Dr. Mari Kira is an Assistant Research Scientist and Lecturer at the Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, where she teaches organizational psychology, and the Research Director at the Center for Positive Organizations, University of Michigan. Abstract: Sustainable work fosters the growth of employees' psychological resources, such as their personal and work-related identities, and promotes employees' potential to thrive at work and make a positive difference through working. In my talk, I will argue that the growth of employees' psychological resources originates from both positive and negative work experiences. I'm focusing on identities at work and how both identity affirming positive work experiences and adversities challenging identities can foster employees' psychological growth and sustainability. My research on work experiences invalidating one's habitual identities, such as a mid-career job loss and integrating into local work as a refugee, provides insights into how struggle with challenged identities fosters psychological growth and highlights the emergence of stronger, more resilient, and more independent selves from the struggle with lost and challenged identities. The seminar will be followed by an informal discussion until 2:30 p.m.
Center for Occupational Health and Safety EngineeringSustainable work: Psychological growth through good and bad work experiences
Occupational Health Speaker Series
February 23, 2018
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
1690 SPH I
1415 Washington Heights
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029
Sponsored by: Center for Occupational Health and Safety Engineering
Contact Information: Stephanie Bolz slbolz@umich.edu
Dr. Mari Kira is an Assistant Research Scientist and Lecturer at the Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, where she teaches organizational psychology, and the Research Director at the Center for Positive Organizations, University of Michigan. Abstract: Sustainable work fosters the growth of employees' psychological resources, such as their personal and work-related identities, and promotes employees' potential to thrive at work and make a positive difference through working. In my talk, I will argue that the growth of employees' psychological resources originates from both positive and negative work experiences. I'm focusing on identities at work and how both identity affirming positive work experiences and adversities challenging identities can foster employees' psychological growth and sustainability. My research on work experiences invalidating one's habitual identities, such as a mid-career job loss and integrating into local work as a refugee, provides insights into how struggle with challenged identities fosters psychological growth and highlights the emergence of stronger, more resilient, and more independent selves from the struggle with lost and challenged identities. The seminar will be followed by an informal discussion until 2:30 p.m.
