Nudge theory proposes that people can be influenced to make better decisions through subtle cues or nudges rather than direct commands. It was popularized in a 2008 book by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein. Nudges guide simpler choices around health, wealth, and happiness through mindful or mindless cues that encourage or discourage certain behaviors. Nudge theory can also be applied in human resources to subtly influence employees' decisions through choice architecture rather than mandates.