Reflecting on the five years since the COVID-19 pandemic transformed our professional landscapes, it’s clearer than ever that workplace happiness is not just a luxury—it’s essential. Our mission has always been to enhance employee engagement and wellbeing, and the pandemic reinforced just how critical this is. A happy, motivated workforce isn’t just beneficial—it’s the foundation of organisational resilience and long-term success.

Drawing on my 40 years of business experience, including my tenure as Managing Director of Waitrose, this article will explore key HR strategies to elevate the employee experience in this new era, ensuring businesses thrive in an evolving world of work.

The Importance of positive employee experience

A positive employee experience, what I like to call employee happiness, is intrinsically linked to a company’s success. When employees feel valued and fulfilled, they are more engaged, motivated, and aligned with their organisation’s goals. This translates into greater creativity, sharper problem-solving skills, and stronger collaboration with colleagues.

Equally, a disengaged workforce can result in higher absenteeism, increased staff turnover, and reduced productivity, all of which can significantly impact a company’s performance. Prioritising employee happiness isn’t just a perk, it’s a strategic necessity for long-term success.

The Evolution of Work Post-COVID

The pandemic accelerated shifts in work dynamics, with remote and hybrid models becoming commonplace. This transition presented both opportunities and challenges. While many appreciated the flexibility and eliminated commutes, others grappled with feelings of isolation and blurred boundaries between work and personal life.

As organisations navigate this new terrain, the emphasis on cultivating workplace happiness has intensified.

My Six Steps to Workplace Happiness outlines the key areas that and employers need to focus on, to create positive employee experience;

• Reward and Recognition – Every member of an organisation should benefit from its success. A fair salary is essential—no amount of praise can compensate for underpayment. Your compensation structure should meet expectations and motivate employees to go above and beyond.
• Information Sharing – Withholding information can make employees feel undervalued and disconnected from the business. For a team to perform at its best, transparency is essential. Employees at all levels should have a clear understanding of the business, its strategy, performance, customers, and competitors.
• Empowerment – Empowering employees means involving them in decision-making, valuing their ideas, and integrating their feedback into the company's strategies. Everyone brings unique experiences and perspectives to the table, and only by considering all views can a team achieve the best possible outcome. While individuals may not be perfect, together, the team can be.
• Wellbeing – Employee wellbeing encompasses physical, emotional, and financial health. Addressing all three areas leads to improved engagement and productivity. A positive workplace culture can reduce absenteeism, as engaged employees tend to be healthier and more committed.
• Instilling Pride – Employees who take pride in their work and workplace naturally become advocates, sharing their positive experiences with colleagues, potential hires, customers, and the community. Their pride will be evident when they talk about where they work. Building this sense of pride goes beyond motivational talks or performance reviews—it's about cultivating an environment where employees truly enjoy and take pride in their roles.
• Job Satisfaction– A range of factors influence job satisfaction, but two stand out; opportunities for personal growth and the quality of the employee-manager relationship. Employees are an organisation’s greatest asset, and high engagement is essential for success. Research shows that respectful treatment and trust between employees and leadership are key drivers of satisfaction. Poor relationships with managers are often the top reason employees leave, regardless of the company's brand strength.

Five years post-COVID, the blueprint for a thriving workplace has evolved. Organisations that embrace flexibility, prioritise wellbeing, and create a culture of transparency and empowerment are better positioned to cultivate workplace happiness.

By consistently focusing on the six pillars of workplace happiness, organisations can navigate the complexities of the modern work environment, emerging stronger and more resilient in the face of future challenges.

Lord Mark Price is the founder of WorkL and WorkL for Business, and author of Happy Economics: Why The Happiest Workplaces Are The Most Successful (published by Kogan Page).