Dr. Gleb Tsipursky – The Office Whisperer
Nirit Cohen – WorkFutures
Angela Howard – Culture Expert
Drew Jones – Design & Innovation
Jonathan Price – CRE & Flex Expert
Happiness is often overlooked in the context of work, but it can be a transformative factor in business performance.
Forward-thinking leaders recognize it as a powerful driver of productivity, innovation, and long-term success. The evidence speaks for itself: happy employees perform better (13%), leading to increased margins and lower turnover rates.
Workplace happiness is a strategic advantage that directly influences performance, return on investment (ROI), and long-term sustainability. Employers who prioritize core elements of happiness, such as meaningful work, trust, and a sense of belonging, enjoy benefits beyond financial outcomes. These include increased engagement, improved collaboration, higher retention, greater job satisfaction, and a stronger corporate reputation.
Happiness is the foundation for building resilient, high-performing teams ready to lead in the future.
Workplace Happiness Drives Stronger Performance
Research consistently shows that when employees are happier, they are more efficient, loyal, and collaborative. Studies also prove that happiness is a measurable driver of performance. For instance, a six-month study by the University of Oxford found that happy workers are 13% more productive than their discontented colleagues. Happy workers not only complete tasks faster, but they do so with more enthusiasm, creativity, and innovation.
The 2025 World Happiness Report highlights a clear connection between a supportive, fulfilling work environment and higher levels of employee engagement, productivity, and overall wellbeing. In contrast, organizations that lack these elements often face lower performance metrics and increased turnover—reinforcing the importance of cultivating a positive organizational culture to drive both employee satisfaction and business success.
When wellbeing is prioritized, companies see tangible benefits. A study by the Boston Consulting Group found that employees who are happy at work are nearly 50% less likely to consider leaving. This reduction in turnover not only lowers hiring costs but also preserves institutional knowledge and team cohesion—assets that take years to build. In today’s competitive market, retaining top talent is just as vital as attracting it.
Happiness, Human Connection, and the Future of Work
The 2025 World Happiness Report reveals another significant insight: the future of work will be based not only on efficiency but also on human connection, care, and a shared sense of purpose.
A key finding linked to this theme of human connection is the impact of shared meals. People who regularly dine with others report higher life satisfaction (underscoring the importance of social connection). This simple act also nurtures a sense of belonging, and encouraging in-person interaction at work—through team lunches or communal areas—can significantly boost collaboration between colleagues. Work environments that support interaction, from informal gathering spots to thoughtfully designed shared spaces, can enhance focus, emotional wellbeing, and overall workplace morale.
Furthermore, the structure of the workday can impact employee happiness. Effectively implemented hybrid models provide employees with more autonomy and promote a healthier work-life balance, ultimately improving wellbeing, job satisfaction, and performance.
Workplace design also influences how people feel about their work. Ryan Anderson, VP of Global Research at MillerKnoll, told Allwork.Space that designing spaces focused on social connection and comfort—rather than solely on efficiency—can enhance happiness and overall wellbeing, which subsequently pays off in terms of how people perform within the organization.
Finally, a supportive workplace culture has a lasting impact. Employees become more resilient and motivated when purpose and positive values (such as kindness, respect, and recognition) are integral to daily work-life. In a recent Allwork.Space podcast, Josh Allan Dykstra, Founder & CEO of The Work Revolution, stated that when companies invest in human energy, they create sustainable teams that trust each other, perform better, and grow with the business.
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Why the Happiest Countries are also the Most Productive
Global data reveals a fascinating fact: 16 of the top 20 most productive countries also rank among the happiest, suggesting a strong connection between national happiness and economic output.
A key similarity among these high-ranking nations is their commitment to work-life balance. Finland and Denmark, for instance, offer generous vacation time and flexible schedules that enable citizens to recharge and return to work with renewed energy and focus. This approach sustains productivity without compromising individual wellbeing.
Robust social support systems also play a vital role. Accessible healthcare, education, and childcare reduce stress and help people stay focused and engaged.
Trust is another common factor. In high-performing nations, employees often enjoy autonomy and mutual respect. This sense of ownership over work fuels engagement and motivation, which are two ingredients for enhanced productivity.
And the relationship works in both directions; happier people are more productive, and feeling productive boosts happiness. Prioritizing wellbeing at both the organizational and national levels is essential for sustaining the symbiotic relationship between happiness and productivity enjoyed by some of the world’s top-performing nations.
The Takeaway
As we look toward the future of work, the emphasis should not simply be on leveraging advancing technology but also on prioritizing workforce wellbeing. Creating environments where happiness and performance are interconnected does not mean lowering expectations; it involves providing the necessary support for individuals to meet and exceed those expectations.
When employees feel valued and supported, they are more likely to engage fully in their roles, leading to higher retention, improved collaboration, and sustained growth. Prioritizing happiness is a practical, human-centered strategy for securing long-term success, rather than just an idealistic goal.
