Designing for Happiness: Why It Matters for Leaders

I'm Jessica Lyonford, Happiness Coach and Consultant, committed to integrating happiness into business strategy and beyond. At Project More Happy, we believe in creating environments where happiness isn't just a goal but a fundamental strategy for success.

The Eight Pillars: A Foundation for Success

Grounded in Positive Psychology, the science of happiness encompasses resilience, fulfillment and well-being.

At Project More Happy, we approach happiness through The Eight Pillars: Confidence, Authenticity, Purpose, Compassion, Optimism, Gratitude, Curiosity and Feeling. These pillars guide us in cultivating environments that nurture personal growth and community well-being.

Boosting Productivity and Innovation

When businesses prioritize happiness, remarkable things happen. Research from the University of Warwick reveals that happy employees are up to 12% more productive. This increase in productivity stems from a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment found in workplaces that prioritize happiness.

But prioritizing happiness enhances educational outcomes as well. Studies show that happy students perform better academically, demonstrating increased creativity and resilience in their learning journeys.

Building Loyalty and Retention

Employee loyalty and retention are critical to organizational stability and growth. Gallup studies show that engaged employees are 87% less likely to leave their organizations, highlighting the significant impact of happiness on retention rates. By fostering environments where The Eight Pillars thrive, leaders can create workplaces that employees are proud to be part of and committed to growing with.

In addition to fostering employee loyalty, happiness plays a crucial role in community engagement. Research indicates that happy individuals are more likely to engage actively in community initiatives, contributing positively to social cohesion and collective well-being.

Conducting a Happiness Audit

In my consulting work, I always begin with a happiness audit to assess the current state of flourishing in any group or environment. This audit helps identify which pillars are already present in the culture and which may need nurturing. Understanding these dynamics allows us to design strategies that amplify strengths and foster a happier, more engaged workforce and community.

Why Happiness Matters Beyond Metrics

Understanding and implementing the science of happiness and human flourishing is about creating environments where people thrive.

Beyond productivity gains, happiness promotes mental health, reduces stress and enhances overall well-being. By prioritizing The Eight Pillars, organizations and communities create spaces where humans flourish, both individually and together.

Prioritizing Happiness and Human Flourishing

I invite you to prioritize happiness and human flourishing wherever you are. Subscribe to our newsletter to learn how to leverage the science of happiness and make it actionable in your life, workplace and community.

Let's design a world where happiness is a cornerstone of success and well-being.