How to Create a Good Business from Coursera

Prioritizing the wellbeing of workers is not just a good - or ethical - thing to do, but because it makes business sense. A happier, healthier workforce is a more productive workforce. A productive workforce is more likely to attend, perform their best work, and add more value to an organization.

Unfortunately, investing in the well-being of workers isn’t so simple.

In this course, you’ll unpack what “worker wellbeing” means across different contexts, explore how to use research techniques to find the sweet spot between worker interests and firm interests, and understand how to design scalable solutions to enable both parties to thrive.

University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business Professor Achyuta Adhvaryu, Ph.D., co-founder of research nonprofit, Good Business Lab, will guide you through the course, and share how research-based interventions can affect worker and business outcomes. Leaders from academia, research, business, and workers themselves, share their perspectives coupled with academic research to help you design a worker wellbeing intervention of your own.

Whether you’re a student interested in social business, an executive exploring ways to support your teams, or just passionate about this space, there is something in this course for you.

What's inside

Syllabus

Is Worker Wellbeing Good Business?

Creating a good business involves aligning the priorities of workers with the priorities of management. In this module, we will be joined by leaders from industry, labor, and research, who will share expert insights, and provide real-world context to help us understand the relationship between worker wellbeing and business performance.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores worker wellbeing, which is important to every business

Teaches techniques to find the sweet spot between worker interests and firm interests

Develops design for scalable solutions to enable both parties to thrive

Taught by Achyuta Adhvaryu, PhD, co-founder of Good Business Lab, who is recognized for their work in worker wellbeing research

Examines research-based interventions that can affect worker and business outcomes

Offers insights from leaders in academia, research, business, and workers themselves

Can help students design a worker wellbeing intervention of their own

Reviews summary

Strategic worker wellbeing for business leaders

According to students, "How to Create a Good Business" is a highly relevant and valuable course that effectively bridges academic research with practical business applications. Learners praise its research-backed approach to worker well-being, emphasizing how it directly impacts productivity and retention. Many highlight the real-world case studies and expert insights from industry leaders as particularly beneficial. While the course provides a strong theoretical foundation and actionable frameworks, a few learners noted it might feel too academic or high-level for those seeking very specific, immediate implementation guides, especially for smaller businesses. The final 'Worker Wellbeing Plan' project is consistently mentioned as a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Balances broad concepts, though specific needs may vary.

"Good overview of worker well-being. I found myself wishing for more detailed examples across different business sizes, not just large corporations."

"The course has good intentions, but I found some of the concepts to be too high-level. I was looking for more step-by-step guidance on how to implement well-being programs."

"Disappointed. I expected practical strategies for *creating* a business focused on well-being from the ground up, not a deep dive into academic research on existing companies."

Offers actionable insights through relevant, real-world examples.

"I'm already applying several strategies to improve employee engagement in my team. A must for any leader."

"The 'Worker Wellbeing Plan' project was challenging but highly rewarding, forcing me to think critically about implementation."

"The case studies were compelling, especially those from blue-collar settings, showing the broad applicability of these principles."

Led by a phenomenal and knowledgeable professor.

"Professor Adhvaryu is a phenomenal instructor. His ability to connect academic research with everyday business challenges is remarkable."

"Professor's explanations were always clear and engaging."

"The professor's explanations are easy to follow."

Provides a strong academic and evidence-based approach.

"The deep dive into how worker well-being directly impacts productivity and retention was eye-opening. Professor Adhvaryu presents complex ideas in a very accessible way."

"Absolutely invaluable! The focus on research-based approaches and real-world case studies... made the concepts tangible."

"This course provided invaluable insights into designing effective worker well-being interventions. The structured approach to problem-solving, from research to implementation, is incredibly useful."

The quality of feedback varies, impacting the learning experience.

"The peer review aspect was interesting, though the quality of feedback varied."

"The peer review system for the final assessment could be improved. Some peers provide very minimal feedback, which diminishes the learning from that component."

"The peer review of the final project was a mixed bag, some great feedback, some not so much."

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 How to Create a Good Business with these activities:

Attend Industry Conferences on Worker Wellbeing

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Connect with professionals in the field of worker wellbeing, exchange ideas, and learn about the latest trends and research.

Browse courses on Networking

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Research and identify industry conferences focused on worker wellbeing.
Attend the conferences and actively participate in sessions and discussions.
Network with other attendees, including speakers, researchers, and practitioners.

Review Research Methods

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Strengthen your foundation in research methods to effectively evaluate worker wellbeing initiatives and make data-driven decisions.

Browse courses on Research Methods

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Review basic research methods concepts, such as sampling, data collection, and analysis.
Explore specific research methods used in the field of worker wellbeing.
Practice applying research methods to analyze workplace data.

Read 'The Happiness Advantage'

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Enhance your understanding of the positive impact of happiness on worker wellbeing and organizational performance.

View How to Make a Shark Smile: How a Positive... on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
Identify and discuss the main arguments and supporting evidence presented in the book.
Reflect on how the insights from the book can be applied to your own workplace.

Four other activities

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Explore Best Practices in Worker Wellbeing

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Gain insights into successful worker wellbeing initiatives by reviewing case studies and research conducted by industry experts.

