The Foundations of Happiness at Work from edX

This course explains what happiness at work looks like, why it matters, and how to cultivate it.

It begins by defining happiness and making the case that happiness at work improves the performance of individual employees and organizations as a whole, increasing innovation, productivity, engagement, retention, and the quality of their work. It then explores the key factors that empirical research has linked to workplace happiness, zeroing in on practices such as gratitude, developing a strong sense of purpose, and forming authentic, cooperative connections with others. The course will also highlight common barriers to workplace happiness, both at the individual and cultural level.

Finally, the course presents a practical framework for workplace happiness and explores accessible techniques for: a) evaluating happiness in an organization, b) creating an effective strategy to increase workplace happiness, and c) implementing that strategy in your own work life, within your team, or across the culture of your organization, with special tips for workplace leaders.

The course instructors are expert faculty from UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, Dacher Keltner, Ph.D., and Emiliana Simon-Thomas, Ph.D., whose earlier edX course, The Science of Happiness, has been a global phenomenon, introducing a half million students worldwide to the research-based keys to a happy, meaningful life. In this course, they tailor their scientific insights to the needs of the modern workplace.

What's inside

Learning objectives

The personal, social, and professional advantages of happiness at work
How to identify barriers and pitfalls to achieving happiness at work

A series of research-backed, practical ways to boost happiness at work
Strategies for evaluating levels of happiness within an organization

The personal, social, and professional advantages of happiness at work
How to identify barriers and pitfalls to achieving happiness at work
A series of research-backed, practical ways to boost happiness at work
Strategies for evaluating levels of happiness within an organization

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Respected instructors who are recognized in their research area, contributing to the credibility of the course content

Designed for working professionals, aiming to improve their workplace happiness and performance

Provides a practical framework for workplace happiness, offering actionable steps for individuals and organizations

Lacks hands-on exercises or interactive components, focusing primarily on theoretical knowledge

Requires basic understanding of workplace psychology and organizational behavior for effective comprehension

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Foundations of Happiness at Work with these activities:

Review Positive Psychology Concepts

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Reviewing positive psychology concepts can provide a foundation for workplace happiness.

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Read articles or books on positive psychology.
Take an online course or workshop on the topic.
Attend a lecture or presentation on positive psychology.

Organize Your Course Resources

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Organize materials to enhance your understanding and engagement with the course.

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Gather lecture notes, readings, and assignments in one location.
Create folders to categorize and organize the materials.
Set up a system for highlighting, annotating, and note-taking.

Explore Mindfulness Techniques

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Mindfulness practices can help reduce stress and increase awareness, contributing to workplace happiness.

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Identify guided mindfulness meditations or apps.
Set aside time each day for mindfulness practice.
Pay attention to your breath, thoughts, and emotions without judgment.

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Write a Reflective Essay on Workplace Values

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Reflecting on your values can help you identify what truly brings you happiness at work.

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Introspect and identify your core values.
Analyze how these values align with your current workplace and your aspirations.
Write an essay that explores the influence of values on workplace happiness.

Develop Your Daily Mood Tracker

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Tracking your mood can help identify factors that contribute to your workplace happiness.

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Design a simple template to record your mood, energy levels, and any relevant observations.
Choose a consistent time each day to complete the tracker.
Review your entries regularly to identify patterns and insights.

Conduct 1:1 Interviews

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Practicing gratitude can enhance your capabilities to cultivate workplace happiness.

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Reach out to colleagues and request an interview.
Prepare questions that explore their perceptions of workplace happiness.
Conduct the interviews, actively listening to their insights.
Analyze the responses to identify patterns and themes.

Practice Active Listening Skills

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Practicing active listening can enhance communication and foster positive relationships at work.

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Engage in conversations with colleagues, focusing on listening attentively.
Pay attention to both verbal and nonverbal cues.
Ask clarifying questions and paraphrase to demonstrate understanding.
Provide feedback and support to show that you have heard and understood.

Plan a Workplace Happiness Initiative

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Develop a plan for implementing a workplace happiness initiative.

