Nudges do Work
Recently I have been incorporating the ‘Telomeres Manifesto’ as a nudge in organisations, to better manage stress and well-being.
Simply put, the nudge theory states that small changes in the “choice architecture” of people can lead to meaningful shifts in behaviour. During his time as Google’s SVP for People Operations, Laszlo Bock investigated and invested in understanding how behavioural science could improve the workforces’ health at work and home. He deployed an array of nudges that delivered steady progress with impressive metrics demonstrating how nudges motivated employees to make healthier and wiser lifestyle and dietary choices.
Whilst some opponents of nudge theory are concerned with it being a potentially manipulative practice, Laszlo noted “nudges are about influencing choice not dictating it” (WORK RULES, 2015).
From my perspective, a transparent alignment to an organisation’s purpose, value and behaviours (PVB) and an equally transparent dialogue about nudge theory ethics and its limitations, are conversations that need to be had before nudge development. Nudges do work.
As a nudge the
Telomeres Manifesto
serves not only as an aide-mémoire but can assist an organisation to design an environment where it can change attitudes and behaviour towards managing stress and well-being. It has sparked curiosity, encouraged exploration and offered a scientific insight to well-being. Clients have unanimously said it offers them a choice they weren’t aware of.
It is always a rewarding challenge working with organisations to promote and navigate well-being in the workplace. The fact that we can leverage behavioural science to nurture decision making is of benefit and the continuing application of scientific discovery means that the journey is evolving with evidence based data.
Try the
Telomeres Manifesto
as a nudge in your environment.
Neena Speding
MSc Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health,
MSc Psychological Sciences,
MBPsS
Chartered MCIPD,
First class BSc (Hons) HRM, PGCE
Sources
The Telomere Effect: A Revolutionary Approach to Living Younger, Healthier, Longer. (p.327)
Elizabeth Blackburn and Elissa Epel, 2017
Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness’.
Richard H Thaler and Cass R Sunstein, 2008
WORK RULES! Insights from inside Google that will transform how you live and lead.
Laszlo Bock, 2015
At epoché I am passionate about well-being and psychology beyond just what I do.
So Friday 4th Feb 2023 is World Cancer Day but for many Cancer day is every day
With a pinch of your passion and an inch of your inspiration ...
could you help young people get an insight to your career pathway?
Among the hustle and bustle of trying to get a socially distanced seat at a recent neuroscience seminar, I overheard a remark:
“We should consider designing learning interventions for the brain and not the learning style”
With two millennials, one teenager and an even bigger kid with a passion for all things hi-fi in the house you can probably imagine the cacophony of sounds that sometimes greets me.
I recently received a communication that was signed ‘Mx’ from a colleague who had previously signed communications as ‘Mr’. This prompted me to ask some questions and do some research; for me it is not about labelling and compartmentalising, it is about being informed, inclusive and respectful.
I constantly seek research and findings that effectively and meaningfully link academia and the real world. A recent example that sparked my imagination was discovering the works of Elizabeth Blackburn a Nobel prize winning, molecular biologist.
World Mental Health Day.
A collaboration between Neena Speding (epoché.com) &
Dominic Ciambrone (theshoesurgeon.com)
So, here’s two questions:
Would you frequent a commercial cannabis establishment if you were in a place where it was legalised?
Would you partake in any Cannabis consumption with a client/colleague of that region?
The relationship between mindfulness and stress is well documented. Our awareness of stress and the negative impact it has on ours and other lives is becoming more perceptible. Mindfulness, as a stress reducing therapy, is becoming increasingly used in clinical practice and its impetus in and outside the workplace is gaining steady traction.