Why every organization needs to become more brain-savvy

2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 11-13
Author(s):  
Hilary Scarlett
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Emotional Wellbeing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Neuroscience Research ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
The Brain

Purpose This paper aims to set out why every organization and every leader would benefit from understanding more about the brain and what helps it to perform at its best. It provides some examples of what leaders would benefit from knowing and touches on some applied neuroscience research conducted with leaders in four organizations. Design/methodology/approach The paper sets out two challenges facing all organizations: improving productivity while also promoting mental and emotional wellbeing at work. It touches on research conducted with leaders in four organizations exploring the impact of learning about the brain on their ability to lead others. Findings The paper suggests that leaders who have a better understanding of the brain are better equipped to improve productivity in the organization and to promote emotional and mental well-being at work. Originality/value The paper sets out why every organization needs to teach leaders, managers, all employees about the brain and what helps it to perform at its best. It provides some examples of what knowledge people would benefit from acquiring. It shares some research conducted into applying neuroscience in the workplace.

Research watch: Coronavirus (COVID-19), mental health and social inclusion in the UK and Ireland

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 117-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue Holttum
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Mental Well Being

Purpose This paper aims to examine recent papers on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, including implications for some of the groups of people already less included in society. Design/methodology/approach A search was carried out for recent papers on mental health and the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings Two papers describe surveys of adults in the UK and Irish Republic in the first days of lockdown. Low income and loss of income were associated with anxiety and depression. These surveys could not examine distress in Black and minority ethnicities, who have higher death rates from COVID-19. Two surveys of children and young people report distress and what can help. One paper summarises a host of ways in which the pandemic may affect mental well-being in different groups, and what might help. Another calls for research to understand how to protect mental well-being in various groups. Originality/value These five papers give a sense of the early days of the pandemic, especially in the UK. They also highlight the needs of some specific groups of people, or the need to find out more about how these groups experience the pandemic. They suggest some ways of trying to ensure that everyone has the best chance to thrive in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Theorising the impact of COVID-19 on the fraud victimisation of older persons

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cassandra Cross
Keyword(s):  
Social Isolation ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Empirical Work ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Current Response ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fraud Risk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand how COVID-19 may alter the vulnerability levels of older persons, and how this may change their potential for fraud victimisation. This is particularly focused on the government’s use of isolation, restrictions on activity and physical distancing to combat the virus. Design/methodology/approach In the absence of statistics, this paper examines what is currently known about older persons and fraud, as well as the recent knowledge of COVID-19-related fraud. On this basis, the paper hypothesises the conceivable changes to vulnerability that potentially expose older persons to fraud. Findings This paper argues that COVID-19 has not seen “new” fraudulent approaches, rather offenders have used COVID-19 as a context to their existing schemes. Further, the current response to COVID-19 can substantially increase the number of older persons experiencing levels of vulnerability, and therefore increase their fraud risk. Research limitations/implications The current paper applies existing knowledge into the current circumstances of COVID-19 and lays the foundations for empirical work to be conducted in this area. Practical implications This paper provides an impetus to target the well-being and connectivity of older persons, (regardless of the COVID-19 context), to reduce their vulnerability to fraud victimisation. Social implications This paper highlights the importance of connectivity for older persons, and the need to focus on overcoming social isolation and loneliness. Originality/value This paper is the first to hypothesise the effects of COVID-19 and its associated government responses to the overall vulnerability of older persons, with a focus on the potential for fraud victimisation.

Spiritual quotient towards organizational sustainability: the Islamic perspective

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sohail Akhtar ◽  
Mohd Anuar Arshad ◽  
Arshad Mahmood ◽  
Adeel Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Organizational Sustainability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Spiritual Awareness ◽  
Islamic Perspective ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of spiritual quotient (SQ) on the organisational sustainability from the Islamic perspective. Till date, many organisations around the world are facing environmental, social and economic issues affecting their organisational sustainability. Design/methodology/approach The present paper is conceptual paper based on literature review on employee’s behavioural issues and role of SQ for organisational sustainability. Findings This present paper argues that SQ must be considered as the important factor for employee development in the organisation. It develops spiritual awareness among employees which enhances their productivity within the organisation. Furthermore, SQ is necessary means of identifying and harnessing deeper inner resources with the capacity to care for the well-being of the organisation and advance its development. Research limitations/implications The paper suggests SQ and its multi-dimensions with the implication for future research in organisational sustainability. Originality/value The paper discusses the development of the concept of SQ from the Islamic perspective.

