About this episode

In this episode of Career & Spirituality Conversations, I’m joined for the second time by workplace wellbeing specialist Stephen Dargan, returning to deepen a conversation that first inspired many listeners around what truly allows people to thrive at work. (Episode 4 – Happy Workplaces, an Unstoppable Movement)

In his previous appearance on the podcast, Stephen shared powerful examples of forward-thinking organisations, the role of trust and autonomy, and how removing fear and over-control creates environments where people naturally do better work. This follow-up conversation builds on those foundations, exploring what the future of work might require if we take human-centred wellbeing and sustainable performance seriously.

We talk about why stress at work never stays contained, how autonomy and trust change the way people show up, and why returning to basic human principles may be the most progressive move organisations can make. Our conversation touches on the four-day week, AI as a potential catalyst for systemic change, and what happens when work supports life rather than competes with it.

At its core, this episode is about stepping away from performance culture and back toward presence, connection, and work that allows people to function well — at work and beyond.

About Stephen Dargan

Stephen Dargan is the founder of Happy Workplaces and has spent decades working with organisations, leaders, and educators to improve wellbeing, engagement, and culture at work.

His work focuses on creating environments where people can do their best work without chronic stress, over-control, or burnout. Stephen is also the creator of the programme Wake Up to Wellbeing – Human, Not Superhero, supporting leaders and school principals in redesigning work and education systems around human needs rather than unrealistic expectations.

Stephen’s approach blends psychology, wellbeing science, leadership development, and a deep trust in people’s intrinsic motivation to contribute meaningfully when the conditions are right.

Episode Takeaways

• Why stress at work spills into sleep, health, relationships, and overall quality of life
• How autonomy and trust consistently lead to better engagement and results
• Why measuring work by hours is outdated, and what to focus on instead
• What the four-day week reveals about productivity and human capacity
• Could AI accelerate a shift back to human-centred values
• Presence, connection, and community remain essential in any future scenario
• What it means to design work that supports life, not just output

Ready for a more efficiently collaborative workplace?

You’ll find this conversation useful if you’re questioning current models of work, exploring the future of work beyond productivity metrics, or interested in creating environments where people can thrive, professionally and personally and for the greater good.