Oswald, Andrew J., Proto, Eugenio and Sgroi, Daniel (2015) Happiness and productivity. Journal of Labor Economics, 33 (4). pp. 789-822. doi:10.1086/681096 ISSN 0734-306X.

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Abstract

Some firms say they care about the well-being and ‘happiness’ of their employees. But are such claims hype, or scientific good sense? We provide evidence, for a classic piece-rate setting, that happiness makes people more productive. In three different styles of experiment, randomly selected individuals are made happier. The treated individuals have approximately 12% greater productivity. A fourth experiment studies major real-world shocks (bereavement and family illness). Lower happiness is systematically associated with lower productivity. These different forms of evidence, with complementary strengths and weaknesses, are consistent with the existence of a causal link between human well-being and human performance.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General) B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BJ Ethics H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor H Social Sciences > HF Commerce H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Economics
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Work--Psychological aspects, Happiness , Employee motivation, Quality of work life , Job satisfaction, Well-being
Journal or Publication Title:	Journal of Labor Economics
Publisher:	University of Chicago Press
ISSN:	0734-306X
Official Date:	October 2015
Dates:	Date Event October 2015 Published 7 August 2015 Available 3 March 2014 Accepted 23 March 2013 Submitted
Volume:	33
Number:	4
Page Range:	pp. 789-822
DOI:	10.1086/681096
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
Date of first compliant deposit:	28 December 2015
Date of first compliant Open Access:	7 August 2016
Related URLs:	Publisher

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