About

The science of work psychology

The difference between evidence-based organizational psychology and general workplace advice is like the difference between medicine and wellness tips. While well-meaning advice can occasionally be helpful, there's no substitute for approaches backed by decades of research and practice.

At Ugh, Work, we draw from:

Peer-reviewed psychological research that has been tested, replicated, and validated
Applied psychology expertise that helps us understand both individual and group behavior at a fundamental level
Data-driven methodologies that allow us to measure real impact and adjust interventions based on outcomes

Scientific training in psychology means we understand not just what works, but why it works and under what conditions. This allows us to:

Identify root causes rather than treating symptoms
Adapt proven methodologies to your specific context
Predict potential challenges before they arise
Measure outcomes objectively
Scale solutions across your organization systematically

Lasting organizational change requires deep understanding of human behavior and evidence-based approaches. Our PhD-level expertise means we don't just facilitate team activities or offer generic business advice - we create measurable, sustainable transformation based on scientific principles.

When you work with Ugh, Work, you're not just getting activities or advice - you're getting evidence-based solutions built on a foundation of rigorous scientific understanding and proven psychological expertise. We believe that better workplaces start with better science.

About Aaron

Aaron D. Friedman, PhD

Dr. Aaron D. Friedman is the founder of Ugh, Work LLC and a Licensed Psychologist who helps teams work better together. With an M.S. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology, he combines rigorous psychological science with real-world business solutions.

After leading teams and working in global roles across Texas and in Silicon Valley, it became evident that even people with "dream jobs" still struggle with workplace dynamics. Seeing common themes present across organizations, Aaron founded Ugh, Work to address the psychological patterns that drive individual, team, and organizational performance. His global experience spans Asia, EMEA, Mexico, and the United States, and across industries.

Aaron's approach goes beyond traditional consulting—he uses data-driven assessments to uncover what's really happening in your team, then helps teams develop practical solutions that create measurable change.

When you understand the psychology behind workplace challenges, you can finally turn those "ugh" moments into opportunities for growth and breakthrough results.

aaron@ughwork.com

About hadar

Hadar Steinberg

Hadar is the head of operations and finance for Ugh, Work LLC, bringing over 15 years of experience supporting startups and small businesses. She’s known for her creative problem solving and making sure things actually get done. Hadar loves building smart systems and bringing clarity to everything from budgets to workflows to team processes. When she’s not optimizing operations or managing the numbers, you’ll find her hanging with her dog, Noodle.

hadar@ughwork.com

About Gavin

Gavin Bovone

Gavin Bovone is a Business Development Associate at Ugh, Work LLC, where he supports client outreach and strategic growth initiatives. Currently a senior at Southern Methodist University, Gavin is pursuing a dual degree in Data Science and Economics.

At SMU, Gavin is an active member of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity and brings a strong analytical background to his role at Ugh, Work. His academic focus on data science complements the evidence-based approach of the firm's workplace psychology consulting services.

Gavin is passionate about understanding the intersection of psychology and business performance, and is committed to helping organizations build stronger, more effective teams through data-driven insights and relationship building.

gavin@ughwork.com

Ugh, Work

About Ugh, Work LLC

How Ugh, work is different:

Workplace psychology