The Better Workday Podcast

EP 57 | Why you are busy but don't feel productive

In this episode of The Better Workday Podcast, Niamh Moynihan discusses some of the common reasons you might feel busy yet unproductive. Niamh explores why we often find ourselves overwhelmed with tasks but still feel like we've accomplished nothing. She discusses the importance of planning, tracking unexpected tasks, and recognising the work we do.
Whether you're grappling with an endless to-do list or juggling multiple projects, this episode offers practical ideas to help you feel more accomplished and satisfied with your work.
Don't forget to download the free My Desk productivity system template mentioned in the episode to help you track and manage your tasks better.
Share this episode with friends or colleagues who might benefit from these tips, and stay tuned for more ways to have a better workday!
Related Resources
My Desk Template - https://abetterworkday.com/mydesk
Shownotes - https://abetterworkday.com/podcast/episode-57
Get In Touch
Visit our website abetterworkday.com/
Email us at podcast@abetterworkday.com
Connect with Niamh on LinkedIn
Subscribe to the Better Workday Newsletter
CreditsHost: Niamh Moynihan
Co-Producer: Tricia Brady
Music: The Dagenham Yanks

EP 56 | Is Your Routine Helping You or Holding You Back?

Routines are meant to support us, but what happens when they start to restrict us instead?
In this episode of The Better Workday Podcast, Niamh Moynihan explores how to find the right balance between helpful structure and necessary flexibility. Whether you’re working remotely, hybrid, or back in the office, this episode will help you reassess what’s actually working in your day - and what needs to change.
If this episode resonates with you, consider sharing it with a friend or colleague to help them have a better workday.
Related Resources
Shownotes - https://abetterworkday.com/podcast/episode-56
Get In Touch
Visit our website abetterworkday.com/
Email us at podcast@abetterworkday.com
Connect with Niamh on LinkedIn
Subscribe to the Better Workday Newsletter
CreditsHost: Niamh Moynihan
Co-Producer: Tricia Brady
Music: The Dagenham Yanks
 

EP 55 | Defining Success at Work

What does success mean to you? And has it changed recently? These are the questions I encourage you to ask yourself as you listen to this week's episode of The Better Workday Podcast. I reflect on how my limited definition of success held me back in my early career and share a practical self-reflection exercise to help you redefine your version of success.
Related Resources
Shownotes - https://abetterworkday.com/podcast/episode-55
Get In Touch
Visit our website abetterworkday.com/
Email us at podcast@abetterworkday.com
Connect with Niamh on LinkedIn
Subscribe to the Better Workday Newsletter
CreditsHost: Niamh Moynihan
Co-Producer: Tricia Brady
Music: The Dagenham Yanks
 

EP 54 | Urgent People vs. Urgent Tasks

In this episode, I discuss the difference between urgent people and urgent tasks. Learning how to separate the feeling of urgency from real deadlines can reduce unnecessary stress and overwork, and allow you to focus what's important.
Related Resources
Shownotes - https://abetterworkday.com/podcast/urgent-people-urgent-tasks-episode-54
Get In Touch
Visit our website abetterworkday.com/
Email us at podcast@abetterworkday.com
Connect with Niamh on LinkedIn
Subscribe to the Better Workday Newsletter
CreditsHost: Niamh Moynihan
Co-Producer: Tricia Brady
Music: The Dagenham Yanks

EP 53 | Lessons from "Attention Span" by Gloria Mark

In this episode of The Better Workday Podcast, Niamh reviews Attention Span by Gloria Mark, a must-read for anyone feeling distracted or overwhelmed at work. She shares her top practical takeaways from the book, explores how you can reclaim control over your attention, and reveals the insightful advice Gloria personally shared about mastering our habits of focus.
Related Resources
Attention Span by Gloria Mark - https://amzn.to/4ixhdvV
Shownotes - https://abetterworkday.com/podcast/lessons-from-attention-span-episode-53
Get In Touch
Visit our website abetterworkday.com/
Email us at podcast@abetterworkday.com
Connect with Niamh on LinkedIn
Subscribe to the Better Workday Newsletter
CreditsHost: Niamh Moynihan
Co-Producer: Tricia Brady
Music: The Dagenham Yanks

