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The Power of Negative Thinking

The Power of Negative Thinking: Send In the Fungineers!

Send In the Fungineers!

BBC Radio 4 - The Power of Negative Thinking, Send In the Fungineers!

Oliver Burkeman asks whether forced fun is no fun, especially in the workplace.

As more and more companies employ 'happiness engineers', proud curmudgeon Oliver Burkeman asks whether prescribing or enforcing workplace fun is ever a good idea.

“Are we having fun yet?!” There is a growing trend for companies, particularly in fields of technology and new media, to employ happiness engineers or - in at least one case - 'fabulous facilitators' to boost morale among the workforce.  Oliver Burkeman, psychology writer and proud curmudgeon, is a firm believer that forced fun is no fun. He is appalled and perplexed by the idea that happiness should be prescribed - even enforced - in our workplaces.  In episode 4 of The Power of Negative Thinking, Oliver explores a phenomenon that has come to be called ‘fungineering’.  He meets a ‘Head of Happiness’, and asks what really motivates employees and makes them happy.

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Psychology writer and proud curmudgeon Oliver Burkeman explores the virtues of negativity.

Oliver Burkeman, psychology writer and proud curmudgeon, explores the virtues of negativity and shows how it can be a surprisingly powerful route to joy, success and satisfaction.

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The Power of Negative Thinking

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