Putting positive psychology to work

CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition, 18-20 September 2007, Harrogate International Centre.

Whether it is a report about a failing business, falling share prices or rising interest rates the focus is often on the negative. Dr Kevin Money, Associate Professor Director of the School of Reputation & Relationships, will use the art of story telling to show employers how they can benefit by using positive psychology in the workplace, at the CIPD annual conference and exhibition in Harrogate.

Dr Kevin Money says: ìPsychology has a tendency to focus on the negative ñ exploring depression rather than happiness; what is wrong rather than what is right; disengagement rather than engaged. So too do many individuals and organisations.

ìBut focusing on the negative things when we go to work will leave us feeling negative. If employers want to engage and motivate their staff, and improve performance they should focus more attention on what people are doing well.

ìEveryone experiences emotion at work so the challenge for employers is to get their people to think more positively and learn from what others do well. It is up to those at the top to create a positive culture where employees take time out to reflect and share experiences in terms of what is working well and why.î

Dr Kevin Money is speaking on Tuesday 18 September, at the CIPD Annual conference and Exhibition in Harrogate. He will examine how positive psychology impacts on employee engagement and behaviour, as well as offering practical advice on how employers can put positive psychology to work in their organisation.