Yesterday Richard Layard, the inspirational author of the book Happiness, launched the Happy Heroes. A dozen people were given Heroes of Happiness medals and I was honoured to be one of them.

The really nice twist is that each of us have to pass the medal on to our own Happy Hero within 24 hours (and they then pass it on to their happy hero and so on). Now that is a great viral idea. My happy hero is Marion Janner, who through her Star Wards campaign has helped transform many aspects of acute mental health care in the UK. 

Richard asked the question “How would a government behave if it’s primary aim was the happiness of its people?”. Its an interesting question and one that, under Richard’s influence, a government committee under Gus MacDonald is to research.

It is of course similar to the question I often ask of people: “How would your organisation be different if the primary focus of its managers was to make its people happy?” Most agree to would not only be a great place to work in, but also more effective and more productive. Recently I was lucky enough to speak alongside Charlie Mayfield, Chair of John Lewis, who pointed out that at his company that was the primary purpose with pretty impressive results.

A great example of what a different approach could look like was shown 10 days ago when BBC Radio Surrey and Sussex held a happiness day. The news was told from a positive angle. People were interviewed who were doing work to make society a better place. The presenters talked about what made them happy: “A stroll along the seafront”, “Cycling in the Surrey hills”, “Smell of the sea”, “The laughter of my children”, “Time with my friend and families at the seaside”. It was a joy to listen to and made me wonder how life would feel different if the media was like that every day.

Who Can You Make Happy Today?

All the research indicates that the best way to increase your own happiness is to help make others happy. So what can you do to make somebody happy today, on the International day of Happiness. Start with a smile and telling somebody what you appreciate about them. Be positive. Make a point of engaging people and thanking them. Avoid internal email and go and talk to people instead. If you are a manager, step out of approval and find a way to give more trust and freedom to your people. 

But also appreciate yourself and the contribution you make. And enjoy the Day of Happiness.