The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

  • We have now presented in 50 COUNTRIES!!

    50 COUNTRIES!!! After my speech yesterday at the PDWeek conference in Canada, Woohoo inc has now presented in 50 countries around the world. Woohoo!

    Here’s the full list:

    Antigua, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Croatia, Curacao, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greenland, Guatemala. Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, USA, Vietnam

  • Dubai pushes for more CHOs

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    I’m quoted in this article on Dubai’s push to introduce Chief Happiness Officers in more workplaces:

    When it comes to the business of happiness, Alexander Kjerulf is an international authority.

    He is the founder of Woohoo Inc, a Denmark-based firm which advises leading multinational companies on happiness at work, has written a series of books on the topic and given keynote speeches around the world.

    He said he is aware of the “huge focus” on workplace happiness across the Middle East and particularly in Dubai, which he credited to its bid to become the ‘happiest city on Earth’, where it is high on the government agenda, alongside the emirate’s drive to attract top talent.

     

  • If you break a leg, stop running!

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    I just saw this video posted to LinkedIn with the following caption:

    Salute to this runner Rei Iida, 19, fell and fractured her leg during a relay marathon in Japan but she crawled to her partner on her keens despite broken legs to pass the baton,How many of us has this passion to win and conquer the odds ?

    How incredibly dumb. To hold this up as a positive example to follow is idiotic and perpetuates toxic workplace cultures that celebrate individuals who sacrifice their health, private lives and families in pursuit of their own or the company’s goals.

    I think the true hero would have been:

    • The runner who decides to stop the race and get medical attention
    • The team mate who helps the injured runner
    • The coach who stops the team right there

    It also speaks to some of the most damaging myths in business namely that success can only come from suffering or that quitting is a sign of weakness. Both of these beliefs are clearly wrong and clearly bad for workers.

    Related posts

  • Meet the dancing doctor

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    I doubt they teach that in med school – but maybe they should :)

  • Science: Happiness at work is good for employees AND the bottom line

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    There has never been a stronger focus on happiness at work in organizations all over the world than there is right now.

    And this is no wonder: Happy workplaces are more profitable and innovative, attract the best employees and have lower absenteeism and employee turnover rates. Simply put, happy companies make more money.

    Also, happiness at work is great for employees making them more successful, healthier and happier in private life as well.

    But why exactly is that and what trends are driving so many workplaces to take happiness seriously?

    At our 2018 Happiness at Work Conference I gave talk on that question and you can watch the whole thing here and get all the ammunition you need to make the case for happiness in your workplace.

  • Has a monetary reward at work ever made you happier/more motivated?

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    I have a question for you for an article I’m writing: Have you ever received a bonus or other monetary reward at work, that was given in a way that made you happier at work and/or more motivated?
    If so, what about the reward was it that worked for you? Let me know in a comment.

  • 3 reasons why you should go to our CHO Academy in San Diego in February

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    Our next Chief Happiness Officer Academy is February 12-15 2019 in San Diego.

    Here are 3 reasons why you should absolutely come to it:

    1. You get a deep dive into the science and practice of happiness at work.
    2. You get to meet, network and share ideas with other participants who are equally passionate about creating happier workplaces.
    3. This Academy will be especially epic, because we’re doing it at the international HQ of WD-40 Company – and they are one of the happiest and most successful companies we know.

    Read all about the Academy and sign up here.

  • Meet a very happy garbage man

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    I sometimes hear this objection, when I give talks about happiness at work:

    “Being happy at work is nice, but clearly not everyone can love their job. What about garbage men, for example?”

    I hope this video can help fight that myth.

  • Speaking down under

    I had a blast giving the opening keynote at #hrTechFest in Sydney this morning. The audience was awesome – here’s some of the feedback I got:

    “Best opening conference session I have ever been to.”

    “Fantastic presentation – great way to kick the day off on a high.”

    “Love your work. A big THANK YOU for getting us off to a strong and exciting start. You’ve set the bar high :)”

    “What an amazing presentation.”

    “Great presentation. And so many learnings to share with coworkers.”

  • Join our “Leading With Happiness” seminar in Copenhagen

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    Studies clearly show that a manager’s behavior has a huge influence on happiness at work. Good leaders motivate and energize their employees and create a level of happiness that make employees go the extra mile for the workplace and the customers. Bad managers on the other hand spread frustration and stress all around them.

    This Leading with Happiness seminar is based on the newest research and knowledge about Happiness at Work. It will be inspiring and with useful tools. There is a constant shift between presentation, videos, reflection, dialog and exercises.

    As a leader you will also get both the knowledge and tools you need to make your people happy at work. And it doesn’t take much. Happiness at work is not about raises, bonuses, perks and promotions – it comes from simple, effective actions that any leader ought to know and do.

    When & where

    Wednesday November 21st, 2018 from 9:00 – 16:00 in Copenhagen.

    Tickets

    See the full agenda and sign uo here.

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