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Log in using your social network account OR Log in directly with The Independent {{message}} ____________________ Please enter an email address Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address ____________________ Please enter a valid password [ ] Keep me logged in (BUTTON) Submit Forgotten your password? Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout Getty/iStock International Day of Happiness: 9 experts on the secrets to true happiness You hold the key to making yourself happy * Sabrina Barr * @fabsab5 * Monday 19 March 2018 20:01 * {{#singleComment}}{{value}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{value}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow Indy/Life Happiness isn’t the enigma we’ve been led to assume it is. Believe it or not, we are all capable of achieving happiness sooner rather than later. Tuesday marks the International Day of Happiness, a day on which people all over the world will be taking an introspective look at their lives and pondering over what makes them happy. Read more * On my 58th birthday, I'm questioning what it means to be happy Whether it’s the little things like going for a regular morning jog or the big things like telling someone that you love them, you hold the key to attaining true prosperity in all areas of your life. We spoke to the experts on the secrets to reaching a state of true happiness, and what they had to say has the potential to transform your life for the better. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Identify happiness One of the first things that you have to consider when striving to achieve happiness is figuring out what the concept of happiness means to you. Happiness doesn’t have to involve being chirpy and cheerful all the time. It covers a whole range of emotions, both positive and negative, that are equally important for your emotional wellbeing. “Don’t focus on ‘happiness’. Most of us won’t ever feel constantly ‘happy’ in the way that we are traditionally sold the idea - rather, chase ‘wholeness’,” says Laura Jane Williams, author of Ice Cream for Breakfast. Read more * A new school in India will prioritise happiness instead of grades “Wholeness is knowing that life is a million shades of grey - contentedness, sadness, ecstasy, melancholy - and that they all count. All of our emotions matter, not just the ‘good’ ones.” Williams explained how one should picture happiness as a string of fairy lights, as opposed to a torch with a single light bulb. “If a torch, your one source of light, goes out, you can’t see,” she says. “But if a fairy light goes out there are still many other fairy lights twinkling. “If you decide one thing and one thing only will make you happy, you’re screwed if it doesn’t happen. Spread your joy out.” (Getty Images) Make connections While knowing how to enjoy your own company is a valuable skill, cherishing human connection is a vital component to a happy life. “Connect. Loneliness is as potent to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day - humans are built for connection and community,” says Williams. Dr Juliet Wakefield is a social psychologist working at Nottingham Trent University whose research delves into the impact of social groups. “We are living in an era where we can connect to anyone in the world at the click of a button, yet loneliness and social isolation are rife,” Dr Wakefield says. Read more * This is how much you need to earn to be happy, according to new study “Health professionals tell us constantly about the importance of diet and exercise for our wellbeing, but frequently neglect the key role that social relationships play in allowing us to live happy, fulfilling lives.” Meik Wiking, CEO of The Happiness Research Institute in Denmark, has devised a unique way of connecting with his neighbours. “I have created a small mini library in my stairway - it holds about 20 books now since other neighbours have added to it,” he explains. “It makes the stairway more homely, it is fun to watch which books get picked up and it encourages interaction between the neighbours.” Take a break It can sometimes seem like your life is moving at a rapid pace that you just can’t keep up with. That’s why taking a moment to pause every once in a while can do you a whole world of good. “With constant distractions, blurred work and life boundaries and endless to-do lists, it can be difficult to know how to maintain your sanity when everything is in flux,” says Samantha Clarke, happiness consultant and changemaker who is currently working with Drinkfinity to encourage people to live more fluidly. Watch more * How to get white teeth: Four top tips to achieve a brighter smile “Individuals that take the time to pause daily start to gain a real understanding of the values that anchor them, become more attuned to what makes them happy and can lean away from the things that zap their energy.” One thing that you can do while taking a moment to pause during your busy day is to reassess your personal values and become more self-aware. “You might discover in your pause time that you really value creativity, or making a difference, or freedom and flexibility and you just aren’t getting enough of it,” Clarke says. “Putting your values into action on a consistent basis is key to happiness.” (Getty Images) Exercise It should come as no surprise that exercising can do wonders for elevating your mood. However, many people don’t take advantage of this, focusing instead on the physical impact of working out. “People usually only want to exercise for the benefits of changing the way they look and their physical health,” says nutritionist Farah Fonseca, twice named England’s Strongest Woman. “However, exercise can be fabulous for your mental health and happiness as well. Read more * The plank is the one exercise most commonly done wrong “Exercise builds more than muscle - it also boosts self-confidence, mental agility and a ‘can-do’ attitude.” You need to figure out what form of exercise personally suits you best, whether you enjoy lifting weights or prefer spinning. "Exercise really does make all the difference to how we feel,” Fonseca says. "If you're keen to increase your activeness for the first time, there are some fantastic entry-level classes and events across the UK that aim to make fitness fun, such as Project Awesome (an unashamedly inclusive, loud, proud, high-energy free fitness initiative) or The Color Run UK (known as 'the happiest 5K on the planet')," says Danny Bent, founder of Project Awesome. Focus on yourself We all have a tendency to compare ourselves to others, which inevitably fosters feelings of ineptitude and low self-esteem. “Taking self-responsibility for your happiness is not about being selfish or self-consumed - it’s about being self-focused,” says David James Lees, ordained Taoist monk and co-founder of Wu Wei Wisdom. Often people fall into the trap of constantly comparing, criticising or being judgemental about themselves or other people, both in their personal life and career. Read more * 5 simple ways to improve your self-esteem “The Taoists teach that this ‘takes your eyes off your authentic path’ and will move you away from a state of ‘flow’, where you are your most at ease, creative, productive, expansive and vibrant. “When you stop blaming other people, situations or past events for your unhappiness you immediately begin to retake control of your destiny. “A mantra I teach my clients is: ‘What other people think of me is none of my business’. “Once you stop caring about what other people think about you this will transform your life.” (Getty Images) Help others Lending a helping hand to someone in need or simply acting in a more thoughtful manner will create a positive atmosphere that all can benefit from, whether you’re the giver or the receiver. “Helping people is the easiest way to make yourself feel great,” says Bent. Doing things such as holding a door open for someone or buying someone a cup of coffee can go a long way. Read more * Jameela Jamil launches campaign to help women stop focusing on weight “By doing something even small for someone you might just improve their day, they hopefully will thank you and you never know, it might just make them smile,” Bent says. “With that thanks or that smile you can go away with a warmth in your heart that you’ve achieved something a little lovely in your day.” You never know how much of an impact a small act of kindness can do. Giving up your seat for a stranger on the bus or offering to help someone with directions could mean the world to the right person. Never underestimate the power of kindness! Find the silver lining No matter what situation you find yourself in, no matter how dire it may seem, a silver lining can always be found. Missing out on your dream job could lead to another one coming up that’s even more perfect for you, or being dumped could give you the push you needed to finally travel the world. Every experience is a lesson in disguise, and realising that is extremely liberating. Read more * The best commuter towns for families who love the great outdoors “Whatever is happening in your life or around you, you can always find a tiny slither of positivity within it,” says Bent. “We all have moments where we feel down in the grumps because of a particular incident that’s happening. “I’m going to challenge you to find the positivity within this situation.” Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Take a moment now to recall a moment when you believed all was lost and then have a think about the good that came out of it. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Go outside Enjoying the great outdoors has a number of proven benefits, including improving your self-esteem. However, it’s also a great way to reconnect with your body and mind as well as other people. “When we get outside we tend to be healthier and happier - we’re more connected with ourselves, our world and with loved ones and friends,” says Belinda Dixon, outdoors blogger and Ordnance Survey GetOutside Champion. “We’re often with people who matter to us. And because there are fewer other distractions, we’re engaging with them more. Read more * Fitting a healthy lifestyle in with socialising and studying “Being surrounded by sky or sea reminds us we’re alive.” Venturing outside also encourages people to take on challenges that they otherwise may never consider trying. “Happiness can come from doing something a little scary,” explains Dixon. “I’m a keen but relatively inexperienced climber, wild camper and sea swimmer and those things make me whoop and grin, even if only afterwards! “You see it in photos of people outdoors. They’re natural, not overly-posed, there’s the joy of feeling alive in the moment, with those people, in that space.” Smile One of the most obvious tips for finding happiness and also one of the most effective is to smile. Not only can smiling lower your stress levels and have a positive effect overall health, but it’s also a powerful tool that you can use to connect with others. “Smiling is one of the very few gestures which means the same thing all around the globe,” says Susannah Schaefer, CEO of international children’s charity Smile Train. “A smile suggests that you are approachable, personable, and trustworthy. In fact, smiling connotes positivity in general. Watch more * Eight out of 10 start-ups rope in friends and relatives, study finds “People are more likely to engage socially with someone they perceive to be friendly, and a smile is the perfect way to demonstrate this.” Many people often refrain from smiling at others over fears that they’ll be perceived as being strange or overly friendly. However, you’d be surprised at the positive reception you could receive from a slight change in expression. As the cast of Annie would say, “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile." 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Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout According to a new study, taking public transport instead of driving to work appears to make people happier and helps them to sleep better ( Getty ) Taking public transport instead of driving to work makes people happier, study suggests Walking to the bus stop or station and then relaxing while travelling appears to help to make people feel better * Ian Johnston * @montaukian * Monday 15 September 2014 00:07 * {{#singleComment}}{{value}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{value}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow Indy/Life Taking public transport instead of driving to work appears to make people happier and helps them to sleep better, according to a new study. Researchers reported that car commuters were 13 per cent more likely to feel they were under constant strain or unable to concentrate. It is thought that the exercise taken to walk to the bus stop or station and then the relaxation while travelling helps to make people feel better. A previous study found switching from a car to public transport helped people lose weight and become healthier physically. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Academics from the University of East Anglia studied 18,000 workers in the UK for the research, which was published in the journal, Preventive Medicine. Lead researcher Adam Martin told The Daily Telegraph: “One surprising finding was that commuters reported feeling better when travelling by public transport, compared to driving. You might think that things like disruption to services or crowds of commuters might have been a cause of considerable stress. “But as buses and trains also give people time to relax, read, socialise and there is usually an associated walk to the bus stop or railway station, it appears to cheer people up.” He added that improvements to public transport, including improving cycling, could actually have “noticeable mental health benefits.” The journal article said: “These results appear to suggest that avoiding car driving may be beneficial to well-being. “This view complements existing evidence of a negative association between driving and physical health and is consistent with the hypothesis that car driving, a non-passive travel mode that requires constant concentration, can give rise to boredom, social isolation and stress. “However this view is also consistent with the hypothesis that intrinsic enjoyment is gained from the exercise or relaxation associated with active travel.” Reuse content Comments Share your thoughts and debate the big issues Learn more (BUTTON) {{value_p}} Independent Minds comments (BUTTON) {{value}} open comments Open Comments Join the discussion (BUTTON) Please be respectful when making a comment and adhere to our Community Guidelines. * You may not agree with our views, or other users’, but please respond to them respectfully * Swearing, personal abuse, racism, sexism, homophobia and other discriminatory or inciteful language is not acceptable * Do not impersonate other users or reveal private information about third parties * We reserve the right to delete inappropriate posts and ban offending users without notification You can find our Community Guidelines in full here. {{^nickname}} Create a commenting name to join the debate ____________________ (BUTTON) Submit Please try again, the name must be unique {{/nickname}} {{^nickname}} ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ {{/nickname}} {{#nickname}} ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ {{/nickname}} {{^nickname}} (BUTTON) Post {{/nickname}} {{#nickname}} (BUTTON) Post {{/nickname}} (BUTTON) Posting... * Newest first * Oldest first * Most liked * Least liked Loading comments... {{^comments}} There are no comments yet - be the first to add your thoughts {{/comments}} {{#comments}} {{sender.name}} {{dateTime}} {{{commentText}}} Reply {{#sender.isSelf}} Delete {{/sender.isSelf}} {{posVotes}} {{negVotes}} {{#replies}} {{sender.name}} {{dateTime}} {{{commentText}}} Reply {{#sender.isSelf}} Delete {{/sender.isSelf}} {{posVotes}} {{negVotes}} {{#replies}} {{sender.name}} {{dateTime}} {{{commentText}}} {{#sender.isSelf}} Delete {{/sender.isSelf}} {{posVotes}} {{negVotes}} {{/replies}} {{/replies}} {{/comments}} {{#showMore}} (BUTTON) Load all comments {{/showMore}} Minds Comments Join the discussion (BUTTON) Please be respectful when making a comment and adhere to our Community Guidelines. 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Log in using your social network account OR Log in directly with The Independent {{message}} ____________________ Please enter an email address Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address ____________________ Please enter a valid password [ ] Keep me logged in (BUTTON) Submit Forgotten your password? Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout In a fit of despair, Nicholas Lezard turned to the latest self- help manuals to gee himself up. He tried to follow their advice. He's still depressed * Nicholas Lezard * @Nicklezard * Sunday 23 August 1998 00:02 * {{#singleComment}}{{value}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{value}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow Indy/Life I WAS FEELING a bit down in the dumps, you know, a little blue, before writing this piece, so I thought I'd take a little advice from Cheri Huber in her The Little Book of Beating the Blues (Thorsons, pounds 5.99): "Get as comfortable as you can be, the idea being to stay awake, and start with several long, deep breaths. As you take these breaths, see if you can keep your attention focused on the breath as it enters your body, as it fills your body, and as it leaves your body." Neat, eh, the way she writes it as if it was poetry, or rather as if she is right there in the therapy room with you, making whooshing and puffing noises so that you get the idea? Anyway, let's carry on. "Taking another long, deep breath, shift your awareness to what you are feeling, to your emotions ... being open, being available ...." Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial We are then asked to pause and see if we can be "open to any insights your emotions might hold for you", and although all I am aware of at the moment is a vague desire for a cup of tea, I take "another deep breath. "Just allow yourself to let go completely and absolutely .... Let yourself feel what it is like when you let go completely. "PAUSE ... "What is this like for you? Is it like laughing, dancing, running?" No - it isn't like laughing, dancing, or running. It feels like ... it feels like making myself a cup of tea and rolling a fag. Ah well. That's the English for you. (Melancholia has been called "the Englishman's disease", incidentally.) Still, it works (the tea-and-fag cure, that is), which is perhaps more than can be said for the advice in The 10-Minute Miracle by Gloria Rawson and David Callinan, a teeny-tiny book also published by Thorsons for pounds 7.99. (Thorsons, it would appear, is the loopy New Age imprint of HarperCollins.) This not only has various means for cheering oneself up, recharging the spiritual batteries, as it were, but suggests that if I am suffering from anaemia, I should "drink water that has been charged with red vibration (a colour card placed underneath a glass of water)". But I am straying off my subject, which is happiness. (The only real question raised by The 10-Minute Miracle is whether a prosecution for fraud could be successfully brought against the authors and publishers.) For this I turn to Happiness Now! by Robert Holden (Hodder & Stoughton, pounds 8.99), founder of the Happiness Project, whose "innovative work has been the subject of thousands of media features worldwide" - and now, with this article, another one. Happiness Now! comes with numerous encomia from authors of other self- help books, such as Paul Wilson, who "wrote" The Little Book of Calm, Jerry Jampolsky MD, author of Love Is Letting Go of Fear, and Stuart Wilde, author of Life Was Never Meant to be a Struggle (it wasn't? Duh!) Holden's book comes with lots of diagrams, parables, and down-home wisdom. For example: "Most early-morning decisions are about showers, make-up, clothes, children, food, time, and transport. They are 'doing decisions', as opposed to 'being decisions'. What I am most interested in is not your 'to do' list, but your 'to be' list. In other words, did you make any conscious decisions about how you wanted 'to be' today? To put it another way, what sort of a day did you decide to have today?" It would perhaps be churlish and negative to say that the way my day was going to shape up was not entirely in my hands, in that reading these books put me in a decidedly grumpy and mean-spirited mood all day. The point, rather, is that there seem to be an awful lot of books coming out which suggest that we are all a somewhat miserable bunch and that what we need is to learn how to be happy. The big gun in this series is The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living, the record of dozens of conversations between Howard C Cutler, a shrink, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama (to be published in October by Hodder & Stoughton, again). This is not a foolish book, and in fact looks like Plato's Republic when set against the others. But the fact remains that what the book is is an extended advertisement for Buddhism - rather in the way that Happiness Now! has a very Evangelical-Christian tone. (This is not apparent from a quick glance at Holden's book, whereas you couldn't accuse any book with the Dalai Lama's name in huge letters on its cover of sneakily introducing Buddhism where it has no business.) If all these books have anything in common, it is their assertion that we are less happy than we used to be; or that we are under greater pressure to consider ourselves happy than we once were. Solon's remark, over two and a half thousand years old, "Call no man happy until he dies, he is at best but fortunate," seems to have been forgotten, both as a piece of practical advice, and as a way of reminding us that people weren't necessarily any happier in times gone by. I am not mocking the existence of these self-help books, only their prose, and some of the conclusions they reach. And their blurbs. And Robert Holden's ghastly grinning mug on the cover of Happiness Now! And the way that The Little Book of Bearing the Blues has not been typeset, but handwritten and interspersed with irritating drawings; for example of a locked and barred door opening up to reveal a sunny country road. (One problem is that, as Montherlant said, happiness writes white; the communication of happiness does not make for good reading. I remember that Theodore Zeldin, normally a very good writer and historian, and an expert on the French, wrote an astonishingly crazy novel called Happiness, which should stand as a warning against those tempted to write allegorical stories on this theme.) Happiness is one of the biggest philosophical questions to have bedevilled us. It is, perhaps, the Big Question - bigger, even, than the existence of God. "Happiness," said Santayana, "is the only sanction of life; where happiness fails, existence remains a mad and lamentable experiment." The pursuit of happiness is enshrined as a right in the Declaration of Independence. Interestingly, many people, even Americans, think that it is in the Constitution. They don't realize, either, that what Jefferson was talking about was the right to own property; and that it is the pursuit that is a right, not the achievement of it. These are revealing historical and interpretative slips. Aristotle worried at the question of Happiness at length in his Ethics. Happiness is eudaemonia, well-being, and after lots of argument with himself, he comes to these conclusions: "Happiness demands not only complete goodness but a good life." Bearing in mind Solon's remark, he arrives at the definition of the happy man: "One who is active in accordance with complete virtue, and who is adequately furnished with external goods, and that not for some unspecified period but throughout a complete life." And, probably, we should add, "destined both to live in this way and die accordingly". He also adds that "goodness implies seriousness", and that it wouldn't hurt to have happy and virtuous friends, too. This is a tall order, and out of our control; but this definition seems to hold true to this day. Except that nowadays the question of happiness does not so much revolve around virtue and goodness, as about "being compassionate towards yourself", "being what you want" - nuggets picked up from Holden and Huber - and having a great big grin slapped all over your stupid face. 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Log in using your social network account OR Log in directly with The Independent {{message}} ____________________ Please enter an email address Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address ____________________ Please enter a valid password [ ] Keep me logged in (BUTTON) Submit Forgotten your password? Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout News > Business > Business Comment > Hamish McRae Hamish McRae: World happiness can tell us a great deal about governments Economic Life: To increase its citizens' happiness, the main thing a government should strive for is competence * Friday 2 April 2010 00:00 * {{#singleComment}}{{total}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{total}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow The Independent Happy in your work? Or relieved to have a long weekend off? This Easter holiday will be the last moment of calm before the election campaign, so it seems sensible to try to stand back from the unpleasantness of our politics, not to mention the unpleasantness of our economics, and focus on something more uplifting: what makes us happy. This has been an area in which there has been huge interest, not least among the politicians. The Government has appointed a "happiness tsar", the economist and Labour peer Lord Layard, and I am sure we all wish him more success than the Government's drugs tsar achieved. At the TED conference in February David Cameron quoted Robert Kennedy's criticism of gross national product as an inadequate way of measuring real wealth in society. Naturally companies the world over struggle to make their employees, if not happy, at least content in their work. That is not necessarily through altruism, for high labour turnover adds to costs and diminishes quality. But there is a problem. An article published yesterday in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology examined what makes people enjoy their jobs. Which way round does the relationship work: are people happy in general because they enjoy their jobs, or do they enjoy their jobs because they are generally happy people? Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Rather surprisingly, it seems it is that latter. The lead author of the study, Professor Nathan Bowling of Wright State University in the US, explained: "These results suggest that if people are, or are predisposed to be, happy and satisfied in life generally, then they will be likely to be happy and satisfied in their work ... However, the flipside of this finding could be that those people who are dissatisfied generally and who seek happiness through their work, may not find job satisfaction. Nor might they increase their levels of overall happiness by pursuing it." So I suppose the message to employers would be that they should try to hire happy people, rather than put their effort into making less happy ones happier. It is perhaps a message that should carry further. The first of Robert Louis Stevenson's "12 rules to live by" is: "Make up your mind to be happy. Learn to find pleasure in simple things". But this begs the question as to what does make people happy in the first place. Here economists, as usual, have carried out an abundance of research and the difficulty is to pick one's way through it. The best starting point that I have found is the work at the University of Leicester, where Adrian White, an analytic social psychologist there, produced the first ever global projection of international differences in subjective wellbeing; the World Map of Happiness. A couple of obvious points first. One is that, in general, people in rich countries are happier – or at least feel they are happier, for remember that this is subjective wellbeing – than people in poor ones. But an even more striking one is that people in small countries are happier than people in large ones. The largest of the top 20, Canada, has only 33 million people and most of the rest have fewer than ten million. Of the big countries, the US does rather well at 23rd, Germany is 35th, the UK 41st and France 64th. China is middle of the pack at 82nd and is happier than Japan at 90th, while India and Russia languish at 125th and 167th. Finally there is a little sad group at the bottom: the Democratic Republic of the Congo is 176th, Zimbabwe 177th and Burundi is 178th. Most of the data is as one might expect but there are some other intriguing results, and some puzzles. The Gulf region is as happy as Western developed nations; so too is Venezuela. Japan is not as happy as it ought to be, given its wealth and health. Why is Portugal less happy than Spain? Pakistan is less happy than India but Bangladesh scores higher than either. Malaysia is significantly happier than the rest of south-east Asia. Argentina is happier than France. Now, I should say that this study was published more than three years ago and the data will be older still. So it may be that the economic downturn has knocked the enthusiasm of two of the recession's biggest casualties, Iceland and Ireland. But the fact that people in small countries seem to thrive does raise political questions: for example, might Scotland and Wales be happier if they were independent of England? What other policy implications are there? I suppose from a British perspective one lesson that has been drawn is that were the UK to become more like the Nordic nations we would be happier as a result. It has been argued that were the government to tax more and try to iron out inequalities, that would make for a happier society. But there are two problems with that argument, even if it were a practicable policy. One is that people seem to dislike government intervention; the other that the US is happier than the UK by a significant margin. Besides, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, all of which have a smaller government relative to GDP than the UK and which are closer culturally than the US to the UK, seem to score higher in the league than we do. The French have a big government and they don't seem to be particularly happy with their lot. So there are no simple rules that governments can follow to make voters feel happier. It is not just that we are not Denmark or Switzerland, to take the top two in the list. It is that Denmark and Switzerland are very different societies from each other, organised in quite different ways. To take just one measure of that difference, the government in Switzerland spends 33 per cent of GDP, while in Denmark it spends 52 per cent. No, it seems to me that insofar as it is within the capacity of government to increase the happiness of its citizens, the main thing it should strive for is competence. It matters less how big government is but how good it is. In their different ways both Denmark and Switzerland have competent governments. There is no point in castigating successive British governments for their incompetence or otherwise. There is a perception that we have not been doing very well, a perception fostered by all political parties who are arguing that there is waste to be trimmed. But insofar as one can make international comparisons the UK seems to be about the middle of the pack: not dreadful but not very good either. But maybe that does give a new government the bones of an agenda that might make citizens happier. If it transpires that the next government proves measurably more competent than its predecessors – measured of course independently – then maybe it would be on the path to pushing us up the happiness league a few notches. Meanwhile, I suggest to politicians about to enter the fray that, win or lose, they should heed Robert Louis Stevenson's rule number 10: "Don't hold postmortems or spend time brooding over your mistakes." 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Log in using your social network account OR Log in directly with The Independent {{message}} ____________________ Please enter an email address Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address ____________________ Please enter a valid password [ ] Keep me logged in (BUTTON) Submit Forgotten your password? Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout STUDENT > Magazines Gossip: Which employer; Happiness not cash, Priceless gifts; Gender divide * Friday 29 September 2006 00:00 * {{#singleComment}}{{total}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{total}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow The Independent "Competition for the best graduates remains intense, which is why employers spend so much each year to build and maintain their profiles on campus," says Chris Phillips, UK publishing director at Graduate careers publisher GTI. But what makes a student choose one employer over another? The GTI Employer of choice survey 2006, records 20,000 students and recent graduates' responses to employment in over 16 sectors. Most said they were more interested in training and development opportunities than starting salary, and were almost as keen to approve of the environmental policies of the organisation. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial In finance and law, students were influenced by employers' reputations. With 20 per cent of the total vote, the investment banking and investment sector was the most popular sector of work. Happiness Rather Than High Salaries An astute new breed of 16-year-olds is emerging in the UK, challenging the old notion that the youth of today lacks drive. According to the second City & Guilds Youth Aspiration Index - an annual monitor of the career goals of Britain's 11- to 18-year-olds - 16-year-olds have surfaced as the most savvy of the group, more likely than any other age to choose hard work and happiness over high salaries. Despite common misconceptions of young people being lazy and unmotivated, the Index reveals that today's school leavers are not afraid of a little hard graft, with most 16-year-olds (81 per cent) prepared to work long hours to reach their goals. Inspired by role models such as Richard Branson, Sir Alan Sugar and Jamie Oliver (above) - who they believe got to where they are through hard work and determination - 23 per cent of 16-year-olds surveyed also have visions of running their own business. This ambition grows stronger as they get older, with 25 per cent of 17-year-olds and 38 per cent of 18-year-olds hoping to set up shop. At this time of year, 16-year-olds are considering whether to remain in education or seek employment. The Index shows they put more thought into their careers than any other age group, with a fifth (19 per cent) thinking about getting a job more than anything else and a quarter (24 per cent) considering their future all the time. Priceless Gifts World Vision's Alternative Gift Catalogue offers you the chance to buy a range of educational gifts, such as a school stationery kit, desk or a contribution towards teacher training. The idea is that you buy these gifts for family and friends in the UK, but the items are given to children living in poverty in developing countries. The friend or family member receives a personalised card plus gift certificate. www.greatgifts.org Dream Jobs And The Gender Divide Britain's future workers also have clear ideas about the professions they admire and want to work in, with gender stereotypes for girls and boys set at a young age. Twelve per cent of 11- to 14-year-old girls want to be hairdressers or beauty therapists when they grow up, rising to 18 per cent when they are 15 to18 years old. And World Cup fever seems to have captured the imagination of the younger 11- to 14-year-old boys: over a quarter want to be footballers. While boys tend to prefer sports roles, girls look towards nurturing positions, such as working with animals. However, as they get older, perspectives change and horizons broaden, with the medical profession becoming more appealing. 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Log in using your social network account OR Log in directly with The Independent {{message}} ____________________ Please enter an email address Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address ____________________ Please enter a valid password [ ] Keep me logged in (BUTTON) Submit Forgotten your password? Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout Why Generation Y yuppies are all so unhappy High expectations, social media and lack of real opportunities are all combining to leave young people unhappy * Tim Urban * Thursday 12 November 2015 17:32 * {{#singleComment}}{{value}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{value}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow Indy/Life Original content published on waitbutwhy.com Say hi to Lucy. Lucy is part of Generation Y, the generation born between the late 1970s and the mid 1990s. She’s also part of a yuppie culture that makes up a large portion of Gen Y. I have a term for yuppies in the Gen Y age group—I call them Gen Y Protagonists & Special Yuppies, or GYPSYs. A GYPSY is a unique brand of yuppie, one who thinks they are the main character of a very special story. Read more * Read more The ticking bomb of Generation Y So Lucy’s enjoying her GYPSY life, and she’s very pleased to be Lucy. Only issue is this one thing: Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Lucy’s kind of unhappy. To get to the bottom of why, we need to define what makes someone happy or unhappy in the first place. It comes down to a simple formula: Happiness = Reality - Expectations It’s pretty straightforward—when the reality of someone’s life is better than they had expected, they’re happy. When reality turns out to be worse than the expectations, they’re unhappy. To provide some context, let’s start by bringing Lucy’s parents into the discussion: Lucy’s parents were born in the 50s—they’re Baby Boomers. They were raised by Lucy’s grandparents, members of the G.I. Generation, or “the Greatest Generation,” who grew up during the Great Depression and fought in World War II, and were most definitely not GYPSYs. Lucy’s Depression Era grandparents were obsessed with economic security and raised her parents to build practical, secure careers. They wanted her parents’ careers to have greener grass than their own, and Lucy’s parents were brought up to envision a prosperous and stable career for themselves. Something like this: They were taught that there was nothing stopping them from getting to that lush, green lawn of a career, but that they’d need to put in years of hard work to make it happen. After graduating from being insufferable hippies, Lucy’s parents embarked on their careers. As the 70s, 80s, and 90s rolled along, the world entered a time of unprecedented economic prosperity. Lucy’s parents did even better than they expected to. This left them feeling gratified and optimistic. With a smoother, more positive life experience than that of their own parents, Lucy’s parents raised Lucy with a sense of optimism and unbounded possibility. And they weren’t alone. Baby Boomers all around the country and world told their Gen Y kids that they could be whatever they wanted to be, instilling the special protagonist identity deep within their psyches. This left GYPSYs feeling tremendously hopeful about their careers, to the point where their parents’ goals of a green lawn of secure prosperity didn’t really do it for them. A GYPSY-worthy lawn has flowers. This leads to our first fact about GYPSYs: The GYPSY needs a lot more from a career than a nice green lawn of prosperity and security. The fact is, a green lawn isn’t quite exceptional or unique enough for a GYPSY. Where the Baby Boomers wanted to live The American Dream, GYPSYs want to live Their Own Personal Dream. Read more * Editor-At-Large: Three cheers for our clever, funny Generation Y * Generation Y children are 'harder to teach' * Youth: Presenting: Generation Y TV Cal Newport points out that “follow your passion” is a catchphrase that has only gotten going in the last 20 years, according to Google’s Ngram viewer, a tool that shows how prominently a given phrase appears in English print over any period of time. The same Ngram viewer shows that the phrase “a secure career” has gone out of style, just as the phrase “a fulfilling career” has gotten hot. To be clear, GYPSYs want economic prosperity just like their parents did—they just also want to be fulfilled by their career in a way their parents didn’t think about as much. But something else is happening too. While the career goals of Gen Y as a whole have become much more particular and ambitious, Lucy has been given a second message throughout her childhood as well: You're Special This would probably be a good time to bring in our second fact about GYPSYs: GYPSYs Are Delusional “Sure,” Lucy has been taught, “everyone will go and get themselves some fulfilling career, but I am unusually wonderful and as such, my career and life path will stand out amongst the crowd.” So on top of the generation as a whole having the bold goal of a flowery career lawn, each individual GYPSY thinks that he or she is destined for something even better— A shiny unicorn on top of the flowery lawn. So why is this delusional? Because this is what all GYPSYs think, which defies the definition of special: spe-cial| ‘speSHel | adjective better, greater, or otherwise different from what is usual. According to this definition, most people are not special—otherwise “special” wouldn’t mean anything. Even right now, the GYPSYs reading this are thinking, “Good point…but I actually amone of the few special ones”—and this is the problem. A second GYPSY delusion comes into play once the GYPSY enters the job market. While Lucy’s parents’ expectation was that many years of hard work would eventually lead to a great career, Lucy considers a great career an obvious given for someone as exceptional as she, and for her it’s just a matter of time and choosing which way to go. Her pre-workforce expectations look something like this: Unfortunately, the funny thing about the world is that it turns out to not be that easy of a place, and the weird thing about careers is that they’re actually quite hard. Great careers take years of blood, sweat and tears to build—even the ones with no flowers or unicorns on them—and even the most successful people are rarely doing anything that great in their early or mid-20s. But GYPSYs aren’t about to just accept that. Paul Harvey, a University of New Hampshire professor and GYPSY expert, has researched this, finding that Gen Y has “unrealistic expectations and a strong resistance toward accepting negative feedback,” and “an inflated view of oneself.” He says that “a great source of frustration for people with a strong sense of entitlement is unmet expectations. They often feel entitled to a level of respect and rewards that aren’t in line with their actual ability and effort levels, and so they might not get the level of respect and rewards they are expecting.” For those hiring members of Gen Y, Harvey suggests asking the interview question, “Do you feel you are generally superior to your coworkers/classmates/etc., and if so, why?” He says that “if the candidate answers yes to the first part but struggles with the ‘why,’ there may be an entitlement issue. This is because entitlement perceptions are often based on an unfounded sense of superiority and deservingness. They’ve been led to believe, perhaps through overzealous self-esteem building exercises in their youth, that they are somehow special but often lack any real justification for this belief.” And since the real world has the nerve to consider merit a factor, a few years out of college Lucy finds herself here: Lucy’s extreme ambition, coupled with the arrogance that comes along with being a bit deluded about one’s own self-worth, has left her with huge expectations for even the early years out of college. And her reality pales in comparison to those expectations, leaving her “reality – expectations” happy score coming out at a negative. And it gets even worse. On top of all this, GYPSYs have an extra problem that applies to their whole generation: GYPSYs Are Taunted Sure, some people from Lucy’s parents’ high school or college classes ended up more successful than her parents did. And while they may have heard about some of it from time to time through the grapevine, for the most part they didn’t really know what was going on in too many other peoples’ careers. Lucy, on the other hand, finds herself constantly taunted by a modern phenomenon: Facebook Image Crafting. Social media creates a world for Lucy where A) what everyone else is doing is very out in the open, B) most people present an inflated version of their own existence, and C) the people who chime in the most about their careers are usually those whose careers (or relationships) are going the best, while struggling people tend not to broadcast their situation. This leaves Lucy feeling, incorrectly, like everyone else is doing really well, only adding to her misery: So that’s why Lucy is unhappy, or at the least, feeling a bit frustrated and inadequate. In fact, she’s probably started off her career perfectly well, but to her, it feels very disappointing. Here’s my advice for Lucy: 1) Stay wildly ambitious. The current world is bubbling with opportunity for an ambitious person to find flowery, fulfilling success. The specific direction may be unclear, but it’ll work itself out—just dive in somewhere. 2) Stop thinking that you’re special. The fact is, right now, you’re not special. You’re another completely inexperienced young person who doesn’t have all that much to offer yet. You can become special by working really hard for a long time. 3) Ignore everyone else. Other people’s grass seeming greener is no new concept, but in today’s image crafting world, other people’s grass looks like a glorious meadow. The truth is that everyone else is just as indecisive, self-doubting, and frustrated as you are, and if you just do your thing, you’ll never have any reason to envy others. Wait But Why posts regularly. They send each post out by email to over 230,000 people—enter your email here and they’ll put you on the list (they only send a few emails each month). If you like this, check out How to pick your life partner, Why procrastinators procrastinate, and 11 Awkward things about email. You can also follow Wait But Why on Facebook and Twitter. 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Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout News > UK > UK Politics Millions can work flexible hours under new rules Productivity and happiness will increase and put an end to 'presenteeism', say ministers * Jane Merrick @janemerrick23 , * Jessica Powell , * Lucy Anna Gray * Sunday 29 June 2014 00:00 * {{#singleComment}}{{total}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{total}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow Indy Politics Work space: Employees could choose to stagger start times to avoid the rush hour ( Getty ) Flexible working will become the norm in all offices, with Britain's workforce happier as a result of the "end of presenteeism", the minister in charge of new rules claims today. A revolution in the way we go to work starts tomorrow, with 20 million employees across the country entitled to ask for flexible hours, including working from home. Employers will be obliged to consider requests reasonably, and millions are expected to take advantage of the changes. Jo Swinson, the employment relations minister, told The Independent on Sunday that the changes would boost the economy because productivity would rise with a happier workforce. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial But business groups are cautious about the measure, warning that it could be hard for employers to prioritise if they are inundated with requests. Until now, only parents and employees with other caring duties – about 10 million people – have had the right to request flexible working. Under this measure, three out of five requests have been granted, with a further one in four approved after negotiation. In an interview with The IoS the Lib Dem minister says: "Sometimes, because this has been a right to request that only parents have had, that can create, in some workplaces, a bit of tension when parents get special treatment." She said the new rules could involve compressed hours, where individuals do five days' work in four, staggered hours to avoid the stresses of rush hour, or working from home. "Employers often find that this leads to employees being much more motivated, productive, less likely to leave. So that cuts down their staff recruitment costs. It really can be a win-win," she said. "You get staff that are happy and more productive and the employers benefit from that as well. And lots of businesses are very positive about this; in a British Chambers of Commerce survey, 70 per cent of businesses reported an improvement in employee relations when they used flexible working. "We live in a globalised society, we have technology which enables us to be doing work not just from physically being there at the workplace but actually doing so at different times of the day and from different places. "And rather than it staying stuck in a 1950s mind-set that being at work is about physically being somewhere and it's about long hours and that 'presenteeism' culture, actually it's about achieving what you're supposed to do in your job and doing that in the most effective way. So flexibility isn't a special case; flexibility is just the way that organisations work and they recognise that they can benefit from that." Ms Swinson acknowledged that there would be some sectors, such as retail, where flexible working would not be practical. But she added: "A large amount of evidence that shows flexible working is beneficial for the economy. Neil Carberry, the CBI director for employment and skills, said business welcomed the new rules but added: "It's important to remember that the work still needs to be done, so businesses will have to manage conflicting requests effectively and they retain the right to say no where the company just can't make it work." John Allan, the national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "Many small businesses already offer flexible working and recognise the benefits of doing so … without the need for a 'right to request'. However, because of the nature of these businesses, there may be occasions where employers have to turn down a request, potentially leaving the staff member unhappy." Adam Marshall, the director of policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "The new rules make it harder for employers to prioritise requests. They cannot prioritise one employee over another, whereas before you could prioritise those who had childcare responsibilities or carer responsibilities." However Rachel Jones, the owner of Fit 'N' Fun Kids in Falmouth, Cornwall, said flexible working was "the sole reason for the success of my company. "Flexible working hours means that we can manage the working hours of our staff to reduce the chance of them leaving, to reduce their stress levels and keep them working for us for as long as possible. "Managing your workforce is crucial to growth. Yes there's a cost, yes there's a time impact, but in the long run it's going to support the growth of the business." __________________________________________________________________ The Independent has launched its #FinalSay campaign to demand that voters are given a voice on the final Brexit deal. 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Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout News > UK > UK Politics Jeremy Corbyn says he will discuss reducing working day down to just six hours The Labour leader's suggestion follows experiments in Sweden which found a six hour working day increases employee happiness, productivity and profit * Siobhan Fenton Health and Social Affairs correspondent @siobhanfenton * Sunday 7 August 2016 16:15 * * {{^moreThanTen}} {{total}} comments {{/moreThanTen}} Click to follow Indy Politics The judgement is widely expected to benefit Mr Corbyn's campaign to remain Labour leader ( Getty ) Jeremy Corbyn has said he will discuss proposals to reduce the working day to just six hours. While it might sound like wishful thinking, the significantly shorter working day is championed by psychologists and academics who say it is better for workers’ productivity and satisfaction than a traditional 9-to-5 routine. Some European countries have begun trialling the change and preliminary reports suggest workers say they are feeling more focused, more productive and company profits have increased. Read more * Jeremy Corbyn says it's not 'inevitable' he would stand down as leader if Labour loses next general election * Universal Basic Income: Jeremy Corbyn considering backing radical reforms * Sweden introduces six-hour work day * Six-hour days make workers happier and more productive, study finds While taking part in a Q&A with readers of the Daily Mirror, the Mr Corbyn was asked what his position is on introducing a similar policy in the UK. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial He replied: “I don’t know if I could quite get my job done in only six hours a day but it’s something we will be discussing in our recently launched Workplace 2020, the biggest conversation the UK has ever had on the workplace and workers’ rights.” Created with Sketch. The 10 happiest countries in Europe Show all 10 Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. (BUTTON) Created with Sketch. The 10 happiest countries in Europe 1/10 Denmark Coulourful houses and boats seen in the Nyhavn district in Copenhagen 2/10 Switzerland 3/10 Iceland Iceland, Northern Lights 4/10 Norway Wheel deal: cycling in Norway Visit Norway 5/10 Finland Getty 6/10 The Netherlands 7/10 Sweden AFP 8/10 Austria Sean Gallup/Getty Images 9/10 Germany Getty Images 10/10 Belgium The city hall on Brussels' Grand Place is illuminated during a light show, December 30, 2015 Reuters 1/10 Denmark Coulourful houses and boats seen in the Nyhavn district in Copenhagen 2/10 Switzerland 3/10 Iceland Iceland, Northern Lights 4/10 Norway Wheel deal: cycling in Norway Visit Norway 5/10 Finland Getty 6/10 The Netherlands 7/10 Sweden AFP 8/10 Austria Sean Gallup/Getty Images 9/10 Germany Getty Images 10/10 Belgium The city hall on Brussels' Grand Place is illuminated during a light show, December 30, 2015 Reuters Workplace 2020 is an initiative by Labour aimed at increasing workers’ rights and encouraging trade union membership. Mr Corbyn announced the scheme while addressing the May Day rally in London, saying it was necessary as the UK “is one of the most unequal of modern economies.” Jeremy Corbyn and Owen Smith clash at Labour's leadership hustings In an experiment last year, staff at a nursing home in Gothenberg in Sweden switched to working a six-hour day, with no decrease in pay. Although some dismissed the scheme as naive, a subsequent audit analysing the impact on the company found productivity had increased, partly due to employees taking fewer sick days. Following the news, other companies in Sweden began to follow suit in a bid to replicate the results. In the UK, the average working week is 43.6 hours, or 8 hours and 40 minutes per day. __________________________________________________________________ The Independent has launched its #FinalSay campaign to demand that voters are given a voice on the final Brexit deal. 