Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) organizes Academic Support Staff Training on Performance Optimization on Friday, 7 November 2025, at the Soedarah Soepono Building Hall. The program is designed for FEB UNS Academic Support Staff, featuring Heri Susilo, a Happiness Motivator and author who actively provides education on personal development and productivity.

During his presentation, Heri delivers material titled “The Happiness Trap: Finding Peace Amid Pressure.” He explains that many individuals unconsciously fall into the expectation of being constantly happy, a condition that often intensifies dissatisfaction and anxiety. He emphasizes that genuine happiness does not arise from avoiding difficulties, but from the ability to find meaning in every stage of life.

Participants also learn the Late Happiness Model, which consists of four steps: Let it flow, Appreciate the process, Embrace meaning, and Transform pain. The model offers practical guidance for accepting emotions, appreciating work processes, and transforming challenges into personal strengths.

Aside from the main presentation, the training also includes interactive sessions such as the Feeling Game and leadership roleplay designed to strengthen communication, collaboration, and group dynamic sensitivity. Heri also introduces the concept of Expand Your State, described as the ability to broaden one’s internal capacity to better manage work-related pressures. Concluding the session, participants explore the Energy Investment concept, which comprises four elements: Resources, Attention, Effort, and Time. This energy management framework serves as an essential strategy for achieving optimal performance while maintaining mental balance in the workplace.

Participants demonstrate strong enthusiasm throughout the program. Many actively engage in discussions, share experiences regarding workplace pressures, and practice emotional management techniques introduced by the speaker. Additionally, the roleplay and Feeling Game sessions also generate high participation, reflected through group interactions, communication practice, and simulated work scenarios. Positive responses emerge as participants encounter practical concepts applicable to daily routines, including strategies for managing energy, strengthening positive mindsets, and addressing minor conflicts in the work environment.

The training provides Academic Support Staff not only with new knowledge but also with opportunities to build stronger working relationships and enhance well-being in fulfilling daily responsibilities. This initiative aligns with FEB UNS’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Through this program, FEB UNS continues to promote a healthy, productive, and sustainable work environment.