Painting kindness rocks. Being guided through a mindfulness exercise. Picking a card with a gratitude message.
These were a few of the uplifting positive psychology activities offered to Community Behavioral Health employees as part of their in-person 2024 Wellness and Benefits Fair, led by students from PCOM’s Master of Applied Positive Psychology Program.
MAPP students have been guiding online A Happier You sessions at CBH since March as part of their spring practicum course. Three students from the class of 2024—Jordan Fenton, Dylan Mitchell, and Maddie Schnitzler—were excited to be able to go to CBH’s offices to bring elements of Happier You to their staff.
A Happier You is a 7-week fully virtual group program that teaches skills designed to increase joy, meaning, resilience, and connection. Each week has a different positive psychology theme that merges personal and social well-being.
Dr. Scott Glassman, Happier You developer and director of the MAPP program, describes it as a systematic “inside-out” approach to increasing happiness and building community.
“In the first two weeks of the program, participants practice paying closer attention to positive moments in life, which can be very small,” said Glassman. “They share these moments in the group with other employees, strengthening their work relationships and boosting their positive emotions in the process.”
The program also helps participants cultivate gratitude through letter writing, spot personal strengths in action, and plan acts of kindness.
Dr. Glassman and his team of MAPP student facilitators have recognized the positive impact the program has had on CBH’s workplace culture.
“For me, the greatest benefit for us providing a Happier You component at the Wellness Fair was being able to bring the employees together in a meaningful way,” said Maddie Schnitzler, one of the student facilitators. “Current members of the program expressed their love and gratitude for the tools A Happier You gives them.”
Dylan Mitchell echoed that feeling. “We were glad to spread some fun and lightness that could reach through the rest of their work week,” Mitchell said.
Offering kindness rocks that included positive messages was a notable highlight of the event. “It was truly heartwarming watching people light up as they chose a kindness rock to take home with them,” said Jordan Fenton, who developed the idea.
CBH has offered A Happier You to all employees annually, with 95 registering for the program this year, which represents the highest engagement level yet.
“This is our most popular wellness program,” said Brenda Shropshire, CBH’s wellness coordinator.
CBH is considering offering the program twice a year due to its popularity. Leslie Edwards, manager of employee benefits and wellness programs, recognizes the facilitators’ effectiveness in helping staff find the good in themselves and in life. Staff really look forward to their Happier You days.
“I witness them encouraging our staff, and in particular, one employee who was moved to tears (of joy) and she signed up to attend the session,” said Edwards.
As more MAPP students become certified Happier You facilitators, Glassman is hoping that the program expands to other organizations, both regionally and nationally, so they can also benefit from the individual and social well-being that Happier You fosters in the workplace.
“In the United States, about a quarter of employees experience burnout,” said Glassman, referring to a 2022 McKinsey Health Institute report. “Toxic workplace behavior accounted for a very large percentage of it.”
He believes that programs like A Happier You can directly address negative workplace culture by fostering positive interpersonal dynamics.
“Happier You taps into the better moments in life that people have in common, increasing their sense of connection,” said Glassman. “They leave sessions feeling even more valued around what already makes them feel good, no matter how small, whether that’s a weekend activity, a favorite food, or a hobby.”
© 2024 Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine