On this episode of Future Back Drinking, Dr. Athina Kanioura and Priyanka Aribindi sit down with Dr. Laurie Santos, Yale psychology professor and host of The Happiness Lab, to unpack what truly drives happiness and performance at work. In an age of AI and hybrid teams, Laurie argues that happiness isn’t a “nice-to-have,” but a core driver of productivity when workplaces foster belonging, trust, and meaningful connection. The conversation digs into why leaders should design for work–life harmony instead of balance, how to cut down on “pseudo-productivity,” and ways to build psychological safety around AI while giving people the space to stay curious, creative, and fulfilled in their roles.

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