In this week’s episode of Frequency, Jenni and Chuck explore the forces shaping how we feel at work - from safety and strategy to hybrid rhythms and AI anxiety. They unpack new research showing psychological safety isn’t a “nice to have” but a strategic resource that protects against burnout and increases retention, especially when resources are tight.

They also dive into why internal comms teams get stuck in delivery mode instead of strategy, and why pausing to reset purpose doesn’t need to take months, it just needs focus. Hybrid working gets a fresh lens too, with new data revealing clear workplace rhythms, the risk of overloading Thursdays, and why short commutes are becoming an engagement driver.

Finally, they tackle AI anxiety head-on, debating whether it’s really about technology — or simply our human response to big change. Plus, festive traditions, doors, and milestone birthdays are in this week’s Freq out!

Articles and posts mentioned in this episode:

• In tough times, psychological safety is a requirement, not a luxury
• Plans without strategy: why internal comms keeps getting stuck in task mode
• The New Rhythms of Work: How Hybrid Reality Is Reshaping Employee Experience
• Why AI at work makes us so anxious
• Episode 4 of Frequency where they discuss the misconceptions of psychological safety