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Log in using your social network account OR Log in directly with The Independent {{message}} ____________________ Please enter an email address Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address ____________________ Please enter a valid password [ ] Keep me logged in (BUTTON) Submit Forgotten your password? Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout News > Business > Business News What happened when Sweden tried six-hour working days Participants felt healthier, happier, had more energy and were more productive - so why has the trial stopped with no plans to revive it? * Ben Chapman @b_c_chapman * Friday 10 February 2017 18:45 * {{#singleComment}}{{total}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{total}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow The Independent Stockholm, capital of Sweden. The country is the best place for an expat family to raise children, a new survey has shown ( Ola Ericson/imagebank.sweden.se ) A six-hour working day with full-time wages sounds like a dream for most people, but for a group of 70 Swedish nurses it has been a reality for the past two years. They were part of a trial aimed at testing the benefits of less work, which gained a huge amount of attention around the world. But is the nine-to-five really going to be a thing of the past? The results of the trial released so far are encouraging. Nurses working shorter hours took less sick days, felt healthier and were more productive. They also said they were 20 per cent happier on average and had more energy at work and in their spare time. This allowed them to arrange 85 per cent more physical activities with elderly residents, the study found. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Assistant nurse Emilie Telander, who has now gone back to eight-hour shifts, told the BBC: “I feel that I am more tired than I was before.” Read more * Sweden’s six-hour working day is ‘too expensive’ and could be scrapped “During the trial all the staff had more energy. I could see that everybody was happy.” Despite the positive results there was one big problem: the cost. The city of Gothenburg spent £12m kronor (£1.1m) on the trial, largely because, despite productivity gains, it had to hire 17 extra nurses to cover the lost hours. Even in Sweden, famed for its generous welfare state, this is apparently too much to bear. “Could we do this for the entire municipality? The answer is no, it will be too expensive,” Daniel Bernmar, a Left Party councillor who has backed the Gothenburg pilot scheme said. However, Bernmar says the trial has “put the shortening of the work day on the agenda both for Sweden and for Europe, which is fascinating." Read more * Sweden scraps six hours work day despite improved staff wellbeing * Sweden’s six-hour working day is ‘too expensive’ and could be scrapped * Six-hour days 'make workers happier and more productive' * Six-hour working day 'boosts productivity and makes people happier' While the idea may not be viable in face-to-face work such as nursing, where lost hours still have to be covered anyway, in more flexible working environments such as Sweden's booming tech start-ups, some companies have reported more success. Linus Feldt, chief executive of app developer Filimundus told The Independent that sick leave dropped by a quarter when it shortened working hours. Meanwhile, employees produced the same amount in six hours as they previously had in eight. "The biggest effect was that people were happy when coming to work and leaving work. There was not that fatigued feeling after a long workday. The employees felt more happy overall," Feldt said, adding that there are now less conflicts at the workplace and better focus. Employees simply cut out distractions such as "social media and the little things we tend to do when we are bored or fatigued and instead focus for 6 hours," Feldt said. While it may have captured many headlines, as well as the attention of overworked people around the globe, the idea of a six-hour working day has struggled to gain widespread political support in Sweden. The Left Party is the only party in the country that backs shorter working hours and won just six per cent of the vote in the last general election. Attempts to prove the economic efficiency of reduced hours have produced inconclusive results so far. A handful of trials in the 1990s and 2000s were scrapped due to a lack of definitive data. Another recent Swedish trial at a retirement home in the town of Umeå found that sick leave actually rose, from 8 per cent to 9.3 per cent. One success has come at Toyota’s Swedish service centre where shifts were cut in 2003, sparking an immediate boost to productivity and increased profits. The company has kept the shorter hours ever since. If a six-hour day isn’t catching on in Sweden, with its famously generous welfare system and emphasis on work-life balance, there seems little hope for workers in “Anglo Saxon” economies like the UK. But some companies have taken up the idea. Liverpool-based Agent Marketing first trialled shorter days for two months in early 2016. Created with Sketch. Business news: in pictures Show all 8 Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. (BUTTON) Created with Sketch. Business news: in pictures 1/8 Coca-Cola has paid £3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA 2/8 A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA 3/8 Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty 4/8 Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks. AFP/Getty 5/8 Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty 6/8 The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rue’s contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. 7/8 Phillip Rasmussen, finance chief of technology company IQE, was killed in an accident while on holiday over the weekend. The company confirmed the 47 year old man had died while cycling in Menorca. A 25-year-old American man was arrested on suspicion of drink driving, after failing a roadside breath test. 8/8 The Beast from the East wiped £4m off of Flybe’s revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airline’s estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year. 1/8 Coca-Cola has paid £3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA 2/8 A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA 3/8 Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty 4/8 Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks. AFP/Getty 5/8 Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty 6/8 The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rue’s contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. 7/8 Phillip Rasmussen, finance chief of technology company IQE, was killed in an accident while on holiday over the weekend. The company confirmed the 47 year old man had died while cycling in Menorca. A 25-year-old American man was arrested on suspicion of drink driving, after failing a roadside breath test. 8/8 The Beast from the East wiped £4m off of Flybe’s revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airline’s estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year. Speaking to The Independent, Agent’s managing director Paul Corcoran said: “There were loads of really great benefits. People were refreshed and more creative. It was good for effectiveness and efficiency.” Clients also noticed the happiness of the employees which helped win business, Corcoran said. Agent stuck rigidly to the six hour format at first which led to some impressive changes. Corcoran said one hour meetings have been cut to fifteen minutes because of the imperative to save time. But he added: “There were challenges surrounding it. Surprisingly it sometimes actually brought about more stress, because people feel they’ve got to get their work done more quickly in order to go earlier,” Corcoran said. Eventually, the company settled for a compromise - every Friday is a six hours and employees can each choose another shorter day each week. The other three are normal business hours. But the benefits have remained, with happier, more productive employees, Corcoran said. The company also provides meditation, pilates and a monthly massage to all staff. But even this seemingly perfect workplace can’t avoid commercial realities. “In the end, the most important thing is getting the work done for our clients otherwise we’ll be doing zero hour working days because we would have no clients,” Corcoran said. 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(BUTTON) Search with google * Make a contribution * Subscribe * (BUTTON) International edition + switch to the UK edition + switch to the US edition + switch to the Australia edition * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * The Guardian app * Video * Podcasts * Pictures * Newsletters * Today's paper * Inside the Guardian * The Observer * Guardian Weekly * Crosswords * Facebook * Twitter * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * Money * Property * Pensions * Savings * Borrowing * Careers (BUTTON) More Women in Leadership The money vs happiness debate: how much are you worth? Institutionalised sexism has a lot to answer for, but we could also be held back by the belief that nothing good comes from chasing a fat pay cheque Lauren Bravo Mon 21 Dec 2015 07.25 GMT Last modified on Tue 8 Aug 2017 19.53 BST * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email Maybe the real question isn’t “money or happiness?” but when do the rewards of work no longer make up for the effort of earning them? [ ] The question isn’t “money or happiness” but when do the rewards of work no longer make up for the effort of earning them? Photograph: Chris Radburn/PA Money. It can’t buy you happiness, you know. Or love. It’s one of the earliest lessons we learn in life: that noble pauperdom beats evil wealth every time, and boo hiss to anyone who disagrees. But beyond song lyrics and storybooks is the issue so simple? Since leaving my job to go freelance last year, I’ve discovered the almighty thrill of saying no. “Sorry, all booked up until after Christmas!” I’ve lied this month when jobs I didn’t fancy came my way. It’s a rare luxury to be able to turn down paid work when I’d rather be watching Netflix in the bath and mining all the green triangles from the Quality Street tin, and I cherish it. I might be furious with myself in January, when even the orange crèmes are gone and I’m living on baked beans to make the rent, but there it is. Happiness: 1, money: 0. While this attitude means I probably won’t buy a flat until about 2063, self-employment has also forced me to become proactive about finance. I spend hours every week chasing invoices, which doesn’t come easily to someone who was brought up to believe that contentment trumps cash every time. But slowly I’m learning not to feel like Oliver Twist for wanting some more. There’s a special power in deciding what you’re worth and which jobs are worth it; one that many women discover too late, or not at all. Earlier this year a study by Oxford University Careers Service found that women are 9% less likely than their male peers to have secured a graduate-level salary within six months of leaving university. Talking to friends who work across different industries, the reluctance to ask for pay rises is depressingly common. When (famous millionaire) Kate Winslet announced last month that discussing the gender pay gap was “vulgar”, it was incredibly frustrating but not shocking. Institutionalised sexism has an awful lot to answer for, but could we also be held back by the belief, deep down, that nothing good comes from chasing a fat pay cheque? It is time, not houses or handbags, that proves to be our most valuable commodity. “With a high wage comes accountability and responsibilities, and inevitably you sell your life to an employer,” warns Sarah, 49, a senior civil servant who admits she hates her job. “I do incredibly long hours all over the country, and that makes achieving a work-life balance really hard.” Money wasn’t part of the appeal initially, but after 33 years it’s become a big factor in her reluctance to quit. “Separated and single by my mid-forties, now with my independence and a mortgage, it makes it hard to walk away,” she says. Even science struggles to pick a side. Five years ago researchers at Princeton University found that happiness does increase along with our salaries, but only up to an income of just below £49,000 a year. Numerous studies suggest that the way we spend money, not the money itself, holds the key to true happiness, while Swiss economists Alois Stutzer and Bruno Frey calculated that we need a 40% pay rise to balance out the stress of a one-hour commute to work. The common theme seems to be that it’s time, not houses or handbags, that proves to be our most valuable commodity. For my generation finding a balance is harder than ever because the goalposts keep moving. They’re acres from where they were in my parents’ day and yards from where they were even last year. We feel the shift every time someone at a party tells us the average London mortgage requires a six-figure salary, or each time I say “It’s fine, babies can just sleep in an empty drawer for the first year can’t they?” and laugh too loudly to be convincing. How to speak the language of finance Read more Of course, if we have a career in the first place then we’re probably not talking about true poverty. Not the perpetual cruel, aching fear over how you’ll heat your home or feed your children – just pangs of panic every time the council tax is due, or friends want to split a restaurant bill. But even for those of us privileged enough to be in a job (and a job that we like) it’s still hard to romanticise an echoing overdraft. Emily, 31, left her job as a teaching assistant for a better-paid role in a private school last year. “It matters to me so much more than I thought it would, mainly because I’m not stressed all the time about having no money,” she says. “Status anxiety is very real. I just don’t believe it’s possible to earn nothing and be super-happy, unless you have savings or a rich partner.” One example of job satisfaction with this kind of financial safety net is Marie, 27, a radio plugger for a music PR company who earns half the amount her closest friends do. “I was lucky enough to receive some inheritance to buy a flat,” she explains. “I’d never be able to stay in this job otherwise. But I’ve been here six years, and not once have I woken up and not wanted to go to work. For that I’m extremely thankful.” Maybe the real question isn’t “money or happiness” but when do the rewards of work no longer make up for the effort of earning them? High wages can be a motivator or a dictator, both the carrot and the stick. But for some people, excellent colleagues, a short commute or great perks can tip the balance just far enough. As long as we face Monday morning feeling like we’re getting out more than we put in, then I think we’re probably golden. Topics * Women in Leadership * Work/life * Work & careers * Women * blogposts * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email * Share on LinkedIn * Share on Pinterest * Share on Google+ * Share on WhatsApp * Share on Messenger * Reuse this content View all comments > (BUTTON) Order by * (BUTTON) newest * (BUTTON) oldest * (BUTTON) recommendations (BUTTON) Show 25 * (BUTTON) 25 * (BUTTON) 50 * (BUTTON) 100 * (BUTTON) All (BUTTON) Threads * (BUTTON) collapsed * (BUTTON) expanded * (BUTTON) unthreaded Loading comments… Trouble loading? 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(BUTTON) Close [p?c1=2&c2=6035250&cv=2.0&cj=1&comscorekw=Women+in+Leadership%2CWork%2F life%2CWork+%26+careers%2CWomen] #publisher alternate Skip to main content The Guardian - Back to home Support The Guardian Contribute Subscribe Contribute Search jobs Sign in (BUTTON) My account * Comments & replies * Public profile * Account details * Emails & marketing ______________________________________________________________ * Membership * Contributions * Digital Pack ______________________________________________________________ * Sign out Search [ ] * switch to the International edition * switch to the UK edition * switch to the US edition * switch to the Australia edition current edition: International edition * News * Opinion * Sport * Culture * Lifestyle [ ] Show More * (BUTTON) News + World news + UK news + Science + Cities + Global development + Football + Tech + Business + Environment + Obituaries * (BUTTON) Opinion + The Guardian view + Columnists + Cartoons + Opinion videos + Letters * (BUTTON) Sport + Football + Rugby union + Cricket + Tennis + Cycling + F1 + Golf + US sports * (BUTTON) Culture + Books + Music + TV & radio + Art & design + Film + Games + Classical + Stage * (BUTTON) Lifestyle + Fashion + Food + Recipes + Love & sex + Health & fitness + Home & garden + Women + Family + Travel + Money ____________________ What term do you want to search? (BUTTON) Search with google * Make a contribution * Subscribe * (BUTTON) International edition + switch to the UK edition + switch to the US edition + switch to the Australia edition * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * The Guardian app * Video * Podcasts * Pictures * Newsletters * Today's paper * Inside the Guardian * The Observer * Guardian Weekly * Crosswords * Facebook * Twitter * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * World * UK * Science * Cities * Global development * Football * Tech * Business * Environment * Obituaries (BUTTON) More The Observer Technology Interview Google’s Mo Gawdat: ‘Happiness is like keeping fit. You have to work out’ Ian Tucker When the tech guru’s son unexpectedly died, he turned to an equation they had devised together to get through the grief Sun 30 Apr 2017 10.00 BST Last modified on Thu 11 Oct 2018 15.49 BST * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email Mo Gawdat [ ] Mo Gawdat: ‘You don’t have to obey your thoughts. I can accept them, I can reject them, I can ask the brain to go and get a better one.’ Photograph: Christopher Lane/The Times/News Syndication Mo Gawdat is the chief business officer at Google X – the “moonshot factory” responsible for some of the company’s more audacious projects, such as self-driving cars and a balloon-powered global internet. Before he joined Google, while working as stock trader and tech executive in Dubai and in response to a period of depression, he used his engineer’s mindset to create an “equation for happiness”. The equation says that happiness is greater than, or equal to, your perception of the events in your life minus your expectation of how life should be. When his 21-year-old son Ali died during a routine operation, Gawdat turned to the equation, which they had worked on together, in an attempt to come to terms with his tragic loss. Gawdat’s book, Solve for Happy, explains the theories underpinning the equation and how it helped him sustain his life after Ali’s death. To an outsider you were a successful, wealthy individual with a loving family; not an obvious candidate for someone who felt the need to devote themselves to developing a theory of happiness. You say the more money you had, the less happy you became. That is correct and it’s not uncommon among many of my successful and wealthy friends. The scientific research will tell you that the more income you get the more happy you will become, but once you get to average income your happiness plateaus. Moreover, I found that when you go even higher, wealth starts to work against you – people start to treat you differently; you start to feel a constant disappointment. You mention that while you were on the “hedonistic treadmill” you bought two Rolls-Royces online on a whim. That truly was a turning point. This was again the attempt to fill that gap in my soul. When they arrived I was completely disappointed, they were pretty, I sat in them for 20 minutes but then I went back to my unhappy thoughts, and once you go back to the things that make you unhappy it doesn’t matter what’s parked in the garage. That was a turning point, that nothing material will solve this stuff. Do you still have them? I’ve been trying to sell them, I’ve tried giving them to charity. They are in showrooms waiting to be sold. I rent cars now. You weren’t able to find joy in your life. Is finding joy a skill that should be taught? Absolutely. Happiness is very much like staying fit. You start with the decision that you are going to get fit, you find out how – but knowing that is not enough, you have to go to the gym to work out and eat healthily. To me the whole topic of happiness is exactly the same. First you understand that happiness is a choice, that you can actually achieve it and that there is a method to make it happen. Happiness is not a coincidence, it is not given to you by life, it’s entirely our responsibility. When your son died, did you feel like jettisoning your theories? Are you surprised that your equation held up in such tragic circumstances? You know how there are five stages of grief? We started with acceptance. My wife at the time made an insightful comment when they asked to do an autopsy on Ali’s body: “Will it bring Ali back?” The realisation that nothing we could do, including crying in our rooms for the next 17 years, would ever bring him back… we started from there. I then went through a rollercoaster. But I would sometimes imagine talking to Ali and if you knew him, his first reaction would be: “Papa I’ve already died, there’s nothing you can do about it, so what are you going to make out of it?” When I started going through this dialogue it made me realise that this can be for a reason, for good can come out of it. Do you ever wonder how you would have responded to your son’s death if you hadn’t developed your happiness equation? I would have definitely left life, I wouldn’t have killed myself, but I would have found a corner somewhere and shut the door and sat there until they came. Ali was not just my son, he was my mentor, best friend, confidante, my teacher, he truly was “it”, basically. I can’t imagine I would have handled it at all without the model we built together. You talk about how happiness is a human’s default state. Where’s your evidence for this? That was one of the eye-openers for me. The first observation was I was a very happy young man until around 25, and then something went wrong, and I became very unhappy. To me, an engineer, that means you have a highly optimised machine that began to misbehave. So I started to go back to all the points where I was happy. If you go back to childhood, you observe that if a child’s basic needs are met their default state is happy – they don’t need an iPhone, they can play with their toes and be happy. You say that the voice inside your head isn’t you. If we aren’t the voices inside our heads, what are we? We have a set of illusions. One of them is that we associate so strongly with the voice in our head when the reality is that it is just a biological function; it is exactly like your heart pumping blood around your body. It’s your brain’s way of delivering survival functions to you – its job is to scan the world around it using sensory input and then coordinate your muscle responses and take action so that you survive. Thoughts have truly propelled our civilisation, and we think of the voice inside our heads as us. But that isn’t remotely true once you realise that you don’t have to obey your thoughts – I can accept them, I can reject them, I can ask the brain to go and get me a better one. You can do what people do in meetings: you ask me a question, I give you an answer, but you can say to me: “Mo, can you get me a better answer?”, and I go back to my brain and I say, give me a better answer. Treat your brain as a biological function and understand he is not the boss – you are the boss. Can you explain what you mean by the illusion of time? We deal with time every day, yet no one really knows what time is, including the master of the science of time Albert Einstein. He’ll tell you that past, present and future is nothing more than a stubborn persistent illusion. We have created machines that measure mechanical movement in such a way, yet we have no idea what it is that we are measuring and we are very happy to torture ourselves with it. Google's research sibling X shuts down drones project Read more If you ask a Buddhist what time it is, their answer will be “the time is now”. Like a Buddhist, the only time you have ever lived is a moment of now. You’ve never lived in the past, you will never live in the future; when the future comes it will be a moment of now. Yet we never give ourselves the luxury of living in now; instead, we are constantly living inside our heads looking in the past and the future, and as you do that you constantly suffer. Could you turn your equation into an app? Absolutely. I believe that the book is just the start of a very big initiative. I am trying to create a movement that doesn’t depend on me or the book. I’ve set myself a target of 10 million people happy, and I’m hoping that everyone will set themselves a target of 25 people or 25 million happy, depending on their reach. I’m not about selling books, I believe I’ve been paid by life already. In what sense was your quest to develop an equation for happiness informed by Google X’s moonshot philosophy, to set audacious rather than incremental goals? Absolutely, our CEO Larry Page teaches us to set an audacious target but while you may miss it, what you achieve is greater than if you set a low target. You are on a sabbatical from X? I have a tremendous respect for a company that does things that make the world a better place. Although public opinion sometimes attacks Google, imagine a life without search. I am one of the top execs in Google and I can tell you it is truly not a place about the money, this is a place that is truly about changing the world. When you go back to X what will you be working on? I can tell you but then I’d have to flash you like the Men in Black. • Solve for Happy by Mo Gawdat is published by Bluebird (£14.99). To order a copy for £12.74 go to bookshop.theguardian.com or call 0330 333 6846. Free UK p&p over £10, online orders only. Phone orders min p&p of £1.99 Topics * Technology * The Observer * Mental health * Google * Health * features * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email * Share on LinkedIn * Share on Pinterest * Share on Google+ * Share on WhatsApp * Share on Messenger * Reuse this content View all comments > (BUTTON) Order by * (BUTTON) newest * (BUTTON) oldest * (BUTTON) recommendations (BUTTON) Show 25 * (BUTTON) 25 * (BUTTON) 50 * (BUTTON) 100 * (BUTTON) All (BUTTON) Threads * (BUTTON) collapsed * (BUTTON) expanded * (BUTTON) unthreaded Loading comments… Trouble loading? 