What is Happy at Work?
Happy at Work is all about well-being in the workplace for sustainable performance! Founded back in 2008 in Geneva by Annika Månsson, this initiative was sparked by a real need to find balance and happiness at work. Annika, inspired by her Scandinavian roots and 15 years of management experience at Danone, wanted to create something meaningful. Over the years, Happy at Work has grown into a coaching, training, and conference service that’s reached about twenty countries worldwide. Today, more than 10,000 people have taken part in their programs, guided by a dedicated team of five collaborators who work in multiple languages including French, English, Swedish, Russian, and Italian.
Main Benefits and Key Facts
Why does Happy at Work matter? Because it’s changing how people experience their work lives. Here are some key figures and facts that highlight its impact:
- Founded in Geneva in 2008 by Annika Månsson
- Over 13 years of coaching, training, and conferences
- Programs delivered in about 20 countries worldwide
- More than 10,000 participants have benefited
- Team works in five languages: French, English, Swedish, Russian, and Italian
The Core Values Behind the Movement
At the heart of Happy at Work are values that really resonate. It’s not just about business—it’s about people. Respect for each individual is key, along with a strong sense of commitment, both individually and collectively. Ethics guide every action, and daily cooperation keeps the team moving forward. Authenticity shines through in every person involved, agility helps the team adapt and grow, and kindness is a constant companion. These values create a foundation that supports genuine happiness and well-being at work.
The Vision Driving Change
Imagine a world where happiness at work isn’t the exception but the rule. That’s the vision Happy at Work is pushing for. Because let’s face it, we spend about a third of our lives at work—so why not make it a place where people can truly thrive? The vision is simple yet powerful: everyone deserves to feel fulfilled and positive in their work environment. It’s about shifting the culture, one workplace at a time.
The Mission: Making Happiness the Norm
Happy at Work’s mission is clear and bold. There’s no “good” reason for anyone to be unhappy at work, and this mission is all about changing that mindset. The goal is to make happiness at work more common than rare. How? By coaching, training, and inspiring individuals, teams, and leaders to find greater fulfillment, engagement, and sustainable performance. It’s also about supporting organizations through positive transformation with concrete, actionable solutions. And importantly, it’s a shared responsibility—management, leadership, and employees all play a part in cultivating happiness every day.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – promoting mental and emotional health at work
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – fostering positive, productive workplaces
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – respecting each individual and promoting fairness
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – encouraging ethics and cooperation
Why It Matters Today
In today’s fast-paced world, the pressure at work can be overwhelming. Happy at Work reminds us that it doesn’t have to be that way. By focusing on well-being, respect, and authentic connections, it offers a refreshing approach to work life. It’s about creating environments where people feel valued and motivated, which leads to better performance and lasting success. So, if happiness at work sounds like a dream, Happy at Work is proving it can be a reality.
