Tag Archive for: happy

Can happiness be skill-based?

Happiness is at the core of human existence.
Pursuing happiness considerably shapes our lives: our decisions, relationships, and even careers.

What do you need to be happy?
This is an apparently easy and simple to tackle question. Or is it?

A core aspect of happiness is the perception of control over our circumstances.
We may not have complete control over what happens to us, but we do in how we respond. So, a core feature of happiness is the skills we develop that enable us to respond adequately to life events.

Do you want to be happy?
Before you buy your next “Top 10 Tips for Happiness book”, consider investing in your PACE profile skills:
 Problem-solving: adds resourcefulness, making you feel competent and capable in managing challenges
 Adaptability: adds flexibility and resilience, resulting in greater emotional robustness
 Creativity: gives you a sense of agency and freedom over your life
 Empathy: enhances your self-knowledge and your connection to others

PACE profile skills will strengthen your resilience, purpose, and mindset, providing a strong foundation for happiness (and success). At Next Level Corporate, we do this by developing insightful and engaging training programs for teams and corporations, enhancing their development.

Remember: invest in your skills because happiness is not given; it is nurtured.
A happy ship, just like a happy life, requires a robust structure, a clear vision, and a cohesive crew to navigate the winds, waves, and currents.

Celso Costa
Founder and CEO of Next Level Corporate

The Role of Great Leaders in Organizational Success

In all organizations, the role of the leader is fundamental to the success of the team and the overall performance of the company. Great leaders possess unique qualities and characteristics that set them apart, allowing them to inspire and guide their teams to achieve extraordinary results. By understanding these qualities, aspiring leaders can learn to become exceptional leaders and create excellent workplaces and successful companies.

7 unique qualities and characteristics from Great leaders

  1. Empowerment and Trust
  2. Effective Communication
  3. Clear Goals and Expectations
  4. Opportunities for Growth
  5. Promoting a Positive Work Culture
  6. Encouraging Innovation and Risk-Taking
  7. Proactively Addressing Conflicts and Challenges

In conclusion, great leaders possess a unique blend of emotional intelligence, communication skills, action-oriented capabilities, and a growth mindset. Becoming a great leader is a journey that requires continuous learning and self-improvement. By understanding the characteristics and practices that distinguish good leaders, individuals can pave the way for successful leadership and make a lasting impact on their teams and organizations. So, start your journey to becoming an exceptional leader today! Listen to your people and assess where you are on your path to becoming a “Great Leader”.

Sandra Coelho
Product Specialist

Happiness is Entering the Working World

The gathering of more than 6,000 people at the Alfândega do Porto for another edition of the Happiness Camp is just the prelude to observing this transformation in the world of work, which is gaining more relevance every day.

Since millions of people around the globe and across all business sectors discovered remote work, companies have been striving to maintain their appeal. It’s not just about salary or emotional compensation; the goal is to genuinely create a culture of well-being and happiness that makes people want to be part of the team. Because employees are people, and people need and deserve to be happy, these are very welcome paradigm shifts.

Sports continue to be one of the most effective active Human Resources policies created for the well-being and inclusion of teams. In this particular aspect, Urban Sports Club’s offering is unparalleled, as it allows everyone to enjoy this benefit in a way that suits them, according to their preferences, wherever it is most convenient. Whether it’s yoga near their children’s school, padel close to the office, or a gym even when traveling for work, everyone finds what they’re looking for with a single company subscription.

However, some are transforming the way companies discover this “market of happiness, and that is the mission of Happiness Camp, with which we are immensely proud to be associated.

Employee benefits for mental health: Support your employees and improve productivity

Mental health heavily impacts overall well-being and workplace productivity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression and anxiety cost the global economy an estimated $1 trillion per year in lost productivity.

When employees face mental health challenges, it can lead to negative consequences for your business. For example, anxiety and stress can bring reduced concentration, increased absenteeism, and higher turnover.

That’s why proactively addressing mental health needs can generate substantial benefits for both your people and your organization. Employees with mental health support are more likely to stay focused, motivated, and happy. This translates to productive workforce and better performance for a business.

Preventive mental health care also helps avoid costly treatments and reduces overall healthcare expenses. That’s why at Remote, we offer Global Mental Health benefits in 83 countries in partnership with Oliva. Available to employers using our employer of record (EOR) services, this mental health benefit can increase your team’s happiness and productivity.