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(BUTTON) Close [p?c1=2&c2=6035250&cv=2.0&cj=1&comscorekw=Technology%2CMental+health%2C Google%2CHealth%2CSociety] #publisher alternate Skip to main content The Guardian - Back to home Support The Guardian Contribute Subscribe Contribute Search jobs Sign in (BUTTON) My account * Comments & replies * Public profile * Account details * Emails & marketing ______________________________________________________________ * Membership * Contributions * Digital Pack ______________________________________________________________ * Sign out Search [ ] * switch to the International edition * switch to the UK edition * switch to the US edition * switch to the Australia edition current edition: International edition * News * Opinion * Sport * Culture * Lifestyle [ ] Show More * (BUTTON) News + World news + UK news + Science + Cities + Global development + Football + Tech + Business + Environment + Obituaries * (BUTTON) Opinion + The Guardian view + Columnists + Cartoons + Opinion videos + Letters * (BUTTON) Sport + Football + Rugby union + Cricket + Tennis + Cycling + F1 + Golf + US sports * (BUTTON) Culture + Books + Music + TV & radio + Art & design + Film + Games + Classical + Stage * (BUTTON) Lifestyle + Fashion + Food + Recipes + Love & sex + Health & fitness + Home & garden + Women + Family + Travel + Money ____________________ What term do you want to search? (BUTTON) Search with google * Make a contribution * Subscribe * (BUTTON) International edition + switch to the UK edition + switch to the US edition + switch to the Australia edition * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * The Guardian app * Video * Podcasts * Pictures * Newsletters * Today's paper * Inside the Guardian * The Observer * Guardian Weekly * Crosswords * Facebook * Twitter * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * Money * Property * Pensions * Savings * Borrowing * Careers (BUTTON) More Shortcuts Work & careers Why coasting at work is the best thing for your career, health and happiness A study has found that a third of us say we are ‘coasting’ in our jobs. Maybe they’ve worked out the key to a good life André Spicer Tue 13 Nov 2018 17.59 GMT Last modified on Tue 13 Nov 2018 18.01 GMT * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email Most people are not as busy as they say they are. [ ] Most people are not as busy as they say they are. Photograph: Dreet Production/Getty Images/MITO images When I met a friend recently, I asked him how work was. “Oh, just coasting,” he said. He’s not alone. According to a recent poll, one-third of the 3,000 people surveyed said they were “coasting” at work. This may come as a surprise in an age when so many people spend so much time complaining about how busy they are. But most of this talk about busyness is balderdash. According to a study by researchers at Oxford University, we do not, in fact, spend more time working than we have in the past. On some measures, the amount we work has gone down. Instead, many people just have jobs filled with tasks that don’t really need to be done. The way we look at coasting has radically changed. In the past, being relaxed and not burdened with too much work was a sign of status. Now, being extremely busy shows you are important. If you are not insanely overburdened, then you are seen as a slacker. This does not make sense. Most people are not as busy as they say they are. In fact, most pressing tasks at work are often unrelated to productivity. Many busy people are actually overburdened with telling others how busy they are. Being obsessed with your job may make you feel important, but it’s likely to alienate friends, co-workers and your family. What’s more, being super-busy all the time is not good for you. Another study found that people who are overburdened with work tend to have a worse sense of wellbeing than those who are more relaxed. The researchers also found that being super-busy is bad for your career. Those who reported working very intensely were associated with poorer career outcomes. So, perhaps coasters are not a drag on productivity. Maybe they have worked out that the secret to a productive and healthy life is not being too busy, and certainly not going on about how busy you are. We should remember Bertrand Russell’s adage: “One of the symptoms of an approaching nervous breakdown is the belief that one’s work is terribly important.” Topics * Work & careers * Shortcuts * features * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email * Share on LinkedIn * Share on Pinterest * Share on Google+ * Share on WhatsApp * Share on Messenger * Reuse this content View all comments > (BUTTON) Order by * (BUTTON) newest * (BUTTON) oldest * (BUTTON) recommendations (BUTTON) Show 25 * (BUTTON) 25 * (BUTTON) 50 * (BUTTON) 100 * (BUTTON) All (BUTTON) Threads * (BUTTON) collapsed * (BUTTON) expanded * (BUTTON) unthreaded Loading comments… Trouble loading? 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(BUTTON) Close [p?c1=2&c2=6035250&cv=2.0&cj=1&comscorekw=Work+%26+careers%2CGuardian+C areers%2CMoney] #publisher alternate Skip to main content The Guardian - Back to home Support The Guardian Contribute Subscribe Contribute Search jobs Sign in (BUTTON) My account * Comments & replies * Public profile * Account details * Emails & marketing ______________________________________________________________ * Membership * Contributions * Digital Pack ______________________________________________________________ * Sign out Search [ ] * switch to the International edition * switch to the UK edition * switch to the US edition * switch to the Australia edition current edition: International edition * News * Opinion * Sport * Culture * Lifestyle [ ] Show More * (BUTTON) News + World news + UK news + Science + Cities + Global development + Football + Tech + Business + Environment + Obituaries * (BUTTON) Opinion + The Guardian view + Columnists + Cartoons + Opinion videos + Letters * (BUTTON) Sport + Football + Rugby union + Cricket + Tennis + Cycling + F1 + Golf + US sports * (BUTTON) Culture + Books + Music + TV & radio + Art & design + Film + Games + Classical + Stage * (BUTTON) Lifestyle + Fashion + Food + Recipes + Love & sex + Health & fitness + Home & garden + Women + Family + Travel + Money ____________________ What term do you want to search? (BUTTON) Search with google * Make a contribution * Subscribe * (BUTTON) International edition + switch to the UK edition + switch to the US edition + switch to the Australia edition * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * The Guardian app * Video * Podcasts * Pictures * Newsletters * Today's paper * Inside the Guardian * The Observer * Guardian Weekly * Crosswords * Facebook * Twitter * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * Money * Property * Pensions * Savings * Borrowing * Careers (BUTTON) More Work blog Work & careers Happiness at work is … … a good computer, a nice desk and quality coffee, according to a survey. What do you think? Graham Snowdon @gsnowdon Email Fri 25 Nov 2011 13.00 GMT * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email A stapler on an office desk [ ] A stapler is a staple for good office morale, apparently, so don't let it out of your sight. Photograph: Graham Turner for the Guardian Remember David Cameron's plans to find out how happy we all are? The first set of experimental results on "subjective wellbeing measures" – otherwise known as the national happiness index – for the UK population is about to be released by the Office for National Statistics. The thinking is that by gauging people's sense of wellbeing, the government can provide an alternative view of our progress as a nation beyond traditional economic measures – which, let's face it, are hardly giving anyone much cause for cheer right now. Not surprisingly, several organisations connected with the world of work have been doing some deep thinking of their own around this topic, and the news for the prime minister is apparently better than expected. According to research commissioned by office developers Goodman, the things that keep us most happy and motivated at work are both conceptually simple and reasonably cost-effective: namely, up to date computers, a desk for keeping personal things on, and access to decent coffee. For those of us who spend much of our lives stuck behind a desk staring at a computer, the satisfaction of having a workspace on which to stash all your gonks will probably not come as a blinding shock (check out our gallery of readers' workspaces from earlier this year for an eclectic selection). New, properly functioning technology was considered most important, with 83% of respondents citing it as the main factor influencing their wellbeing at work. About 40% of workers said a decent cup of coffee made all the difference which, for me, is a no-brainer. Here at the Guardian we can choose between a machine that regurgitates advanced coffee substitute (free), or a staff canteen that serves the real stuff (reasonably priced). Personally I can't abide the free stuff, though my more financially minded colleagues seem to quite enjoy it – perhaps that's why they get to dish out the spending advice and I don't. Another interesting titbit from the Goodman survey concerns the vital importance of staplers on office morale. This is apparently particularly true in London, where one in 10 workers complain there are not enough to go around. In Scotland, curiously, there appears to something of a stapler surplus, with one in five saying they have too many of the things. Have the Scots been quietly stealing them all? Needless to say I will make sure these vital findings are passed on to the government at the wellbeing index launch. What are the things that make you happy at work? Or if your employer could make more effort in that department, what would do the trick? Topics * Work & careers * Work blog * blogposts * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email * Share on LinkedIn * Share on Pinterest * Share on Google+ * Share on WhatsApp * Share on Messenger * Reuse this content View all comments > (BUTTON) Order by * (BUTTON) newest * (BUTTON) oldest * (BUTTON) recommendations (BUTTON) Show 25 * (BUTTON) 25 * (BUTTON) 50 * (BUTTON) 100 * (BUTTON) All (BUTTON) Threads * (BUTTON) collapsed * (BUTTON) expanded * (BUTTON) unthreaded Loading comments… Trouble loading? 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(BUTTON) Close [p?c1=2&c2=6035250&cv=2.0&cj=1&comscorekw=Work+%26+careers%2CMoney] #publisher alternate Skip to main content The Guardian - Back to home Support The Guardian Contribute Subscribe Contribute Search jobs Sign in (BUTTON) My account * Comments & replies * Public profile * Account details * Emails & marketing ______________________________________________________________ * Membership * Contributions * Digital Pack ______________________________________________________________ * Sign out Search [ ] * switch to the International edition * switch to the UK edition * switch to the US edition * switch to the Australia edition current edition: International edition * News * Opinion * Sport * Culture * Lifestyle [ ] Show More * (BUTTON) News + World news + UK news + Science + Cities + Global development + Football + Tech + Business + Environment + Obituaries * (BUTTON) Opinion + The Guardian view + Columnists + Cartoons + Opinion videos + Letters * (BUTTON) Sport + Football + Rugby union + Cricket + Tennis + Cycling + F1 + Golf + US sports * (BUTTON) Culture + Books + Music + TV & radio + Art & design + Film + Games + Classical + Stage * (BUTTON) Lifestyle + Fashion + Food + Recipes + Love & sex + Health & fitness + Home & garden + Women + Family + Travel + Money ____________________ What term do you want to search? (BUTTON) Search with google * Make a contribution * Subscribe * (BUTTON) International edition + switch to the UK edition + switch to the US edition + switch to the Australia edition * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * The Guardian app * Video * Podcasts * Pictures * Newsletters * Today's paper * Inside the Guardian * The Observer * Guardian Weekly * Crosswords * Facebook * Twitter * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * Fashion * Food * Recipes * Love & sex * Health & fitness * Home & garden * Women * Family * Travel * Money (BUTTON) More Values-led business Guardian sustainable business Guardian readers reveal what makes them happy in work A survey of 500 readers highlights what makes a happy workplace: being part of a micro-business, feeling influential in decision making and benefiting others Nic Marks Wed 11 Jun 2014 12.37 BST First published on Wed 11 Jun 2014 12.37 BST * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email USA, California, Fairfax, Rear view of happy mature couple dancing on beach [ ] Guardian readers find workplace happiness in small business, autonomy and doing good. Photograph: Alamy On 20 March 2014, the International Day of Happiness, Pharrell Williams joined the UN Foundation to encourage the world to send in their versions of his song, Happy. During the 24 hours of Happiness campaign, more than a thousand video tributes flooded in. I joined in by asking GSB readers to take part in a happiness-at-work survey, and over 500 responded. With the results in, I can reveal what happiness at work means to you. The Happiness at Work Survey was designed to give instant feedback on an individual's happiness at work and a picture of a whole group's happiness. With this survey, the unique factor was that each person taking the survey was a Guardian reader. Some interesting patterns emerged – especially on comparing what I've called "the Guardian 500" with the rest of the UK's working population. It's not all a happy song. Only 38% of you are happy at work, which is slightly less than the UK average of 40%. In fact it's male Guardian readers who seem to be bringing down the scores with only 30% happy at work. Age also played its part, with a typical decline in happiness for people at the mid-life marker. These patterns can also be seen across the UK's working population. However, workers under 25 are on the whole much less happy than their Guardian-reading counterparts. For me, the most interesting finding from the survey was a reminder of the British economist E F Schumacher's famous insight: small is beautiful. Not only that: small is happy. People working in micro-businesses with fewer than 10 people are the happiest. Among the Guardian 500, 64% of people working in micro-businesses are happy at work, compared with an average across all sizes of businesses of just 38%. So Guardian readers working in micro-business are nearly twice as likely to be happy at work than the national average. While the same result is also reflected in the whole UK population, it's not quite as pronounced. But what else matters when it comes to happiness at work? Doing good feels good. People generally feel happier at work when they can see that their work is benefiting others. People who felt their jobs really benefited society (42%) were much more likely to be happy at work (59%, compared with the average of 38%). Autonomy is also great for happiness. Being yourself at work, being able to influence decisions and shape your work are crucial to your happiness. In fact the most autonomous were nearly always happy at work (81%). While this is a well-known driver of happiness at work, it is an even stronger influence among the Guardian 500. Perhaps Pharrell could put the results to music: happiness, at least in a work context, is about keeping it small, being autonomous and doing good. The challenge is to build human and humane organisations that create a powerful sense of smallness whatever their size, and empower their employees to feel, and indeed be, influential. That's a tune we could all enjoy dancing to, even at work. Nic Marks, founder of Happiness Works. The values-led business hub is funded by SC Johnson. All content is editorially independent except for pieces labelled advertisement feature. Find out more here. Join the community of sustainability professionals and experts. Become a GSB member to get more stories like this direct to your inbox Topics * Guardian sustainable business * Values-led business * Happiness indices * Health & wellbeing * Sustainable development * blogposts * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email * Share on LinkedIn * Share on Pinterest * Share on Google+ * Share on WhatsApp * Share on Messenger * Reuse this content View all comments > (BUTTON) Order by * (BUTTON) newest * (BUTTON) oldest * (BUTTON) recommendations (BUTTON) Show 25 * (BUTTON) 25 * (BUTTON) 50 * (BUTTON) 100 * (BUTTON) All (BUTTON) Threads * (BUTTON) collapsed * (BUTTON) expanded * (BUTTON) unthreaded Loading comments… Trouble loading? 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(BUTTON) Close [p?c1=2&c2=6035250&cv=2.0&cj=1&comscorekw=Guardian+sustainable+business %2CBusiness%2CHappiness+indices%2CHealth+%26+wellbeing%2CSustainable+de velopment%2CEnvironment] #publisher alternate Skip to main content The Guardian - Back to home Support The Guardian Contribute Subscribe Contribute Search jobs Sign in (BUTTON) My account * Comments & replies * Public profile * Account details * Emails & marketing ______________________________________________________________ * Membership * Contributions * Digital Pack ______________________________________________________________ * Sign out Search [ ] * switch to the International edition * switch to the UK edition * switch to the US edition * switch to the Australia edition current edition: International edition * News * Opinion * Sport * Culture * Lifestyle [ ] Show More * (BUTTON) News + World news + UK news + Science + Cities + Global development + Football + Tech + Business + Environment + Obituaries * (BUTTON) Opinion + The Guardian view + Columnists + Cartoons + Opinion videos + Letters * (BUTTON) Sport + Football + Rugby union + Cricket + Tennis + Cycling + F1 + Golf + US sports * (BUTTON) Culture + Books + Music + TV & radio + Art & design + Film + Games + Classical + Stage * (BUTTON) Lifestyle + Fashion + Food + Recipes + Love & sex + Health & fitness + Home & garden + Women + Family + Travel + Money ____________________ What term do you want to search? (BUTTON) Search with google * Make a contribution * Subscribe * (BUTTON) International edition + switch to the UK edition + switch to the US edition + switch to the Australia edition * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * The Guardian app * Video * Podcasts * Pictures * Newsletters * Today's paper * Inside the Guardian * The Observer * Guardian Weekly * Crosswords * Facebook * Twitter * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive Values-led business Guardian sustainable business How happy are you at work compared to the national average? - survey Mark the International Day of Happiness with the Happiness at Work Survey for an analysis of your happiness at work Thu 20 Mar 2014 12.38 GMT * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email Ballroom Bunnies calendar - Aug 2011 [ ] The Happiness at Work Survey - are you more, or less happy at work than the national average? Photograph: www.maverickartsclub.com/Rex F The average Brit spends 100,000 hours at work – that's more than 11 and a half years. Nic Marks, director of Happiness Works, writes that if we were happier at work we would inevitably be happier in our whole lives: we'd be better partners, better parents, and better people. He believes the important things for our happiness are rarely even physical things, but instead the quality of our relationships and feeling of purpose we get from our home and working lives. The Happiness at Work Survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete and is benchmarked against national data on wellbeing in the workplace. IFRAME: //app.happinessatworksurvey.com/trial-intro?v=1 Topics * Guardian sustainable business * Values-led business * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email * Share on LinkedIn * Share on Pinterest * Share on Google+ * Share on WhatsApp * Share on Messenger * Reuse this content View all comments > (BUTTON) Order by * (BUTTON) newest * (BUTTON) oldest * (BUTTON) recommendations (BUTTON) Show 25 * (BUTTON) 25 * (BUTTON) 50 * (BUTTON) 100 * (BUTTON) All (BUTTON) Threads * (BUTTON) collapsed * (BUTTON) expanded * (BUTTON) unthreaded Loading comments… Trouble loading? 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(BUTTON) Close [p?c1=2&c2=6035250&cv=2.0&cj=1&comscorekw=Guardian+sustainable+business ] #publisher alternate Skip to main content The Guardian - Back to home Support The Guardian Contribute Subscribe Contribute Search jobs Sign in (BUTTON) My account * Comments & replies * Public profile * Account details * Emails & marketing ______________________________________________________________ * Membership * Contributions * Digital Pack ______________________________________________________________ * Sign out Search [ ] * switch to the International edition * switch to the UK edition * switch to the US edition * switch to the Australia edition current edition: International edition * News * Opinion * Sport * Culture * Lifestyle [ ] Show More * (BUTTON) News + World news + UK news + Science + Cities + Global development + Football + Tech + Business + Environment + Obituaries * (BUTTON) Opinion + The Guardian view + Columnists + Cartoons + Opinion videos + Letters * (BUTTON) Sport + Football + Rugby union + Cricket + Tennis + Cycling + F1 + Golf + US sports * (BUTTON) Culture + Books + Music + TV & radio + Art & design + Film + Games + Classical + Stage * (BUTTON) Lifestyle + Fashion + Food + Recipes + Love & sex + Health & fitness + Home & garden + Women + Family + Travel + Money ____________________ What term do you want to search? (BUTTON) Search with google * Make a contribution * Subscribe * (BUTTON) International edition + switch to the UK edition + switch to the US edition + switch to the Australia edition * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * The Guardian app * Video * Podcasts * Pictures * Newsletters * Today's paper * Inside the Guardian * The Observer * Guardian Weekly * Crosswords * Facebook * Twitter * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive Guardian sustainable business The dark side of workplace happiness Companies are increasingly tracking employee satisfaction. But will the trend have depressing consequences? • This is the third story in our series on workplace culture. Read the first, on mindfulness, here, and the second, on worker happiness, here Amy Westervelt @amywestervelt Tue 1 Jul 2014 12.45 BST Last modified on Fri 3 Apr 2015 19.25 BST * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email Willy Wonka and some Oompa Loompas [ ] Happy workers are productive workers. But does the quest for worker happiness come with a dark downside? Photograph: Everett Collection/Rex Feature Workplace happiness has become big business. At companies ranging from arty startups like Etsy to corporate behemoths like Bank of America, bosses are using a host of tools, services and consultants to help improve their employees’ workplace satisfaction. On the surface, the trend is all upside: as businesses strive to reduce occupational stress and generally to make work more enjoyable, they are reaping rewards in terms of increased productivity, improved recruitment and retention rates, and lower healthcare costs. What could possibly go wrong? Plenty, as it turns out. As civil rights groups like the American Civil Liberties Union and the San Francisco-based Electronic Frontier Foundation, and worker rights groups like the National Workrights Institute have noted for years, the emphasis on workplace happiness could lead to privacy concerns. After all, is it really management’s business whether their employees are happy? For that matter, if happiness is a metric for workplace effectiveness, what happens to workers who have a bad month or two? Could they be fired for being a downer at work? These arguments have done little to dim corporate enthusiasm about the various surveys and devices that help bosses measure employee happiness. And, according to Ben Waber, CEO of Sociometric Solutions, these sorts of scenarios are unlikely to play out in the real world. Waber’s company provides sensor-equipped badges that track various indicators of employee happiness, such as face-to-face interactions and how often employees raise their voices. He claims that specific employee data, gathered either by surveys or by devices like his company’s “smart” employee badges, is kept confidential. Managers have access to aggregate data, which they can then use to design policies and programs that boost employee engagement. Still, Waber acknowledges the potential for misconduct, and is advocating for tighter regulation of the emergent industry. “A lot of companies, even those that aren’t looking at employee satisfaction, do use digital data to identify individuals,” Waber says. “They’ll see features about an individual, and could technically look at an individual’s email.” In some ways, Waber notes, the workplace happiness issue speaks to the larger concern of workplace privacy — and the need for legislation to protect employees. “Right now it’s a Wild West,” he says. “If there isn’t any regulation, eventually someone will screw up and do the wrong thing and at that point all the good that’s being done would go away. People doing this actually need to push for it to be regulated.” A growing market for happiness “We’ve been hearing much more from businesses and this is something we haven’t seen in the past,” says Peggy Kern, a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania’s Positive Psychology Center. “All of a sudden this idea that people who are happy tend to not take as many sick days, tend to be more productive, and so forth has more organizations beginning to pay attention.” Kern says she has also been hearing more and more about app developers working on workplace-focused products that incorporate positive psychology research. For years, Gallup had a monopoly on the workplace happiness game, which they preferred to call “employee engagement.” Companies paid Gallup tens of thousands of dollars to use its Employee Engagement Survey and related consulting services. As workplace happiness measurement has gained traction, more companies have entered the market. Now, apps such as Hppy promise to help companies measure and track employee happiness for a fraction of Gallup’s price. Even Gallup itself has rolled out a lower-cost version of its offering: to administer the 12-question, five-minute, Gallup Q12 Survey, the company charges roughly $15 per employee. Balancing popularity and professionalism One potential concern for the workplace happiness movement is professionalism. Kim Cameron, associate dean at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business and co-founder of the university’s Center for Positive Organizations, says that, while the recent interest in his field is welcome, there is some concern that new and untrained consultants or apps could tarnish its reputation before it gets a real shot at transforming the way we work. “I see scads of people who are now trumpeting themselves as an expert on this,” Cameron says. “That’s one of the scariest things for me about this becoming a trend. We hold several lecture series here and half the people there are consultants or practitioners trying to get the latest thing they can use to sell.” That’s a double-edged sword for Cameron. While he wants to see more businesses embracing positive business strategies, he is concerned about what might happen if they integrate only a superficial understanding of the field. Having spent the last decade studying the correlation between positive business practices and quantifiable returns in industries ranging from healthcare to financial services to air travel, he is convinced that positive business is the way of the future – and he doesn’t want to see that future cut short by popularity. Some shallow-end approaches, like bringing in a consultant for a one-day workshop or rolling out an app that measures and tracks employee happiness but doesn’t result in any sort of meaningful change from management, are fundamentally flawed, Cameron argues. When these approaches fail, as he anticipates they will, he worries that they may erode the credibility of the industry. Another issue is a growing sentiment amongst employees that all of these initiatives aimed at improving their happiness amount to so much mind manipulation. “Some people feel like, ‘you’re trying to increase my happiness...because you want more out of me. It’s just a manipulation technique,’” says Cameron. He notes that there is a continuum among companies adopting positive practices. “Some organizations are more virtuous and positive in their approach, others are less so,” he explains. Overall, however, he says, there is a clear connection between positivity and financial rewards. “When we measure financial return and positivity, across industries, we find a correlation of 0.86, which is almost perfect.” In other words, Cameron explains, “Money follows positive, virtuous practices.” Amy Westervelt is an Oakland, California-based freelance reporter who covers the environment, business and health. The social impact hub is funded by AngloAmerican. All content is editorially independent except for pieces labelled advertisement feature. Find out more here Topics * Guardian sustainable business * Behaviour * Business case * Engaging employees * Corporate social responsibility * Health and wellbeing * Ethical business * analysis * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email * Share on LinkedIn * Share on Pinterest * Share on Google+ * Share on WhatsApp * Share on Messenger * Reuse this content View all comments > (BUTTON) Order by * (BUTTON) newest * (BUTTON) oldest * (BUTTON) recommendations (BUTTON) Show 25 * (BUTTON) 25 * (BUTTON) 50 * (BUTTON) 100 * (BUTTON) All (BUTTON) Threads * (BUTTON) collapsed * (BUTTON) expanded * (BUTTON) unthreaded Loading comments… Trouble loading? 