, and let's get started on "Working On It!"

Key Points:

00:00 Quiet quitting because they blocked my promotion.

04:48 Did the bare minimum, then quit; no shock.

07:41 Companies often find it tough to keep employees happy and engaged.

11:07 Proposed a creative role, they approved it!

15:22 Structured catch-ups help spot and solve issues early.

18:34 When someone checks out, it's tough; they should go.

22:15 Loved the job, but hated the new task.

25:41 Boosting engagement with flexible work-life options.

28:23 Think about why promotion plans don't motivate you.

31:37 Working through tough times can really boost both job satisfaction and relationships.

Hosts Bio

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/

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