美国国家公共电台 NPR--To be a happier worker, exercise your social muscle

To be a happier worker, exercise your social muscle

Transcript¹

The pandemic spotlighted² the connection between work and well-being³. A way to boost happiness at work is stronger connections with colleagues. (Story aired on All Things Considered on Feb. 18, 2023.)

LEILA FADEL, HOST:

Since the pandemic began, workplace trends like the great resignation, quiet quitting and heightened burnout have highlighted the connection between work and well-being. So how can you improve the connections at work that can lead to greater happiness? NPR's Rhitu Chatterjee has some insights.

RHITU CHATTERJEE, BYLINE⁴: Decades of research show that warm human connections are essential for people's health and well-being. Dr. Robert Waldinger is a psychiatrist⁵ at Harvard and directs one of the longest-running studies on what makes people thrive.

ROBERT WALDINGER: The people who had the warmest connections with other people weren't just happier, they stayed healthier longer. And they lived longer.

CHATTERJEE: The results of that study, which has followed people over a couple of generations, are the subject of Waldinger's new book, "The Good Life."

WALDINGER: We get little hits of well-being, if you will, from all kinds of relationships - from friends, family, work colleagues. All of that seems to affirm our belonging, seems to affirm that we are seen and recognized by others.

CHATTERJEE: And the best way to build that sense of connection and belonging at work starts with small steps. For example, Waldinger says, think of a colleague you haven't seen in a while.

WALDINGER: You could send them a text or send them an email or even call them on the phone and just say, hi, I was thinking of you and wanted to connect.

CHATTERJEE: Those small actions, he says, often bring little doses of happiness.

WALDINGER: What we know with strengthening your relationships is that very tiny steps can lead to responses that will make you feel good.

CHATTERJEE: And if you want to make new friends at work, Waldinger suggests leaning into your curiosity about your colleagues.

WALDINGER: So you could, for example, decide just to notice something about somebody else at work who you'd like to get to know. Notice something they're displaying on their desk that might be personal.

CHATTERJEE: And ask them about it.

WALDINGER: Because one of the things we know is that when we are curious about someone in a friendly way, it's flattering. And it engages people in conversation.

CHATTERJEE: These conversations, he says, can lead to deeper connections and friendships. But, he adds, leaders in workplaces have a big role to play, too, in fostering a culture of connection and belonging.

WALDINGER: You need leaders to say being personal with each other is valuable, it matters. And it starts at the top. When that happens, the culture can shift in a company where people tend to know each other better and then care about each other.

CHATTERJEE: And that can go a long way in creating a happier, more engaged workplace.

Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR News.

(SOUNDBITE OF HARRY STYLES SONG, "WATERMELON SUGAR")

1 transcript   

n.抄本，誊本，副本，肄业证书

参考例句：

• A transcript of the tapes was presented as evidence in court.一份录音带的文字本作为证据被呈交法庭。
• They wouldn't let me have a transcript of the interview.他们拒绝给我一份采访的文字整理稿。

2 spotlighted   

v.聚光照明( spotlight的过去式和过去分词 )；使公众注意，使突出醒目

参考例句：

• The report has spotlighted real deprivation in the inner cities. 这篇报道披露了旧城区的贫困真相。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The paintings were spotlighted from below. 这些画用下面的聚光灯来照明。 来自《简明英汉词典》

3 well-being   

n.安康，安乐，幸福

参考例句：

• He always has the well-being of the masses at heart.他总是把群众的疾苦挂在心上。
• My concern for their well-being was misunderstood as interference.我关心他们的幸福，却被误解为多管闲事。

4 byline   

n.署名；v.署名

参考例句：

• His byline was absent as well.他的署名也不见了。
• We wish to thank the author of this article which carries no byline.我们要感谢这篇文章的那位没有署名的作者。

5 psychiatrist   

n.精神病专家；精神病医师

参考例句：

• He went to a psychiatrist about his compulsive gambling.他去看精神科医生治疗不能自拔的赌瘾。
• The psychiatrist corrected him gently.精神病医师彬彬有礼地纠正他。