Training & development
The age-old adage that your brain is like a muscle exists for a reason. The more you use it the more effectively it works. According to a study by University of California at Irvine in 2010, learning keeps your brain functioning at a high level. Mental stimulation is linked with a reduction in the likelihood of developing mental illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s. Learning should also make you happy and imbue a sense of purpose. Besides, operating at a higher mental level should allow your employer to benefit from your improved performance as well.
Team-building
There are psychological benefits to forging closer relationships with colleagues. While team building can sometimes get a bad rap, with cringe-worthy stereotypes about socially awkward team barbeques, a 2003 study by McGill University found that team-building exercises instil a positive perception of social collaboration between colleagues. Team building also offers an opportunity for groups to realise business goals and ambitions, ensuring that individuals are working towards the same targets.
Positive feedback
There is healthy debate concerning whether positive feedback is more effective than negative feedback but most of us probably prefer the former. This perspective is shared by The American Psychological Association, who estimate that 550 million workdays in the US are lost due to stress, at a cost of more than $500 billion to the country’s economy. While criticism can be constructive, consistent criticism could have a detrimental effect on your stress levels and the financial health of your workplace.
