Behavioral science is the study of human behavior. Behavioral science helps us understand how individuals behave. As a result, we are able to understand ourselves and others better. Over the years, behavioral science has increasingly become popular in the corporate world. A good percentage of hiring managers use behavioral science to employ the best employees. Moreover, company experts use behavioral science to influence customer purchase decisions.

How do you use behavioral science in the workplace?

Indisputably, you can use behavioral science to foster positive behavior in the workplace. Below are some behavioral science techniques you can use to increase organizational productivity.

Creating a common purpose:

Having a common end goal for the organization is essential. It ensures everyone in the organization is on the same page by working toward one objective. Organizations should also formulate a set of values that guide employee behavior. Then, they should share each value with every employee in the organization. Needless to say, there should be consequences for not following organizational rules. A common purpose undoubtedly influences how individuals behave in the workplace. For instance, if you put up a no-smoking sign in the office, employees will have no choice but to avoid smoking in the office.

Autonomy:

Managers also use autonomy to influence human behavior in the workplace. Although there should be rules and regulations in the workplace, people love being in control when it comes to certain things. Therefore, always try to create some room for self-government among your employees. This way, you’ll create a better working environment and encourage creativity at work. When you incorporate autonomy into the workplace, employees won’t be afraid to share their ideas and thoughts. Additionally, placing employees in jobs, they are passionate about makes them feel in control. In turn, this boosts the company’s overall creativity.

Progress Feedback:

Another way to influence human behavior positively in the workplace is to give employees positive feedback. More often than not, people love hearing that they have done a good job at work. Such feedback encourages them to do better. So, if you are part of the managerial team, take time to reward your employees for their hard work. If you don’t appreciate your employees, they will be more susceptible to burnout. Remember, employee motivation is one of the main reasons for increased company sales and revenues.

Social Proof:

Company owners can influence how employees behave in the workplace by incorporating social proof. If everyone wears official attire to work, chances are you will do the same. Using the majority to influence human behavior in the workplace is relatively effective. People are likely to do things because everyone else is doing them.

Importance of behavioral science in the corporate environment

As mentioned earlier, behavioral science helps us understand people better. Below are some of the reasons you should incorporate behavioral science into the workplace.

Better employees:

Currently, the majority of human resource experts use behavioral science to recruit employees. Behavioral science helps you identify the core competencies of potential candidates during the hiring process. It helps you qualify candidates based on their abilities rather than their appearance. Most human resource experts use behavioral science testing techniques to identify a candidate’s level of trust, adaptability, and dependability, among other attributes. Hiring better employees significantly contributes to organizational growth and expansion.

Understanding people better:

Behavioral science helps us understand why people behave the way they do. Knowing this helps you be more empathetic, especially in the workplace. Managers who understand behavioral science are more likely to create a better working environment for their employees. Moreover, behavioral science allows everyone to share ideas in the workplace.

Promoting good behavior:

Understanding behavioral science helps you promote good behavior in the workplace. You do this by incorporating certain practices that influence human behavior. For example, when you establish rules and regulations, your employees will have no choice but to follow them. On the other hand, appreciating your employees helps in increasing motivation levels, which leads to better performance.

What affects human behavior?

As human beings, we tend to view life based on our background and life’s experiences. As a result, how we act is a response to various factors that have affected or still affect our lives. Some of the factors affecting human behavior include:

• Life experiences
• Culture
• Religion
• Background
• Beliefs

Fortunately, we can always adjust negative behavior when we understand why we behave the way we do. So, take time to study behavioral science when you get the chance to.

Ultimately

Behavioral science is important in our lives. It helps us understand ourselves and others. Subsequently, we are able to make better decisions as human beings. One way to boost organizational growth is to incorporate behavioral science into the workplace. Here at Klein Consultants, we have the best experts who focus on improving your company’s performance through behavioral science. We advise you on the best behavioral science you can use to improve productivity.