Why Work Feels Better Together

Why Work Feels Better Together

From The Science of Happiness by PRX and Greater Good Science Center

March 26, 2026 · 26 min

About this episode

This episode explores how collective work models can enhance feelings of being heard, valued, and invested in the workplace.

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: https://understoryoakland.com/ 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: https://www.niloukhonsari.com/thebook Related The Science of Happiness episodes: How to Talk to People You Disagree With…

People in this episode

Guests: NINO SERRANO, JENABI PAREJA, NILOUFAR KHONSARI

Topics covered

  • collective work
  • team dynamics
  • work culture
  • shared leadership
  • community building

Keywords

  • collective decision-making
  • worker-owned restaurant
  • nonprofit leadership
  • culture of care
  • team success

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Understory, Pangea Legal Services

Books & works: Future is Collective: Effective Workplace Strategies for Building a Culture of Care

Places: Oakland

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