Work as a Source of Well-Being: Insights on Mental Health, Authenticity, and Career Fulfillment
MARLEQ: Hello Tamara, welcome to MARLEQ. Can you tell us about your career progression?
Tamara Radojicic: Thank you for having me! My career has evolved from a foundation in psychology, which naturally led me to pursue a specialization in organizational psychology. Early on, I became intrigued by the dynamics of workplace behavior, leadership, and employee well-being. This interest guided my professional and academic journey, leading to my current pursuit of a PhD at the Universidad de Navarra in Spain.
What makes my PhD particularly meaningful is that it is centered on the field of palliative care. I'm researching how organizational psychology principles can be applied to improve the functioning of teams and organizations within palliative care settings. It is a field where the emotional and psychological needs of healthcare professionals are just as important as the care provided to patients, making it a fascinating intersection of psychology and healthcare.
MARLEQ: As a research enthusiast, what positive impact has the result of any one of your findings had on your clients during job searches or general coaching?
Tamara Radojicic: Working in research has enhanced my ability to think systematically and plan ahead, positively impacting my clients during their job searches and coaching. One key takeaway from my studies, particularly on complex intervention adaptations, is the importance of being flexible in implementing strategies. This adaptability not only helps them respond effectively to unforeseen circumstances but also empowers them to make informed decisions that align with their unique situations. By applying this flexible mindset, clients can navigate their career paths with greater confidence, making the adjustments as necessary and ultimately leading to more successful outcomes.
MARLEQ: How is being a Human Resource Specialist an advantage for your clients?
Tamara Radojicic: Being a Human Resource Specialist gives me a unique advantage when working with clients because I have a deep understanding of both the strategic and human elements within organizations. I can offer insights not only from a psychological perspective but also from a practical, HR-focused standpoint. This allows me to guide clients in ways that are aligned with what organizations are truly looking for, whether in recruitment, leadership development, or employee engagement.
This means I can help clients better position themselves in the job market by focusing on key areas like how to communicate their value, align their skills with organizational needs, and navigate the hiring process more effectively. Having worked closely with recruitment and talent management processes, I can give them a behind-the-scenes understanding of what HR teams are looking for and how to tailor their applications accordingly.
MARLEQ: Ideally, who is your target audience? What do they benefit by working with you?
Tamara Radojicic: Ideally, my target audience consists of individuals who are not just seeking any job, but a position where they can fully embrace their authenticity and align their professional lives with their personal values. These are people who aspire to live fulfilling and meaningful lives through work that reflects who they truly are.
By working with me, they benefit from a coaching process that goes beyond simply finding a job. I help them uncover their core strengths, passions, and what gives them a sense of purpose. Through this approach, clients can position themselves more effectively in the job market, but more importantly, they discover roles that resonate with their true selves. This alignment often leads to greater job satisfaction, enhanced performance, and a deeper sense of fulfillment in their professional and personal lives.
My goal is to support individuals in navigating their careers in a way that honors their authenticity, ensuring they thrive not just in their careers, but in life overall.
MARLEQ: Is there a psychological aspect of job searching? If yes, what is it and how can it be hacked and leveraged?
Tamara Radojicic: Yes, there are definitely several psychological aspects to job searching, and they play a crucial role in how successful and fulfilling the process can be. One of the key elements is self-awareness—knowing who you are, what your strengths are, and what truly motivates you. When you have a clear understanding of yourself, you can set more meaningful and achievable career goals. This clarity helps you navigate the job search with purpose, instead of just applying for any position that comes your way.
Another important aspect is confidence. Job searching often comes with rejection and uncertainty, which can affect self-esteem. However, building resilience through self-reflection and understanding your own values can help you maintain a positive outlook during the process. It’s about staying focused on your long-term objectives, not letting short-term setbacks deter you.
Finally, goal-setting plays a huge role. Knowing where you want to go and having a vision for your future allows you to tailor your approach and actions in a way that aligns with your personal and professional aspirations. In essence, it is about leveraging these psychological factors—self-awareness, confidence, and goal-setting—to create a more focused, resilient, and ultimately successful job search experience.
MARLEQ: Apparently, AI has come to stay. How do you encourage professionals to collaborate with it and what are the possible advantages of doing so?
Tamara Radojicic: AI is definitely here to stay, and rather than seeing it as something to compete with, I encourage professionals to view AI as a tool that can complement and enhance their work. The key is to understand how AI can take over repetitive, time-consuming tasks, which allows professionals to focus on higher-level activities that require human creativity, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.
MARLEQ: If you can influence workplace policies, what two major policies will you put in place?
Tamara Radojicic: If I could influence workplace policies, one of the major policies I would implement is a hybrid working model. Specifically, I believe in the benefits of a structure where employees spend four days in the office and one day working remotely. This model offers a balance between collaboration and flexibility. The time spent in the office encourages team cohesion, creative problem-solving, and spontaneous interactions, which are essential for maintaining a strong organizational culture. At the same time, having one remote day gives employees the flexibility to focus on tasks that require deep work, or to manage their work-life balance more effectively, which ultimately enhances productivity and job satisfaction. I see this as particularly relevant for roles in research.
MARLEQ: What are some signs during their job search to reduce the risk of getting into a toxic work environment?
Tamara Radojicic: There are indeed certain red flags during the job search process that can help reduce the risk of entering a toxic work environment. One of the key indicators comes from what employers say during interviews. For example, if an employer emphasizes that they expect employees to be "available at all times" or mentions a "sink or swim" culture, this can be a sign of unrealistic expectations or a lack of support within the organization. These kinds of phrases often hint at an unhealthy work-life balance or high-pressure environments. Another sign to watch for is how they describe the team dynamics. If they talk about high turnover (this of course may depend on the nature of the job but generally speaking could be considered a red flag), or if they speak negatively about former employees, this could be an indicator of poor leadership or a toxic culture.
MARLEQ: What tips do you have for professionals as regards the importance of work-life integration?
Tamara Radojicic: You know, work-life integration is really important for overall well-being and career satisfaction. I have a few tips that I think can help professionals navigate this better.
First, it is essential to set clear boundaries. It is easy to blur the lines between work and personal time, so having designated hours can make a big difference. Communicating those boundaries with your team helps, too. Another tip is to focus on outcomes rather than hours worked. It’s more about the quality of what you are delivering. When you prioritize results, it frees up time for you to enjoy other things in life. Finally, I think it is really helpful to reevaluate your satisfaction regularly. Check in with yourself to see how well you are integrating work and personal life. This can help you spot areas that might need adjusting to ensure you are feeling fulfilled in both realms.
MARLEQ: Share some of your best quotes and tell us how you unwind.
Tamara Radojicic: One of my favorite quotes is, "Work should be a source of well-being, not a drain on it." I truly believe that when work is meaningful and aligns with our values, it can enhance our mental and emotional well-being, rather than deplete it.
As for how I unwind, I absolutely love spending time in the mountains. Hiking is one of my favorite activities; there is something incredibly refreshing about being outdoors and surrounded by nature. I also enjoy hitting the gym—I train every morning for an hour before work. It sets a positive tone for my day and helps me clear my mind.
