International Week of Happiness at Work: 5 Simple Ideas to Make Your Workforce Smile

We spend nearly a third of our lives at work, that’s over 3,500 days. So, it’s no surprise that workplace happiness isn’t just a “nice to have”, it’s essential. 

But in 2025, happiness at work is under pressure. 

According to BHN Extras latest research, “Burnout Britain: The Cost of Always Being On”, nearly 48% of employees admit to checking or responding to work emails outside of working hours or while on holiday. Among CEOs, that number rises to 55%. The line between work and personal life is increasingly blurred, and it’s taking a toll. 

Social connection is also suffering: 50% of employees say they don’t socialise with colleagues outside of work, and when asked why, 46% prefer to spend their time on personal activities, while 22% cite financial reasons as a barrier. 

That’s why this year’s International Week of Happiness at Work, celebrated from October 6 to 10, is more important than ever. It’s a chance for organisations to pause, reflect, and take meaningful action to create a culture where people feel valued, connected, and supported. 

Inspired by the Happy at Work Manifesto, this global movement encourages companies to prioritise meaningful work, healthy relationships, personal growth, and fun. 

Here are five fresh ideas to help your team thrive during this year’s celebration, and beyond. 

1. Make recognition a daily habit 

Appreciation is still one of the most powerful drivers of happiness. But in 2025, it’s not just about the occasional “thank you”, it’s about building a culture of continuous recognition. 

• Launch a digital “Wall of Gratitude” where peers can celebrate each other’s wins. 

• Encourage managers to give real-time shoutouts during meetings or via internal comms. 

• Use micro-rewards or points-based systems to gamify appreciation. 

Employees who feel recognised are 4x more likely to be engaged at work. 

2. Support holistic wellbeing 

Wellbeing now goes beyond gym discounts. Today’s employees expect support for mental, emotional, and financial health. 

• Offer access to mental health platforms or therapy sessions. 

• Host “Wellbeing Wednesdays” with guided meditations, nutrition talks, or digital detox hours. 

• Provide financial wellbeing tools like budgeting apps or savings schemes. 

Companies that invest in wellbeing see 21% higher profitability, according to Gallup. 

And don’t overlook the impact of trivial benefits, those small, low-cost gestures that can go a long way in lifting spirits, especially during high-pressure weeks or intense delivery periods. Think surprise coffee runs, early-finish Fridays, snack boxes, or even a “no meetings” afternoon. These simple perks show empathy and attentiveness, and they help create a more human, supportive work culture. 

3. Create moments of connection 

In a hybrid world, connection doesn’t happen by accident. Use this week to bring people together, virtually or in person. 

• Organise a “Coffee Roulette” to randomly pair colleagues for informal chats. 

• Host a team quiz, virtual escape room, or themed dress-up day. 

• Encourage departments to share their own happiness rituals on your intranet or Slack. 

Strong social bonds at work are linked to higher job satisfaction and lower burnout. 

4. Invest in growth and purpose 

Employees want more than perks, they want purpose. Use this week to show how your organisation supports career development and personal goals. 

• Offer short “learning sprints” or skill-building sessions. 

• Launch a mentoring programme or reverse mentoring initiative. 

• Invite leaders to share their career journeys and lessons learned. 

65% of employees say they’d stay longer at a company that invests in their growth. 

5. Ease the cost-of-living pressure 

With inflation still impacting daily life, financial stress remains one of the biggest barriers to happiness at work. Many employees are struggling not just to make ends meet, but also to participate in social activities with colleagues, something fundamental for building team cohesion and a sense of belonging. 

That’s where benefits programs like BHN Extras come in. These benefits are designed to ease everyday financial pressure and help employees feel more secure, valued, and empowered. 

Here’s how: 

• Byond: A smart savings platform that helps employees get cashback on everyday essentials: groceries, fuel, school supplies, and more. These are purchases families are already making, so the savings are immediate and tangible. It’s not about spending more, it’s about spending smarter. 

• Cyclescheme: Employees can spread the cost and save up to 47% on a new bike and accessories, helping them reduce commuting costs while promoting a healthier lifestyle. 

• Home & Tech: Access to discounts of up to 8% on must-have tech like laptops, phones, and home appliances, ideal for families managing back-to-school or remote work needs. 

• Discounted Gift Cards: Employees can save up to 15% on gift cards from over 100+ leading brands.  

• MyGymDiscounts: Offers up to 25% off gym memberships at thousands of locations nationwide, making wellness more accessible without breaking the bank. 

• Green Car Benefit: Enables employees to drive a brand-new electric or hybrid car through salary sacrifice, with no upfront costs, inclusive maintenance, and tax savings, a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional car ownership. 

These benefits don’t just help employees stretch their salaries further, they also send a clear message: we care about your wellbeing, inside and outside of work. 

Ready to build a happier workplace? 

The International Week of Happiness at Work is the perfect opportunity to reflect, reconnect, and reimagine what a thriving workplace looks like in 2025. 

If you’re looking to boost employee happiness with meaningful benefits and wellbeing solutions, we’re here to help. 

Let’s make happiness at work more than a week, it should be a way of working.