The Science of Happiness and Well-Being

The course translates findings from academic research, particularly in positive psychology and behavior change, into attitudes, behaviors, and practices that students can apply across careers and work settings to thrive in the workplace and beyond. We explore the various definitions of happiness and the theoretical foundations of well-being science, then glean evidence-based practices to chart a path for achieving a greater sense of well-being. We then apply the science to positive organizational behavior, examining the return on investment (ROI) of happiness as it directly impacts productivity, innovation, and the business case. The course goes beyond knowledge acquisition and requires hands-on student engagement with skill-building practices, first tested on the self and then discussed for application in leadership and management. Students should expect to engage with weekly reflections, goal setting, and practices for behavior change.