Hello and good morning, afternoon, and evening wherever you are...
On September 21st, 2026, the next International Week of Happiness at Work begins. While that may feel comfortably distant, the most meaningful initiatives tend to take shape gradually, through reflection, dialogue, and shared curiosity.
This week exists as a global invitation to focus on what supports people in doing good work together. Not through one single definition of happiness, but through many local interpretations shaped by context, culture, and everyday reality.
What we are noticing
Across recent years, participation in the International Week of Happiness at Work has taken many forms. Some organisations host conversations or learning sessions. Others try small, practical experiments. Many simply create space to listen more carefully.
What connects these approaches is a shared attention to experience at work, how people feel, how they connect, and how work supports energy rather than draining it.
Research continues to reinforce this focus. Studies consistently show that when people experience higher well-being at work, productivity, collaboration, and creativity tend to rise as well. Happiness at work is often less about adding something new, and more about strengthening what already exists.
A few useful reminders:
Research from Oxford University suggests that people who feel happier at work can be around 13 percent more productive.
Well-being is closely linked to trust, clarity, and appreciation in daily working relationships.
Small, consistent behaviours often shape experience more than large-scale initiatives.
A simple reflection
Many leaders and teams discover that happiness at work is deeply connected to how people experience being seen, heard, and valued. When those conditions are present, engagement and commitment tend to follow naturally.
This is not about perfection. It is about attention.
Looking ahead to 2026
As we move through the year, we will continue sharing reflections, research insights, and practical ideas to support organisations as they prepare for the International Week of Happiness at Work 2026. There is no fixed format to follow. Participation is shaped by intention rather than instruction.
An early invitation
If you or your organisation feel curious about being involved in 2026, this is a good moment to register interest.
We are also beginning early conversations around partnerships for the 2026 week. Partner organisations help shape the direction and reach of the initiative by contributing perspectives, hosting activities, supporting learning, or amplifying the conversation globally. Partnerships are built around shared intent and alignment, not predefined templates.
If you would like to:
Register early interest in participating
Explore partnership opportunities
Or stay connected as plans take shape
you are warmly invited to get in touch. Early conversations help ensure the week reflects a wide range of voices and experiences.
Hedinn (Héðinn) Sveinbjörnsson
Iceland´s Chief Happiness Officer
International Week of Happiness at Work
Official Website: internationalweekofhappinessatwork.com
Save the Dates: September 21st – 25th, 2026
AM Healthcare Group is a Bronze partner of IWoHaW