From September 22nd to 26th, organisations across the globe will once again celebrate International Happiness at Work Week. It’s a reminder that happiness at work isn’t just a nice-to-have but rather it’s a vital part of our wellbeing, productivity, and overall quality of life.
Here’s the thing: happiness doesn’t always come from big organisational changes or sweeping cultural shifts. Often, it’s the small, intentional actions we take each day that make the biggest difference.
Why Happiness at Work Matters
Happiness at work is more than enjoying your role — it’s about how your daily experience shapes your mindset, energy, and relationships. Research shows that when we’re happy at work, we’re more resilient, creative, and motivated. We collaborate better, handle stress more effectively, and are less likely to burn out.
But perhaps most importantly, happiness at work carries over into life beyond the office. It affects how we show up for our friends, families, and communities.
Simple Ways to Boost Happiness at Work
This Happiness at Work Week, we’re inviting you to focus on small, practical shifts that can make your workday feel lighter, more fulfilling, and more human. Here are five ideas to get you started:
Celebrate Small Wins Don’t wait for major milestones to acknowledge success. Pause to recognise even the small achievements, such as finishing a task, solving a problem, or supporting a colleague. Recognition fuels motivation.
Move Your Body Even a short walk between meetings can lift your energy and clear your mind. Physical movement supports both your wellbeing and your productivity.
Create Micro-Moments of Joy Whether it’s a chat with a colleague, a coffee break, or listening to a favourite song, weave small moments of joy into your day.
Practice Gratitude Take a minute at the end of each day to reflect on one thing you’re grateful for at work. It could be support from a colleague, a project you’re excited about, or simply making it through a tough day.
Connect with Others Strong workplace relationships are one of the biggest predictors of happiness at work. Reach out, offer support, and make time for genuine connection.
Rethinking Success
Happiness at work is also about redefining what success looks like. It’s easy to equate success solely with promotions, deadlines, or financial targets, but real fulfilment often comes from meaning, growth, and balance. When we feel aligned with our values, supported by our colleagues, and recognised for our contributions, we experience a deeper, more sustainable sense of success.
For organisations, this means moving beyond short-term metrics and instead creating cultures that prioritise wellbeing alongside performance. For individuals, it means giving ourselves permission to celebrate progress, embrace learning curves, and take pride in the everyday moments that make our work meaningful.
The Bigger Picture
Workplaces thrive when people do. By choosing to prioritise happiness (both individually and collectively) we create environments where wellbeing and performance go hand in hand.
So this Happiness at Work Week, challenge yourself to make just one small shift. It might be a pause for gratitude, a walk outside, or a kind word to a colleague. Little by little, these choices build a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling work life.