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(BUTTON) Search with google * Make a contribution * Subscribe * (BUTTON) International edition + switch to the UK edition + switch to the US edition + switch to the Australia edition * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * The Guardian app * Video * Podcasts * Pictures * Newsletters * Today's paper * Inside the Guardian * The Observer * Guardian Weekly * Crosswords * Facebook * Twitter * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive Business case Happy employees are healthier (and cheaper) As a growing body of research shows the economic benefits of a happy, healthy workforce, companies are exploring creative ways to encourage employee wellbeing • This is the second story in our series on workplace culture. Read the first, on mindfulness, here Amy Westervelt Wed 18 Jun 2014 12.45 BST * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email guy in suit doing yoga [ ] Studies show that a happy workforce is a healthy - and productive - workforce. Photograph: Catalin Petolea/Alamy Employees who are happy at work not only perform better, but also cost less. That's the conclusion of a six-year study conducted by health insurance company Humana and the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business. The insurer studied not only its 42,000 employees, but also their impact on patients at its more than 320 medical centers and 270 worksite medical facilities. The results of that research informed the design of the Humana Integrated Total Wellbeing platform, a new product that the company is currently rolling out to employers. It's good timing for such a product, as businesses are becoming more interested in employee wellbeing as a way to boost everything from retention rates to productivity. Perhaps more importantly, the US Affordable Care Act is putting a major focus on prevention, a first for the US healthcare system. In most cases, it will become costlier for employers to provide employees with health services and access to healthcare – which means that there will be financial incentives for them to keep their employees happy. For Humana, the economic value of employee happiness starts with a simple equation: happy nurses keep patients healthier. In a study of its 33 nursing teams, the company found that patients working with its happiest (or in Humana parlance "most engaged") nurses have 40% less paid in claims, 70% fewer visits to the ER, and 91% fewer visits to urgent care clinics. In turn, Humana pays 24% less per patient. But the impact of employee happiness isn't limited to Humana's nursing staff; the company credits its "engagement strategy" with improving everything from sales to internal talent retention. It has deployed its proprietary Wellbeing Index, which assesses wellbeing at an organizational level, across all departments, even those with no service component. In the process, it has gained numerous useful insights, including the realization that the degree to which employees feel that their work has purpose accounts for almost half of their productivity. Internal policies become external products Tim State, vice president of human capital strategy and performance at Humana, points out that, like any large company, the insurer is interested in the health, wellbeing and productivity as its workers. "But especially as a company with our mission, it goes one step further,” he says. “As a health and wellbeing company, we wanted to build the capability to give to our customers what we aspire to for ourselves. We can incubate and nurture a lot of ideas and approaches inside our own population and take those learnings out to consumers." Humana's Integrated Total Well-being platform is a good example of how the company's predictive research can have an impact on healthcare costs. Using an employee happiness survey developed by the University of Michigan, Humana is able to predict health metrics like blood pressure and cholesterol levels with 99% accuracy. In so doing, it can reduce the frequency of employee physicals, which cost an average of $150 per employee. For a company of 50,000 employees, that adds up to meaningful savings. According to Kim Cameron, the University of Michigan researcher who developed the survey, an increase of one point on the survey equates to a savings of $2,552 in medical costs per year per employee. With those kinds of savings, even a company with 100 employees might find such a strategy worth deploying. Encouraging healthy employee choices Humana's not the only company making the connection between health and happiness. Whole Foods Market, for example, recently launched a B2B company wellness program called Full Spoon, which helps employees in participating companies develop practical, sustainable habits through educational seminars, easy online and mobile tracking, and healthy eating incentives like employee contests and discounts on healthy foods. Employees at companies that participate in the program get a virtual discount card that they can use at Whole Foods Market. They can also enroll in various contests, and are given access to the Count It platform, which tracks diet and exercise. Each month, participants earn points for being physically active and shopping for and eating healthy foods. By “swiping” their virtual discount cards when buying groceries, participants earn points, along with a 20% discount on groceries marked as "healthy" by the Full Spoon program. Full Spoon is only being offered through Whole Foods' San Francisco and Reno stores today, but the company has plans to expand to other stores slowly throughout the year. "That incentive has really worked to shift the composition of people's baskets, and that's a metric we can show the companies we work with," explains Caesare Assad, Full Spoon program director. Assad and Full Spoon program designer Sarah Ahern were Whole Foods team members when they came up with the idea for Full Spoon. "We looked at the wellness industry and saw huge demand and not a lot of engagement with existing programs,” Assad says. “[Ahern and I] had personal experiences with the positive health impact of real food and saw this as place where we could really make a difference, so we put our heads together, came up with a plan and pitched the idea to Whole Foods." The metrics of wellbeing With the support of Whole Foods behind them, the two began working with social network LinkedIn and electric car company Tesla Motors to test their program and figure out what worked best, both in terms of health results and employee engagement. So far, they have an engagement rate of 27%-38%, which Assad claims is well above the industry average. "When we started out, we had this vision of on-site education, and we wanted to do hands-on cooking and have folks come to 30- to 45-minute classes, do lunch, and learn," Ahern says. "But in working with Tesla and LinkedIn, we saw that really we needed to give sound bytes and tidbits in 5-minute, 10-minute, and 15-minute chunks. That got us to re-work our thinking and develop programs that could be impactful and engaging in a short amount of time." Assad adds that employees at both companies were very interested in connecting with farmers, so Full Spoon built out a network of farmers they could incorporate into the program as well. "Now we're connecting farmers directly with people, which both sides love," she says. "We've really seen it build into this ecosystem around healthy eating, which we hadn't anticipated happening." Ultimately, employers that really want to get serious about employee wellbeing will need to avail themselves of multiple tools and take a top-down approach. "Anything you measure and focus people on tends to get better when complemented by a leader example," John Schriber, director of associate engagement at Humana, says. "We are lucky to have a CEO who firmly believes in this and is really walking the talk. I can't tell you how much the culture has changed since starting to focus on wellbeing." Amy Westervelt is an Oakland, California-based freelance reporter who covers the environment, business and health The social impact hub is funded by AngloAmerican. All content is editorially independent except for pieces labelled advertisement feature. Find out more here. Topics * Business case * Engaging employees * Health and wellbeing * Corporate social responsibility * Ethical business * features * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email * Share on LinkedIn * Share on Pinterest * Share on Google+ * Share on WhatsApp * Share on Messenger * Reuse this content View all comments > (BUTTON) Order by * (BUTTON) newest * (BUTTON) oldest * (BUTTON) recommendations (BUTTON) Show 25 * (BUTTON) 25 * (BUTTON) 50 * (BUTTON) 100 * (BUTTON) All (BUTTON) Threads * (BUTTON) collapsed * (BUTTON) expanded * (BUTTON) unthreaded Loading comments… Trouble loading? 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(BUTTON) Search with google * Make a contribution * Subscribe * (BUTTON) International edition + switch to the UK edition + switch to the US edition + switch to the Australia edition * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * The Guardian app * Video * Podcasts * Pictures * Newsletters * Today's paper * Inside the Guardian * The Observer * Guardian Weekly * Crosswords * Facebook * Twitter * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * Money * Property * Pensions * Savings * Borrowing * Careers (BUTTON) More Values-led business Guardian sustainable business Is a chief happiness officer really the best way to increase workplace happiness? While the trend of chief happiness officers might not have spread like wildfire, companies are increasingly finding ways to make workplace happiness a priority Leah Messinger Wed 26 Aug 2015 15.55 BST Last modified on Thu 27 Aug 2015 17.33 BST * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email happy face on desk with office supplies [ ] Chief happiness officers, or CHOs, are important, the thinking goes, because happy workers do more and stay longer at a company. Photograph: Alberto Incrocci/Getty Images Happiness in the workplace has become such a hot button conversation topic, some companies have created a job specifically dedicated to it. The remit of a chief happiness officer (CHO) is simple: to ensure workers are kept happy. But for a trend supposedly sweeping the workplace, the list of people who have assumed the position of CHO is rather short. There’s Jenn Lim (Delivering Happiness, an offshoot of Zappos), Chade-Meng Tan (Google, actual title: Jolly Good Fellow), Alexander Kjerulf (WooHoo, a Denmark-based consulting company) and Christine Jutard (Kiabi, a French clothing company). There’s also Ronald McDonald, who became perhaps the first CHO in the United States in 2003. If you're happy and you know it ... become a chief happiness officer Read more The premise of a CHO seems to be that happy workers do more and stay longer at a company, so it serves the company well to better serve its employees. The work of a chief happiness officer can range from a focus on employees’ day-to-day feelings to providing company perks, such as game nights or group outings. Virgin, Southwest Airlines, the Container Store and other companies have a strong emphasis on employee happiness – or at least on discussing their emphasis on employee happiness – but the ranks of chief happiness officers themselves are thin. “Is there a huge groundswell? Eh, not yet,” says Alexander Kjerulf, one of the few existing CHOs. In addition to holding that position at WooHoo, Kjerulf is its founder. WooHoo consults on workplace happiness with clients such as Hilton, IBM, Ikea and Shell. Kjerulf says although the title of CHO may be oversold and underused, many managers and human resource heads are actively seeking to make work a happier place. And it’s not just for show. “There really is a ‘there’ there,” says Sigal Barsade, a professor of business at Wharton who studies emotions in organizations. Barsade and many others who study employee productivity say the results of focusing on employee wellbeing can be easily and consistently quantified in terms of decreased turnover (pdf), burnout and absenteeism. By building what Barsade calls a positive “emotional culture”, a company can expect to see improvements in team behavior, group financial performance and job satisfaction, while also increasing the frequency with which workers help their colleagues and improving how well they accomplish discrete tasks. “It’s not only are you staying with the organization, but literally, you do work better. And not just customer service, but also technical work,” Barsade says. She adds that a growing number of human resource managers have contacted her in recent years for advice on how to redefine their company cultures. Stewart Thornhill, who teaches entrepreneurship at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, says he’s observed an increased interest in a positive work environment from his students. When asked to identify their top reasons for starting a company, Thornhill says his students point to positive change or creating value for customers and clients within the workplace first. “It’s always fascinating to me how long it takes them to get to profit,” Thornhill says. He attributes this change to millennials possessing a higher level of social awareness. “Whether that will change as they evolve and move on to their 20s and 30s and deal with mortgages and student loans, that’s another question,” he says. Laurence Vanhee was chief happiness officer of Belgium’s social security ministry from 2009 to 2013, or at least that’s what was printed on her business card and in her email signatures. Her official title was more cumbersome: general manager for support service, personnel and organization of the federal public services of the social security ministry. Vanhee says emphasizing employee happiness by allowing telecommuting and creating group workspaces, for example, made more sense to her than activity-based costing or six sigma, productivity measurement tools popular in the 80s and 90s that treated workers as commodities to be quantified. In such a system, “there is no place for humans”, Vanhee says. Assigning companywide happiness to a bureaucrat is antithetical to the concept of workplace happiness. Consideration of workers’ wellbeing may become increasingly important as the global financial recovery forces employers to create more competitive work environments. Kjerulf says he believes the financial crisis “gave companies the freedom to treat their employees like crap”. Market forces may require them to rethink that approach. Kjerulf says he tried to bring more happiness to an Ikea store in Denmark in 2010, starting with the smallest of gestures. The goal was to make customers happier and that, he says, had to start with the employees. Kjerulf instructed managers to praise employees more freely and make sure to say “good morning” when they arrived each day. The head of the bedding department also organized a pillow fight with employees and customers. The manager of the closet department would occasionally hide inside one awaiting an unsuspecting customer, then pop out and say: “Can I help you?” “I realize this sounds really silly,” he admits. “But it’s one of the things that create a better relationship in the workplace, that we actually acknowledge each other’s existence.” Barsade says the research backs this up. A manager can shape the office environment with something as simple as the expression she wears when she walks into work. “We literally catch emotions like viruses in groups,” Barsade says. What if work was awesome? Read more For Richard Sheridan, CEO and chief storyteller at Menlo Innovations, a 55-person software development company, a focus on happiness has meant the removal of hierarchy with employees working in pairs that rotate every five days. He says he has tried to eliminate all barriers to human communication, both mental and physical. There are, he says, “no walls, office, cubes or doors”. In fact, the communication at Menlo appears to be so open that Sheridan had to call a reporter from a hallway because the din of in the office was too loud. Sheridan says he sees no reason to appoint an individual to be in charge of the company’s culture. “If anything, we want a chief happiness officer mentality in the company, rather than a chief happiness officer person in the company,” he says. Charles D Kearns, a professor of behavioral science at Pepperdine University’s business school, says assigning companywide happiness to a bureaucrat is antithetical to the concept of workplace happiness. “The top management team and all of the managers and supervisors, and for that matter all of the organization’s employees, should have built into their job description to increase happier high performance, starting with themselves,” Kearns says. “How can you legislate that with a chief happiness officer?” Topics * Guardian sustainable business * Values-led business * Ethical business * Work-life balance * Work & careers * features * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email * Share on LinkedIn * Share on Pinterest * Share on Google+ * Share on WhatsApp * Share on Messenger * Reuse this content Most popular * Money * Property * Pensions * Savings * Borrowing * Careers IFRAME: /email/form/footer/today-uk * Contact us * Complaints & corrections * Secure Drop * Work for us * Privacy policy * Cookie policy * Terms & conditions * Help * All topics * All writers * Digital newspaper archive * Facebook * Twitter * Advertise with us * Search UK jobs Support The Guardian Contribute Subscribe Back to top © 2018 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. 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(BUTTON) Search with google * Make a contribution * Subscribe * (BUTTON) International edition + switch to the UK edition + switch to the US edition + switch to the Australia edition * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * The Guardian app * Video * Podcasts * Pictures * Newsletters * Today's paper * Inside the Guardian * The Observer * Guardian Weekly * Crosswords * Facebook * Twitter * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive Health and wellbeing International happiness day: why it's a serious global issue The UN's International Happiness Day is an opportunity to reflect on what a good human life looks like and why political, social and economic harmony are so vital Get involved: tell us a quote that makes you happy Nic Marks Wed 20 Mar 2013 09.32 GMT First published on Wed 20 Mar 2013 09.32 GMT * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email a circle of smiling teenagers [ ] Happiness is important for building sustainable and healthy communities, businesses and governance. Photograph: Alamy The idea that the UN has declared today to be an International Day of Happiness may come as news to many people. Indeed it would be fair to say that many people will think the idea of a special day for global happiness is ridiculous and that the UN has far more important things to concentrate on such as the hostilities in North Korea and Syria. I'm not going to argue that it should stop doing all its urgent political and humanitarian work but it is also worth remembering that we are all human and that human life is not just about surviving but also about thriving. Indeed, I would argue that human happiness is a serious issue. It is an important personal issue for us all – who doesn't want to be happy? Who doesn't want their children to lead happy lives? It is a serious issue for our communities – unhappiness is a breeding ground for social discontent with a resultant vicious cycle of crime, conflict and insecurity. And it is a serious issue for businesses – unhappy workplaces are less productive, have higher levels of sickness absence, are less innovative as well as less fun. Ultimately they are at risk of not being able to adapt in a fast changing world. But happiness is also a serious 21st century global issue: how on earth are we going to create political, economic and social systems that support nine billion people to live in harmony with each other and the one planet we all share? If we don't globally reflect on what a good human life is, then we are in serious trouble. Surely a good human life does not have to be an intensive and materialistic life? That pathway – which is our current one – can only lead to a hellishly hot future, probably with massive structural inequalities (as the powerful control the increasingly limited environmental resources such as water and sources of energy) and not much human happiness. So we need to talk about happiness. We need to talk about happiness in our families, our schools, our communities, our organisations and indeed politically. It is these conversations that I have tried to start with most of my work over the last 20 years – though to be honest, I didn't come to that realisation until much more recently. I thought I was trying to create measurement tools. I still do, but I have come to see that the purpose of these tools is not to be right to three decimal places, but instead to act as a catalyst to starting conversations. For example, the Happy Planet Index (HPI) is on the surface a global measure of sustainable wellbeing, but it is as much designed to naturally start conversations about how to create the world we all want – a happy healthy and sustainable future. I am now working actively on how to encourage conversations about happiness in businesses. People spend a lot of time at work and I don't believe anyone wants to be unhappy in the workplace even if they don't naturally think of it as our primary source of happiness. Any vision of a good future includes business and businesses as a central essential element of positive change. So there has to be a conscious effort to align the business needs with both personal needs and societal ones. To help seed these conversations we have created a happiness at work survey that seeks to align positive experiences at work with the performance of the organisation and the social value it generates. Clearly measurement is not the only way to start conversations and a "day of happiness" campaign has been launched to this end. If today could become a date in the annual diary where these conversations do take place across the world then I genuinely think the UN will have done us all a service – by starting to take human happiness seriously. Nic Marks is founder of the centre for wellbeing at the London-based thinktank New Economics Foundation. He has recently started a new business called Happiness Works to globally promote these ideas in organisations This content is brought to you by Guardian Professional. Become a GSB member to get more stories like this direct to your inbox Topics * Health and wellbeing * Behaviour * blogposts * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email * Share on LinkedIn * Share on Pinterest * Share on Google+ * Share on WhatsApp * Share on Messenger * Reuse this content View all comments > (BUTTON) Order by * (BUTTON) newest * (BUTTON) oldest * (BUTTON) recommendations (BUTTON) Show 25 * (BUTTON) 25 * (BUTTON) 50 * (BUTTON) 100 * (BUTTON) All (BUTTON) Threads * (BUTTON) collapsed * (BUTTON) expanded * (BUTTON) unthreaded Loading comments… Trouble loading? 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Source: wearewildgoose.com Photograph: Juj Winn/Getty Images Step inside G Adventures’ office in Clerkenwell, London, and you may never want to leave. A welcome sign illuminates visitors’ names as they enter the office, and the décor is far from bland – Beatles- and royals-themed meeting rooms await. The travel company’s staff get one complementary family trip per year, and every Friday employees from all sides of the business are encouraged to hang out and drink beers in its downstairs meeting room. “The light airy space, bright colours and happy vibe make the office a fun and vibrant place to come to work,” says Casey Mead, global PR lead at G Adventures. “Knowing we have the freedom to chill out with others in our communal area, or take some space in one of the London phone booths or egg chairs, makes the office a great place to be.” A strong company culture can be important in helping productivity and creating a happy workforce. With a table football and ping-pong room to hang out in, Alphabet’s office in Farnborough, Hampshire, has two of the staple ingredients seen in trendy offices the world over. But it’s not just the fun stuff that draws people in. The mobility and fleet-leasing company has recently introduced an intrapreneur lab, in which staff can turn their business ideas into a reality, with the help of company resources. Since its launch in October, it has seen 110 applications from staff and produced 74 new ideas. “We put a lot of time and energy into meeting the personal and professional requirements of our 400-plus UK employees,” says Adam Lupton, HR director at Alphabet. “Highly engaged employees are more effective, more dedicated and more passionate – exactly the sorts of people our customers want to deal with. Our ultimate goal is to have happy, healthy and motivated employees – it’s a win for the business and a win for staff.” Lydia Fairman, an HR and resourcing specialist, says today’s workers are looking for opportunity, recognition and inclusivity from an employer. “Family-friendly policies are vital if employers want to have a diverse and engaged workforce, and they should also make the most of technology to enable people to work remotely.” At Aisle Eight’s office in east London, they’ve gone to great lengths to create a workplace that feels homely. The owners’ two dachshunds and French bulldog visit several times a week, and every Friday at 5pm a different employee of the PR agency gets to show off their bottle-juggling skills and whip up cocktails for their colleagues. Colourful office Facebook Twitter Pinterest Jobs for the buoyed: G Adventures’ office in Clerkenwell, London. Photograph: areasq.co.uk And it doesn’t end in the office, either – the company splashes out on annual summer and Christmas away days, exploring cities such as Barcelona and Amsterdam. “We wanted to create a culture where our team would look forward to coming to work, and that meant working hard to build the right team who all shared the same vision and had the same work ethics,” says Aisle Eight co-founder Lauren Stevenson. Beyond a good salary and job satisfaction, today’s jobseekers look for a good company culture, where employee happiness is just as important as increasing profits. In practice, this means flexitime and employee wellbeing are a given, and strong parental-leave policies, where new mums and dads are supported to take the necessary time off, are an essential part of the company. At feedback platform TruRating, management focus on creating a culture of openness and equality. “I don’t think there is anyone who would be afraid to speak up if they thought something could be done better,” says product manager David Atkinson. “We all have share options too, which creates a very real sense of ownership.” Creating a strong company culture takes time and effort, but it’s worth the effort. Happy staff have been found to be 12% more productive than unhappy employees, so there’s incentive to create an enviable company culture – with or without the ping-pong table. Ten popular policies at work * Offering staff flexibility over the hours they work. * Working from home – increasingly possibility across many professions, thanks to advances in cloud computing and browser-based software ... and if it’s workable, companies should be offering it. * Giving staff access to social media at work. Restricting access implies a lack of trust. * A strong anti-harassment policy – so employees feel safe and happy when they come to work. * Providing staff with a level of autonomy in their work. * Encouraging and supporting employees’ development and training requirements. * Unlimited holiday, or a minimum of 28 days off per year. * Recognising work-life balance – that means discouraging everyone from emailing outside work hours. * Free gym membership or lunchtime exercise classes – to help keep staff healthy and happy. * Feeding them. Whether it’s as low-key as a bowl of fresh fruit on a Monday, or as indulgent as breakfast everyday, complementary food is always a winner. 