Why Work Feels Better Together

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: 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: Related The Science of Happiness episodes: How to Talk to People You Disagree With: When It’s Hard to Connect, Try Being Curious: Why Compassion Requires Vulnerability: Related Happiness Breaks: A Self-Compassion Meditation For Burnout: 5 Minutes of Gratitude: Making Space For You: Message us or leave a comment on Instagram @scienceofhappinesspod . E-mail us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag . Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or share this link with someone who might like the show: Transcription:

You can listen to Why Work Feels Better Together online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Why Work Feels Better Together is an episode from The Science of Happiness by PRX and Greater Good Science Center.

This episode is 25:48 long.

This episode was published on Mar 26, 2026.

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