The Better Workday Podcast

In this episode, Niamh uncovers the difference between interruptions and self-inflicted distractions, exploring the four main reasons we pull ourselves away from our work.
Learn practical, small tweaks to manage mind wandering, chronic switching, environmental factors, and work-related stress to have a better, more focused workday.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
Re-Focus After Mind Wandering: If you catch your mind wandering, take a moment to ask if it’s the right time for a mental break, and then intentionally return to the exact task you were working on before you drifted off.
Use Calendar Reminders to Reclaim Focus: Set two or three calendar reminders throughout the day to ding and ask, "Am I doing what I'm supposed to be doing?" to quickly pull you back on track.
Segment Your Workday: If your job requires both flexible switching and deep focus, use a solid lunch break to create a mental boundary, allowing you to reclaim the afternoon as a focused period.
Optimise Your Immediate Environment: Focus on what’s in your control, such as using headphones to block noise or an extra layer if you get cold.
Seek Support for Stress and Worry: If you are chronically distracted due to high work stress, seek support from a manager or colleague.
Get In Touch
Visit our website abetterworkday.com/
Email us at podcast@abetterworkday.com

Tired of communication overload? Niamh presents her Four Cs framework to help you send better, more impactful messages. Learn the practical steps to cut through the noise, avoid costly errors, and ensure your communication is always effective.
Key Takeaways
Challenge the Urgency Bias: You don’t always need to reply to a message as fast as you received it. Talk to your team to agree on a reasonable response time and slow down a little to improve your message quality.
Ask for Preferences, Don’t Assume: Stop guessing how your colleagues like to communicate. A quick, open conversation about preferred channels (e.g., email vs. Teams) can significantly improve your dynamic.
Move 10% in Their Direction: Instead of expecting everyone to communicate your way, try to adapt your style by just 10% to meet others where they are. This small shift can lead to huge positive changes.
Be ‘Complete’ with Context: Before hitting send, make sure your message or email includes all the necessary context. This prevents follow-up questions, reduces the overall message volume, and saves everyone time.
Be a Role Model: You can start communicating better today. When you start applying the “Four Cs,” others will notice and follow your lead, creating a positive ripple effect in your team.
Get In Touch
Visit our website abetterworkday.com/
Email us at podcast@abetterworkday.com

In this episode, Niamh explains why the ability to disagree well is the missing ingredient for effective collaboration. She covers how the fear of speaking up or making a mistake holds teams back and shares practical steps you can take to build a culture of honest conversation.
 
Related Resources
Episode Shownotes https://abetterworkday.com/podcast/episode-65
Get In Touch
Visit our website abetterworkday.com/
Email us at podcast@abetterworkday.com

Have you ever felt overwhelmed at work, with too much to do - and not enough time to do it?
In this episode of The Better Workday Podcast, Niamh discusses the cycle of work overwhelm, which she calls ‘productivity paralysis' - moving from a mounting to-do list to stress and a drop in efficiency.
Listen in for practical strategies to regain control, manage your deadlines, and learn why asking for help is crucial to getting back on track.
Related Resources
Shownotes - https://abetterworkday.com/podcast/episode-64
Get In Touch
Visit our website abetterworkday.com/
Email us at podcast@abetterworkday.com

In this episode of The Better Workday Podcast, Niamh Moynihan discusses the barriers that stop us from delegating and introduces a simple framework that makes it easier to share responsibility with confidence.
From small, everyday tasks to bigger decisions, she explains the six levels of delegation and how to choose the right approach for your team.
 
Related Resources
Shownotes - https://abetterworkday.com/podcast/episode-63
Get In Touch
Visit our website abetterworkday.com/
Email us at podcast@abetterworkday.com

In this episode, Niamh introduces us to the concept of 'Stagility,' a term from the 2025 Global Human Capital Trends report.  She discusses the tension between an organisation's drive for agility and an employee's need for stability and offers practical advice for finding a balance.
Related Resources
Shownotes - https://abetterworkday.com/podcast/episode-62
2025 Global Human Capital Trends Report - https://www.deloitte.com/nl/en/services/consulting/research/human-capital-trends-report-2025.html
EP 36 | Managing Change at Work - https://abetterworkday.com/podcast/36
Get In Touch
Visit our website abetterworkday.com/
Email us at podcast@abetterworkday.com

Why do strong starts sometimes fizzle out? In this episode, Niamh Moynihan shares why teams and individuals can lose momentum and offers simple strategies to help you finish as strong as you start.
Related Resources
Shownotes - https://abetterworkday.com/podcast/episode-61
RACI Template - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pnuKAbA9w2YFEA0Z37CgrJhzmxwo2cvtXqE99paBmSU/edit?usp=sharing
What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith - https://amzn.to/3I20fK8
Get In Touch
Visit our website abetterworkday.com/
Email us at podcast@abetterworkday.com

In this latest episode of The Better Workday Podcast, Niamh discusses the impact a difficult manager can have on your workday and career. She covers four common 'bad boss' scenarios, providing practical advice on how to handle each one and improve your work life.
Resources and Related Episodes
Shownotes - https://abetterworkday.com/podcast/episode-60
Episode 42  - How to Manage Up and Build a Better Relationship with Your Manager 
My Desk Template - https://abetterworkday.com/mydesk
 
Get In Touch
Visit our website abetterworkday.com/
Email us at podcast@abetterworkday.com

In this episode of The Better Workday Podcast, Niamh shares a personal story about how she fell into the procrastination trap while working on a new project. She explains the difference between prioritising and procrastinating and gives three key questions to help you determine if you're putting off important tasks.
Resources and Related Episodes
Shownotes - https://abetterworkday.com/podcast/episode-59
Episode 17 - Overcome Procrastination
Episode 54 - Urgent People v Urgent Tasks
Information about the Momentum programme
Get In Touch
Visit our website abetterworkday.com/
Email us at podcast@abetterworkday.com

As we head into September, Niamh encourages listeners to take a moment to check in on their progress and reset their goals. She provides three key questions to help you assess your projects and make sure you're set up for success in the final months of the year.
Resources and Related Episodes
Shownotes - https://abetterworkday.com/podcast/episode-58
Episode 35: Reframing Unfinished Goals
Information about the Momentum programme
Get In Touch
Visit our website abetterworkday.com/
Email us at podcast@abetterworkday.com