Reference: Berg, J. M., Wrzesniewski, A., Grant, A. M., Kurkoski, J., & Welle, B. (2023). Getting unstuck: The effects of growth mindsets about the self and job on happiness at work. The Journal of applied psychology, 108(1), 152–166. https://doi.org/10.1037/apl0001021 Do you believe you can develop your abilities and talents through hard work and dedication? If so, you have a growth mindset! People who see themselves able to grow at work towards excellence have a growth mindset. People can also see their work environment as open to change too. Organizational psychologists studied whether this “dual growth” mindset (towards self and work setting) leads to more employee happiness and growth. They conducted two controlled studies: one in a Fortune 500 tech company and another following employees from multiple workplaces. They tested 149 employees in various roles on their happiness and job-shaping intentions at three points in time: pretest, 6 weeks later, and 6 months later. Results? In both studies, a dual-growth mindset increased happiness for at least six months, while growth mindsets for either the self or job alone did not bring lasting increases in happiness. This dual mindset helped employees make substantial changes to their jobs, supporting lasting happiness. Everyone! Embrace a “dual-growth mindset” seeing both yourself and your job as adaptable to create meaningful changes in both your organization and you! This boosts your own well-being, your colleagues, and business—whatever it may be.

Written by Kristin M. Harris, Ph.D.