A supportive workplace culture that prioritizes mental health strengthens your company’s reputation, making it a more appealing place to work for top talent. If you want to start providing mental health benefits for your employees, chat with Remote today.

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Prioritizing mental health in the workplace is not just a compassionate choice, but a strategic one. You can build a happier and more productive team by proactively addressing mental health.

Ready to boost your team’s well-being and performance? Check out why mental health is so important, and how Remote offers mental health benefits to global employees.

Instant engagement with custom branded instax prints.

INSTAX Biz app is a powerful tool designed to build meaningful customer engagement while boosting brand awareness. Thus, make your business memorable by providing your audience with custom branded instax photos that they can keep and treasure.

Snap your customer’s photo, print it via an instax Link™ smartphone printer and offer a customized branded instax photo and a positive experience from your brand.

And…if you want to make a lasting impression on your customers, instax is the way to go. In a world that is increasingly fast-paced, tangible instant photos can leave a genuine positive impact that lasts long after the event, workshop, or festival is over.

With this user-friendly and simple app, what one need to do is upload a unique template to the app, and we are ready to go! We can even add a dynamic QR code or memorable date to improve customer experience.

Thus, instax photos and sport events are the perfect team, once every fan loves a memento featuring their club logo or even favourite player.

Instax Biz app is the perfect tool for wedding ceremonies, product launches, conferences and anniversary or birthday parties, by creating a dedicated template you can snap an image of your visitor or guest and hand over a custom branded instax print to take home and cherish. You can even add the date and venue to the template or include the QR code that links to a URL of your choice.

Sweat is not only your body’s way of cooling down, is the consequence of the one of the best strategies to improve performance in the job: Exercise!

The relationship between physical fitness and cognitive functions such as focus and creativity at work has been a subject of increasing interest. Various studies have explored how different forms of physical and mental exercises can enhance these cognitive abilities, thereby improving work productivity and creative output. These studies suggest that physical exercise can enhance workplace creativity, though the effects may vary based on exercise intensity, individual differences, and other environmental factors.

Exercise improves cognition by inducing long-term changes in the hippocampus: (increasing volume and rate of neural formation), is associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety because of the release of endorphins and endocannabinoids which can last for some time after exercising and promotes the oxygenation of the brain. Ey another thing: when you make pause and exercise you will return to the work with more awareness and focus, yes?

Here some pieces of the puzzle: 

  • Meditation significantly improves creative performance and emotional regulation compared to relaxation training; 1
  • Physical Exercise enhances creativity thinking independently of mood improvements; 2
  • Aerobic fitness improves cognitive functions, including attention and information processing, which can enhance task performance and creativity; 3
  • Attention-broadening training programs, particularly in team sports, significantly improve creative performance, especially in complex tasks; 4
  • Exercise self-control can increase creativity by improving promotion focus, which mediates the relationship between self-control and creative performance; 5
  • There is a significant relationship between concentration levels, physical fitness, and work productivity, indication that better concentration and fitness lead to higher productivity; 6
  • Designing workdays to alternate between cognitively challenging tasks and “mindless” work can help overworked professionals enhance their creativity.  7

So, now you just need to make the puzzle and its easy:

  • Choose a variety of physical activities: strength training, cardio, flexibility, mobility, mind and body, speed, team sports, individual sports, water sports, etc;
  • Start doing first the one’s that you love and make you smile more;
  • If you need help search a professional for the best prescription;
  • Consult your doctor to know if you can start good! 

Meditation, physical exercise, and attention-broadening activities improve creative and focus performance and others cognitive functions. Additionally, a supportive work environment and strategic workday design can further enhance creativity and reduce job stress, leading to improved job performance and productivity.

We are designed to move so, move to a happy world!

By: Marco Moutinho, Sports Director at Jerónimo Martins

1 https://behavioralandbrainfunctions.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1744-9081-10-9 

2 https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/31/3/240 

3 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cphy.c110063 

4 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10400410701397420 

5 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871187114000340?via%3Dihub 

6 https://www.jbiomedkes.org/index.php/jbk/article/view/272 

7 https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/10.1287/orsc.1060.0193 

From Stress to Success: Educating Companies for Happiness

From Stress to Success: Educating Companies for Happiness

In the hustle and bustle of modern corporate life, stress has become an ever-present companion for many employees. The demands of deadlines, targets, and the constant pressure to perform can create a toxic environment that not only affects individual well-being but also hampers organizational success. However, amidst this chaos, a paradigm shift is underway – one that emphasizes the importance of prioritizing happiness in the workplace. Educating companies on fostering happiness among their employees isn’t just a feel-good initiative; it’s a strategic imperative for sustained success.

