Seeking resources on workplace wellbeing but not sure where to find them? Look no further, I have several suggestions here for you!
As I discussed during the Workplace Wellbeing: Stop Telling Me What To Do webinar, how the brain functions, the different types of motivation, and the research behind incentives are all critical in understanding how to achieve real engagement in your workplace wellbeing programs. There is an immense amount of research articles, studies, and books on these topics, but below are a few mentioned in the webinar that I'd encourage you to check out.
- Why We Do What We Do by Edward Deci – Deci is one of the co-developers of the Self-Determination Theory. In this book, Deci challenges the traditional methods of rewards and punishments as a means of motivating people and explains why allowing personal freedom (autonomy) is much more effective.
- Drive by Daniel Pink – Pink does a great job of summarizing some of the different incentives and pay for performance research that has been conducted over the past 40 years. An engaging book that will make you think differently about carrots and sticks.
- Punished By Rewards by Alfie Kohn – Kohn takes a look at how external rewards (or punishments) truly impact behavior and motivation. From giving grades in schools, to paying bonuses to salespeople, Kohn offers a compelling case against external rewards.
- Wellbeing by Tom Rath and Jim Harter – This book highlights the 5 areas of wellbeing and the studies conducted by Gallup. It provides insight for how to look at your own personal wellbeing, as well as the wellbeing of your employees.
- How To Build A Thriving Culture At Work, Featuring The 7 Points Of Transformation by Rosie Ward & Jon Robison – Ward and Robison explore the outdated approaches companies use in an attempt to improve performance and health and emphasize how culture often works against organizational and employee wellbeing. This book provides a blue print for how your organization can overcome being “stuck” in the status quo and move to a place where employees and your organization are thriving.
- Unlocking The Of Company Caring by the Global Wellness Institute - This whitepaper talks about the link between how an employee perceives whether or not his or her company cares about them and their health and engagement level.
- Are You Fully Charged? by Tom Rath – This book draws on the latest research from health, psychology, and economics and focuses on the changes you can make to have healthier, happier days.
- Carrots and Sticks Don’t Work by Paul L. Marciano – As the title suggests, this book outlines why carrots and sticks don’t work to improve employee motivation and engagement. Instead, Marciano outlines his RESPECT model to improve engagement, which is based on decades of research and practical application.
- Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power Of Caring For Your People Like Family by Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia – This book takes a look at the Barry-Wehmiller company’s financial and people success using their unconventional approach to leadership, treating employees, and tackling real challenges in a competitive environment.
- Firms of Endearment: How World-Class Companies Profit From Passion And Purpose by Raj Sisodia, David Wolfe, and Jag Sheth - Now in its second edition, this book looks at how companies that focus on social responsibility and purpose are not only profitable, but great places to work.
Taking the time to review some of the new research, such as the resources listed above, can help you begin to think differently about the wellbeing of your employees...and your own personal wellbeing!
