Communications of the ACM
Why Silly Distractions at Work Can be Good for You
Short positivity interventions can help employees make the best of their day.
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Positive interventions that distract workers from difficult tasks may help reduce stress levels, according to a study by an international team of researchers.
The research shows that short positive interventions, such as watching a funny video, can help a worker overcome daily demands or dealing with dreaded tasks. In turn, this allows the worker to be more engaged, creative, and helpful toward coworkers.
"Watching a funny video increases feelings of positivity," says Vera Schweitzer, a researcher at WHU–Otto Beisheim School of Management. "Such positive emotions allow employees to protect their regulatory resources even after dealing with resource-consuming self-control demands. In turn, this positively affects their effectiveness at work."
From Trinity College Dublin
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