What does happiness at work really mean, and how can leaders and managers practically build happier and higher performing teams? In this episode, Helen sits down with Nic Marks, renowned happiness statistician, founder of Friday Pulse, and author of the forthcoming book Happiness is a Serious Business, to debunk myths, share data-led insights, and lay out powerful yet simple actions for improving happiness at work.
Together, they explore:
⭐️ Why happiness isn’t a permanent state or a destination, and how both happiness and unhappiness play valuable, functional roles at work;
⭐️ The “danger” of so-so teams, why feeling just “okay” at work is more risky than temporary unhappiness, and why moving people from "meh" to truly happy is the biggest opportunity for most organisations;
⭐️ The powerful link between regular, weekly happiness check-ins and higher team performance, retention, and lower burnout;
⭐️ The severe underinvestment in people management skills (a staggering 80% of UK managers have never received formal people skills training), and why this is a huge missed opportunity;
⭐️ Simple but transformational weekly habits, like asking three key questions: What went well? Who can you thank? Where are we stuck?—and how these regular practices boost both morale and productivity.
Tune in for a lively, practical, and myth-busting conversation packed with data and tips you can use straight away to make work happier for yourself and those around you.
About Nic Marks - The Happiness Statistician
Nic Marks is a pioneering figure in the field of workplace wellbeing, often described as “The Happiness Statistician” for his unique blend of data and emotional insight. Originally trained in mathematics, statistics, and therapy, he founded the Centre for Wellbeing at the New Economics Foundation, where he developed influential frameworks such as the Happy Planet Index and the Five Ways to Wellbeing. His TED talk on happiness has been viewed millions of times, and he authored one of the first TEDBooks, A Happiness Manifesto.
As founder of Friday Pulse, Nic helps organisations measure and improve team happiness through science-led weekly feedback. His forthcoming book, Happiness is a Serious Business, explores why happy teams perform better—and how leaders can create the conditions for both people and organisations to thrive. He lives near Stonehenge with his wife and is happiest walking chalk paths, listening to music, or occasionally diving into a good dataset.
Links:
Connect with Nic on Nic on LinkedIn
Visit Nic’s website https://nicmarks.org
Find out more about Nic's book Happiness is a Serious Business.
Visit Helen’s website www.helenbeedham.com.
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