The Brain-Friendly Workplace

Reviews / Votes

Businesses are facing a "once-in-a-century opportunity... to create a better future," writes neuroscientist Fabritius 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. * Publishers Weekly * 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. A compelling read for anyone interested in understanding how brain chemistry can improve job performance and workplace satisfaction. * Library Journal * 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. * Booklist * Neuroscientist Friederike Fabritius offers a passionate, evidence-based approach to fostering workplace diversity and engagement. She draws on cutting-edge research demonstrating how brain chemistry informs personality, values, stress responses and cognitive styles. She makes a compelling case that workplaces should cater to the needs of employee "neurosignatures" to boost performance and retention. Her interviews with thought leaders like Thrive Global's Arianna Huffington and molecular biologist John Medina provide inspiration and insight. * getAbstract * It's clear that the modern workplace isn't working for many people and that changes are imperative. Friederike outlines some practical science-based steps to get us from here to there: to cultivate a world that works well for all of us." -- Riaz Shah, Global Learning Leader, EY From the foreword: I believe that this book is contributing to a broader discussion about how people's brain wirings can be very different from each other and can influence the way we see the world.... This book is very timely, as there is so much uncertainty in the world. Stress levels are incredibly high. People are starving for meaning and for a way to understand their unique place in the world and in the workplace. They want to matter. Their need to matter is such a fundamental human need. I think that this book can really play a pivotal role in people feeling like they matter in the workplace by allowing them to bring their unique neurosignature to the table. -- Scott Barry Kaufman, author of Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization, and Ungifted: Intelligence Redefined Fighting burnout, finding focus, and giving your employees time to rest and recharge. It's obvious that the old ways aren't doing it. Friederike's book provides exciting new ways of rethinking the workplace that help both businesses and their employees to thrive. -- Stephan Aarstol, author of "The Five-Hour Workday: Live Differently, Unlock Productivity, and Find Happiness" Friederike's bold new book is smart, friendly, and science-based. It's filled with practical suggestions for how to make the workplace more inclusive, productive, and rewarding. -- Aidan McCullen, author of "Undisruptable" and host of "The Innovation Show." In The Brain Friendly Workplace, Friederike Fabritius reframes the so-called "Great Resignation" as a crisis of meaning, purpose and care. She seizes on the idea that our present distress is also an incredibly opportunity to change our bad work habits into healthy work habits using brain-friendly practices. -- Kelly Leonard, Learning and Applied Improvisation at Second City Works This book is a great read for anyone involved in group decision making. It enhanced my understanding of diversity while highlighting how important it is. It focuses on taking care of yourself and each other, having fun, and why one should eat more chocolate. It made the work place come alive as a place you want to be. -- Jeff Furman, Ben and Jerry's Board of Directors, Emeritus Millennials want to be performing at their peak - in a constant state of flow. Achieving this should be every organisation's top priority to retain diverse talent. Friederike, shares practical tools for leaders to make the transition from hustle culture to an outcome driven one. The key driver of humanity of work. -- Anitta Krishan, Head of People & Strategy at TikTok Give The Brain-Friendly Workplace to your boss, your coworkers, and anyone who wants to vastly improve their bottom line while making their colleagues far happier. Friederike Fabritius has applied first rate science to solve many central issues in business today. This is an important book. -- Helen Fisher, PhD, bestselling author and co-founder of NeuroColor With the ongoing Great Resignation trend, employers have been forced to evolve to create a better future for everyone. Companies have gotten innovative by offering remote or hybrid work environments to find the best work-life balance for their employees. Fabritius, a neuroscientist, provides a science-based and field-tested blueprint that could lead to higher job satisfaction and better talent retention rates. * Association for Talent Development *