On the 11th May 2016, we welcomed John Housego of WL Gore (makers of Goretex), who explained how Gore has created an award-winning international company through its trust-based leadership. Simon Perriton of Just IT, Philippa Ward of Global Action Plan and Valentina Culatti of UNIT9 each explained how they had used the principles of the Happy Manifesto to create their happy, successful workplaces, while Shannon Banks spoke about the importance of connection in the workplace. Finally, Tarun and Henry explained how Next Jump operates with a ‘no fire’ policy.
W.L. Gore has been listed on Fortune magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For since 1984 due to their value and trust-based culture. John Housego explains what makes W.L. Gore so special.
People with a best friend at work are seven times more likely to be motivated and productive – and yet only 42% of people in the UK say they have a friend at work. Find out the importance of connection in this talk from the 2016 Happy Workplaces Conference by Shannon Banks, coach and consultant at Be Leadership.
Simon Perriton is a long-term friend of Happy, and his company Just IT has just ‘done the double’ – it’s just been in the Sunday Times ‘Best Workplace’ list and the Great Place to Work list. Simon explains how he has transformed his organisation by helping his staff to work at their best.
Global Action Plan is another top performer in our internal staff surveys – but how do they do it? In this 15 minute talk from the 2016 Happy Workplaces Conference, Philippa Ward explains her top tips for creating a happier workplace – particularly in times of change.
UNIT9 has had the best ever staff survey we’ve ever seen – and Valentina Culatti explained how she achieved it using the principles from the Happy Manifesto in this inspiring talk from the 2016 Happy Workplaces Conference.
Could you be missing out on exciting new talent? Try recruiting for attitude and potential ability. Find out how it works for UNIT9 in this video.
In 2013, Harvard released a study called The Harvard Grant Study, the results of it. You might have heard about it: it was a 75-year longitudinal study into what makes us happy and satisfied.
Global Action Plan is one of the happiest workplaces we’ve come across. Find out how they do it in this two minute video with Philippa Ward.
What do David Attenborough and Mindfulness have in common? Find out in this two minute video with our Senior Facilitator, Paul Gapper.
Talking Partners is a new kind of buddy scheme, supporting a co-worker to be the best they can be. Find out more in this two minute video.
Find out how GCHQ used pre-approval to encourage innovation and improve their workplace in this two minute video with Henry Stewart.
Date: Wednesday, 12th November 2025
Save the date for our online conference on 12th November 2025, celebrating women in leadership.
You will hear from inspiring female leaders about how they have created happy and empowered workplaces. You will be actively involved throughout and will have the opportunity for personal reflection, as well as discussion in pairs and in larger groups for lively debate and challenge.
Take 50% off by using our Early Bird discount code at checkout: HWC5ONLINE. This discount code is valid until 31st August, 2025.
Join 20,000+ professionals receiving workplace tips, leadership insights, and exclusive offers.
Since 1987, Happy has been igniting possibilities in people and organisations through great learning experiences. Be the first to hear about free resources, events, and training opportunities that make work more joyful and productive.
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Save the date for the next conference Wednesday, 12th November 2025
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Outline the 10 core principles for a happy workplace. It has since helped thousands of leaders build trust-driven, empowered teams.
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Sign up for our Happy Manifesto newsletter and discover fresh ways to ignite joy and productivity at work. Get expert tips, insights, and ideas that challenge the norm—straight to your inbox. Join our movement and start your journey for a trust-based, values-led organisation.
