Ever feel that your team’s energy wanes even when everyone is hard at work? Many companies struggle with employee happiness—relying on guesswork and isolated projects instead of purposeful, structured initiatives.
Imagine an environment where every process fuels positivity—sparking innovation and elevating productivity. Picture a team thriving on flexibility, clear communication, and continuous growth, driving the organization forward with genuine joy.
A powerful framework inspired by a 2015 UCL study shows that by embracing 10 things to make people happy at work—and eliminating 10 common pitfalls—employers can create measurable happiness and success.
Ten Things to Make People Happy at Work
- Cycle to Work
↳ Benefit: Reduce commute stress and energize your day. - Take Walking Meetings
↳ Benefit: Replace static boardroom sessions with brisk walks that spark creativity. - Offer Flexible Working Hours
↳ Benefit: Empower employees to align work with their peak productivity. - Encourage Regular Breaks
↳ Benefit: Short, refreshing pauses prevent burnout and boost focus. - Provide Healthy Snack Options
↳ Benefit: Nutritious treats sustain energy and support well-being. - Create Quiet Focus Spaces
↳ Benefit: Dedicated zones minimize distractions and enhance concentration. - Celebrate Small Wins
↳ Benefit: Recognize daily achievements to build a momentum of success. - Introduce Mindfulness Sessions
↳ Benefit: Structured moments of calm reduce stress and sharpen clarity. - Foster Peer Collaboration
↳ Benefit: Informal coffee chats and quick huddles foster meaningful connections. - Invest in Professional Growth
↳ Benefit: Regular training and mentorship empower continuous learning and innovation.
Ten Things Employers Should Stop Doing
- Micromanaging
↳ Issue: Over-scrutiny stifles creativity and undermines autonomy. - Overloading with Meetings
↳ Issue: Excessive gatherings disrupt flow and drain energy. - Creating Unmanageable Workloads
↳ Issue: Unreasonable demands lead to high stress and burnout. - Ignoring Clear Communication
↳ Issue: Poor information flow causes frustration and confusion. - Disregarding Employee Flexibility
↳ Issue: Rigid schedules curb work–life balance and lower morale. - Punishing Failure Publicly
↳ Issue: Harsh criticism without support erodes trust and stifles innovation. - Neglecting Employee Well-Being
↳ Issue: Overlooking mental and physical health diminishes engagement. - Enforcing Outdated Processes
↳ Issue: Clinging to legacy methods restricts creativity and growth. - Isolating Teams
↳ Issue: Lack of collaboration silos ideas and stifles synergy. - Overlooking Recognition
↳ Issue: Failing to celebrate achievements demotivates and disengages staff.
I’ve seen firsthand how even small adjustments—like introducing walking meetings or flexible hours—spark dramatic improvements in engagement and creativity. These strategic changes empower teams to thrive, mirroring the transformation experienced by organizations that embraced this framework.
What’s one change you’re excited to implement this month? Reply to this email—I’d love to hear your success stories!
💼 For a deeper dive, download the original 2015 study here: 👇
