Catalyst Center for Work Innovation: Research Deep Dive

Catalyst Center for Work Innovation: Research Deep Dive

Workplace Research Insights

Join us for in-depth conversations about the future of work. Our hosts explore cutting-edge research on organizational innovation, leadership transformation, and the evolving workplace. From hybrid work strategies and employee experience to change management and organizational culture, each episode unpacks complex topics through thoughtful dialogue with the experts driving workplace innovation. Whether you're a business leader, HR professional, researcher, or simply curious about building thriving organizations in a rapidly changing world, these deep dives offer valuable insights grounded in rigorous research and real-world experience—transforming academic knowledge into actionable strategies you can implement today.

A Conversation about Narcissistic Leadership and the Scapegoating Cycle

A Conversation about Narcissistic Leadership and the Scapegoating Cycle

This research explores the destructive nature of narcissistic leadership and the hidden emotional labor it forces upon employees. Leaders with these traits often demand constant admiration and submission, leading to the systematic scapegoating of staff who set healthy boundaries or demonstrate indep...

A Conversation about People Operations: Strategic Infrastructure for the Integrated HR System

A Conversation about People Operations: Strategic Infrastructure for the Integrated HR System

This research examines People Operations as a vital horizontal infrastructure rather than a mere rebranding of traditional human resources. It argues that for this function to succeed, it must be positioned as a strategic peer to specialist departments, granting it the authority to integrate technol...

A Conversation about Breaking the Age Barrier: Strategies for Inclusive Organizations

A Conversation about Breaking the Age Barrier: Strategies for Inclusive Organizations

This research examines the persistent and often hidden problem of ageism within modern professional environments, noting that it affects both senior and junior staff. Research indicates that discriminatory biases—such as doubting an older worker's technological skills or questioning a younger worker...

A Conversation about Navigating Perpetual Transition: Building Resilience in Higher Education

A Conversation about Navigating Perpetual Transition: Building Resilience in Higher Education

This research explores how higher education institutions are navigating a state of permanent transition caused by the convergence of artificial intelligence, financial limitations, and shifting strategic priorities. While many organizations report a massive increase in AI adoption and cost-cutting m...

A Conversation about the Silent Crisis: Addressing the Hidden Toll of Workplace Exclusion

A Conversation about the Silent Crisis: Addressing the Hidden Toll of Workplace Exclusion

This research explores workplace ostracism, a subtle form of mistreatment where employees are ignored or socially excluded rather than overtly harassed. Research indicates that being treated as invisible is actually more widespread and psychologically damaging than active forms of aggression like bu...

A Conversation about Inclusive Leadership and the Architecture of Organizational Innovation

A Conversation about Inclusive Leadership and the Architecture of Organizational Innovation

This research explores how inclusive leadership serves as a vital catalyst for employee innovation within contemporary organizations. By prioritizing openness, accessibility, and availability, leaders can cultivate psychological safety, allowing diverse teams to take creative risks without fear of r...

A Conversation about Bridging the Generational Divide in Age-Diverse Organizations

A Conversation about Bridging the Generational Divide in Age-Diverse Organizations

This research explores the complexities of managing a multigenerational workforce where four distinct age groups must collaborate and share vital information. While generational diversity can lead to social friction and restricted information flow, the research argues that boundary-spanning leadersh...

A Conversation about Going Beyond the Room: The Strategic Power of Workplace Advocacy

A Conversation about Going Beyond the Room: The Strategic Power of Workplace Advocacy

This research examines the critical role of workplace advocacy, defined as the active championing of an individual’s career by influential leaders behind closed doors. It emphasizes a vital distinction between mentorship, which offers guidance, and sponsorship, which directly secures advancement and...

A Conversation about Transformational Employee Experience Systems for Organizational Resilience

A Conversation about Transformational Employee Experience Systems for Organizational Resilience

This research explores the evolution of Employee Experience Management (EXM) from a minor HR task into a vital strategic capability that drives organizational success. By shifting from fragmented programs to integrated systems, companies can achieve significantly higher profitability, retention, and...

A Conversation about the Multigenerational Edge: Leveraging Age Diversity for Strategic Success

A Conversation about the Multigenerational Edge: Leveraging Age Diversity for Strategic Success

This research examines the strategic potential of today’s historically unique multigenerational workforce, which currently features up to five distinct generations working together. It argues that while diverse age groups bring different values and technological fluencies, organi...