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(BUTTON) Close [p?c1=2&c2=6035250&cv=2.0&cj=1&comscorekw=Top+Employers+UK%2CGuardian+C areers%2CProfessional+supplements] #publisher alternate Skip to main content The Guardian - Back to home Contribute Subscribe Contribute * News * Opinion * Sport * Culture * Lifestyle [ ] Show More * (BUTTON) News + World news + UK news + Science + Cities + Global development + Football + Tech + Business + Environment + Obituaries * (BUTTON) Opinion + The Guardian view + Columnists + Cartoons + Opinion videos + Letters * (BUTTON) Sport + Football + Rugby union + Cricket + Tennis + Cycling + F1 + Golf + US sports * (BUTTON) Culture + Books + Music + TV & radio + Art & design + Film + Games + Classical + Stage * (BUTTON) Lifestyle + Fashion + Food + Recipes + Love & sex + Health & fitness + Home & garden + Women + Family + Travel + Money ____________________ What term do you want to search? 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Illustration: Sarah Gleeson for the Guardian Mon 26 Sep 2016 08.21 BST Last modified on Wed 14 Feb 2018 21.12 GMT * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email When Aristotle described “the complete happiness of man”, he thought it would include, among other things, “self-sufficiency, leisureliness and unweariedness”. Unfortunately the philosopher concluded that “such a life would be too high for man” – it was suitable only for the gods. All the same, he encouraged humanity to keep striving to get as close to “complete happiness” as possible. I reckon he’d be proud of where we’ve got. Today, the fourth industrial revolution – which ranges from artificial intelligence to genetic engineering and automation – promises almost total freedom from weariness and uninterrupted leisure time as demands of work are taken away from us by better, cheaper and more efficient artificial technology. The robots are coming and apparently they’re here to work. But will all the free time we’re being promised actually make our lives any better? Is a life without work one we’d actually want to live? I’ve often debated the merits of continuing to work after winning the lotto with friends and family – I maintain that I wouldn’t but I always find myself in the minority. Apparently this isn’t unique to my social circle – a 2013 Gallup poll found 68% of people would keep working after winning lotto. I’m assuming they’re not thinking they’ll still need the money, so what is it about the daily grind that’s more appealing than putting your feet up on a beach? People view a robot during the Taiwan Automation Intelligence and Robot Show in Taipei, Taiwan, in August Facebook Twitter Pinterest People view a robot during the Taiwan Automation Intelligence and Robot Show in Taipei, Taiwan, in August. Photograph: Ritchie B. Tongo/EPA The obvious answer is that we don’t only work for income, we do it because it adds meaning to our lives and gives a sense of purpose. Even though I insist I wouldn’t work if I struck it rich, what I mean is that I’d choose the type of work I would do and how often I’d do it. For instance, I would still write and give talks on subjects I’m passionate about. It’s not necessarily because “if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life”. Writing, preparing talks and doing research are all work but it’s work I think is worth doing and the financial wealth would mean I could balance it with everything else I value in life. To put it simply, I’d do it because it would bring me closer to Aristotle’s “complete happiness”. There’s new research to back up this popular mode of thinking. The economist Paul Dolan’s recent book Happiness by Design shows the happiest people are those who experience feelings of both purpose and pleasure over time. All work and no play might make Jack a dull boy but all play and no work isn’t going to make him happy either. The Guardian view on artificial intelligence: look out, it’s ahead of you | Editorial Read more Of course not all work is going to provide us with a profound sense of purpose. Some of it is both pointless and unpleasant – a total happiness suck. Someone in a role they hate, working for a company whose values don’t match their own or not earning enough money to live off isn’t going to be nourished by their work. Assuming their financial needs could be met, they’d seem to be much better off quitting and leaving the work to a robot. Here’s where the challenges for automation start to arise. It’s easy to say there are certain individuals who would be happier if they left their jobs to a robot but automation isn’t going to replace individual roles – it’s going to replace entire industries. Experts say 47% of jobs in America are likely to be replaced by robots and other automated processes and researchers reckon the situation is likely to be similar in Australia. There are almost undoubtedly people who find purpose or pleasure in the work they do and will not be happier having their jobs replaced. But automation looks likely to capture the satisfied and dissatisfied alike across a range of industries – cabbies, surgeons, accountants, artists – the list goes on. Arendt predicted that the rise of automation would mean humanity would be 'liberated from its oldest burden' It’s worth noting automation isn’t just about making businesses more efficient or profitable. In some cases, it might also be the right thing to do for society. If robots prove more capable surgeons or artificial accountants are less willing to facilitate tax evasion than the occasional dodgy human version, there would be a solid ethical argument for making humans redundant from those professions. This is great news for those who hate their jobs – not only are they freed of meaningless work and therefore happier, they’re doing the right thing. But what about those who like their jobs? Would the ethical argument appear anything more than rationalisation for their newly found unhappiness? That depends on whether losing a job you loved due to automation would actually have a negative impact on your happiness. If automation meant you were able to use the time you’d previously spent working doing things that felt more pleasurable or meaningful, you might still be better off. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 46% of employed people (about 5.3m) work 35 to 44 hours a week. Each hour spent at work – however meaningful – is an hour that can’t be spent on some other potentially fun or purposeful activity. I find my job both pleasurable and purposeful but, were it to be stolen by a robot and I were able to spend more time with my wife and son, I’d probably experience a happiness bump for the simple reason that not all activities are equally pleasurable or meaningful. Unless work was the single most important thing in your life, there’s still the chance a robot taking your job would make you happier. This means a robot workforce might actually provide people with more meaningful lives even while simultaneously taking them away from meaningful work. Plus it will provide those whose jobs are making them unhappy with the opportunity to do something different. This paints a compelling picture: CS Lewis once described friendship, philosophy and art as being meaningful precisely because they were unnecessary and had no survival value. They were, instead, “things which give value to survival”. If the fourth industrial revolution is able to help people focus on those things that give our lives value, robotic workers almost present as a moral imperative. In the Residenza Sanitaria Assistenziale San Lorenzo in Florence, Italy, a robot acts as a caregiver or butler for the 20 elderly guests Facebook Twitter Pinterest In the Residenza Sanitaria Assistenziale San Lorenzo in Florence, Italy, a robot acts as a caregiver or butler for the 20 elderly guests. Photograph: Laura Lezza/Getty Images Of course there are enormous logistical questions as to whether those who are going to be displaced by robots will actually be provided with the means necessary to pursue other meaningful ways of living. We simply don’t know yet whether the taxi driver who enjoyed the chance to have conversations with different people every day will have other opportunities to find a sense of sociability or whether he’ll be forced into less meaningful work. More significantly, we don’t know if people will be able to see their lives as meaningful without work. Even if automation provides people with the opportunity to find purpose elsewhere, it’s not clear whether we’ll be ready or able to conceive of a life of meaning which is totally disconnected from work. This concern was raised by Hannah Arendt in her influential work The Human Condition. Decades ago, Arendt predicted that the rise of automation would mean humanity would be “liberated from its oldest and most natural burden, the burden of labouring”. For her, this wasn’t something to celebrate. She feared that a variety of economic forces had effectively changed the way people saw themselves so that it was their labour that defined them. Given the central role work plays in psychological wellbeing – unemployed people report feeling less satisfied with their lives than those who have jobs – it seems Arendt might have been on to something. Think about the last time you introduced yourself to somebody – how long was it before you told them what you do for work? Was it the first thing you told them after your name? When you met someone, how long was it before you asked “what do you do?” Maybe our jobs do define us more than we give credit. Given the strong connection people make between their work, identity and sense of meaning, Arendt was concerned about the implications of automation on their lives. She believed “nothing could be worse” than being told meaning could only be found in a certain thing – like work – and then having that source of meaning taken away. The future of work: 'Computers are good at the jobs we find hard, and bad at the jobs we find easy' Read more Arendt’s point is that the benefits of automation are only going to be enjoyed if they are recognised – that is, if workers are able to see themselves as having meaning outside of their job. The father who defined himself primarily as a lawyer might not be able to find the same sense of purpose or meaning from a life of domesticity. Even though he could theoretically find meaning in his family, he would need to change his perspective first. For some, this change won’t come easily. For others, it might be impossible. Paul Dolan makes a similar argument. He suggests there’s no such thing as an objectively pleasurable or meaningful activity; rather, each individual defines what purpose and pleasure mean for themselves. Which means if people have decided or been conditioned to believe the only thing that can provide meaning in their lives is work, then it doesn’t matter how much opportunity we create for them to do other things – they’re not going to see it as a viable replacement. This won’t apply to everyone. Although there are careerists and workaholics among us, many people do find joy, meaning and identity outside of their professional identity. However, automation poses threats to these people as well because robots aren’t only likely to replace paying jobs; artificial intelligence will enable robots to replace us in a range of personal and domestic roles as well. Care for the elderly, parenting, volunteer work and other forms of support for the vulnerable may soon be dominated by robots. The philosopher Thomas Wells sees an automated care industry as a real possibility. As robots become more intelligent, they will be able to provide the illusion of care –providing practical support, conversation, even intimacy. The dignity and rights of workers needs to continue to be a centrepiece of our conversations about the future of work In many ways, this is a good thing – like wheelchairs, hearing aids and other technologies, robots can provide those who are dependent on support with autonomy. If I have a robot to cook my meals, I’m no longer forced to rely on my family to bring me food; if a robot can carry me in and out of the shower, I’m freed from the indignity of being naked and vulnerable in front of a care worker. Robotic care might actually be a way to give some dignity to those in need of help. Wells makes the point that what these robots provide isn’t care in the true sense of the word. They can provide support – both physical and psychological – but they’ll never actually care. He’s right but, even if robots were capable of genuine empathy, the crucial question remains: once we start outsourcing care and relationships to robots, what’s left for us? And even if there is something left, will we want to do it? Maybe your grandmother might be more dignified and better supported by a robot than by members of her family who took turns coming over to help out. Maybe she’d still receive a sense of love and community from more meaningful social calls when you’re able to be genuinely present instead of busy with chores. But there’s a risk you can’t have one without the other. It’s partly through the moments of help, care and support your relationship is sustained and deepened. Solidarity and love can only be fostered through genuine personal encounters, so if we outsource the caring to robots I’m not sure there will be enough to sustain the relationship; enough to motivate us to stop by for a chat or call on her birthday. A cow is milked by a milking robot at a farm in Vritz, near Nantes, western France. Facebook Twitter Pinterest A cow is milked by a milking robot at a farm in Vritz, near Nantes, western France. Photograph: Jean-Sebastien Evrard/AFP/Getty Images The same is true for other aspects of our lives. If we leave the most difficult, boring or frustrating work to robots, this might change our ability and appetite for more stimulating or meaningful work. Humans are creatures of habit – the first time we do something it’s difficult but it gets easier over time. A recent anti-smoking ad tells us that “every time you quit, you get a little bit better at it”. The same is true for everything else in human behaviour: every time you work at something difficult you get a little more perseverant, every time you give yourself to someone else you get a little more charitable and so on. The question is whether automation will shoot itself in the foot by freeing up our time to do things that matter but at the same time deprive us of the skills we need to use our time meaningfully. Although fictional, the marshmallow caricatures in Pixar’s WALL-E resonated with many viewers because they recognised the possibility of such laziness in themselves and in the technologies they use. They had all the time and resources they needed to live happy lives but, as robots took over the heavy lifting, people were robbed of opportunities to improve themselves and lacked the initiative to find new ones. Automation might not make us all lazy and apathetic – as I’ve already said, there are other meaningful and purposeful activities that can fill the void of work. But the general shift away from human labour and toward a robotic equivalent might have consequences for those humans still engaged in work. While we’re all workers, it’s easy to remember the importance of work to be dignified, safe and fairly compensated – our shared experience of work creates a solidarity between one another. If robots are the future of work, where do humans fit in? | Zoe Williams Read more Once work is performed by robots – to whom we don’t (and shouldn’t) assign the same moral rights as we do humans – the associations we have between work and dignity are less easily recognised. Our bond of solidarity to fellow workers is broken. For this reason and many others – like the rise of the gig economy – the dignity and rights of workers needs to continue to be a centrepiece of our conversations about the future of work. While, for many, work might become redundant, its value and the virtues it can cultivate are evergreen. Soon enough, the majority of an entire generation won’t know what it means to have a job but they will need to know how to work. Work isn’t exclusive to the labour market – relationships, parenting, creativity, sport and exercise are all kinds of work. But if robots are taking care of household chores in a decade, I’ll need some other way to teach my son that there’s more to life than pleasure, that sometimes you need to stick at something to get results and that in a community, everyone has a role to play so everyone can flourish. For my parents, chores and household jobs were a way of teaching me that message. None of this is reason to fear the coming of robots or to put a moratorium on their development. In fact, given the advantages they might bring to humanity, it might be unethical to stop. However, if the huge leaps we’ve seen in technology over the past decades has taught us anything, it’s that by the time new technology has arrived, it’s too late to start thinking about the social and moral consequences. Those conversations have to begin now. How we approach automation, the lines we draw and the principles we use to govern our decision-making need to be shaped by a clear sense of purpose – the same is true for the entire fourth industrial revolution. If all we seek is a state of decreased labour, increased innovation or more progressive ways of living, all we have to do is wait. But there’s no guarantee we’ll like what we get. Topics * Fourth industrial revolution * Consciousness * Psychology * Computing * Business (Australia) * Artificial intelligence (AI) * Work & careers * sponsored features * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email * Share on LinkedIn * Share on Pinterest * Share on Google+ * Share on WhatsApp * Share on Messenger * Reuse this content View all comments > (BUTTON) Order by * (BUTTON) newest * (BUTTON) oldest * (BUTTON) recommendations (BUTTON) Show 25 * (BUTTON) 25 * (BUTTON) 50 * (BUTTON) 100 * (BUTTON) All (BUTTON) Threads * (BUTTON) collapsed * (BUTTON) expanded * (BUTTON) unthreaded Loading comments… Trouble loading? 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(BUTTON) Search with google * Make a contribution * Subscribe * (BUTTON) International edition + switch to the UK edition + switch to the US edition + switch to the Australia edition * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * The Guardian app * Video * Podcasts * Pictures * Newsletters * Today's paper * Inside the Guardian * The Observer * Guardian Weekly * Crosswords * Facebook * Twitter * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * Journalism * Digital * Business * Creative writing * Wellbeing & Culture * Bespoke training * Calendar (BUTTON) More Guardian Masterclasses Love it or leave it – your guide to finding true work happiness Are you happy in your job? Craft your ideal career by drilling deep into your passions and motivations and learn how to make it happen Date: Saturday 26 January 2019 Times: Morning course, 10am-1pm Thu 26 Oct 2017 14.56 BST Last modified on Fri 19 Oct 2018 12.39 BST * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email Samantha Clarke [ ] Samantha Clarke Photograph: Chiron Cole * This is one of two career workshops taking place on the same day. How to get hired focuses on marketing yourself as a candidate. You can book this event here or buy a ticket for the whole day – and save 20%! Are you stuck in a job you hate? Thinking about a career change, but are yet to take the leap? Worried you might be throwing away your years of experience or training? Various factors, such as money and culture, influence our career choices. As a result we can end up climbing a career ladder that is not aligned with our true ambitions, motivations and values. This inspirational workshop will once and for all help you nail down what your work happiness should look like and how to make it happen, with a clear roadmap for each step to take. Lecturer and happiness consultant Samantha Clarke will help you decide whether you want to: * “Love it” – find ways to fall in love with your current role and cultivate your work happiness inside your existing company. or * “Leave it” – know how to parcel up your skills and move on to the next job. You will leave the day with an action plan to implement your work happiness, clarity on your next steps and knowledge of available resources. Content * How did you end up here? What’s getting in the way of your true work happiness – co-workers, your industry or the job itself? * Creating your “love it” or “leave it” roadmap * How to fall in love with your current role and get on with your co-workers * How to parcel up your transferable skills. Should you keep your role and move sectors or transition out completely? * Building your career transition toolkit: identify your passions, skills, strengths and dreams to make the right switch * Maintaining momentum and support * Addressing the barriers to work happiness and how to overcome them Tutor profile Samantha Clarke has developed a portfolio career as a lecturer, changemaker and happiness consultant. She’s also the owner of Samantha &, a happiness and change consultancy and Growth & Happiness online school. Samantha specialises in inspiring individuals to realise their potential and helping companies develop innovative ways to shape culture, relationships and work processes. She tweets @samanthaand_. Details * This is one of two career workshops taking place on the same day. How to get hired focuses on marketing yourself as a candidate. You can book this event here or buy a ticket for the whole day – and save 20%! Date: Saturday 26 January 2018 Times: Morning course, 10am-1pm Location: The Guardian, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU Price: £49 plus £2.83 booking fee Event capacity: 100 Complimentary lunch and refreshments included. You may also be interested in... * Writing for business: How to create copy that has a real impact * How to use Instagram to build your brand More from this tutor… * How to build a portfolio career: An evening class with Samantha Clarke * Leadership skills: How to be an effective and authentic leader Sign up to our newsletter and you’ll be among the first to find out about our latest classes and special offers. You can also follow us on Twitter, and read our latest articles and interviews on our blog. Information on Guardian Masterclasses To contact us, click here. Terms and conditions can be found here. All Guardian Masterclasses are fully accessible - but please contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Returns policy Once a purchase is complete we will not be able to refund you where you do not attend or if you cancel your event booking. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy. Topics * Guardian Masterclasses * Culture and lifestyle * Business masterclasses * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email * Share on LinkedIn * Share on Pinterest * Share on Google+ * Share on WhatsApp * Share on Messenger * Reuse this content Most popular * Journalism * Digital * Business * Creative writing * Wellbeing & Culture * Bespoke training * Calendar IFRAME: /email/form/footer/today-uk * Contact us * Complaints & corrections * Secure Drop * Work for us * Privacy policy * Cookie policy * Terms & conditions * Help * All topics * All writers * Digital newspaper archive * Facebook * Twitter * Advertise with us * Search UK jobs Support The Guardian Contribute Subscribe Back to top © 2018 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. (BUTTON) Close [p?c1=2&c2=6035250&cv=2.0&cj=1&comscorekw=Guardian+Masterclasses%2CCult ure+and+lifestyle%2CBusiness+masterclasses] #publisher alternate Skip to main content The Guardian - Back to home Support The Guardian Contribute Subscribe Contribute Search jobs Sign in (BUTTON) My account * Comments & replies * Public profile * Account details * Emails & marketing ______________________________________________________________ * Membership * Contributions * Digital Pack ______________________________________________________________ * Sign out Search [ ] * switch to the International edition * switch to the UK edition * switch to the US edition * switch to the Australia edition current edition: International edition * News * Opinion * Sport * Culture * Lifestyle [ ] Show More * (BUTTON) News + World news + UK news + Science + Cities + Global development + Football + Tech + Business + Environment + Obituaries * (BUTTON) Opinion + The Guardian view + Columnists + Cartoons + Opinion videos + Letters * (BUTTON) Sport + Football + Rugby union + Cricket + Tennis + Cycling + F1 + Golf + US sports * (BUTTON) Culture + Books + Music + TV & radio + Art & design + Film + Games + Classical + Stage * (BUTTON) Lifestyle + Fashion + Food + Recipes + Love & sex + Health & fitness + Home & garden + Women + Family + Travel + Money ____________________ What term do you want to search? (BUTTON) Search with google * Make a contribution * Subscribe * (BUTTON) International edition + switch to the UK edition + switch to the US edition + switch to the Australia edition * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * The Guardian app * Video * Podcasts * Pictures * Newsletters * Today's paper * Inside the Guardian * The Observer * Guardian Weekly * Crosswords * Facebook * Twitter * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * Money * Property * Pensions * Savings * Borrowing * Careers (BUTTON) More career inspiration Guardian Careers Familiarity breeds content: embracing routine can make you happier at work Stable, physical work which offers a good work-life balance and friendships with colleagues may be the secret to career happiness Emma Featherstone @emfeatherstone Mon 9 May 2016 07.00 BST Last modified on Mon 9 May 2016 07.24 BST * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email Bill Murray’s character in Groundhog Day was cursed to live the same day over and over, but predictability can lead to greater job satisfaction. [ ] Bill Murray’s character in Groundhog Day was cursed to live the same day over and over, but predictability can lead to greater job satisfaction. Photograph: Moviestore/Rex/Shutterstock Last year, absenteeism (days of work lost due to stress, illness, anxiety or depression) grew by 25%, according to figures from the Labour Force Survey, that’s 17 billion working days. While we are being given more options to fit work around our outside responsibilities – since June 2014 all workers have had the right, by law, to request flexible working after 26 weeks, there is a suggestion that stability could be preferable. A small US survey found unpredictability to be the biggest factor contributing to workplace stress. So could a role that is more predictable, and which allows for a better work-life balance, offer greater job satisfaction? Take Ricky Rusby: Monday to Friday, his alarm goes off at 4am. Shortly afterwards he cycles to Westminster, London. By 6am he’s joined his two teammates on a refuse collection truck, clearing the city streets of the bags and bins that have piled up over the previous day. Fifty-year-old Rusby’s routine has changed fairly little during his 30 years as a refuse collector for Westminster council and, more recently, Veolia, a waste, water and energy management company. He