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.

Impacts of Soft Skill Development on Life and Workplace Outcomes

This module will explore how investing in the soft skills of workers can have positive impacts on business outcomes. Covering topics such as self-confidence, effective communication, and wider life-skill development, we will use case studies from blue-collar settings to understand the role of rigorous research in developing soft skill training programs that are effective for workers and scalable for firms.

Worker Voice

In this module, we will begin by exploring the history of worker voice and the importance of worker–management communication. Using the case study of “Inache” – a worker grievance redressal tool developed by Good Business Lab in partnership with one of India’s largest exporters of ready-made garments – we will go through the end-to-end process of researching worker and business requirements, designing a solution, evaluating the effectiveness of the solution in a real-world pilot study, and then adapting an intervention for implementation at scale.

Workplace Environment & Mental Health

The mental, physical, and holistic health of workers greatly determines the success of any organization. In this module, we will explore how the workplace environment can influence the wellbeing and productivity of workers. Through multiple research case studies, we will also learn about how firms can improve productivity and retention of their workforce by designing interventions that address health and safety challenges workers face.

The Importance of Managers

In this module, we will explore the importance of managerial quality on worker wellbeing and business outcomes. We will go through multiple case studies from different industry settings across the globe to explore how managers can be better trained, supported, and utilized, in order to be more effective in their roles and contribute to creating a good business.

Worker Wellbeing Plan

In this module, you will draw on all the lessons covered in this course to design a program that addresses a real, specific challenge in your workplace. This final assessment will be submitted for peer-review, providing a unique opportunity to connect with your peers in the worker wellbeing and good business community.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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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

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