Understanding the Problem

Stress in the workplace is a significant concern, with implications that ripple through every aspect of a business. From decreased productivity and increased absenteeism to high turnover rates and diminished employee engagement, the repercussions of unchecked stress are profound. Moreover, in today’s hyper-connected world, where burnout culture is prevalent, the issue has reached alarming levels: The American Institute of Stress (AIS) in their 2022 survey reported that 83% of workers suffer from work-related stress. Enough said as I believe we all know the consequences.

The Business Case for Happiness

Contrary to the traditional belief that success leads to happiness, research suggests the opposite: happiness fuels success. Happy employees are more productive, creative and resilient. They collaborate better, exhibit higher levels of loyalty and contribute positively to the overall work environment. Consequently, organizations that prioritize employee well-being tend to outperform their counterparts in terms of profitability and innovation.

Cultivating a Happy Workplace Culture

Most people view corporate happiness as the sole responsibility of a company, but in reality,it is a shared responsibility that involves everyone.

Creating a culture of happiness requires a concerted effort from leadership, HR departments, and employees alike. It begins with fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered and this can also be done from bottom-up. Flexible work arrangements, opportunities for personal and professional development, and initiatives promoting work-life balance are instrumental in nurturing employee happiness. Moreover, promoting open communication channels, providing constructive feedback, and recognizing achievements are vital components of a positive workplace culture. 

It is not what a company gives, it is how it makes people feel: When employees feel heard, appreciated and connected to the organization’s mission, they are more likely to experience job happiness and derive meaning from their work.

Educating Companies for Happiness

I firmly believe that Positive Education holds the transformative power to change the world. While companies may offer numerous perks, without addressing the fundamental shift in mindset, these benefits lose their impact.

To embark on the journey from stress to success, companies must prioritize education and training initiatives aimed at promoting happiness in the workplace. On one hand, it is crucial to understand the modern causes of individual unhappiness and learn how to address them effectively. This is because collective well-being reflects each person’s individual state. If one employee is struggling, it can negatively impact the entire team. Therefore, teaching Positive Psychology to employees is paramount so that change starts within. Additionally, workshops on mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and work-life balance can empower employees to take ownership of their well-being, enabling them to thrive in both their personal and professional lives.

On the other hand, raising awareness about the detrimental effects of stress, debunking myths about productivity and overwork, providing resources for stress management and resilience, alongside leadership training are essential steps. Speaking of Leadership, a not-so-fun fact is that 58% of managers said they never received any management training – this is reported by Harvard Business Review and I suspect that this number is much higher. Another study, conducted by Grovo, reveals that 98% of managers believe managers at their company need more training.

Leadership training programs are essential to equip managers with the skills to lead with empathy, foster psychological safety, and create a culture of trust and collaboration. As the world evolves, so do the needs and values of employees. As leaders, it’s imperative that we adapt and follow through accordingly if we aim to attract top talent.

Measuring Success

While the intangible nature of happiness may pose challenges in terms of measurement, it is essential for companies to adopt metrics that gauge employee satisfaction, engagement, and overall well-being. Regular, even weekly, employee surveys, comprehensive feedback mechanisms, and thorough exit interviews can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of happiness initiatives and pinpoint areas for improvement.

A common mistake I observe in companies is focusing solely on external metrics, overlooking the importance of measuring internal factors such as happiness, emotions, thoughts, and beliefs among employees. Furthermore, monitoring key performance indicators such as productivity, absenteeism rates, and turnover can help establish a correlation between employee happiness and organizational outcomes. 

However, effective tracking requires a strategic plan. The adage “fail to plan, plan to fail” holds true. Many businesses have comprehensive plans for marketing, finance, operations, and executive functions, yet they often lack a dedicated business plan for people. Without an organizational happiness strategy, tracking progress and achieving meaningful improvements becomes nearly impossible. By doing one, diagnosing the pain points, acting on them, and setting clear benchmarks and goals, companies can track progress, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions to continuously enhance the workplace experience.

In an era where the well-being of employees is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of organizational success, educating companies about happiness has never been more critical. Through proactive education, cultivation of a positive workplace culture, and strategic measurement of outcomes, companies can transform stress into an opportunity for growth, resilience, and sustained prosperity.

