Firstly, research shows that a culture of joy can increase employee engagement, job satisfaction, and creativity, which can lead to improved performance and productivity. In turn, this can reduce the risk of burnout and its associated costs, such as employee attrition, absenteeism, and decreased performance.
In addition, neuroscience has suggested that positive emotions, such as joy, can help to reduce stress levels, which is essential for reducing the risk of burnout (5). Studies have shown that laughter can reduce cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress, by up to 39% (Cassoobhoy, 2020).
Several studies have also shown that a culture of joy can have a significant impact on brain functioning and neurochemistry. For example, research has demonstrated that positive emotions and activities, such as laughter and joy, can increase dopamine production and neuroplasticity in the brain, leading to better cognitive functioning (Segerstrom, 2003). Increased neuroplasticity can also help employees build resilience, which is key to preventing burnout.
