Decades ago, scientists believed that adult brains were fully formed and unchanging. Not too long ago, however, they discovered that the brain is adaptive and can change in both physical and functional forms. This phenomenon is called neuroplasticity. In simple terms, the neurons (i.e., brain cells) can create newer connections (i.e., physical form) and have better performance (i.e., functional form). Scientists are interested in this rewiring characteristic because it can help people recover from brain injuries and can lead to understanding how people can be happier, more engaged, and more productive at work.
Much research links neuroplasticity with how to make employees happier and more productive. When people work with positive mindsets, productivity, engagement, innovation, and creativity improve. Happiness, however, is still misunderstood as a major driver of performance.
Happiness is a positive psychological state and is related to work performance and engagement. Work engagement is also a positive psychological state defined by feelings of being energetic, empowered, satisfied, and absorbed in work. Engagement had been extensively studied because of its positive outcome on personal and organizational levels, such as reduced absenteeism; less burnout; increased productivity; fewer errors, occupational injuries, and accidents; increased innovation and creativity; and better financial results.
This paper presents a field experiment that was conducted on approximately 50 employees working in a technical support department for the drilling function of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. The activities are a series of ongoing interactive and team-building events that started in 2019 with the aim of providing a positive work environment that enhance bonds between team members, creating a positive mindset and encouraging innovation and creativity.
Find paper SPE 197532 on the HSE Technical Discipline Page free for a limited time.