174. Meta's masculine energy, task masking and toxic superstars. PLUS! How to measure the impact of training, with Valamis' Veerle Numan - This Week in Work, 25th February 2025
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Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott.

Every Tuesday, we bring you *This Week in Work - *your go-to for workplace news, a hot take from an industry expert, and our world-famous workplace surgery, where Leanne answers your toughest work dilemmas.

🗞 News Roundup:

1️⃣ Meta Layoffs vs. Exec Bonuses: What’s Really Going On?

• Is Meta redefining corporate leadership, or is this just another case of profits over people?

• Full story)

2️⃣ Task Masking: The New Workplace Resistance Movement

• Employees are "task masking"—faking productivity to push back against return-to-office mandates.

• Full article)

3️⃣ The 4-Part Framework for Finding Meaning in a Chaotic World

• Feeling overwhelmed by political drama, layoffs, and toxic work cultures?

• A quick self-check can help you realign & reconnect.

• Full guide)

🔥 Hot Take of the Week: Veerle Numan on The Future of Learning & AI

Veerle Numan, Senior Learning Solution Partner at Valamis, challenges outdated workplace training and explains how AI is changing learning & development.

📌 Why Most L&D Fails:

- Throwing content at employees isn’t learning—it’s just information overload.

📊 How AI & Data Can Transform Learning:

• AI can measure engagement, analyze training effectiveness, and predict skill gaps.

💡 Key Takeaway:

• AI can’t magically fix learning cultures—but it can make training more effective & personalized.

📢 Connect with Veerle & Valamis:

• Veerle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veerle-van-kersen-numan/)

• Valamis website: https://www.valamis.com/)

💡 World-Famous Workplace Surgery:

📌 Q1: My Boss Keeps "Adding Context" (But They're Wrong)

• A manager keeps interrupting during meetings to correct a listener—but he’s often wrong.

• How do you push back without making it awkward?

📌 Q2: My Top Performer is Toxic

• A high-achiever delivers 40% of the team’s output—but is horrible to work with.

• Should you risk losing them by addressing behavior—or keep tolerating the chaos?

📌 Q3: My Employee Disclosed Their Depression—Now What?

• A listener’s team member is struggling with mental health but wants to keep it private.

• How do you support them while balancing team performance?

🎧 What’s Next?

📅 This Thursday:

We’re joined by Dr. Enya Doyle, aka The Harassment Doctor, to tackle some of the trickiest workplace dilemmas:

• Can liking a colleague’s Instagram posts be harassment?

• Should you ban swearing if just one person is offended?

• How do you comfort a crying coworker without HR knocking on your door?

💡 Enjoyed this episode?

Tag us on LinkedIn & say you’re loving the podcast—we’ll send you something nice!

📢 Subscribe now so you don’t miss a thing!

General Support with Mental Health and Well-being

If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.

Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/)

If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected]) (Rest of World)

Connect with Al and Leanne

Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/)

Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/)

Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne)

Email: [email protected]

Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat)