Management Research

In #LeanManagement, we often talk about the Eight Wastes—from #transportation and #inventory to #overproduction and #defects - that reduce efficiency and drain resources. But what if we applied this same thinking to the way we work and manage our energy? In this episode, I explore how the “Eight Wastes” framework can be reimagined through the lens of the #JobDemands–Resources (#JDR) model. What happens when unnecessary #bureaucracy becomes “motion waste”? Or when excessive #deadlines act as “overproduction waste” that slowly drains our #motivation? By drawing analogies between classic process inefficiencies and #psychological strain in the #workplace, we can uncover new ways to reduce #stress, prevent #burnout, and create healthier, more resilient #organisations. Join me as I bridge the world of #Lean thinking with the human side of work—and discover how eliminating “#muda” can help us not only streamline processes but also protect our most important resource: employee energy.

In this episode, I challenge the traditional “magic triangle” of process management - time, cost, and quality—by proposing a fourth, often overlooked dimension: employee energy. We’re used to balancing speed, budget, and outcomes. But what if burnout, stress, and emotional exhaustion are the real factors slowing down your processes? Drawing on the JD-R model (Job Demands–Resources), I explore how integrating psychological and physiological resources into the classic triangle creates a more realistic, sustainable “magic tetrahedron.” From delayed projects and rising costs to declining motivation and quality, emotional energy has direct consequences for every key business metric. And it’s time we treated it as a core resource, not just an HR afterthought. Join me as I connect project management theory with human-centred insights - bridging operational logic with emotional intelligence. 🎧 Tune in and let’s rethink how we manage performance- together. #burnout #employeewellbeing #processmanagement #projectmanagement #leadership #jdRmodel #workplaceculture #energyatwork #psychologicalsafety #magictriangle #podcast #emotionalintelligence

In this episode, I explore how a classic concept from operations - the Theory of Constraints - can help us better understand and manage emotional exhaustion in the workplace. The central idea? Just like a production process is only as fast as its slowest step, our mental and emotional energy is limited by the most draining tasks in our day. So what if we could identify the specific moments, meetings, or tasks that wear us out the most—our emotional bottlenecks? Drawing on Goldratt’s foundational work, I walk through how this theory can be adapted to workplace wellbeing. I also tackle some key challenges: How do emotions spill over between employees? Why is simply “moving the problem” unethical? What does the "Eat That Frog" rule get wrong when it comes to mental health? We’ll look at tools like interviews, observation, and intuitive reflection to pinpoint those draining moments—and explore how to design more sustainable workdays without pushing people to the edge. Whether you're a leader, a coach, or someone simply trying to manage your energy better, this episode offers a practical lens for viewing burnout through the eyes of process thinking. #burnout #emotionalexhaustion #theoryofconstraints #mentalhealthatwork #employeeexperience #workplacewellbeing #processmanagement #leadership #emotionalintelligence #jobdemands #managementpodcast #productivity #eatthatfrog #podcast

Dear listeners! In this episode, I dive into a topic that’s both technical and deeply human: how we measure burnout. You’ve probably heard of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) - it’s the most widely used tool out there. But is it really the best option? Drawing on critiques by Kristensen and colleagues (2005), I explore why the MBI might not give us a coherent or actionable picture of burnout. Its three dimensions - emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and reduced personal accomplishment—are measured independently, even though burnout is defined as the simultaneous presence of all three. This mismatch between concept and measurement can lead to confusion and questionable conclusions. Instead, I talk about why I prefer the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI). It’s clear, research-backed, and openly accessible. More importantly, it focuses on emotional exhaustion, which many agree is the core of burnout. I also touch on an important ethical question: how do we approach burnout assessments at work without stigmatising individuals? I argue for anonymous, organisation-wide surveys - ideally on a quarterly basis - as a way to surface problems early, reduce bias, and promote real dialogue. This episode is for anyone interested in HR, leadership, or just better understanding the people around you. Give it a listen - and let me know what you think. Best Eugene (Yevgen) PS. Our book: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-56615-8 #burnout #emotionalexhaustion #burnoutmeasurement #leadership #humanresources #organizationalhealth #CopenhagenBurnoutInventory #CBI #MaslachBurnoutInventory #MBI #mentalhealthatwork #futureofwork #podcast #managementresearch

Hello again, dear listeners, In this episode of my #burnoutprevention and #wellbeing series, I take you on a journey into the heart of problem-solving in complex work environments - by simply asking why. Inspired by a well-known technique from #processmanagement, we explore how repeatedly asking “why?”- five times, to be exact - can reveal the hidden roots of psychological strain at work. Using the example of a talented employee struggling with the blurred boundaries of remote work, I reflect on how individual challenges often point to broader structural or cultural issues. We’ll also look at what organisations can do, from redesigning job roles to supporting skills like mental switching and mindfulness. Sometimes, solutions don’t require a major overhaul - just a deeper understanding and a bit of creativity. Whether you're a #manager, #HRprofessional, or just curious about the human side of work, this episode will offer new insights into how stress emerges - and how it can be gently defused. As always, thank you for tuning in. Your comments and shares help spread these ideas further! Best, Eugene (Yevgen) #mentalhealth #rootcauseanalysis #5whys #remotework #stressmanagement #psychologicalsafety #processdesign #employeeexperience #mindfulness #workplacewellbeing #reflection #podcast

