ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we argue that Character Strengths Psychology can and should be a reforming influence in giving a human face to the working environment. We present this argument in three phases. First, we give a state-of-the-art outline of the development of character strengths psychology, with an emphasis on recent studies suggesting that it is becoming more widespread in the workplace globally, and accruing measurable psychological benefit to employees. Second, we cast a critical eye over these developments, particularly the concern that strengths-based approaches collude with the concern of employers to keep employees satisfied, but fail to address the noxious demands that lead to workplace dissatisfaction in the first place. Third, we respond to this critique with particular attention to the explosive development of research on the strength of humility in leadership over the last several years. We suggest that character strengths psychology has not only the capacity to be reflective and self-critical, but can also act as a powerful critique of dehumanising work environments.
