Sparking Joy at Work with Ingrid Fetell Lee (S4:E1)
Apr 22, 2024
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Ingrid Fetell Lee, author of 'Joyful,' discusses finding joy in our physical environment and how small changes in the workplace can improve our well-being. She distinguishes joy from happiness and emphasizes the importance of aesthetics in boosting productivity and creativity at work. The podcast explores creating moments of joy through small gestures and shares insights on enhancing workplace satisfaction and employee health.
Distinguishing joy from happiness emphasizes the potential for joyful moments even during challenges.
Deep dives
The Impact of Surroundings on Well-Being and Mental Health
Our physical environment holds a significant connection to our mental well-being, allowing joy even in times of emotional turmoil. Individuals empowered to demand joy in the workplace demonstrate improved balance and well-being. Conversely, essential workers facing adversity in job conditions struggle to find joy and experience heightened burnout.
Distinguishing Joy from Happiness
Happiness reflects a broader life evaluation, incorporating meaning, and purpose, while joy pertains to intense, immediate positive emotions. Joy, inherently visceral, offers moments of happiness despite overall life challenges. This distinction underlines the ability to find joy even amidst difficulties.
The Role of Aesthetics in Enhancing Mental Well-Being
Aesthetics, rooted in sensory experiences, significantly impact mental health positively. Enriching work environments with art, plants, and colors boosts productivity and focus. Rounded shapes, such as plants, contribute to creativity and concentration, demonstrating the vital role of aesthetics in fostering well-being.
Look around you. Is there anything nearby that makes you smile? Our guest today argues there is a distinct connection between our surroundings, our wellbeing and our mental health. She even suggests there is time we can find joy in our physical environment even if we’re not feeling happy.
Ingrid Fetell Lee is the author of Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness, and the founder of the website The Aesthetics of Joy. She empowers people to find more joy in life and work through design. Her popular TED talk “Where Joy Hides and How to Find it” has been viewed more than 17 million times.
During our conversation, Ingrid explains the difference between joy and happiness which includes why moments of joy are actually more attainable than you may think. She also helps us understand how even small changes to our workplace can make a significant difference in how we feel.
Additional resources:
- Learn more about Ingrid Fetell Lee’s research and books at https://aestheticsofjoy.com/
- Enroll: Design a Home You Love with Ingrid Fetell Lee https://shop.aestheticsofjoy.com/products/design-a-home-you-love
- Ingrid Fetell Lee’s TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/ingrid_fetell_lee_where_joy_hides_and_how_to_find_it
- Read insights about how to design moments of joy at work www.steelcase.com/WBnew
- Get the latest workplace design, insights and research: www.steelcase.com/subscribe
Work Better podcast is hosted by Chris Congdon. Produced by Rebecca Charbauski. Creative art direction by Erin Ellison and Emily Cowdrey. Technical support by Mark Caswell and Jose Jimenez. Digital publishing by Areli Arellano and Jordan Marks. Editing and sound mixing by SoundPost Studios.
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