Hello dear listeners, In this latest episode of my #wellbeing and #burnoutprevention mini-series, I invite you to explore an unconventional but surprisingly effective tool for uncovering hidden workplace problems: projective techniques - with a little help from a deck of tarot cards. When we don't yet know what we're looking for, traditional #metrics and KPIs can fall short. In such moments, we need to open up space for interpretation, reflection, and intuition. Inspired by a story from my own experience during a complex HR case in Kyiv, I share how a simple tarot spread unexpectedly led to one of the most insightful problem-solving discussions I’ve ever facilitated. This episode is a reflection on how we access our deeper insights, stimulate creative thinking, and give voice to the undercurrents in our organisations. It’s not about fortune-telling—it’s about making the invisible visible. Join me in exploring how abstract images and symbolic thinking can unlock new perspectives in your team or company. You might be surprised by what emerges. Warmly, Eugene (Yevgen) #burnout #emotionalintelligence #decisionmaking #intuition #hr #organizationalpsychology #reflection #leadership #problemsolving #creativethinking #psychologicalsafety #podcast #businesspsychology

Hello dear listeners, In this new episode of my #wellbeing and #burnoutprevention mini-series, I dive into something a bit different—but truly inspiring: the power of creative, low-tech ideas to reflect and improve emotional climate at work. From smiley strips on office doors to mood chips in transparent tubes, colourful coffee cups, chocolate-based feedback, and even burnout dartboards - these clever tools were all proposed by my brilliant students in a recent business psychology class. They prove that emotional wellbeing doesn't always need expensive systems - it can start with paper, colour, and trust. Tune in to hear how simple #visualtools can open important conversations about #emotions, #stress, and early signs of #burnout in the workplace. Sometimes, the most insightful solutions come from those just entering the field. As always, thank you for listening - and your shares, comments, and feedback mean the world to me! Warmly, Eugene (Yevgen) #mentalhealth #emotionalwellbeing #processmanagement #leadership #psychologicalsafety #employeeexperience #organizationalhealth #visualmanagement #futureofwork #humanfactors #podcast #businesspsychology

Hello dear listeners In this new episode of my #wellbeing and #burnoutprevention mini-series, I explore how visual process management techniques can be adapted to monitor emotional wellbeing in the workplace. Inspired by simple tools like visual boards for missing equipment and feedback buttons at Frankfurt Airport, I discuss how small visual cues - like smiley buttons in lifts (elevators) - could help detect emotional stress patterns across different departments. Subtle emotional signals often go unnoticed, especially in hierarchical organisations, but with creative #visualmanagement, we might find new ways to identify and address #stress before it leads to #burnout. Enjoy the episode—and your feedback, comments, and shares mean a lot to me! Best, Eugene (Yevgen) #mentalhealth #emotionalwellbeing #processmanagement #leadership #workplaceculture #organizationalhealth #stressawareness #employeeexperience #humanfactors #reflection #podcast

Hello again, dear listeners, In this episode of my #wellbeing and #burnoutprevention mini-series, I introduce a simple yet powerful exercise borrowed from #processmanagement: “Process Stapling.” Originally used to visualise and improve workflows, this technique can also offer surprising insights into how burnout emerges within everyday job processes. By stapling together not only task descriptions but also the emotional and psychological demands tied to each activity, we can identify pain points and mismatches early - before they turn into chronic stress or emotional exhaustion. It's not just about what people do, but how they feel while doing it. Tune in to hear how understanding work processes from both technical and human perspectives can lead to healthier, more sustainable roles - where both #efficiency and #mentalhealth are taken seriously. As always, I’m not a trained psychologist, so I encourage you to think critically and explore further. Enjoy the episode - and thank you for your continued support through comments and shares! Best, Eugene (Yevgen) #burnout #employeeexperience #emotionalexhaustion #processdesign #jobdemands #psychologicalsafety #workplacewellbeing #humanresources #processimprovement #reflection #podcast