enjoys the sense of routine. Dr Gail Kinman, professor of occupational health psychology at the University of Bedfordshire, says: “Work-life conflict is one of the main causes of upset and stress, of lack of time with family, and of a failure to enjoy your social life.” She adds that a more predictable job where you have go into work at set times, take breaks (rather than eating lunch while working) and have time to interact with your workmates could make you happier. Claire Oliver, who is a team leader for Bright and Beautiful domestic cleaning services near Margate in Kent, enjoys the sense of camaraderie among her colleagues – they also work to a strict schedule. The 44-year-old single mum took on the job part-time to fund her MA in English. She says of her teammates: “We are all women, most of us are single parents, or at least have had children. So there’s quite a deep understanding of how life can be as a working mother.” Dr Luke Sullivan, a clinical psychologist and an ambassador for the Minds at Work campaign, agrees strong ties with colleagues can add value to your job. “Those relationships are very much what sustain people within the workplace. The number one benefit of working is that we have contact with other people.” Meanwhile, Kinman says work that is physically demanding, but less emotionally or mentally draining, could also be beneficial for relationships outside of work. This is true for Rusby who enjoys time off with his wife – the couple have been together for 30 years and take regular holidays including to the US, Australia, Singapore and South America. They also designate a weekend, at least a couple of times a month, to enjoy London, whether it’s visiting an exhibition or trying out a new restaurant. Kurt Neumann, 32, has also been in the same industry for a significant time – he is now in his sixth year as a waiter. He enjoys providing good customer service. “If people go away and they’re happy, and say ‘I’ve had a good time, a great meal and great service’, that lifts my day.” While customers can have a positive influence on Neumann’s job, they are occasionally the worst part. “Sometimes you get people that come along, order six beers and get completely hammered. I have to go over to them and be like, ‘Come on guys, it’s 6pm. You don’t need to swear, calm down’. Some are great about it and others give you lip and then your job gets really awkward” However, Neumann and his colleagues back one another up in such situations. The variety of people he meets at work is a positive. “In hospitality there’s a high staff turnover, so you meet a lot of people that you’d never meet anywhere else, except maybe in school – working in a team is my favourite part of the job.” How to deal with stress at work Read more Focusing on the upsides can be a good approach to being happy at work. Kinman says: “If you hate your job and you’re seen to hate it you’ll give the impression you think you’re too good. Your co-workers are not going to like you, so you’re not going to get their support.” Kinman adds that while in the long-term no one can survive working 40 hours a week in a job they hate, making small changes can alter your perception of a job you don’t enjoy. If it is becoming too routine for your liking she suggests talking to your manager and discussing ways to make the job your own – playing to your strengths and interests. For Oliver, job satisfaction comes, in part, from creating time and space for customers in stressful situations. “We’ve got an old couple we clean for and the guy is really poorly. Everytime that I go in [to clean] they are very kind to us, very sweet, very grateful. There’s that human touch I think, that feeling you’re doing something to help people.” Kinman suggests a couple of other tactics if you’ve lost motivation at work – or are feeling overwhelmed. You could try setting yourself short-term goals. For every unfavourable task you complete, or tough project you round up, give yourself a small reward. And short-term goals can work alongside long-term ambitions. If your job is not something you see as part of your long-term career plans, but will help you in terms of experience or building up savings, consider how it could benefit you in the future – perhaps build up an itinerary for an exciting year or two in the future. Lastly, Kinman says: “Try to find somebody you can use as a bit of a coach. Somebody that understands your long-term goals – a friend you can let off steam to.” Looking for a job? Browse Guardian Jobs or sign up to Guardian Careers for the latest job vacancies and career advice Topics * Guardian Careers * career inspiration * Work & careers * Job hunting * features * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email * Share on LinkedIn * Share on Pinterest * Share on Google+ * Share on WhatsApp * Share on Messenger * Reuse this content View all comments > (BUTTON) Order by * (BUTTON) newest * (BUTTON) oldest * (BUTTON) recommendations (BUTTON) Show 25 * (BUTTON) 25 * (BUTTON) 50 * (BUTTON) 100 * (BUTTON) All (BUTTON) Threads * (BUTTON) collapsed * (BUTTON) expanded * (BUTTON) unthreaded Loading comments… Trouble loading? (BUTTON) View more comments Most popular * Money * Property * Pensions * Savings * Borrowing * Careers IFRAME: /email/form/footer/today-uk * Contact us * Complaints & corrections * Secure Drop * Work for us * Privacy policy * Cookie policy * Terms & conditions * Help * All topics * All writers * Digital newspaper archive * Facebook * Twitter * Advertise with us * Search UK jobs Support The Guardian Contribute Subscribe Back to top © 2018 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. (BUTTON) Close [p?c1=2&c2=6035250&cv=2.0&cj=1&comscorekw=Guardian+Careers%2CWork+%26+c areers%2CJob+hunting] #publisher alternate Skip to main content The Guardian - Back to home Support The Guardian Contribute Subscribe Contribute Search jobs Sign in (BUTTON) My account * Comments & replies * Public profile * Account details * Emails & marketing ______________________________________________________________ * Membership * Contributions * Digital Pack ______________________________________________________________ * Sign out Search [ ] * switch to the International edition * switch to the UK edition * switch to the US edition * switch to the Australia edition current edition: International edition * News * Opinion * Sport * Culture * Lifestyle [ ] Show More * (BUTTON) News + World news + UK news + Science + Cities + Global development + Football + Tech + Business + Environment + Obituaries * (BUTTON) Opinion + The Guardian view + Columnists + Cartoons + Opinion videos + Letters * (BUTTON) Sport + Football + Rugby union + Cricket + Tennis + Cycling + F1 + Golf + US sports * (BUTTON) Culture + Books + Music + TV & radio + Art & design + Film + Games + Classical + Stage * (BUTTON) Lifestyle + Fashion + Food + Recipes + Love & sex + Health & fitness + Home & garden + Women + Family + Travel + Money ____________________ What term do you want to search? (BUTTON) Search with google * Make a contribution * Subscribe * (BUTTON) International edition + switch to the UK edition + switch to the US edition + switch to the Australia edition * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * The Guardian app * Video * Podcasts * Pictures * Newsletters * Today's paper * Inside the Guardian * The Observer * Guardian Weekly * Crosswords * Facebook * Twitter * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * Fashion * Food * Recipes * Love & sex * Health & fitness * Home & garden * Women * Family * Travel * Money (BUTTON) More The Observer Life and style Life gets better after 50: why age tends to work in favour of happiness Jonathan Rauch, author of The Happiness Curve, was relieved to find an explanation for his gloom – academics say adulthood happiness is U-shaped Lucy Rock Lucy Rock Sat 5 May 2018 11.00 BST Last modified on Sat 5 May 2018 12.06 BST * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email ‘Those most likely to notice the arrow of time are the people without a lot of other change or difficulty in their life.’ [ ] ‘Those most likely to notice the arrow of time are the people without a lot of other change or difficulty in their life.’ Photograph: Alamy Stock Photo When Jonathan Rauch fell into the doldrums in his 40s, he had no idea why. Life was good: he had a successful career, a solid relationship, good health and sound finances. Then he learnt about the happiness curve and it all became clear. Academics have found increasing evidence that happiness through adulthood is U-shaped – life satisfaction falls in our 20s and 30s, then hits a trough in our late 40s before increasing until our 80s. Forget the saying that life begins at 40 – it’s 50 we should be looking toward. Rauch, a senior fellow at the US thinktank the Brookings Institution, was so relieved to have found an explanation for the gloom that hit him and, he believed, many others in middle age that he became evangelical about spreading the word. He has written a book, The Happiness Curve: Why Life Gets Better After 50 (out in the US 1 May and UK 14 June), which includes personal stories, the latest data and illuminating interviews with economists, psychologists and neuroscientists. “The most surprising thing is that age tends to work in favour of happiness, other things being equal,” he tells the Guardian. “The most strange thing is that midlife slump is often about nothing.” Hold off on splashing out on that flashy sports car or embarking on an affair though. It is not the same as a midlife crisis, which according to the stereotype demands an urgent, rash response. The slump isn’t caused by anything, according to Rauch. It is a natural transition, simply due to the passing of time. “It’s a self-eating spiral of discontent,” he says. “It’s not because there’s something wrong with your life, or your marriage, or your mind, or your mental health.” Not everyone will experience a sunnier outlook in their 50s and beyond, Rauch acknowledges, because factors such as divorce, unemployment or illness can counter this. But, other things being equal, the U-curve holds. Rauch, an author and journalist, adds: “Those most likely to notice the arrow of time are the people without a lot of other change or difficulty in their life. Things seem to be going well for them, they’re achieving their goals, and nothing much has changed. They think, ‘Why do I feel less satisfied than I expected to? Why is this going on year after year? Why does it seem to be getting worse and not better? There must be something wrong with my life.’ “Well, there’s nothing wrong with your life, you’re just feeling the effects of time which others who may have more turbulent lives may not notice as much.” Rauch details a raft of research in his book to back up his claims. A 2008 study by economists David Blanchflower and Andrew Oswald found the U-curve – with the nadir, on average, at age 46 – in 55 of 80 countries, and they cited more than 20 other papers finding the U. It tends to show up in wealthier countries where people live longer, healthier lives. Life satisfaction statistics for the UK in 2014-15 show happiness declining from youth through middle age, hitting a low at 50 and rising to a peak at 70. Not all economists and psychologists agree. Economists Paul Frijters and Tony Beatton factored in the possibility that those who become happier in the studies are the same people who are more content when they start out. This can help them achieve greater career or relationship success, which leads to more happiness. Correcting for this effect, the U-shape disappears. Rauch, however, believes he is a textbook example of the U-curve. His mother suffered from depression and his parents broke up when he was 12, leaving his father to bring up three children on his own. Two years later, his father, a stressed and overworked lawyer in his mid-40s, lost his biggest client. Rauch remembers himself at 20, keen to accomplish something worthwhile by middle age and believing that when he did, he’d appreciate it. By his 40s, he had surpassed his dreams. He had published books; he was winning journalism prizes; he was in a relationship with Michael, the man he would later marry; he lived in an area of north Virginia with a strong sense of community. Yet he was preoccupied with what he had not achieved. He explains: “I was someone who was fortunate. I had good health and after my 20s, which were difficult because I came out as gay, I met one goal after another with more success than I’d ever expected. “Yet around the time I turned 40 I noticed this strange feeling of restlessness and discontent. This continued to grow as I got into my 40s to the point where I was 45 and I won the most prestigious award in magazine journalism [a National Magazine award] and that gave me a great feeling of satisfaction with my life for approximately 10 days. “All these feelings of discontent and restlessness – and even sometimes worthlessness and this feeling I’d almost wasted my life – kept coming back. “None of this made any rational sense. I began to think there must be something wrong with me. I began to think my personality had begun to turn dark in some way and that of course compounded the problem.” Around 50, the fog began to lift, despite the death of both his parents, the loss of his magazine job and the failure of a startup venture. Rauch, 58, says: “In my 50s, first the volume of the demons’ voices went down, and now I rarely hear their voices at all.” While researching his book, Rauch spoke to many people who’d experienced similar feelings. Karla, 54, is on the upswing of the curve. She says she is savouring her friendships more, feeling more organised and efficient, and doing more volunteering work. “Now I feel grateful for the now,” she tells Rauch. “On a day-to-day basis I probably do the same things, but I feel different.” Rauch tells the Guardian: “That’s a very profound insight because what we’re talking about here is not that the conditions of your life change in some huge way, but how you feel about your life changes.” Rauch puts forward various explanations for why we feel happier in our 50s and beyond. Research shows that older people feel less stress and regret, dwell less on negative information and are better able to regulate their emotions. Nor is status competition as important. Rauch says: “We seem to be wired to seek maximum status when we are young – the ambition to be on top of the world, to have the big job, to have the extraordinary marriage to the wonderful person or lots of money. Or some form of greatness, which is what I dreamed of in my 20s, to write some book that would outdo Shakespeare.” We are over-optimistic in youth about how much satisfaction we will get out of our future successes, he believes. “As we get into our 30s and 40s, we’ve achieved most of those things, but we’re not wired to sit back and enjoy our status. “The same ambition that made us status hungry makes us hungry for more status. We’re on the hedonic treadmill. We don’t feel the satisfaction we expected, so we think there’s something wrong with our lives.” As we get older, our values change. “You hear people say, ‘I don’t feel the need to check those boxes any more’, or ‘I don’t care that much what other people think’.” Older people feel relieved of a burden that makes it easier to savour other simpler pursuits such as spending time with grandchildren, a hobby or volunteer work. Rauch would like to see more help for people to relaunch themselves after this midlife transition, including greater opportunities for adult learning and companies creating more part-time positions or allowing gap years. “There’s a huge amount of untapped wisdom and potential to be unlocked. Because of the happiness curve, they’re often in a position where they want to give back. They want to be mentors, they want to be volunteers and they want to work at not so difficult jobs which allow them to use their skills.” Rauch has a few tips for relieving midlife malaise, such as talking to friends about it and understanding it’s normal. It is also helpful to stop comparing yourself to others, he says. But if all that makes no difference, give it time. As Rauch approaches 60, he feels ever more grateful for his life. He wishes he’d known this when he was in the trough of the curve because, as he says: “It’s worth the wait.” Topics * Life and style * The Observer * Ageing * Relationships * features * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email * Share on LinkedIn * Share on Pinterest * Share on Google+ * Share on WhatsApp * Share on Messenger * Reuse this content View all comments > (BUTTON) Order by * (BUTTON) newest * (BUTTON) oldest * (BUTTON) recommendations (BUTTON) Show 25 * (BUTTON) 25 * (BUTTON) 50 * (BUTTON) 100 * (BUTTON) All (BUTTON) Threads * (BUTTON) collapsed * (BUTTON) expanded * (BUTTON) unthreaded Loading comments… Trouble loading? 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(BUTTON) Close [p?c1=2&c2=6035250&cv=2.0&cj=1&comscorekw=Life+and+style%2CAgeing%2CRel ationships%2CScience] #publisher alternate Skip to main content The Guardian - Back to home Support The Guardian Contribute Subscribe Contribute Search jobs Sign in (BUTTON) My account * Comments & replies * Public profile * Account details * Emails & marketing ______________________________________________________________ * Membership * Contributions * Digital Pack ______________________________________________________________ * Sign out Search [ ] * switch to the International edition * switch to the UK edition * switch to the US edition * switch to the Australia edition current edition: International edition * News * Opinion * Sport * Culture * Lifestyle [ ] Show More * (BUTTON) News + World news + UK news + Science + Cities + Global development + Football + Tech + Business + Environment + Obituaries * (BUTTON) Opinion + The Guardian view + Columnists + Cartoons + Opinion videos + Letters * (BUTTON) Sport + Football + Rugby union + Cricket + Tennis + Cycling + F1 + Golf + US sports * (BUTTON) Culture + Books + Music + TV & radio + Art & design + Film + Games + Classical + Stage * (BUTTON) Lifestyle + Fashion + Food + Recipes + Love & sex + Health & fitness + Home & garden + Women + Family + Travel + Money ____________________ What term do you want to search? (BUTTON) Search with google * Make a contribution * Subscribe * (BUTTON) International edition + switch to the UK edition + switch to the US edition + switch to the Australia edition * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * The Guardian app * Video * Podcasts * Pictures * Newsletters * Today's paper * Inside the Guardian * The Observer * Guardian Weekly * Crosswords * Facebook * Twitter * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * Money * Property * Pensions * Savings * Borrowing * Careers (BUTTON) More Psychology Why is home more stressful than work? Because we're too lax about relaxing Research finds that stress levels rise when we try to enjoy ourselves, and hints at our self-defeating sense of 'leisure' Oliver Burkeman @oliverburkeman Wed 4 Jun 2014 17.13 BST Last modified on Wed 14 Feb 2018 21.23 GMT * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email Couple watching TV [ ] If these people are as happy as they look, maybe it's because they're stock photograph models who enjoy their work. Actually vegging out in front of the TV, research suggests, is not all that fun. Photograph: Jamie Grill/Getty Images Work (as you may have heard) sucks. Everyone’s too busy, burnout stalks the land, open-plan offices are making us miserable, and all that sitting down is killing us. No wonder we dream of escaping the nine to five, perhaps even achieving a four-hour workweek, or running a business from the beach, sand between your laptop keys be damned. So, uh … how come a newly published study concludes that most people are significantly less stressed at work than they are at home? In her Wall Street Journal column this week, Elizabeth Bernstein summarizes the research, which involved asking 122 adults in “a midsize north-eastern US city” to swab their cheeks six times a day to monitor levels of cortisol, a hormonal marker of stress levels. (They used handheld timers to stay on schedule.) The result: a majority of people – men and women, parents and non-parents alike – had higher cortisol levels at home than at work. The research did reveal some gender differences: as well as being less stressed at work, women, but not men, were also more likely to report feeling happier there. That’s presumably because women are still so much more likely than men to return home to a long list of housework and parenting tasks, postponing the point at which they can settle down to truly nourishing, restorative activities, such as spending 45 minutes indecisively browsing Netflix before deciding not to bother. But the headline finding is the really striking part: huge numbers of us, it suggests, find work less stressful than being at home. Bernstein runs through some of the likely reasons: we get paid at work; paid work is more socially esteemed than housework, parenting, or caring for relatives; it’s usually easier to achieve a satisfying sense of progress in our careers than in our relationships. Moreover, the emotional boundaries of office life mean you rarely have to deal with your colleagues’ troubles or tempers in the way you’re obliged to deal with those of your children or spouse. Yet the biggest culprit, I'd be willing to bet, is that we tend to think about our free time in a completely self-defeating way. Work dominates our culture so completely that we can't help but think of "leisure" as a negative idea, defined against work – the part of the day or week when you're finally freed from obligations, when you can relax and kick back and, should you desire it, do nothing at all. But as Winifred Gallagher explains in her 2010 book, Rapt, the apparently delicious strucurelessness of modern leisure is really the enemy of happiness. Gallagher quotes research showing that “on the job, [people are] much likelier to focus on activities that demand their attention, challenge their abilities, have a clear objective and elicit timely feedback” – conditions conducive to the state of worry-free absorption known as "flow". By contrast, television has that effect only about 13% of the time, according to the leading researcher of flow, Mihalyi Cziksentmihalyi. We'd almost certainly feel better, then, if we treated leisure as time that needs planning and structuring, no matter how strange that might feel at first. Spontaneity is overrated: if you hold off deciding how to relax until it's time to relax, you're probably going to make the laziest choice, not the most happiness-inducing one. The great English journalist Arnold Bennett had this all figured out more than a century ago, when he wrote his little book How To Live On 24 Hours A Day. Addressing the burgeoning ranks of suburb-dwelling London commuters, he bemoaned the way the office worker's habits: [The office worker] persists in looking upon those hours from 10 to 6 as ‘the day’, to which the 10 hours preceding them and the six hours following them are nothing but a prologue and epilogue. Such an attitude, unconscious though it be, of course kills his interest in the odd 16 hours, with the result that, even if he does not waste them, he does not count them; he regards them simply as margin." It's fashionable, these days, to talk about the importance of "downtime", and nobody could disagree – but let's not ignore the somewhat sinister implications of that phrase. It risks defining every minute we're not working, producing value for our employers and their shareholders, as time that exists solely for the purposes of recovering or relaxing or just hanging around until work – "uptime" – begins again. If we gave it the respect it deserved, if we treated it as a different kind of uptime – we'd plan and structure it as carefully as our work lives. Or, you know, alternatively, feel free to keep scrolling through that Suspenseful Canadian Foreign-Language Documentaries Featuring Horses category on Netflix, if you prefer. Topics * Psychology * Work & careers * Health & wellbeing * blogposts * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email * Share on LinkedIn * Share on Pinterest * Share on Google+ * Share on WhatsApp * Share on Messenger * Reuse this content View all comments > (BUTTON) Order by * (BUTTON) newest * (BUTTON) oldest * (BUTTON) recommendations (BUTTON) Show 25 * (BUTTON) 25 * (BUTTON) 50 * (BUTTON) 100 * (BUTTON) All (BUTTON) Threads * (BUTTON) collapsed * (BUTTON) expanded * (BUTTON) unthreaded Loading comments… Trouble loading? 