From a worker-owned restaurant in Oakland to a nonprofit built on shared leadership, we explore how collective work models can help people feel heard, valued, and more invested in their work.

Summary: In this episode of The Science of Happiness, we examine how people can build cultures of care, accountability, and belonging together. Through stories from a worker-owned restaurant and insights from a leader in collective nonprofits, we share what research reveals about why collective decision-making can help teams thrive and organizations succeed.

Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.

Today’s Guests:

NINO SERRANO AND JENABI PAREJA are the co-founders of Understory, a worker-owned and community-built restaurant in Oakland.

Learn more about Understory here: https://understoryoakland.com/

NILOUFAR KHONSARI is the co-founder of Pangea Legal Services, a nonprofit that defends immigrants facing deportation and the author of the book, Future is Collective: Effective Workplace Strategies for Building a Culture of Care.

Read the book here: https://www.niloukhonsari.com/thebook

Related The Science of Happiness episodes:

How to Talk to People You Disagree With: https://tinyurl.com/4cpm8m3a

When It’s Hard to Connect, Try Being Curious: https://tinyurl.com/bde6wyu7

Why Compassion Requires Vulnerability: https://tinyurl.com/yxw4uhpf

Related Happiness Breaks:

A Self-Compassion Meditation For Burnout: https://tinyurl.com/485y3b4y

5 Minutes of Gratitude: https://tinyurl.com/r6pkw2xx

Making Space For You: https://tinyurl.com/yk6nfnfv

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Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/ya9vuy4n

Why Work Feels Better Together

The Science of Happiness