Happiness Camp announces the creation of its Executive Council

Happiness Camp announces the creation of its Executive Council

Happiness Camp is stepping into a new era. The movement is growing. It is becoming louder, more intentional, and more globally connected than ever.

Today, we are proud to announce the creation of the Happiness Camp Executive Council. This new group brings together global leaders and industry shapers who will support the long term vision of Happiness Camp and help strengthen its international impact.

These are not people who follow trends.

These are people who shape the future.

A global leadership body

The Executive Council brings together senior leaders from different regions of the world. The group includes executives from major organisations, researchers, academics, wellbeing specialists, and innovators who work to transform how companies lead, communicate, and care for their people.

The purpose of this Council is simple: Elevate the movement. Expand our impact. Strengthen the global conversation on Human Sustainability.

This is where bold ideas and global expertise come together.

Led by Jen Fisher

The Executive Council will be guided by Jen Fisher, our Director of Impact and Community.

Jen Fisher is widely recognised as one of the leading voices in workplace wellbeing. She is the author of Hope Is the Strategy, a strategic advisor, and the former Chief Wellbeing Officer at Deloitte in the United States. She is also the CEO of The Wellbeing Team and the host of the WorkWell podcast.

In her new role, she will:

• Lead the global impact strategy of Happiness Camp

• Strengthen the international community

• Develop international partnerships

• Oversee the Ambassador Programme and the Happiness Camp Awards

    “Workplace wellbeing is no longer a nice to have. It is a key driver of organisational success and human prosperity,” says Jen Fisher.

    “Happiness Camp has become a meeting point for the most innovative minds in this space. I am committed to helping expand its reach through strategic partnerships and meaningful community engagement.”

    A new chapter for Happiness Camp

    Happiness Camp returns on 24 September 2026 with the theme The Reset. The event will bring together 20,000 participants from Europe, the United States, United Kingdom, Brazil, and many other regions.

    Leaders, HR professionals, researchers, creators, and culture specialists will gather in Porto to explore new ideas, share case studies, and discuss people centred approaches to the future of work.

    “Jen’s appointment marks an important moment for Happiness Camp,” says António Pedro Pinto, CEO and Co Founder.

    “Her strategic vision and global network will help elevate the scale and influence of the event.”

    More news coming soon

    The members of the Executive Council will be revealed soon.

    And we can say with confidence that you will want to see who is joining.

    This is a significant moment for Happiness Camp.

    And it is only the beginning.

    Jen Fisher appointed Director of Impact & Community at Happiness Camp 2026

    Global expert in workplace wellbeing to lead the international impact strategy and ambassador programme of Europe’s largest Human Sustainability conference

    Happiness Camp, Europe’s leading conference dedicated to human sustainability and the future of work, officially announces its return in 2026 and introduces its new Director of Impact & Community: Jen Fisher.

    Internationally recognised as one of the foremost experts in workplace wellbeing, Jen Fisher is a strategic advisor and author of Hope Is the Strategy. In her new role, she will lead Happiness Camp’s global impact strategy, strengthen the event’s international community, and oversee the creation of transformative initiatives such as the Ambassador Programme and the Happiness Camp Awards — distinctions that will celebrate organisations redefining how they care for their people’s wellbeing.

    “I’m truly excited to be joining Happiness Camp in this role,” says Jen Fisher. “Workplace wellbeing is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s a critical driver of organisational success and human prosperity. Happiness Camp is now the meeting point for the most innovative minds and visionary companies in this space, and I’m committed to amplifying its impact through strategic partnerships and meaningful community engagement.”

    The 2026 edition marks a new chapter in the event’s history. Under the theme “The Reset”, Happiness Camp will bring together between 15,000 and 20,000 professionals from Europe, the United States, Brazil, and beyond on 24 September 2026, in Porto.

    For one day, business leaders, HR professionals, culture experts, academics, entrepreneurs, and creators will come together to share ideas, present case studies, and explore new people-centred approaches to the future of work.

    “Jen’s appointment represents a defining step in the evolution of Happiness Camp,” says António Pedro Pinto, CEO & Co-Founder of Happiness Camp. “Her expertise and strategic vision, combined with a global network of thought leaders, will elevate both the scale and impact of the event — positioning Portugal as one of the world’s leading stages for the discussion of the future of work and human sustainability.”

    Before taking on this role, Jen Fisher served as Deloitte’s first Chief Wellbeing Officer in the United States. She is currently the CEO of The Wellbeing Team, host of the acclaimed WorkWell Podcast, and works with organisations around the world to design wellbeing strategies that unite business performance with human flourishing.

    Unlocking Workplace Happiness: The Power of Real-time Measurement

    My experience at Heartcount has given me a deep appreciation for the profound significance of workplace happiness. Heartcount’s impact extended beyond our organization, catching the attention of Lionesa Hub and securing us an invitation to last year’s amazing Happiness camp. Imagine this: I stood at the forefront in Porto, engaging with like-minded individuals and exchanging insights on measuring workplace joy. It was a blast! But here’s the pivotal question: Can we truly measure it?

