Neuroscience for HR:
An Introduction to Neuroscience and Its Application in HR Work

All Online Content. Take the Programme Now 

In this short series of programmes we introduce the key findings from neuroscience as they relate to HR. work.

Why do we think an understanding of neuroscience is essential for HR professionals? That’s an easy one to answer: because it tests management theory and provides a sound evidence base for HR practice.

What’s more, in our work, and particularly in our work with leaders in organisations, we’ve found explaining how our brain actually works has been very effective in persuading leaders to be less resistant, and more open to changing their own behaviour. Most leaders like the evidence base of science: it clicks with them.

The other reason we find the insights of neuroscience so useful is that they get leaders to think carefully about their own thinking processes, beliefs and experiences. Leaders recognise how their own brains react, and the research results make sense to them personally. This is a valuable tool in the HR armoury in creating the kind of insight and commitment that translates knowledge into action.

For ourselves, as HR professionals, neuroscience research explains the why of our policies. Why is it a good idea to include social rewards? Why is an engagement policy working with some people and not others? Why it is important to understand the role of emotions in making decisions on talent? Why may bias creep in to decisions without anyone noticing.

We call all this “Brain-savvy HR,” as a shorthand for HR practice that is informed by an understanding of how human brain works.

We created this on-line programme as an introduction to neuroscience for HR: showing how it explains why people act the way they do; how we – and the people we work with – can change; and the way key concepts, like engagement, reward and motivation, work in the brain. We wanted to share around some of this important evidence, propose how it can inform HR work, and hopefully give you some answers to a few thorny questions.

How the Programme is Structured

Neuroscience for HR is the introductory programme for HR professionals. We intend to follow it with other short programmes on learning, behavioural change and bias. (Plus any others you tell us would be of interest)

This programme includes, explanations of the science in easy to access format, videos, case studies and tools plus a chapter of an ebook in each module which builds to an ebook covering the programme. We also include articles and video references, as well as the original scientific papers so you can explore further. Each module suggests reflection and application practices, so you can apply your learning. At the completion of the programme you will be able to use your insights with your team, your clients and yourself to better understand how the brain impacts thinking, decisions and business.

Taking this programme will give you a strong foundation and ways to explain and use an understanding of neuroscience to guide policy and practice and your advice to leaders.

You may take the programme in a number of ways to suit your preferences:

• Option 1: As an individual at your own pace, applying the reflection and application exercises to your own work as you learn. We recommend you set learning goals and a time scale to complete the programme, usually 6 weeks. Investment £125 plus VAT.
• Option 2: As a cohort with work colleagues. Up to 20 people can take the programme together setting their own pace and review sessions. Investment £2000 plus VAT.
• Option 3: A tailored programme catering for a work group, with start and completion webinars for goal setting and review of application and a Q&A session mid-way through the programme, for up to 20 people. Investment £3500 plus VAT.
• For option 2 and option 3 please contact Jan Hills directly here: https://courses.headheartbrain.com/neuroscience-for-hr/#contact

The Modules

Module 1: Brain basics an introduction to the basic brain functioning and how to manage your learning on the programme

Module 2: Threat and reward in the brain: its role in driving behaviour. This module includes our CORE model and how to apply it to change. We also cover how the threat and reward impacts stress and performance management.

Module 3: The importance of social connection and its role in reward policy and performance.

Module 4: Mindset and its impact on performance, learning and personal growth.

Module 5: The role of emotions and emotional control on performance, decisions and relationships

Module 6: How the brain categories people into in-group and out-group and its impact on cooperation and bias including an introduction to stereotypes and micro-behaviours and how to tackle unconscious bias.

We also provide bespoke programmes for organisations on a design and delivery bases. These maybe on-line or a mix of delivery methods (face to face, webinar and on-line). Quotations are based on requirements. Please contact Jan Hills here to discuss: https://courses.headheartbrain.com/neuroscience-for-hr/#contact

Register for online course