Brain research: Finally working the way your mind needs it

No one harms themselves with as much dedication as humans. They don't exercise enough, live in noisy cities, drink beer, and pollute the air they breathe. Even though they know how bad all this is for them, they do it anyway. People also sabotage themselves at work: They disturb themselves and others, waste time on unimportant things, and fail to make progress. For the mind, everyday office life is often as conducive to what an icy winter floor is to a runner.

Friederike Fabritius is a neuroscientist and author who has trained executives at Google, SAP, and BMW on brain-friendly working practices. "You should work with your brain, not against it," she says. It sounds simple, but it's rarely done! "Employees could be five times more productive if they use insights from brain research," says Fabritius. She and other experts recommend the following strategies to combat blocking habits.