Usually, when we create communications in Western societies, we’re used to telling a story. When you get an email, for example, it usually follows a narrative format. Evidence from behavioural insights actually shows us that this format, while highly familiar, very rarely shifts behaviour.
Continue reading “How to Communicate Effectively for Behavioural Change”
Research shows many people have trouble noticing rubbish, even when it is prominent. Convenience of public bins, as well as reminding people about social norms, public funding , and novelty of design decreases littering.
Continue reading “Behavioural Science of a Smart Bin”
Below is an example of how social norms can encourage a change toward a desired behaviour. A sign at Martin Place station, in Sydney, reminds people: ‘Some reasons for needing a seat are harder to spot than others.’ This is known as behavioural insights – the use of behavioural and social sciences like psychology, economics, anthropology and sociology for social policy and services.
Continue reading “Using social norms on public transport”
Reducing reoffending is a state priority in New South Wales. New sentencing reforms will increase referrals to behaviour change programs or other support services for people who are at high-risk of reoffending. Yet non-mandatory programs can often have low participation rates, particularly when programs are new.
Continue reading “How to improve justice programs”
Flood-related fatalities have been an ongoing problem in Australia since the early 1900s. This post reflects how our team worked through this behavioural issue, and brainstormed problems, during a recent masterclass we ran with NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES).
Continue reading “Emergency decision-making”
First day of the Behavioural Exchange conference! My favourite session was on using behavioural science to improve educational outcomes of disadvantaged youth.
Continue reading “Using behavioural science to improve education”
Our team went to an external event to socialise with colleagues from a company who are frequent collaborators. Most people had not yet met one another. We were put into groups with a mix of four people from the two organisations. This is the first time I’ve seen an ice breaker turned into a competition. It led to mixed results.
Continue reading “Gaming the ice breaker”
Our new research shows apprentices who cancel their employment contracts do so because they often feel they are subjected to tough working conditions for little pay (undertaking menial, repetitive tasks and long hours), receiving little guidance about their progress on the job. How can behavioural science help?
Continue reading “Education and training”
When you go to a work meeting in Bankstown and score a wonderful sociology of trolleys shot…
Continue reading “A Job Well Done”
Social Science Insights 