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Identify a specific area of workplace happiness you want to address.
Research best practices and gather data on the current state of workplace happiness in your organization.
Design an initiative with clear objectives, activities, and a timeline.
Seek feedback and support from colleagues and stakeholders.
Implement the initiative and monitor its progress regularly.

Career center

Learners who complete The Foundations of Happiness at Work will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Chief Well-being Officer

A Chief Well-being Officer is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to improve the well-being of employees. This course can provide valuable insights for someone in this role, offering research-based strategies to promote workplace happiness and well-being.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Well-being Officer

Organizational Psychologist

An Organizational Psychologist studies the workplace to improve productivity, enhance employee well-being, and increase workplace morale. This course is well-aligned with this career, as it offers strategies and practical insights that may be applied to the workplace via direct implementation and consulting with other leaders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Organizational Psychologist

Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

An Industrial-Organizational Psychologist applies psychological principles to the workplace to improve employee productivity and satisfaction. This course may be helpful to those in this field, as it offers research-based strategies to enhance workplace happiness and well-being.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

Well-being Program Manager

A Well-being Program Manager develops and implements programs and initiatives to promote the well-being of employees. This course can provide valuable insights for those in this role, offering research-based strategies to enhance workplace happiness and well-being.

See salaries and explore the career path for Well-being Program Manager

Organizational Development Manager

An Organizational Development Manager helps organizations improve their performance by developing and implementing strategies to improve employee engagement, productivity, and satisfaction. This course could provide valuable insights for those in this role, offering research-based strategies to cultivate workplace happiness and organizational success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Organizational Development Manager

Positive Psychologist

A Positive Psychologist studies the strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive. This course could be an excellent resource for a Positive Psychologist, providing research and practical applications for promoting workplace happiness, which can impact employees and the overall community.

See salaries and explore the career path for Positive Psychologist

Employee Engagement Manager

An Employee Engagement Manager develops and implements strategies to increase employee engagement and satisfaction. This course may be helpful to those in this role, as it provides insights into the key factors that contribute to workplace happiness and practical ways to cultivate it.

See salaries and explore the career path for Employee Engagement Manager

Employee Experience Manager

An Employee Experience Manager is responsible for creating and implementing strategies to improve the employee experience throughout the employee lifecycle, from recruitment to retirement. This course can provide valuable insights for someone in this role, offering research-based strategies to enhance workplace happiness and create a positive employee experience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Employee Experience Manager

Happiness Officer

A Happiness Officer, also known as a Chief Happiness Officer, is responsible for the well-being and morale of employees. They focus on creating a positive work environment that addresses the needs and concerns of the staff. This course could help build a foundation for those interested in a human-centered leadership role like this one.

See salaries and explore the career path for Happiness Officer

Workplace Culture Manager

A Workplace Culture Manager is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to create a positive and productive workplace culture. This course can help those in this role understand the factors that contribute to workplace happiness and provide practical ways to cultivate it.

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Human Factors Engineer

A Human Factors Engineer designs products and systems that are safe, efficient, and easy to use. This course may be helpful to Human Factors Engineers, as it provides insights into the factors that contribute to workplace satisfaction and well-being, which can be incorporated into the design of workplaces and products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Factors Engineer

Workplace Consultant

A Workplace Consultant advises organizations on how to improve their workplace culture and employee satisfaction. They may also provide training and development programs for employees. This course may be helpful to Workplace Consultants, providing research-backed strategies to enhance workplace happiness.

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People Operations Manager

A People Operations Manager, also known as a Human Capital Manager, oversees all aspects of human resources, including recruiting, hiring, training, and employee development. This course would provide valuable insights for someone in this role, offering strategies to create a positive and productive work environment.

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Social Worker

A Social Worker helps people navigate personal and social challenges. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and community organizations. This course may be helpful to Social Workers who work with clients in the workplace, as it provides insights into the factors that contribute to workplace happiness and well-being.

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Human Resources Manager

A Human Resources Manager supervises and develops employees, manages payroll and employee benefits, and ensures compliance with employment laws. It is an important leadership role within any organization. This course may be helpful in developing soft skills that are beneficial to managing personnel, such as communication and interpersonal skills.

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