The Foundation Lab sits at the intersection between technology and organizational science. Our goal as a lab is to conduct data-driven, theoretically based science that will improve the lives of workers, enhance organizational effectiveness, and improve society. We approach this goal through three main research thrusts.
High Stakes Teams
Teamwork is essential to today’s organizational landscape and The Foundation Lab seeks to improve teamwork in teams operating under strenuous conditions. High stakes teams play an important role in our society. These are the medical teams that save patients’ lives, interdisciplinary science teams that push the boundaries of knowledge, space exploration teams that explore the unknown, advanced manufacturing teams building the products and communities of tomorrow, among others.
Worker Well-Being
Behind every productive worker is a happy worker. Science tells us that worker well-being is an essential component of organizational effectiveness. The Foundation Lab seeks to understand the nuances of what makes a happy worker. Worker well-being has been defined a number of ways – from workers who are satisfied with their job to workers who find meaning in their life to workers who are physically fit and eat well. All of these are crucial components of a Worker’s well-being and The Foundation Lab investigates all aspects of well-being in tandem; finding ways to improve worker’s lives.
Commuting
Since moving to Atlanta, The Foundation Lab is conducting research on commuting and how this experience influences worker’s attitudes and behaviors. Commuting is one of the least preferred activities of every worker’s day and we believe that it should not be. In our efforts, The Foundation Lab is conducting research that aims to improve the commuting experience by understanding the aspects of commute that are more stressful, developing interventions to enhance the quality of the worker’s commute, and advise organizations on mobility best practices.
Collaborations
The Foundation Lab is an interdisciplinary lab and is always looking for opportunities to work with those who share our passion. If you are interested in collaborating on a research project or you believe that The Foundation Lab can help your organization. Please reach out to our Director – Dr. Christopher Wiese (ChrisWiese@gatech.edu)