Applying Brain Science to Achieve Organizational Success

Abstract

Decades ago, scientists believed that the adult brain is fully formed and unchanged. However, it was found recently that the brain is adaptive and can change in both forms: 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 (functionality); or go the opposite way. Scientists are greatly interested in this re-wiring characteristic because it can help people with brain injuries to have substantial recovery; and very recently to understand how people can be happier, more engaged and productive at work. Majority of research available is linking neuroplasticity with how to make employees happier and more productive at work. When people work with positive mindset; productivity, engagement, innovation and creativity improve. However, happiness is still misunderstood as a major drive of performance, due to variety of definition of happiness by scholars (Achor, 2012). Happiness is a positive psychological state that had been found to be related to work performance and engagement. Work engagement is also a positive psychological state defined by feelings of being energetic, empowered, satisfied and being absorbed in the state of being totally engaged at work (Schaufeli, 2012). Engagement had been extensively studied due to its positive outcome on personal and organizational levels; such as: reduce absenteeism, preventing burnout, increase productivity, having less errors and occupational injuries and accidents, innovation and creativity and having better financial results (Burke & Cooper, 2016). The following article demonstrates a field experiment which was conducted on approximately 50 employees working in a technical support department for the drilling function in ADNOC Onshore, Abu Dhabi, The United Arab Emirates. The activities are a series of ongoing interactive and team building events that started with the beginning of the year 2019; aiming to provide a positive work environment that enhance bonds between team members, creating positive mindset, and encouraging innovation and creativity.