    Believe it or not, we can!

    Workplace happiness encompasses a spectrum of facets, including job satisfaction, work-life balance, employee engagement, a sense of purpose, relationships with management and colleagues, and more. However, the subjective nature of happiness presents a challenge. What brings joy to one employee might cause stress to another. Furthermore, employees may only sometimes express their genuine feelings due to concerns about consequences or a desire to present themselves positively. Thus, we must exercise caution when interpreting their feedback.

    The key to obtaining authentic responses lies in collecting real-time data. This approach enables HR teams and company leadership to gain a comprehensive overview of individual and collective sentiment on a monthly or quarterly basis. Why does an organization’s focus on employee contentment matter? It ensures a lower turnover rate, higher retention, reduced burnout, and overall happier individuals!

    A precise method of measurement involves gathering employee feedback through an automated tool. Its algorithm provides instant updates across several crucial areas, predicting and reflecting emotional exhaustion, motivation, engagement, and happiness. Moreover, it highlights individuals warranting attention, identifies areas of challenge, and pinpoints strengths and weaknesses within the organization. Real-time reports empower HR teams and management to optimize their efforts efficiently, resulting in timely decisions and elevated company success.
    If you’re interested in delving into success stories from companies centered around their people, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I would love to share these stories with you.

    / by Milica Jovic, Heartcount

    Happiness Camp Awards: Where Innovation Meets Joy

    In the vibrant backdrop of Europe’s largest corporate happiness conference, the Happiness Camp Awards unfolded, a ceremony that celebrated remarkable enterprises and personalities who have championed the cause of corporate happiness. Let us delve deeper into this grand celebration of joy and innovation.

    The Ceremony

    Under the vibrant leadership of Madalena Carey, Director at Happiness Business School, the ceremony was a grand affair, a testament to the spirit of joy and innovation in the corporate world. The jury panel, a blend of expertise and experience, played a pivotal role in steering the event to success. The panel comprised:

    • Ricardo Costa, CEO at Grupo Bernardo da Costa, bringing a rich corporate perspective to the panel.

    • Inês Vaz Pereira, Senior Partner People Advisory Services at EY, lending her expertise in people advisory.

    • Dora Martins, Head of the Masters in HR & Development at ISCAP, offering a deep understanding of HR dynamics.

    The Awards: A Closer Look at the Criteria

    The awards were grounded on key criteria, focusing on holistic commitments to fostering happy work environments, inclusivity, and sustainable practices. The jury sought projects demonstrating tangible improvements in employee engagement, productivity, and overall satisfaction.

    The Finalists: A Beacon of Joy and Innovation

    Let’s shine a spotlight on the finalists who have showcased remarkable efforts in their respective fields:

    Happiness Ambassadors

    • Frans Klassen, CC Manager Operational Excellence at SHELL INTERNATIONAL, initiated a special program to uplift refugees in the Netherlands, focusing on job security, a core pillar of happiness. His approach to nurturing talent through upskilling and promoting work-life balance stood out prominently.

    • Ana Baldaia, Co-founder of Happysoul, has been a force of positivity, promoting a harmonious balance between professional and personal life, and fostering a culture of care and joy in the corporate landscape.

    Happiness Innovators

    • Critical TechWorks, a venture between BMW Group and Critical Group, has been a frontrunner in promoting happiness at work through various initiatives such as Happy Hours, Happiness at Work Week, and a unique Volunteering Program, emphasizing personal development and social responsibility.

    • Retail Consult, a technology solution leader in the retail industry, introduced the Wellness@Work Project, addressing major happiness pillars including emotional, physical, social, and financial well-being through a series of programs and initiatives.

    • Klöckner Pentaplast (KP), a global leader in packaging, introduced signature initiatives like the Happiness Workshop and Career Ownership Program, fostering a culture of growth, fulfillment, and togetherness.

    The Champions of Happiness

    After a meticulous evaluation based on the stringent criteria, the champions emerged:

    Happiness Ambassador: 

    Frans Klassen, for his empathetic and innovative approach to fostering happiness through job security and personal growth.

    Happiness Innovator: 

    Critical TechWorks, for their holistic approach to promoting happiness at work, emphasizing personal growth and social responsibility.

    Conclusion

    As we wrap up this joyous recount, we extend our heartiest congratulations to Frans Klassen and Critical TechWorks, the deserving winners, and applaud the incredible efforts of all the finalists.

    Through the Happiness Camp Awards, we have witnessed the harmonious blend of innovation and joy, setting a benchmark for corporate happiness. Here’s to the champions who have shown that the path to success is paved with happiness and well-being.