17 Jan A scientific approach to happiness at work
The concept of positive psychology is growing in the fields of psychology, management studies and organizational behavior. The focus of this trend is the movement away from the focus of psychology on “fixing” or “repairing” problems to building positive qualities and behaviors. In addition, a related focus is a cost-benefit view of how to enhance positive workplace cultures and improve productivity.
Researcher Fred Luthans completed a study in 2002 on the topic, and found over 375,000 articles on “negatives”–ie., mental illness, depression, anxiety, fear and anger–but only 1000 articles on various positive concepts and strengths of people. Although Abraham Maslow in 1954 outlined the first approach to positive psychology in his book, Motivation and Personality, it wasn’t until the turn of the century that psychologists and researchers such as Martin Seligman, Ed Diener and others completed substantial research to promote the positive psychology concept.
Want to read more about how you can use this research to create more happiness in your work and/or organisation? Just click here