The Brain-Friendly Workplace

July 11, 2022
Businesses are facing a “once-in-a-century opportunity... to create a better future,” writes neuroscientist Fabritius (The Leading Brain) in this impassioned call for change in the workplace. In order to help employees “reach peak performance and experience greater joy and well-being” and aid management in reversing the “mass exodus of expensively trained and educated professionals,” Fabritius lays out a plan to help readers identify their “neurosignature” (the mix of dopamine, serotonin, testosterone, and estrogen that “shapes one’s personality”) based on their habits and create an optimal work environment for each type. High-dopamine people should be given “creative freedom and autonomy,” for example, while those high in serotonin make great managers. Fabritius shares anecdotes about companies that have made changes in the way they do business and are enjoying the benefits—one saw increased productivity after reducing workdays to five hours—and inspiring interviews with “thought leaders,” such as Jeff Furman, former lead counsel at Ben & Jerry’s, and Arianna Huffington, the CEO of Thrive Global. The “Brain Boost” sections that round out each chapter include advice on staying happy and healthy (taking cold showers and getting outside can help with energy and focus). Business leaders should make room on their desks for this guide.

August 1, 2022

People are leaving the workforce for many reasons, but what if they simply weren't wired for the job they had? There's also the possibility that their employer could have done more to foster an environment ideal for optimal brain functionality. That's the premise for this book, which neuroscientist Fabritius (The Leading Brain) describes as her "science-backed, field-tested blueprint" for reinventing work. She provides a comprehensive introduction to how neuroscience affects people in the workplace and introduces the concept of a "neurosignature," a mix of four neurotransmitters and hormones that work together to provide a baseline for one's personality and thoughts. This eventually affects how one responds to stress and information acquired on the job and relates to coworkers. She does an excellent job in providing observations on perceived gender roles and even dietary suggestions for improving mental capacity. The book is also infused with many "aha" moments, illustrative sketches, and sections with titles like "Mind Benders," "Brain Boosts," and "Mental Breaks." Each chapter includes an interview with either a medical expert or a business leader to provide additional insight. VERDICT A compelling read for anyone interested in understanding how brain chemistry can improve job performance and workplace satisfaction.--Jen Clifton

Copyright 2022 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2022
Neuroscientist Fabritius advocates for the importance of embracing neurodiversity in the workplace in this thought-provoking book. Neurodiversity in the workplace is best described as the presence of differing approaches to communicating, thinking, and reasoning. The author defines four basic neurosignatures, which are determined by which neurotransmitters and hormones are most dominant in an individual's brain (dopamine, serotonin, estrogen, and/or testosterone). She asserts that employers must take extra care to balance all four neurosignatures among employees and managers. By way of her own workplace experiences and interviews with corporate executives and founders, she weaves together a fascinating narrative about the success or failure of specific work environments. Management style, physical office structures, work schedules, and several other factors can be designed to make a workplace attractive and comfortable for every neurosignature. The author draws from a wide variety of neuroscience, sociology, and psychology research, addressing significant issues such as gender roles, introversion/extroversion, physical health, and stress. A chapter on groupthink is particularly compelling and will likely provide a wake-up call to employers. This well-written and timely book is recommended for business and general collections.

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