By prioritizing employee happiness, organizations can create a virtuous cycle where success breeds happiness, and happiness, in turn, fuels success.

By Madalena Carey,
Founder & CEO of Happiness Business School

Finding Comfort at Work: Mastering Ergonomics for Optimal Performance

Traditionally, ergonomics has been linked to studying posture, handling materials, and preventing musculoskeletal injuries. However, its scope is now known to be wider and holistic, including cognitive and organizational aspects as well.


Cognitive ergonomics looks into how mental effort, reasoning, and concentration affect employee performance, while organizational ergonomics explores broader factors like human resources management and company culture, with all of them directly impacting employee’s engagement.

Actually, employee engagement is crucial for organizational success. Research shows a strong link between engagement, productivity, and employee well-being. Investing in ergonomics doesn’t just improve physical comfort but also boosts engagement levels. This creates a positive cycle of productivity and satisfaction. Building a culture that values well-being, ergonomic design, work-life balance, and employee recognition can boost engagement and propel organizational success.

Taking Blip, a leading technology company in Porto, as an example, actions to promote cognitive and organizational dimensions hold structural importance throughout its operation. Besides rejecting a one-size-fits-all approach, the company encourages the development of internal communities, such as football, pilates, yoga, surfing, padel, enology, climbing or motorcycling, among many others. Through these diverse communities, not only does Blip facilitate more effective and differentiated onboarding for new employees, but it also enables them to integrate with groups sharing common interests and forging stronger bonds with their peers. While some of these communities focus more on the physical dimension, others are pretty focused on social gathering, but all of them are at the cornerstone of the cognitive dimension.

A good example of promoting a better workspace environment is to offer working areas designed to accommodate both collaborative and individual tasks. While some may prefer working amidst the chaos, others with a more introverted profile may prefer a more secluded space, so offering both appears to be a positive thing at Blip. Therefore, and because we’re all different, providing options is important because people look for different things and environments when at work. Initiatives like massage rooms, nap rooms, relaxation areas, gaming spaces, pet-friendly policies, or providing a team budget for teambuildings reflect Blip’s commitment to addressing the physical, cognitive, and organizational dimensions of ergonomics. These practices contribute to increased engagement and foster a happier and more balanced work environment.

In an era where remote work is increasingly prevalent, applying these principles becomes even more relevant as work environments extend beyond physical office spaces.

Wouldn’t everyone want to work for a company like that? Talent is the most valuable asset of modern companies, so we must create sustainable environments where everyone feel valued and happy.

In a nutshell, ergonomics embodies a comprehensive approach to workplace design that prioritises employee well-being and productivity. By addressing physical, cognitive, and organizational aspects, organizations can create environments that promote employee health, engagement, and overall job satisfaction and well-being. As we navigate the complexities of the modern workplace, a holistic approach to ergonomics emerges as a cornerstone of organizational success in fostering resilient and high-performing teams.


By Diogo Cruz, Workspace Cluster Lead of Flutter & Leadership Team member of Blip

Confidence 101: Building Unshakable Self-Esteem from Within

Welcome to the ultimate guide to boosting your confidence and cultivating unshakable self-esteem! In this delightful journey through the realms of science and humor, we’ll uncover the secrets to standing tall, striding confidently, and embracing your inner superstar. So buckle up, grab your favorite cup of optimism, and let’s embark on this enlightening journey together.

Now, picture this: You stand on the gate of a new opportunity, your heart filled with excitement and anticipation. But as you take that first step forward, a wave of doubt washes over you, threatening to pull you under. Sounds familiar? Fear not, for you are not alone. We’ve all felt the icy grip of self-doubt at some point in our journey.

But here’s the kicker – confidence isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something you build, brick by brick, like a metaphorical LEGO castle of awesomeness. And the best part? You already possess all the tools you need to construct it from within.

So, how do we go about this grand construction project, you ask? No worries, I have thought up a series of delightfully entertaining, scientifically proven activities to amplify your self-esteem and leave you feeling more fabulous than a unicorn in a tutu.

Activity #1: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Ah, the humble mirror – not just a tool for perfecting your selfie game, but also a powerful weapon in the battle against self-doubt. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to stand in front of a mirror and shower yourself with compliments. Go on, don’t be shy! Tell yourself how fabulous you look today, or how you absolutely nailed that presentation last week.

