We’re not handing out smiley-face stickers - we’re here to challenge the narrative. Because the cold, hard truth is this: in 2024, only 31% of U.S. employees were engaged at work, marking the lowest levels in a decade, and globally, engagement dipped to just 21% (Gallup).
Engaged workers aren’t just cheerleaders; they’re powerhouses:
14% higher productivity and 18% higher sales (Gallup)
23% higher profitability and 70% higher wellbeing (Gallup)
Up to 202% higher performance compared to low-engagement organisations (Happy Companies)
On the flip side: actively disengaged employees are 54% more likely to feel stressed at work than their engaged peers (Talkspirit).
Burnout, turnover, unproductive teams - these aren’t random problems. They’re predictable outcomes of a culture that ignores happiness at work. And fixing that isn’t optional. It’s the foundation for every other business goal you care about.
This October 6–10, the International Week of Happiness at Work comes roaring back - not to fluff, but to fuel real, measurable change. The torch isn’t just burning. It’s blazing.
The Week That Started a Movement
Honouring the Founders Who Lit the Spark
Before we look ahead, we look back - with gratitude. The International Week of Happiness at Work exists because two remarkable women had the courage to ask a simple question: What if happiness at work was the norm, not the exception? They built more than a week. They built a global invitation.
Carrying the Torch Forward
From Vision to Global Conversation
In May 2025, I took on the role of steward for this incredible initiative - determined not just to keep the tradition alive, but to push it further. My mission? To challenge old workplace norms, ignite honest conversations, and create real change. With your help, this won’t just stay a date in the diary.
Mark Your Calendars: October 6–10, 2025
Five Days. One Global Goal.
This year’s International Week of Happiness at Work is your chance to take action - whether you’re a leader, a team member, or an entire organisation. Plan something small. Plan something bold. Just don’t let the week pass without making work… work.
Let’s Turn Up the Heat
Your Workplace. Your Moment.
We’re not here to settle for posters in the break room. This is about sparking something lasting - the kind of shift that makes Monday mornings feel different. So start thinking: What will you do to make this week matter in your workplace?
Need inspiration? Here’s one that’s both smart and slightly ridiculous: a Hyderabad tech startup just appointed a golden retriever named Denver as their Chief Happiness Officer (Times of India). The move went viral - not just because Denver is adorable - but because it works. Pets at work have been shown to relieve stress, boost morale, increase productivity, spark more social interaction, and even improve work–life balance.
You don’t have to hire a golden retriever (though honestly, who wouldn’t want to?). But you can take a page from their playbook: do something unexpected. Sometimes the smallest, most unconventional choices can change the way people feel about coming to work - and that’s the real win.
We’re carrying the torch. Let’s make sure it burns brighter than ever.
Hedinn (Héðinn) Sveinbjörnsson
Iceland´s Chief Happiness Officer
International Week of Happiness at Work
Official Website: internationalweekofhappinessatwork.com
Save the Dates: October 6–10, 2025
P.S. If you believe happiness at work should be the norm, not the exception, share this newsletter with someone who needs to hear it. The more voices, the bigger the impact.