Learning from lockdown

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vicky Walker
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Policy Changes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Working Through ◽  
Lessons Learnt ◽  
Mental Well Being

Purpose This paper aims to assess the varied and valuable well-being lessons learnt throughout the pandemic, from people and businesses alike and how they can be taken forward. To support its argument, Westfield Health uses research that demonstrates a link between health and happiness and the quality of an individual’s contributions to a business. The paper will also show how employee expectations have changed, and companies that acknowledge those changes and continue to keep in mind the valuable learnings from last year will be best placed to survive and recover. Design/methodology/approach Westfield Health undertook a 1,500 person study into the physical and mental well-being of the country, with a focus on our changing experiences, attitudes and expectations of working through a pandemic for Westfield Health’s Divided Together report. A further study surveyed 400 human resources (HR) leaders, to investigate policy changes, well-being spend and successful improvements to workplace well-being. Findings The study shows that learnings around implementing, measuring and investing in workplace well-being must continue throughout 2021 to provide businesses and their teams with the best chance of success in the new year. Originality/value This paper uses data from a variety of reliable sources that can help HR leaders understand which learnings from 2020 are here to stay and how to improve their well-being offering.

The impact of employees’ well-being on performance in the workplace

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janice Haddon
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Personal Experience ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Different Types ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Hr Managers ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Made In

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to look at the link between employee well-being in the workplace and its effect on productivity. Specifically, it looks at the different types of well-being (physical, nutritional and mental) and how organisations should be putting the welfare of staff at the heart of their workplace culture, to ensure their well-being and productivity. Design/methodology/approach Written as a viewpoint, the paper outlines the ways in which organisations traditionally offer employees incentives to look after their physical and nutritional well-being, such as gym memberships and healthy food options. It goes on to look at the impact of mental health on productivity and the symptoms employees may display if they are suffering with mental illness. Findings Mental health is one of the key contributors to productivity, and employers should do more to ensure the mental well-being of their staff. In addition, it outlines the impact a person’s mental well-being can have not only on themselves, but also on those around them, affecting, therefore, the productivity of a team/organisation as a whole, not just the individual. Originality/value The findings in the paper are based on personal experience, as well as recent statistics which are used to highlight the importance of the arguments made in the paper about the effect of mental health on and individual’s well-being and productivity. It is designed to advise HR managers and employers of the steps they can take to ensure the well-being of their employees and the benefits to themselves in doing so.

Colour of food as a vector for children’s well-being

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 659-679
Author(s):  
Pascale Ezan ◽  
Gaelle Pantin-Sohier ◽  
Caroline Lancelot-Miltgen
Keyword(s):  
Creative Thinking ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Food Product ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Product Packaging ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Children’S Behaviour ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose A product colour plays an important role in consumers’ preferences. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the impact of the three-dimensional character of colour (brightness, saturation and vividness) on children’s behaviour towards a food product and as a source of well-being. Design/methodology/approach Two experiments were conducted. Study 1 was conducted with 62 children and used four visuals of syrup presenting two colours (red/green) and two variations of vividness (vivid/dim). Study 2 was conducted with 70 children and used four pictures of stewed apples and four pictures of pouches to test the influence of each dimension of colour on children’s preferences for the product and the product packaging. Findings Results show that the three-dimensional character of colour plays an important role in children’s gustatory inferences and well-being. Research limitations/implications The study is restricted to one food product (in each study) habitually consumed by children. Other products could be investigated to show how colour can contribute to children’s well-being. Practical implications The paper addresses the issue of well-being as a potential brand-positioning element. Social implications The paper suggests new avenues to use the brightness/saturation or vividness of a product or packaging colour as a potential element to arouse positive sensations that generate children’s well-being even when the product is not a preferred one. Originality/value This works initiates creative thinking concerning the impact of a product colour on children consumers.

