Friday, October 19, 2012

Binders full of puppies

When a recent candidate for canine political office discussed his experience in acquiring "binders full of puppies," Humphrey got to thinking. What was he talking about? And, what could possibly be in those binders?

A recent study published in the scholarly journal PLOS found that looking at images of cute animals made people more careful and focused in their work! Humphrey is also fascinated by the (unrelated) research of Dr. Irene Blair of the University of Colorado suggesting that exposure to counter-stereotypes can reduce certain kinds of bias and discrimination.

So, if someone were to combine these findings, is there something that can be done in the workplace to help with productivity and equity simultaneously? Humphrey thinks so! Here is his idea that involves cute animals *and* gender-atypical achievement...

If viewed by workers at their desks, this photograph of Marie Curie holding baby Humphrey will:
(a) Increase productivity?
(b) Decrease gender and species bias?
(c) All of the above?

Humphrey hopes to make a binder full of images like this some day.

1 comment:

  1. Love the photo!! Good for you Humphrey!! You deserve an extra treat.

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