Hello again, dear listeners, In this thought-provoking episode of my #wellbeing and #burnoutprevention mini-series, I dive into a surprisingly powerful tool: #reversethinking. What happens when we flip the question from “How can we prevent #burnout?” to “How could we create it?” Inspired by a book section that’s both insightful and unsettling, I explore how #chaos, #emotionalexhaustion, and #socialpressure contribute to burnout—often in ways we don’t immediately recognize. From #mentalload to Mary’s late-night student emails, these examples highlight how easily burnout can take root, even with the best intentions. As always, I’m not a trained psychologist, so I invite you to reflect critically and explore further if the topic speaks to you. Enjoy the episode—and as always, your feedback, comments, and shares mean the world. Best, Eugene (Yevgen) #mentalhealth #selfcare #emotionalwellbeing #workplacewellbeing #stressmanagement #reflection #podcast

Welcome back, dear listeners, In this second part of my mini-series on #wellbeing and #burnoutprevention, I continue exploring the complexities of #burnout. This time, I focus on its causes, warning signs, and practical strategies for prevention. While I share key insights, please remember that I am not a trained psychologist—so I encourage you to think critically and seek additional information if this topic interests you. Enjoy the episode! Feel free to comment and share—your support truly matters. Best, Eugene (Yevgen) 📖 Book: Springer Amazon #BurnoutPrevention #WellbeingAtWork #ProcessManagement #Leadership #MentalHealth #EmployeeWellbeing #WorkplaceCulture

Welcome, dear listeners, In this episode of my mini-series on #wellbeing and #burnoutprevention, I explore the history of the concept of #burnout and discuss how it differs from #depression. While I share key insights, please remember that I am not a trained psychologist—so I encourage you to think critically and seek additional information if this topic interests you. Enjoy the episode! Feel free to comment and share—your support truly matters. Best, Eugene (Yevgen) 📖 Book: Springer Amazon #BurnoutPrevention #WellbeingAtWork #ProcessManagement #Leadership #MentalHealth #EmployeeWellbeing #WorkplaceCulture

Welcome, dear listeners! Today, I continue my miniseries on employee and manager well-being. This series is based on our book about burnout prevention through process management tools (links below). In this episode, I take you through the long history of process management—a crucial foundation for understanding why burnout happens and how we can effectively counteract it. Tune in, enjoy, and share your thoughts in the comments! Best, Eugene (Yevgen) 📖 Book: Springer Amazon #BurnoutPrevention #WellbeingAtWork #ProcessManagement #Leadership #MentalHealth #EmployeeWellbeing #WorkplaceCulture

Welcome, dear listeners, to the next episode of this #wellbeing miniseries of my #podcast! Today, I briefly talk about Chapter 1 of our #book on #burnoutprevention. In this chapter, @Jürgen Moormann and I set a clear target regarding the book and its audience, especially those experiencing #burnout right now. Enjoy and share with those for whom it matters! Best Eugene (Yevgen)

Dear listeners Today, I start the new mini-series on the well-being of managers and employees. Mainly, I will focus on our book and introduce you to its structure, motivation, and key ideas. In our book, we focused on #proessmanagement and its tools to prevent #burnout occurrence (should also work for other #mentalhealth issues at work). Enjoy and leave your comments as #wellbeing and #burnoutprevention. Linke to our book: SpringerAmazon InternationalAmazon UKAmazon Germany/Austria Best Eugene (Yevgen)

After a long break (over 1 month), welcome, dear listeners! It's been a while as I had many obligations (teaching, research, administration, application for third money financing, holidays, baby, etc.). But I hope to continue starting from now! In this #episode, I continue talking about the #SWOT a#nalysis. This time, I talk about the #externalvalidity of your SWOT-based #strategy. Can you find #evidence that your ideas would work? Can you find similar situations or markets, where a similar strategy worked? Do you know people who succeeded in having a similar type of #capabilities / #competencies? If yes, it is a good sign for your strategy! If not: you are either genies or you made a mistake. The latter is, unfortunately, more probable. Good luck and enjoy! Best Eugene (Yevgen)

Welcome, dear listeners, today, I continue elaborating on the topic of #SWOT #analysis. In particular, I discuss how to match #strengths, #weaknesses, #opportunities, and, #threats. I show matching on an example of a job seeker. Enjoy, share, and comment - it does matter! Best Eugene (Yevgen)

Dear listeners! In this episode, I continue elaborating on the topic of #SWOT #analysis. Today, I will give you some input on how to prioritise the aspects that you included in the quadrants of S W O and T. Enjoy, share, and comment - it does matter! Best Eugene (Yevgen)

Welcome, dear listeners, In this #podcast episode, we continue discussing the #swot #analysis. In particular, we discuss approaching the quadrants of #opportunties and #threats. I suggest using the #market-based view and #5forces framework. Enjoy, comment, make suggestions, and share - it does matter! Best Eugene (Yevgen)

Welcome to the next episode of my podcast! Today we elaborate on the #strengths and #weaknesses of the #swot #analysis. I suggest the resource-based view (#rbv) and the capability-based view (#cbv) to introduce concreteness and structure to the SWOT analysis. Enjoy, comment, and share! Best Eugene (Yevgen)