5 ways leaders can harness brain chemistry for happier and more productive teams
Research links employee happiness with higher productivity . A 2019 study led by Oxford University , for example, found that workers were 13% more productive when they were happier. HR teams have responded with enhanced benefits packages, flexible work options, and well-being resources. But leaders have another immediate lever available every day: the experiences they create for the people around…
Leaders can use brain chemistry to create happier, more productive teams. Four key chemicals—dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins—are involved in feelings of happiness and well-being. By creating experiences that boost these chemicals, leaders can improve productivity, bonding, respect, and camaraderie within their teams. Here are five ways to leverage brain chemistry:
1. Design for small wins (dopamine) - Create frequent moments of progress by emphasizing micromilestones and celebrating them publicly. Highlight wins during meetings, and acknowledge concrete victories.
2. Make gratitude routine (serotonin) - Incorporate gratitude and recognition into team routines. Have a "shout-outs and thanks" segment in meetings, and include specific appreciation in one-on-ones. Rotate who leads the segment to encourage peer-to-peer recognition.
3. Create connection rituals (oxytocin) - Foster bonding and social connection through rituals like team lunches, one-on-ones, and volunteer activities. Share personal stories and celebrate wins, both professional and personal.
4. Inject fun (endorphins) - Encourage laughter and movement to activate the body's endorphin system. Hold walking meetings, build movement breaks into offsites, and create playful team traditions around milestones and project completions.
5. Model the behavior and share stories of impact - Leaders should demonstrate empathy, celebrate progress, and share emotions like joy and excitement. Workplace culture is built in moments of recognition, gratitude, and fun, which can create contagious energy and a positive environment.
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