happy Blogs

Giving Your Employees Freedom is the Key to Success, Says Isaac Getz

"In every aspect of our lives — in politics, in economics, in entertainment, and in family life — we demand the freedom to decide matters for ourselves. And yet when it comes to our work lives, far too many people are stifled, constrained, hemmed in, and tied down by bureaucracy and rules that have nothing to do with allowing them to do the best they can in their jobs. These constraints leave people feeling out of control of their work lives, which, in turn, leads to stress, fatigue, and disengagement from work."

How You Can Create a Culture of Trust in Your Workplace by Using Pre-Approval

Find out from Henry Stewart how you can create a workplace culture based on trust by using Pre-Approval. In this 30-minute video, recorded from his live session on 10th April, Henry gives examples from Happy and from Netflix about how Pre-Approval has been used in practice. He also hears from people attending and how Pre-Approval could work in their organisation, and what the barriers are to using it.

How Michelle Hill Has Maintained TLC's Culture Whilst Growing

"We're a relationship charity, and we want to invest as much time in our team and their relationships at work as we do with our clients," says Michelle Hill, CEO of TLC: Talk, Listen, Change. "We want them to have a workplace where they feel valued and where they want to do their best work. I think the more we invest in wellbeing and the team being happier, the better the results are."

Our Next Level 7 Programme for Senior Leaders Starts in September

I once asked a panel of Deans of MBA programmes why they focused so much on strategy and finance and not so much on people. The response from Roger Martin, then Dean of the Rotman School of Management, was "we do the easy stuff." Our Level 7 Senior Leadership Apprenticeship programme, the equivalent of a post-graduate degree or MBA, is different. It is focused on people and how you create trust-based organisations where people can truly fulfil their potential.

Discover Which of Happy's Leadership Courses is Right For You

We have workshops to suit all management levels and experience - but it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Here is our guide to some of our leadership programmes, and when they are next running as public dates (open to all), wherever you are on your leadership journey.

6 Years With No Decisions at Happy

It is now 6 years since I stopped, as a Founder, making decisions at Happy. And, no, I haven’t passed it onto anybody else. Decisions are made by those responsible or, if across the whole company, by everybody. Read more about the thinking behind his decision in this blog by Happy's Chief Happiness Officer, Henry Stewart.

How to Identify and Engage Stakeholders With Happy's Workshop

Learn about Happy's Stakeholder Engagement workshop and the topics you will cover on it in this quick three-minute video by Rachael.

Why Stakeholders Matter When You’re Trying to Make a Change

When making a change it is always important to consider how it will impact others. There are those impacted that may be able to directly influence, help or hinder you along the way in making these changes - the stakeholders. In this blog Rachael talks about the need to communicate and engage with these potential stakeholders to help ensure the changes you are making can take place smoothly and productively.

New Workshop: LEGO Serious Play has Arrived at Happy

At Happy, we are always looking for new ways to create more impact and value for our amazing clients. We are therefore really excited to now offer LEGO Serious Play as part of our facilitated experiences.

How The Public Sector Gives its People Trust

I have asked thousands of people when they work at their best. For over 90% of them it has been when they have been given the trust and freedom to make their own decisions. I have also asked whether they like “complete freedom” or “freedom within guidelines”. While there are a few anarchists who like complete freedom (especially entrepreneurs) most people – again roughly 90% - choose freedom within guidelines.