EP 52 | Finding the Balance in Weekly Planning

Feeling overwhelmed by your work week? In this episode of The Better Workday Podcast, Niamh Moynihan shares the 7 key questions to ask yourself to create a plan that reduces work stress and increases productivity, without falling into the trap of overplanning.
Join Niamh and discover how to tailor your approach for solo vs. collaborative tasks and create a 'minimum viable plan' that works for you.
Get In Touch
Visit our website abetterworkday.com/
Email us at podcast@abetterworkday.com
Connect with Niamh on LinkedIn
Subscribe to the Better Workday Newsletter
CreditsHost: Niamh Moynihan
Co-Producer: Tricia Brady
Music: The Dagenham Yanks

EP 51 | Understanding and Managing Interruptions in Meetings

Do you find your meetings frequently filled with interruptions, or are you the one interrupting others, even if unintentionally?
In this episode of The Better Workday Podcast, host Niamh Moynihan digs into the common experience of interruptions in the workplace. She examines the various reasons behind these interruptions – from different communication styles (such as internal versus external thinking) and impatience to genuine passion and the need to be heard.
Niamh categorises different types of interruptions, emphasising that not all are necessarily disruptive, and discusses their impact on effective communication. Importantly, she shares practical strategies for reducing interruptions, like the 'notebook method,' while underscoring the need to find the right balance so that essential contributions and clarifications are not overlooked. Discover how to enhance your participation in meetings and make your interruptions more intentional and valuable.
Related Episodes:
Episode 46 - Meaningful Meetings
Get In Touch
Visit our website abetterworkday.com/
Email us at podcast@abetterworkday.com
Connect with Niamh on LinkedIn
Subscribe to the Better Workday Newsletter
CreditsHost: Niamh Moynihan
Co-Producer: Tricia Brady
Music: The Dagenham Yanks

EP 50 | What gets in the way of thinking?

In this episode of the Better Workday Podcast, Niamh discusses the barriers that prevent people from taking the time to think at work. She speaks about the guilt of doing “nothing”, the habit of urgency, and a culture that prioritises visible output over thoughtful decision-making. Niamh emphasises that thinking time is essential for productivity, creativity, and effective leadership and offers practical tips for integrating it into daily routines.
Shownotes: https://abetterworkday.com/podcast/50
Get In Touch
Visit our website abetterworkday.com/
Email us at podcast@abetterworkday.com
Connect with Niamh on LinkedIn
Subscribe to the Better Workday Newsletter
CreditsHost: Niamh Moynihan
Co-Producer: Tricia Brady
Music: The Dagenham Yanks

EP 49 | Making Time to Think at Work

In this episode, Niamh Moynihan discusses the significance of thinking in both work and life, emphasising the need to create space for effective thinking. She outlines two types of thinking: on-the-job and deep thinking, and stresses the importance of understanding the type of thinking required for different roles. Niamh shares strategies for creating the right conditions for thinking, including time, place, people, and headspace. She also highlights the value of mind wandering and reflection as tools for creativity and problem-solving, encouraging listeners to set micro goals for better thinking practices.
Shownotes: https://abetterworkday.com/podcast/49
Related Episodes:
Episode 25 - The Power of Micro-Breaks
Episode 38 - Creating Space in Your Workday
Get In Touch
Visit our website abetterworkday.com/
Email us at podcast@abetterworkday.com
Connect with Niamh on LinkedIn
Subscribe to the Better Workday Newsletter
CreditsHost: Niamh Moynihan
Co-Producer: Tricia Brady
Music: The Dagenham Yanks

EP 48 | Special Guest - Sinead D'Arcy

In this episode of the Better Workday podcast, Niamh Moynihan speaks with Sinéad D'Arcy, an early talent strategist and founder of FUTURE-ROOTS. They discuss the importance of supporting early talent in organisations, the evolving role of managers, and the significance of mindset in management.
Sinéad shares her insights on how to create a better workday, emphasising the need for effective communication, training for first-time managers, and understanding generational differences in the workplace. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by managers today and the importance of developing both human and digital skills in the workforce.
Connect with Sinèad on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sdarcy/
Get In Touch
Visit our website abetterworkday.com/
Email us at podcast@abetterworkday.com
Connect with Niamh on LinkedIn
Subscribe to the Better Workday Newsletter
CreditsHost: Niamh Moynihan
Co-Producer: Tricia Brady
Music: The Dagenham Yanks