Can We Simplify Wellbeing? with Aaron Jarden

Dr. Aaron Jarden is a senior lecturer in psychology at Auckland University of Technology. He is also the president of the New Zealand Association of Positive Psychology.

Aaron has done a lot of research on occupational wellbeing and in this conversation, he talks about how to introduce these practices to workplaces from the upper levels to the front-lines using a  “me, we, us” framework.

Aaron also shares his thoughts on the links between the research community and practitioners.  He also speaks about the gap between the academic world and the general public's perception of wellbeing.

You’ll Learn:

• [01:40] - Aaron talks about some of his research findings on occupational wellbeing.
• [03:12] - Aaron shares his thoughts on introducing these practices to workplaces.
• [05:08] - There are different ways organizations implement these practices and Aaron shares the different strategies and his thoughts on the variety of techniques.
• [06:23] - A challenge in implementing occupational well-being strategies is convincing leaders to buy in. Aaron talks about this necessary and difficult step in the process.
• [08:13] - Aaron talks about varying levels of senior leadership and the upward trend in this area.
• [09:14] - Aaron talks about the importance of small interventions that can make a huge difference to well being, that don't cost a lot..
• [12:09] - Aaron shares an effective quick three-breath exercise to create a positive mindset.
• [13:16] - Aaron talks about the poor job researchers do of communicating science to the public and what the research community can do to repair that.
• [17:13] - Aaron talks about the difference between academics and general public understandings of wellbeing.
• [19:02] - The Lightning Round with Dr. Aaron Jarden.

Your Resources:

Dr. Aaron Jarden’s website

Positive Psychology at Work: How Positive Leadership and Appreciative Inquiry Create Inspiring Organizations - Sarah Lewis

Elon Musk Biography

Second Wave Positive Psychology: Embracing the Dark Side of Life - Itai Ivtzan and Tim Lomas

Thanks so much for joining me again this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post.

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Until next time, take care!