Activity #2: The Power of Positive Affirmations

Repeat after me: “I am a confident, capable individual who can tackle any challenge that comes my way.” Now say it like you mean it! Positive affirmations may sound cheesy, but trust me, they’re like little love notes to your subconscious mind. Stick them on your bathroom mirror, plaster them all over your workspace, heck, you can even shout them from the rooftops if you’re feeling particularly adventurous today.

Activity #3: Embrace Your Inner Child

Remember when you were a carefree kid, dancing in the rain and chasing after butterflies with reckless abandon? Well, it’s time to channel that fearless spirit once again! Take some time out of your busy schedule to indulge in activities that bring you joy – whether it’s finger painting, building sandcastles, or belting out your favorite ’90s power ballads in the shower. Embracing your inner child is a surefire way to reconnect with your true essence and boost your self-esteem in the process.

Activity #4: Celebrate Your Wins, Big and Small

In the fast-paced whirlwind of life, it’s easy to overlook our achievements and milestones, no matter how small they may seem. But here’s the thing – every win, no matter how insignificant it may appear, deserves to be celebrated like Christmas. So grab a pen and a piece of paper, and start writing down your victories – from getting up early today to landing that dream job you’ve been eyeing for years. By acknowledging and celebrating your wins, you’ll not only boost your self-esteem but also cultivate a sense of gratitude for the incredible journey called life.

Activity #5: The Roller Coaster of Life

Think about your life as a roller coaster ride. There are ups and downs, twists and turns, moments of exhilaration and moments of fear. But here’s the thing – even when you’re hurtling downhill at breakneck speed, you have the power to embrace the thrill, throw your hands in the air, and scream with joy. Life is all about embracing the ride, embracing the uncertainty, and knowing that with each loop-the-loop, you’re becoming stronger, wiser, and more resilient.

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.'” – Mary Anne Radmacher

And there you have it, folks – the beginner’s guide to building unshakable self-esteem from within. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is self-esteem. So be patient with yourself, embrace the journey, and above all, never underestimate the power of a good belly laugh. After all, as the saying goes, “laughter is the best medicine” – and what better cure for self-doubt than a hearty dose of humor?

Until next time, stay confident, stay fabulous, and above all, stay true to yourself. After all, you’re awesome, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

Yours,
Julia Halilovic
Founder and Coach @ The Happiness Coaching Lab

Unlocking Smiles: What is the Real Soul of a Company

As CEO of Grupo Bernardo da Costa I am proud to have established Portugal’s first Happiness Department within our company. To me happiness transcends mere smiles; it is a profound concept that each individual strives to achieve in their lifetime, including in the workplace.

It’s commonly acknowledged that joy stems from various sources like family, friends, and financial stability. Yet happiness in the workplace isn’t often included in this list. Considering that we spend a third of our lives working, why shouldn’t our jobs also be a source of pleasure and contentment? In our company, happiness means having the openness to be heard. It’s not about everything being perfect all the time, but having the space to communicate when things aren’t going well. Happiness is about communication, authenticity, and being true to oneself.

Sofia Manso, who leads our Happiness Department, plays a crucial role in listening to and being there for our people.

The concept of organisational happiness at Grupo Bernardo da Costa revolves around creating an environment where employees feel valued and heard.

We believe that when employees are genuinely satisfied, they not only excel in their roles but also contribute to a positive, nurturing workplace culture.

This approach has led to numerous benefits, including increased productivity, lower turnover rates, and a stronger sense of community within the company. By prioritising employee well-being, we are fostering a culture where both personal and professional growth are encouraged.

Our commitment to happiness is built on the understanding that people are at the core of any business. At Grupo Bernardo da Costa we strive to ensure that every team member can find meaning and joy in their work. This is not just about providing perks or superficial benefits; it’s about deeply integrating happiness into the fabric of our organisational structure. Our focus on authentic happiness helps us attract top talent who are not just looking for a job but a place where they can truly belong and thrive.

In conclusion, the soul of a company lies in how it treats its people and the values it upholds. At Grupo Bernardo da Costa we view the happiness of our employees as a vital component of our success. By establishing the Happiness Department we have taken a significant step towards redefining what it means to be happy at work.

This initiative is not only enhancing our company’s productivity but also setting a standard for others in the industry to follow, proving that happiness in the workplace is not just a possibility but a vital part of a successful business model.

by Ricardo Costa, CEO of Grupo Bernardo da Costa