Why are so many employees burning out sometimes before their careers have even properly begun? In this episode of Psychology, Actually, Dr Marianne Trent is joined once again by educational psychologist Dr Adam McCartney to explore the psychology of workplace wellbeing, burnout, leadership, identity, organisational culture and the growing impact of AI on confidence and autonomy at work.

We discuss how modern workplaces often prioritise productivity and metrics over human wellbeing, why early career professionals are struggling, and how organisational systems can either support or damage psychological safety.

The conversation explores mentorship, identity, communities of practise, whistleblowing, emotional labour, compassion fatigue, autonomy, burnout in healthcare and education, and why people thrive when they feel like they matter.

Timestamps

• 00:00 Why employees are burning out
• 01:47 Workplace wellbeing and organisations
• 04:09 Communities of practise and identity
• 06:52 Whistleblowing and organisational culture
• 10:54 Burnout in healthcare roles
• 13:40 Autonomy, competency and wellbeing
• 17:09 Why informal support matters
• 20:39 The pressure of performance metrics
• 24:39 Learning leadership safely
• 27:26 Mentorship and onboarding
• 29:46 Emotional collection and mattering
• 31:41 Identity, roles and belonging
• 35:52 Is AI reducing confidence and autonomy?
• 38:07 Adam’s podcast and final reflections

#PsychologyActually #Burnout #WorkplaceWellbeing

Links:

📲 Connect with Dr Adam McCartney: https://www.instagram.com/dradammcartney/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-adam-mccartney-afbpss-647ab1221/

Listen to his Podcast, between 2 Psychs: https://www.dradammccartney.com/betweentwopsychs

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