Effective ways to improve the well-being of employees

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Abusive Supervision ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Employee Perceptions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hr Practices ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Different Dimensions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Harmful Effects

Purpose Use of various discretionary HR practices can enable a firm to positively influence employee perceptions of the different dimensions of well-being. The impact of such practices can be enhanced further when organizations take appropriate steps to eliminate abusive supervision and its harmful effects. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Use of various discretionary HR practices can enable a firm to positively influence employee perceptions of the different dimensions of well-being. The impact of such practices can be enhanced further when organizations take appropriate steps to eliminate abusive supervision and its harmful effects. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

The impact of Zika on local businesses

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 452-457 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy F. Page ◽  
Mark L. Williams ◽  
Graziana Cassella ◽  
Jessica L. Adler ◽  
Benjamin C. Amick, III
Keyword(s):  
Local Governments ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Impact ◽  
Outbreak Areas ◽  
The Usa ◽  
State And Local ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

Purpose In June 2016, the first cases of Zika were reported in the USA in the Wynwood neighborhood of Miami, Florida. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a survey of Wynwood businesses about their perceptions of their financial well-being and the government and media’s responses to the Zika outbreak. Design/methodology/approach A survey instrument was developed, and 44 owners/managers of Wynwood businesses were interviewed by telephone or in-person during the period when the outbreak was being managed. Findings Businesses reported downturns in revenues, profits, and customer traffic following the Zika outbreak. Believing that the downturn would be temporary, few businesses laid off workers or reduced prices. All businesses reported dissatisfaction with the government’s response to the outbreak. Originality/value This is the first study to document the impact of Zika on businesses located in outbreak areas. The findings highlight the business impact of Zika outbreaks and suggest a need for improved communication and response from state and local governments to business concerns when future outbreaks occur.

scholarly journals Spanish and Swedish eldercare managers’ influence on employees

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 294-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Nordin ◽  
Marina Romeo ◽  
Montserrat Yepes-Baldó ◽  
Kristina Westerberg
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Turnover Intent ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Type ◽  
Perception Of Quality ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Hierarchical and flat organizational types are predominant in Spain and Sweden, respectively. To study how managers’ commitment and work overcommitment (WOC) affect employee well-being, and job perception in these different countries can shed insight on how to improve eldercare organization. The purpose of this paper was to study the association between eldercare employee exposure to managers’ commitment and WOC, and employee mental well-being and job perception and how these associations differed between Spain and Sweden. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire with validated questions on commitment, WOC, mental well-being and job perception, operationalized as the perception of quality of care and turnover intent, was sent out to eldercare managers and employees in Spain and Sweden. t-Tests, χ2 and linear regression were applied to study the associations and differences between the countries. Findings Interaction analyses revealed that Spanish employees’ mental well-being and job perception were influenced by their managers’ commitment and WOC in that manager commitment improved and WOC impaired well-being and job perception. However, the Swedish eldercare employees were not influenced by their managers on these parameters. Practical implications The impact of managerial commitment and WOC differed between employees in Spain and Sweden, possibly because the preconditions for leadership varied due to differences in organizational type. Originality/value This study compares the managers’ impact on employee health and job perception in two countries with different organizational prerequisites. Moreover, managers’ commitment and WOC were estimated by the managers themselves and did not rely on the employees’ perception, which improved ecological validity.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being of the stranded seafarers

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun Pong Wong
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Vaccination Rate ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Working Performance ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Key Worker

PurposeThis study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being and mental health of the seafarers who had to overstay on ships after their contracts expired, identifies topics that affect their mental distress, and recommends measures to overcome these.Design/methodology/approachFour research questions about the impacts on the seafarers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were raised. A literature review and a questionnaire survey were conducted to find answers. Ship officers were asked to assess and fill in the questionnaires for the stranded seafarers onboard in order to collect sufficient samples rapidly for this study.FindingsDespite the guidelines provided by the shipping companies are adequate to protect the seafarers from COVID-19, their mental distress levels have been worsened under the pandemic. The crew change crisis causes anxiety and negatively impacts on their working performance; however, the repatriation expectation of the stranded seafarers is of the highest concern. Three topics were identified as having impacts on the mental health of the stranded seafarers: crew change crisis, low vaccination rate, and the lack of key worker recognition. While international stakeholders are advocating for support in these issues, the shipping companies and the seafarers need to do their parts to exacerbate the mental distress, and to survive and thrive beyond the pandemic.Originality/valueThe findings of this study will help the shipping companies to navigate the challenges, and the seafarers to overcome issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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