Were you as sceptical as I was yesterday? It’s hard to get your head around how this actually works, which is why I was fascinated by a study done at a hospital in Louisiana.  Today, we explore that study and it’s findings. 

Transcript:

Welcome to Everyday Happiness where we create lasting happiness, in 2-ish minutes a day,  through my signature method of Intentional Margins® (creating harmony between your to-dos and your priorities), happiness science, and musings about life. 

I'm your host Katie Jefcoat and did you know that when you walk into a Ritz Carlton hotel, the employees are trained to make eye contact when you get within 10 feet of them and to say hello when you are within 5 feet of them.  Wow, that’s some great hospitality, right?  

Well, back in episode 320 we talked about the science of a smile and the mirror neurons that can’t help themselves but smile back. So what would happen if this 10/5 strategy was prescribed in an unconventional setting, like a hospital. Somewhere people don’t typically want to be and where it’s not usually the happiest place on earth. 

Well that’s exactly what happened when social scientists showed up to Ochsner Hospital in Louisiana.  They wanted to see if the “10/5 Way” would increase social support among employees and patients.  They educated 11,000 employees, leaders, and physicians about the impact of social support on the patient experience, and asked them to modify their behavior. 

Some doctors were not on board. They view their job as very serious and smiles were not part of the program.  But still, even without every single person on board, the scientists persisted.

They asked all employees that walk within 10 feet of another person in the hospital, to make eye contact and smile. When they walk within 5 feet, they must say hello. 

They did this study for six months and found that using the 10/5 Way, Ochsner has experienced an increase in unique patient visits, a 5% increase in patients’ likelihood to recommend the organization, and a significant improvement in medical-practice provider scores. 

This means, by sharing a smile, being kind to another person as you pass them in the hallway, by a simple hello pleasantry, you can quantifiably increase the happiness and well-being of the people around you.  

This type of social support appears to cultivate not only happier employees but also more-satisfied customers.   

What would happen if this was your way?  If you followed the 5/10 way? When you are out and about, you smile at a person instead of avoiding eye contact and searching for your phone.  

These results are because of these mirror neurons in our brains.  The way neurons function in our body, lighting up at the receipt of a friendly gesture, telling our brains to smile when someone smiles at us and spreading joy all around. 

I can’t wait to see how we use this to change our habits and create a ripple effect.  Speaking of ripple effects, would you do us a favor and follow our Instagram feed @everydayhappinesswithkatie because we are about to share some exciting news and we don’t want you to miss it. 

Inspired by: 

Oprah Super Soul Sunday, Shawn Achor 

https://hbr.org/2012/01/positive-intelligence

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