The Unexpected Drivers of Stress and Joy at Work

What if stress isn’t the price of success — but the thing stealing it from you?

On this episode of Less Stress, More Joy, Amy Leneker shares powerful new research on the hidden drivers of workplace stress, burnout, and joy. Drawing from her national State of Stress & Joy study, Amy reveals the top “joy busters” draining people at work — from overwhelming workloads to feeling underappreciated — and the “joy builders” that help people thrive, including purpose, progress, and meaningful impact.

You’ll also hear why 79% of people say joy helps them do their best work, why stress and joy ripple far beyond the workplace, and the unforgettable conversation Amy had with a CEO who said he just wasn’t “into joy.”

If you’re exhausted by the way work has been functioning, this episode offers a practical, hopeful roadmap toward less stress and more joy.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Big Myth

00:56 Research and Ripple Effects

02:51 Why Joy Matters at Work

05:03 Top Joy Busters

08:22 Top Joy Builders and Wrap

Get the State of Stress & Joy report here: amyleneker.com/research

Connect with Amy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amyleneker