# Why Work Feels Better Together

An episode of [The Science of Happiness](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1340505607), 26 Mar 2026, 26 min.

Audio: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/tracking.swap.fm/track/sblTq32fyWAjsHzze2LG/mgln.ai/e/48/dovetail.prxu.org/192/64a47a9a-ca68-4eb2-b4f4-44c07c9b8a43/SoH_S12E04_Understory_SEG_A_mix_3.mp3

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: https://tinyurl.com/4cpm8m3a When It’s Hard to Connect, Try Being Curious: https://tinyurl.com/bde6wyu7 Why Compassion Requires Vulnerability: https://tinyurl.com/yxw4uhpf Related Happiness Breaks: A Self-Compassion Meditation For Burnout: https://tinyurl.com/485y3b4y 5 Minutes of Gratitude: https://tinyurl.com/r6pkw2xx Making Space For You: https://tinyurl.com/yk6nfnfv Message us or leave a comment on Instagram @scienceofhappinesspod. E-mail us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod. Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/ya9vuy4n

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