DOPAMINE AND WORKPLACES

Contrary to the hype, dopamine isn’t about “addiction” or “good vs bad.” Instead, it serves as a neutral mechanism. It rewards whatever behaviors we choose to repeat.

UNDERSTANDING DOPAMINE'S ROLE IN BEHAVIOUR

At the core of this process is the mesocorticolimbic pathway, a neural circuit that links desire, drive, learning, and reward. Dopamine acts as the key neurotransmitter in this system. It reinforces the behaviors we consistently associate with satisfaction or relief.

However, many of us find that our strongest dopamine loops currently revolve around scrolling tech, notifications, and instant gratification.

THE IMPACT OF SHORT-TERM AND GROWTH-BASED DOPAMINE

Re-wiring our habits is critical to reshaping concerning societal norms. This evolution is essential for addressing various mental, physical, and social complaints.

• Short-Term Dopamine

  Derived from fast content and digital hits, short-term dopamine trains the brain to seek stimulation rather than depth. This leads to fragmented focus and decreased cognitive stamina. Over time, it impacts both our performance and mental health.

• Growth-Based Dopamine

  Derived from learning, deep work, or skill development, growth-based dopamine strengthens the same system but in ways that foster capability, resilience, and long-term motivation.

The latter option is a more challenging choice in the moment. However, it's the one that shapes our productivity, well-being, fulfillment, social connection, and ultimate human potential.

THE IMPORTANCE OF GROWTH-BASED DOPAMINE LOOPS FOR ADHD

For the growing number of individuals with ADHD, this distinction is critical. Growth-based dopamine loops support sustained attention and reduce the mental fatigue that accompanies constant switching.

In my observations of many workplaces that claim to be 'high-performance', I often find a different reality. They may appear fast-moving on the surface, but the employees are frequently distracted and cortisol-dominant. Many are openly honest about their reliance on short-term dopamine-driven choices.

While these organisations might offer perks, they often lack the practices that genuinely support human sustainability and high performance.

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REDEFINING WORKPLACE DYNAMICS FOR PERFORMANCE AND WELLBEING

At A Human Edge, we’re not just qualified in HR and recruitment. We provide comprehensive in-house human sustainability coaching. Our expertise stems from decades of science-based education. Through our proprietary biopsychosocial and neurobehavioral approach, we help teams:

• Ditch short-term dopamine perks and habits, fueling an upward trajectory of human potential.

• Shift from splatter-gun wellbeing and performance tactics to individualized, values-aligned strategies with long-term impact.

• Move from fractured attention to focused progress.

• Transition from surface satisfaction to meaningful momentum and engagement.

  
  

We believe this is the way forward for people operations models.

You can learn more about our Workforce Innovation Model HERE.

Or connect with us at Hello@ahumanedge.com.