Positive Psychology - why happy employees matter - Detailansicht

This course explores the science and practice of positive psychology in the workplace, focusing on how employee happiness drives organisational success. Students will examine key theories, research findings and practical interventions that promote employee happiness, engagement and productivity. Through a mix of interactive lectures, case studies and experiential learning activities, students will learn to critically analyse and apply positive psychology principles to real-world organisational challenges. Emphasising the measurable benefits of employee well-being, including increased innovation, reduced turnover and improved profitability, the module equips students with practical strategies for cultivating positive work environments in diverse, international and technical contexts.

Day, A., Gilbert, S., & Kelloway, K. (2014). Positive psychology and the healthy workplace. In A. Day, E. K. Kelloway, & J. J. Hurrell, Jr. (Eds.), Workplace well-being: How to build psychologically healthy workplaces (pp. 50–71). Wiley-Blackwell.

Helliwell, J. F., Layard, R., Sachs, J. D., De Neve, J.-E., Aknin, L. B., & Wang, S. (Eds.). (2024). World Happiness Report 2024. University of Oxford: Wellbeing Research Centre.

Lupsa, D., Virga, D., Maricutoiu, L. P., & Rusu, A. (2019). Increasing psychological capital: A pre‐registered meta‐analysis of controlled interventions. Applied Psychology, 69(4), 1506–1556. https://doi.org/10.1111/apps.12219

Madeson, M. (2017). Seligman’s PERMA+Model Explained: A theory of wellbeing. Positive Psychology. https://positivepsychology.com/perma-model/ (accessed: 14.04.2025)

Seligman, M. E. P., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2000). Positive psychology: An introduction. American Psychologist, 55(1), 5–14. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.5

Wang, F., Guo, J., & Yang, G. (2023). Study on positive psychology from 1999 to 2021: A bibliometric analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1101157. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1101157

• Knowledge and understanding: Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the core theories and empirical findings of positive psychology, especially as they relate to employee well-being and organizational success. They will comprehend key concepts such as psychological safety, engagement, resilience, and the measurable impact of happiness on productivity and innovation in diverse work environments.

• Use, application and generation of knowledge/art: Students will apply positive psychology principles and evidence-based interventions to real-world organizational settings, particularly in technical and international contexts. They will develop, implement, and evaluate strategies that promote employee happiness and well-being, demonstrating the ability to generate practical solutions to workplace challenges.

• Communication and cooperation: Students will demonstrate their communication and cooperation skills through active participation in discussions, group projects, and presentations. They will effectively articulate psychological concepts and intervention plans in English, collaborating with peers from diverse cultural and disciplinary backgrounds to co-create positive workplace initiatives.

• Scientific / artistic self-image and professionalism: Students will develop a professional self-image as advocates for well-being in organizational settings, recognizing the importance of evidence-based practice and ethical responsibility. They will reflect on their own attitudes toward happiness at work and prepare for professional roles that require fostering positive, resilient, and inclusive work environments.

• Students are expected to have a strong command of English in order to comprehend course material and complete individual group exercises.

Portfolio Exam:

• Case Studies Presentations (max. 50%)
• Term Paper (max. 40%)
• Class room activities (max. 10%)

This course explores the science and practice of positive psychology in the workplace, focusing on how employee happiness drives organisational success. Students will examine key theories, research findings and practical interventions that promote employee happiness, engagement and productivity. Through a mix of interactive lectures, case studies and experiential learning activities, students will learn to critically analyse and apply positive psychology principles to real-world organisational challenges. Emphasising the measurable benefits of employee well-being, including increased innovation, reduced turnover and improved profitability, the module equips students with practical strategies for cultivating positive work environments in diverse, international and technical contexts.