Browse courses on Best Practices

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Identify reputable sources of information on worker wellbeing best practices.
Review case studies and research articles on successful worker wellbeing programs.
Summarize the key findings and insights from the materials you reviewed.

Solve Case Studies

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Practice applying the concepts of worker wellbeing to real-world scenarios, enhancing your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Browse courses on Case Studies

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Familiarize yourself with the case study.
Identify the key issues and challenges related to worker wellbeing.
Analyze the case study using the principles of worker wellbeing.
Develop and evaluate potential solutions to address the identified issues.

Design a Worker Wellbeing Intervention

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Demonstrate your understanding of worker wellbeing principles by creating a comprehensive intervention plan that addresses a specific challenge in the workplace.

Browse courses on Intervention Design

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Identify a specific workplace challenge related to worker wellbeing.
Research and gather data on the challenge.
Design an intervention plan based on research and best practices.
Outline the steps for implementing and evaluating the intervention.
Present your intervention plan to peers or industry professionals for feedback.

Mentor Junior Colleagues on Worker Wellbeing

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Consolidate your knowledge by sharing it with others, while fostering a positive workplace culture that values worker wellbeing.

Browse courses on Mentoring

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Identify opportunities to mentor junior colleagues on topics related to worker wellbeing.
Share your knowledge and experience, providing guidance and support.
Encourage your mentees to apply worker wellbeing principles in their roles.

Career center

Learners who complete How to Create a Good Business will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Business Consultant

As a Business Consultant, understanding how to design scalable solutions to enable both workers and firms to thrive is critical. This course highlights how to engage in research techniques to find the sweet spot between worker interests and firm interests. This course will provide you with the knowledge and tools to help businesses improve their worker wellbeing and, subsequently, their business performance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Consultant

Human Resources Manager

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of how to prioritize the wellbeing of workers not just as a good thing to do but as a smart business strategy. You will learn how to unpack what “worker wellbeing” means and how to design scalable solutions to enable both workers and firms to thrive. Whether you are an experienced HR professional or new to the field, this course will provide you with valuable insights and practical tools that you can apply immediately.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Nonprofit Program Manager

For Nonprofit Program Managers, understanding how to create a good business is essential for designing and implementing effective programs that benefit both workers and the organization. This course emphasizes the importance of aligning the priorities of workers with management, which is crucial for ensuring the success of any nonprofit organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Program Manager

Organizational Development Consultant

This course explores the importance of managerial quality on worker wellbeing and business outcomes. Whether you are an experienced Organizational Development Consultant or new to the field, this course will provide you with valuable insights into how to better train, support, and utilize managers to create a good business for both workers and the organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Organizational Development Consultant

Social Entrepreneur

This course will be of great value to you as a Social Entrepreneur. You will learn the impact of soft skill development on life and workplace outcomes, which is crucial for fostering a positive and productive work environment within your organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Entrepreneur

Sustainability Manager

Aligning sustainability goals with the well-being of employees is crucial for Sustainability Managers. This course emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the well-being of workers, not just as a good thing to do, but as a smart business strategy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Employee Relations Manager

As an Employee Relations Manager, this course will provide you with valuable insights into worker voice and how to create a positive and productive work environment. You will learn how to unpack what “worker wellbeing” means and how to design scalable solutions to enable both workers and firms to thrive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Employee Relations Manager

Labor Relations Specialist

This course will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to effectively manage labor relations and create a positive and productive work environment. You will learn how to unpack what “worker wellbeing” means and how to design scalable solutions to enable both workers and firms to thrive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Labor Relations Specialist

Occupational Health and Safety Specialist

As an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist, this course will provide you with valuable insights into how to improve the workplace environment and mental health of workers. You will learn how to unpack what “worker wellbeing” means and how to design scalable solutions to enable both workers and firms to thrive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Health and Safety Specialist

People Analytics Manager

This course will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to effectively analyze people data and make data-driven decisions to improve worker wellbeing and business outcomes. You will learn how to unpack what “worker wellbeing” means and how to design scalable solutions to enable both workers and firms to thrive.

See salaries and explore the career path for People Analytics Manager

Program Evaluator

This course will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to effectively evaluate programs and measure the impact of your work on worker wellbeing and business outcomes. You will learn how to unpack what “worker wellbeing” means and how to design scalable solutions to enable both workers and firms to thrive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Evaluator

Training and Development Manager

This course will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to effectively manage training and development programs to improve worker skills and knowledge. You will learn how to unpack what “worker wellbeing” means and how to design scalable solutions to enable both workers and firms to thrive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Training and Development Manager

Workplace Culture Consultant

As a Workplace Culture Consultant, this course will provide you with valuable insights into how to create a positive and productive work culture. You will learn how to unpack what “worker wellbeing” means and how to design scalable solutions to enable both workers and firms to thrive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Workplace Culture Consultant

Workplace Mediator

This course will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to effectively mediate workplace disputes and create a positive and productive work environment. You will learn how to unpack what “worker wellbeing” means and how to design scalable solutions to enable both workers and firms to thrive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Workplace Mediator

Workforce Planner

This course will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to effectively plan and manage your workforce to meet the needs of your organization. You will learn how to unpack what “worker wellbeing” means and how to design scalable solutions to enable both workers and firms to thrive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Workforce Planner