The Emotion Wheel: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Human Emotions

When it comes to describing our emotions, saying we feel 'joy' might not always be enough to capture the full spectrum of that emotion. What about when we're waiting for a check in the mail or are excited about the upcoming year? We may feel joy, but also anticipation. This is where the Emotion Wheel comes in - a tool developed by American psychologist Robert Plutchik in 1980.

The Emotion Wheel consists of eight primary emotions, each with its polar opposite. These emotions include disgust and trust, anticipation and surprise, joy and sadness, fear and relief, anger and guilt, surprise and anticipation, hope and despair, and finally, trust and disgust. This wheel is not just limited to these eight primary emotions; it also includes a range of secondary emotions that combine two adjoining emotions.

By understanding the emotions expressed by employees, HR professionals can make more informed decisions that support a positive and productive workplace culture. For instance, analyzing the emotions expressed by employees over time can help identify trends and patterns that may indicate areas where additional support or resources are needed.

One way to use the Emotion Wheel is to inform decision-making related to employee engagement, performance management, and conflict resolution. HR professionals can create a safe and supportive environment for employees to share their feelings, which can help build a more positive and productive workplace culture. Additionally, encouraging individuals to identify and describe their emotions more accurately can help de-escalate conflicts and facilitate more productive discussions.

The Emotion Wheel can also be used in employee engagement initiatives to encourage employees to express their emotions and communicate more effectively with their colleagues and managers. By developing a better understanding of how their emotions affect their work, employees may need additional support or resources to improve their performance and overall well-being.

Furthermore, the Emotion Wheel can be used in conflict resolution by helping employees develop a better understanding of how their emotions affect their work and identify areas where they may need additional support or resources. Finally, HR professionals can use the Emotion Wheel in performance reviews to help employees identify and discuss their emotions related to their work performance.

In conclusion, the Emotion Wheel is a powerful tool that can help HR professionals understand human emotions more comprehensively. By using this wheel, professionals can make more informed decisions, build a positive workplace culture, and support employee well-being. Whether it's used in decision-making, conflict resolution, or performance reviews, the Emotion Wheel is an invaluable resource for any organization looking to improve its employees' emotional intelligence.

Junto emotion wheel