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(BUTTON) Close [p?c1=2&c2=6035250&cv=2.0&cj=1&comscorekw=Psychology%2CWork+%26+careers %2CHealth+%26+wellbeing] #publisher alternate Skip to main content The Guardian - Back to home Support The Guardian Contribute Subscribe Contribute Search jobs Sign in (BUTTON) My account * Comments & replies * Public profile * Account details * Emails & marketing ______________________________________________________________ * Membership * Contributions * Digital Pack ______________________________________________________________ * Sign out Search [ ] * switch to the International edition * switch to the UK edition * switch to the US edition * switch to the Australia edition current edition: International edition * News * Opinion * Sport * Culture * Lifestyle [ ] Show More * (BUTTON) News + World news + UK news + Science + Cities + Global development + Football + Tech + Business + Environment + Obituaries * (BUTTON) Opinion + The Guardian view + Columnists + Cartoons + Opinion videos + Letters * (BUTTON) Sport + Football + Rugby union + Cricket + Tennis + Cycling + F1 + Golf + US sports * (BUTTON) Culture + Books + Music + TV & radio + Art & design + Film + Games + Classical + Stage * (BUTTON) Lifestyle + Fashion + Food + Recipes + Love & sex + Health & fitness + Home & garden + Women + Family + Travel + Money ____________________ What term do you want to search? (BUTTON) Search with google * Make a contribution * Subscribe * (BUTTON) International edition + switch to the UK edition + switch to the US edition + switch to the Australia edition * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * The Guardian app * Video * Podcasts * Pictures * Newsletters * Today's paper * Inside the Guardian * The Observer * Guardian Weekly * Crosswords * Facebook * Twitter * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * Money * Property * Pensions * Savings * Borrowing * Careers (BUTTON) More Work & careers Plants in offices increase happiness and productivity Study suggests that minimalist offices produce miserable employees because 'sometimes less is just less' Shiv Malik @shivmalik Mon 1 Sep 2014 00.00 BST First published on Mon 1 Sep 2014 00.00 BST * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email Cactus in pot [ ] People in 'lean' offices are as miserable as ants in an empty jam jar, researchers say. Photograph: Ocean/Corbis Offices devoid of pictures, souvenirs or any other distractions are "the most toxic space" you can put a human into, say psychologists in a paper published on Monday, which says workers perform better when household plants are added to workplaces. Dr Chris Knight from Exeter University and his fellow psychologists, who have been studying the issue for 10 years, concluded that employees were 15% more productive when "lean" workplaces are filled with just a few houseplants, as employees who actively engage with their surroundings are better workers. Collaborating with academics from four universities in Australia, the UK and the Netherlands, Knight said he had wondered for years why the fashion for spartan offices has been so dominant in the business world. "If you put an ant into a 'lean' jam jar, or a gorilla in a zoo into a 'lean' cage – they're miserable beasties," he said. People in "lean" offices are no different, he added. In the last year and a half, his colleagues have visited workplaces including a call centre in the Netherlands and a large City auditor in London to show how a splash of greenery could rapidly improve performance. The City auditors, which Knight declined to name, had spent "a lot of money" on their office, he said. "They had very expensive desks … banners that were just to do with the company … it was a beautifully sparse environment." The call centre was similarly stripped bare. Knight said some companies he knew of had even taken to fixing computer keyboards to desks and taping down staplers to ensure tidy lines of sight. Yet when plants were brought into the offices – one plant per square metre – employee performance on memory retention and other basic tests improved substantially. "What was important was that everybody could see a plant from their desk. If you are working in an environment where there's something to get you psychologically engaged you are happier and you work better," Knight said. While plants were chosen in the study, photographs, changes in light or even smell could be used to achieve a similar effect, Knight said. He hopes the 18-month project – the first of its kind carried out in functioning offices – will bury the lean office practice for which he said there was no scientific support. Prof Alex Haslam, from the University of Queensland's School of Psychology, who co-authored the study, added: "The 'lean' philosophy has been influential across a wide range of organisational domains. Our research questions this widespread conviction that less is more. Sometimes less is just less." Topics * Work & careers * Plants * Biology * Happiness indices * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email * Share on LinkedIn * Share on Pinterest * Share on Google+ * Share on WhatsApp * Share on Messenger * Reuse this content View all comments > (BUTTON) Order by * (BUTTON) newest * (BUTTON) oldest * (BUTTON) recommendations (BUTTON) Show 25 * (BUTTON) 25 * (BUTTON) 50 * (BUTTON) 100 * (BUTTON) All (BUTTON) Threads * (BUTTON) collapsed * (BUTTON) expanded * (BUTTON) unthreaded Loading comments… Trouble loading? (BUTTON) View more comments more on this story * Surprise! Mathematical model reveals unexpected findings on happiness According to a new study, experiencing joy when you least expect it is the greatest boost to wellbeing Published: 16 Aug 2014 Surprise! Mathematical model reveals unexpected findings on happiness * Who are Europe’s happiest people – progressives or conservatives? Andrew Brown Andrew Brown: We may assume social democracies produce higher levels of wellbeing, but poll data suggests the reverse may be true Published: 12 Sep 2014 Published: 12 Sep 2014 Who are Europe’s happiest people – progressives or conservatives? Most popular * Money * Property * Pensions * Savings * Borrowing * Careers IFRAME: /email/form/footer/today-uk * Contact us * Complaints & corrections * Secure Drop * Work for us * Privacy policy * Cookie policy * Terms & conditions * Help * All topics * All writers * Digital newspaper archive * Facebook * Twitter * Advertise with us * Search UK jobs Support The Guardian Contribute Subscribe Back to top © 2018 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. (BUTTON) Close [p?c1=2&c2=6035250&cv=2.0&cj=1&comscorekw=Work+%26+careers%2CPlants%2CU K+news%2CBiology%2CHappiness+indices] #publisher alternate Skip to main content The Guardian - Back to home Support The Guardian Contribute Subscribe Contribute Search jobs Sign in (BUTTON) My account * Comments & replies * Public profile * Account details * Emails & marketing ______________________________________________________________ * Membership * Contributions * Digital Pack ______________________________________________________________ * Sign out Search [ ] * switch to the International edition * switch to the UK edition * switch to the US edition * switch to the Australia edition current edition: International edition * News * Opinion * Sport * Culture * Lifestyle [ ] Show More * (BUTTON) News + World news + UK news + Science + Cities + Global development + Football + Tech + Business + Environment + Obituaries * (BUTTON) Opinion + The Guardian view + Columnists + Cartoons + Opinion videos + Letters * (BUTTON) Sport + Football + Rugby union + Cricket + Tennis + Cycling + F1 + Golf + US sports * (BUTTON) Culture + Books + Music + TV & radio + Art & design + Film + Games + Classical + Stage * (BUTTON) Lifestyle + Fashion + Food + Recipes + Love & sex + Health & fitness + Home & garden + Women + Family + Travel + Money ____________________ What term do you want to search? (BUTTON) Search with google * Make a contribution * Subscribe * (BUTTON) International edition + switch to the UK edition + switch to the US edition + switch to the Australia edition * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * The Guardian app * Video * Podcasts * Pictures * Newsletters * Today's paper * Inside the Guardian * The Observer * Guardian Weekly * Crosswords * Facebook * Twitter * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive Health and wellbeing How Zappos profits from the happiness business By focusing on the happiness and wellbeing of workers, companies can create a positive workplace culture that's good for growth and profits, says Jim Witkin Jim Witkin for the Guardian Professional Network Thu 14 Jun 2012 15.09 BST First published on Thu 14 Jun 2012 15.09 BST * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email Tony Hsieh [ ] Tony Hsieh, chief executive of Zappos. Photograph: Zappos Zappos, America's largest online shoe retailer, has achieved success by nearly every conventional measure. Founded in 1999, the company reached $1bn in annual sales in less than 10 years and was acquired by Amazon in 2009 in a deal worth $1.2bn. Yet, it's the company's unconventional culture and a business model based on happiness that Zappos's chief executive, Tony Hsieh, wants to share with the rest of the world. Hsieh recently brought his message to the UK parliament, where he spoke on a panel discussion entitled Happy Workers = Business Growth? hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Wellbeing Economics. By focusing on company culture, he told the parliamentary group, everything else such as building a brand with sustained revenue growth and passionate employees, fell into place. Zappos's culture is guided by a set of core values which aims to empower employees, create a sense of community in the workplace, and serve a higher purpose beyond bottom-line metrics. Employees should have a sense of control and progress in their careers, says Hsieh. Zappos developed a set of skills for their call centre reps, rather than a one-size-fits-all job description. Employees directly control their salary increases as they acquire the skills that interest them at their own pace, rather than waiting for fixed review periods or annual raises. Zappos encourages employees to "create fun and a little weirdness" in the workplace and build personal connections with co-workers. To protect this feeling of community, Zappos carefully vets each new applicant for a cultural match. The company even offers new employees $4,000 to quit after their first week of training to weed out people who are there just for the paycheck. "Is this someone I would want to have a beer with?" is one of the simple questions Hsieh asks himself when interviewing applicants. For companies examining their own values, he advises: "Ask yourself what are the values that the company is willing to make hiring and firing decisions on apart from job performance." Even measuring call centre performance takes an unconventional twist at Zappos. The amount of time the rep spends on the phone with a customer is the traditional measure of call centre efficiency, with an emphasis on reducing that time. Instead, Zappos has developed their own scorecard, tracking the personal and emotional connections made with customers, measured by the number of thank you cards and cookies the call centre reps send. Profits are key to any enterprise, admits Hsieh, but he ultimately realised that a great company culture should serve a higher purpose. At Zappos, this means delivering happiness and "wowing" customers with exceptional service. By concentrating on the happiness of those around you, Hsieh believes, you dramatically increase your own. All this focus on employee happiness seems to be paying off, as Zappos consistently ranks as one of the best places to work in annual workplace surveys from industry watchers like Fortune magazine. Hsieh described his adventures on the entrepreneurial trail in the 2010 book, Delivering Happiness, which has been translated into 20 languages. He is now involved in a new venture, Delivering Happiness at Work (or DH@work), offering coaching and workshops for other companies hoping to get their culture right. DH@work has teamed up with Nic Marks, a social economist from the UK-based New Economics Foundation and founder of the UK's Centre for Wellbeing. Trying to impose the Zappos culture and values on other companies is not the point of DH@work, according to James Key Lim, chief executive of the new venture. "It's about taking the DNA of what worked at Zappos – things like purpose, happiness, culture, and profits – which anyone can use as a framework to make happiness as their business model," he says. Jim Witkin is a journalist and regularly contributes to the New York Times This content is brought to you by Guardian Professional. Become a GSB member to get more stories like this direct to your inbox Topics * Health and wellbeing * Engaging employees * Strategy * blogposts * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email * Share on LinkedIn * Share on Pinterest * Share on Google+ * Share on WhatsApp * Share on Messenger * Reuse this content View all comments > (BUTTON) Order by * (BUTTON) newest * (BUTTON) oldest * (BUTTON) recommendations (BUTTON) Show 25 * (BUTTON) 25 * (BUTTON) 50 * (BUTTON) 100 * (BUTTON) All (BUTTON) Threads * (BUTTON) collapsed * (BUTTON) expanded * (BUTTON) unthreaded Loading comments… Trouble loading? 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(BUTTON) Close [p?c1=2&c2=6035250&cv=2.0&cj=1&comscorekw=Health+and+wellbeing%2CGuardi an+sustainable+business%2CEngaging+employees%2CStrategy] #publisher alternate Skip to main content The Guardian - Back to home Support The Guardian Contribute Subscribe Contribute Search jobs Sign in (BUTTON) My account * Comments & replies * Public profile * Account details * Emails & marketing ______________________________________________________________ * Membership * Contributions * Digital Pack ______________________________________________________________ * Sign out Search [ ] * switch to the International edition * switch to the UK edition * switch to the US edition * switch to the Australia edition current edition: International edition * News * Opinion * Sport * Culture * Lifestyle [ ] Show More * (BUTTON) News + World news + UK news + Science + Cities + Global development + Football + Tech + Business + Environment + Obituaries * (BUTTON) Opinion + The Guardian view + Columnists + Cartoons + Opinion videos + Letters * (BUTTON) Sport + Football + Rugby union + Cricket + Tennis + Cycling + F1 + Golf + US sports * (BUTTON) Culture + Books + Music + TV & radio + Art & design + Film + Games + Classical + Stage * (BUTTON) Lifestyle + Fashion + Food + Recipes + Love & sex + Health & fitness + Home & garden + Women + Family + Travel + Money ____________________ What term do you want to search? (BUTTON) Search with google * Make a contribution * Subscribe * (BUTTON) International edition + switch to the UK edition + switch to the US edition + switch to the Australia edition * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * The Guardian app * Video * Podcasts * Pictures * Newsletters * Today's paper * Inside the Guardian * The Observer * Guardian Weekly * Crosswords * Facebook * Twitter * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * Money * Property * Pensions * Savings * Borrowing * Careers (BUTTON) More career inspiration Guardian Careers If you're happy and you know it ... become a chief happiness officer Companies are employing people to create happier workforces, so if you like to organise celebrations, training and events this may be the job for you Vikki Knowles Mon 13 Jul 2015 07.00 BST * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email If you get a kick out of making other people happy at work, then a job as a CHO could be for you. [ ] If you get a kick out of making other people happy at work, then a job as a CHO could be for you. Photograph: Moviestore/REX A wave is rolling over corporate America, across HR departments from Google to Zappos. The emergence of the chief happiness officer (CHO), once met with stifled sniggers and confused expressions, reflects the increasing importance placed on cultivating a contented workforce to attract and retain the most sparkling talent. Now the CHO is cropping up around the UK and Europe, with the role varying from championing customer service to a more traditional HR function. “The CHO’s job is to spearhead different initiatives to make people happier, like celebrations, training, events and similar activities in the workplace that help people do great work and see the purpose of what they do,” says consultant Alexander Kjerulf, co-founder at WooHoo inc in Denmark. Kjerulf conducts speeches and workshops worldwide to help companies such as Lego and Ikea create happier workplaces. Fiona Duffy, CHO of the London and Brighton-based Happy Startup School, meanwhile, sees her duties falling under the marketing umbrella. “I dedicate my time to build and retain relationships with people passionate about the Happy Startup School and our mission to change the stereotype of business, to make it less about chasing profits,” she says. The fundamentals of happiness have their roots in basic human psychology, Kjerulf says, but different workplaces face different challenges, so the message has to be tailored. “Maybe staff are really busy and need to know how to stay happy in the face of time pressure. Maybe the company is in trouble and needs to know how to deal with a crisis. Or maybe they’ve just grown complacent and sated and need a wake-up call,” he says. To take on this job, it comes as no surprise that being a happy person yourself is at the top of the list. A CHO “should be someone who can inspire happiness in others by their nature, and someone who is fun, likeable and has a lot of energy”, says Kjerulf. “It should also be a person who genuinely cares about the wellbeing of people in the workplace.” Duffy agrees. “CHOs all have one thing in common: an innate ability to bring out the best in the people around them. They need to understand problems and offer up solutions that optimise for happiness, whether that’s through customer support or striving for happiness within teams.” Her job title alone has prompted plenty of compliments. “It always strikes up curiosity and conversation. It’s almost become my identity,” she says. What's the secret of career happiness? Read more Personal attributes are more critical than specific qualifications, it seems. Prior to his Woohoo adventures, Kjerulf spent a decade as a consultant and entrepreneur in IT. It was only when he sold his IT consultancy, Enterprise Systems, that he decided to pursue happiness at work. Duffy, meanwhile, dived in to her current role straight after graduation as an alternative to the corporate, top-down management career path she says graduates often think is their only option. “I’ve sort of struck gold with my job at the very first hurdle leaving university,” she says. But, like in any job, there have got to be gripes, right? Duffy struggles to think of any. “Perhaps the fear of failure? Organising any large crazy event can have its challenges but we learn to embrace failure as a learning curve in our environment,” she says. Working with the (fortunately few) clients who are reluctant to create a happier workplace is Kjerulf’s grievance. “If you don’t do something, nothing is going to change.” Duffy reels off advice for budding CHOs: attend as many events as you can, escape the boardroom to cultivate those great ideas, and leave your ego at the door. “You can build a much stronger connection with people asking them about their family and interests before questioning them about what they do for a living,” she says. But be warned. “People are going to think you’re weird,” says Kjerulf, “especially in the UK, where there is a real mistrust of happiness. So you have to be OK with being a little ‘out there’ and have to believe in yourself and your message.” Looking for a job? Browse Guardian Jobs or sign up to Guardian Careers for the latest job vacancies and career advice Topics * Guardian Careers * career inspiration * Work & careers * Job hunting * features * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email * Share on LinkedIn * Share on Pinterest * Share on Google+ * Share on WhatsApp * Share on Messenger * Reuse this content View all comments > (BUTTON) Order by * (BUTTON) newest * (BUTTON) oldest * (BUTTON) recommendations (BUTTON) Show 25 * (BUTTON) 25 * (BUTTON) 50 * (BUTTON) 100 * (BUTTON) All (BUTTON) Threads * (BUTTON) collapsed * (BUTTON) expanded * (BUTTON) unthreaded Loading comments… Trouble loading? 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(BUTTON) Close [p?c1=2&c2=6035250&cv=2.0&cj=1&comscorekw=Guardian+Careers%2CWork+%26+c areers%2CJob+hunting%2CLife+and+style%2CMoney%2CSociety] #publisher alternate Skip to main content The Guardian - Back to home Support The Guardian Contribute Subscribe Contribute Search jobs Sign in (BUTTON) My account * Comments & replies * Public profile * Account details * Emails & marketing ______________________________________________________________ * Membership * Contributions * Digital Pack ______________________________________________________________ * Sign out Search [ ] * switch to the International edition * switch to the UK edition * switch to the US edition * switch to the Australia edition current edition: International edition * News * Opinion * Sport * Culture * Lifestyle [ ] Show More * (BUTTON) News + World news + UK news + Science + Cities + Global development + Football + Tech + Business + Environment + Obituaries * (BUTTON) Opinion + The Guardian view + Columnists + Cartoons + Opinion videos + Letters * (BUTTON) Sport + Football + Rugby union + Cricket + Tennis + Cycling + F1 + Golf + US sports * (BUTTON) Culture + Books + Music + TV & radio + Art & design + Film + Games + Classical + Stage * (BUTTON) Lifestyle + Fashion + Food + Recipes + Love & sex + Health & fitness + Home & garden + Women + Family + Travel + Money ____________________ What term do you want to search? (BUTTON) Search with google * Make a contribution * Subscribe * (BUTTON) International edition + switch to the UK edition + switch to the US edition + switch to the Australia edition * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * The Guardian app * Video * Podcasts * Pictures * Newsletters * Today's paper * Inside the Guardian * The Observer * Guardian Weekly * Crosswords * Facebook * Twitter * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * Fashion * Food * Recipes * Love & sex * Health & fitness * Home & garden * Women * Family * Travel * Money (BUTTON) More Datablog Commuting How does commuting affect wellbeing? A study into commuting and personal wellbeing has found that each minute added to a commute affects anxiety, happiness and general wellbeing. What is the worst way to travel to work? And would we be happier if we just worked from home? Ami Sedghi and George Arnett Wed 12 Feb 2014 12.12 GMT Last modified on Wed 12 Feb 2014 15.13 GMT * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email Those who travel to work by tube were found to only be negatively affected by journeys over 30 minutes. Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images [ ] Those who travel to work by tube were found to only be negatively affected by journeys taking over 30 minutes. Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Commuters are more likely to be anxious, dissatisfied and have the sense that their daily activities lack meaning than those who don’t have to travel to work even if they are paid more. Those were the findings of a study by the Office for National Statistics looking at commuting and personal wellbeing. The study analysed personal wellbeing using four measures: life-satisfaction, to what extent the respondent felt the things they did in life were worthwhile, whether the commuters were happy and whether they were anxious. A drop in the first three and a rise in anxiety indicates a negative effect on the person’s wellbeing. It found that each additional minute of commuting time made you feel slightly worse up to a certain point. However, strangely, once a commute hit three hours then the negative effects dropped off. IFRAME: https://charts.datawrapper.de/pVBVJ/ The effect was relatively small in the scheme of overall wellbeing but was judged by the ONS to be statistically significant. Does the travel mode make a difference to your personal wellbeing? The analysis compares people whose main travel to work mode is a private vehicle such as a car, minibus or works van with those whose main travel to work mode is an alternative such as train, bus, walking or cycling. The results show that those travelling to work by bus or coach had lower levels of life satisfaction and a lower sense that their daily activities were worthwhile on average than those using a private vehicle to commute to work. It may not come as a surprise to anyone who’s experienced squeezing into a packed train on their way to work that people who take the train to work recorded higher anxiety levels on average than those who travelled in a private vehicle. The analysis also found that people who walk to work had lower life satisfaction and a lower sense that their activities were worthwhile on average than those who commute to work using a private vehicle. IFRAME: https://charts.datawrapper.de/VIc88/ But as the ONS rightly state: “the daily commute to work is likely to be experienced as a total package”, so what happens when you combine travel time and mode? The ONS broke travel time (one way) into two categories; 16 to 30 minutes and longer than 30 minutes. For the analysis, the ONS included each mode of transport in combination with each of the two time categories. In each case, the comparison is with people who commute between one and fifteen minutes to work (one way) via any travel method. The key findings are: * Those travelling to work in a private vehicle had lower levels of happiness and higher anxiety levels on average for all journey times (that is, both 16-30 minutes and over 30 minutes) * People spending between 16 and 30 minutes cycling to work had lower happiness levels and higher anxiety on average * Those making long bus journeys to work of more than 30 minutes had lower life satisfaction, a lower sense that daily activities are worthwhile, lower happiness levels and higher anxiety * People commuting more than 30 minutes by train had higher anxiety levels on average * Those walking between 16 and 30 minutes to work had lower life satisfaction, a lower sense that daily activities are worthwhile and lower happiness levels on average. People walking more than 30 minutes to work had higher anxiety levels on average. IFRAME: https://charts.datawrapper.de/AfB5B/ But, the ONS are keen to highlight, there were several forms of commuting that were no worse for personal wellbeing on average than a short commute of up to 15 minutes, holding all else equal. These included: * Riding a motorbike, moped or scooter for up to 30 minutes (though beyond this point happiness was negatively affected) * Cycling for more than 30 minutes (cycling less than 30 minutes was associated with lower happiness and higher anxiety) * Travelling by taxi (regardless of journey time) * Taking the train, underground, light railway or tram for up to 30 minutes (beyond this, the sensethat activities are worthwhile was significantly lower and anxiety significantly higher). Does higher pay make up for the frustration? This is all well and good but given how people, especially in London, tend to increase their commute as they progress in their career then perhaps the higher salary makes up for it? Not so, according to the report, which says the following: Given the loss of personal wellbeing generally associated with commuting, the results suggest that other factors such as higher income or better housing may not fully compensate the individual commuter for the negative effects associated with travelling to work and that people may be making sub-optimal choices. This result is consistent with the findings of previous studies such as Stutzer and Frey (2008). This is potentially important information both for those who commute, particularly for an hour or more, and for their employers. However, it does add that those financial benefits being passed onto other members of the commuters’ household might make for a happier home. So commuters really could be sacrificing themselves for other people’s happiness. Download the data * ONS data: download the tables More open data Data journalism and data visualisations from the Guardian Can you do more with this data? * Contact us at data@theguardian.com * Follow us on Twitter * Like us on Facebook Topics * Commuting * Datablog * Rail transport * Motoring * Happiness indices * Health & wellbeing * Office for National Statistics * London Underground * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email * Share on LinkedIn * Share on Pinterest * Share on Google+ * Share on WhatsApp * Share on Messenger * Reuse this content View all comments > (BUTTON) Order by * (BUTTON) newest * (BUTTON) oldest * (BUTTON) recommendations (BUTTON) Show 25 * (BUTTON) 25 * (BUTTON) 50 * (BUTTON) 100 * (BUTTON) All (BUTTON) Threads * (BUTTON) collapsed * (BUTTON) expanded * (BUTTON) unthreaded Loading comments… Trouble loading? (BUTTON) View more comments more on this story * Cities in motion: transport is as key to urban character as buildings or accents Kicking off a new series on how people move through cities, we look at why trains and traffic can reveal how a place sees itself Published: 17 Feb 2014 Cities in motion: transport is as key to urban character as buildings or accents * We bought a house in Oxford. Just one problem: it's 60 miles from my desk Graeme Wearden Graeme Wearden: Commuting between Oxford and London can be a drag, but I see Oxfordshire before me and it all feels just about worthwhile Published: 4 Jul 2014 Published: 4 Jul 2014 We bought a house in Oxford. Just one problem: it's 60 miles from my desk * London's Brompton Road tube station sold by Ministry of Defence for £53m Historic complex, which closed in 1934, understood to have been bought by property developer for conversion into flats Published: 28 Feb 2014 London's Brompton Road tube station sold by Ministry of Defence for £53m * Oxford Parkway station will lead to rise in house prices and commuter numbers Station may be boon to area, but commuters just as likely to be locals heading to work elsewhere as former Londoners Published: 9 Mar 2014 Oxford Parkway station will lead to rise in house prices and commuter numbers * + London Tube ticket offices: some numbers crunched Published: 26 Feb 2014 London Tube ticket offices: some numbers crunched + Your daily commutes: readers' stories Published: 21 Feb 2014 Your daily commutes: readers' stories + Commuting makes you 'unhappy and anxious', says ONS Published: 12 Feb 2014 Commuting makes you 'unhappy and anxious', says ONS + Daily commutes: share your pictures and stories Published: 11 Feb 2014 Daily commutes: share your pictures and stories (BUTTON) More more on this story Most popular * Fashion * Food * Recipes * Love & sex * Health & fitness * Home & garden * Women * Family * Travel * Money IFRAME: /email/form/footer/today-uk * Contact us * Complaints & corrections * Secure Drop * Work for us * Privacy policy * Cookie policy * Terms & conditions * Help * All topics * All writers * Digital newspaper archive * Facebook * Twitter * Advertise with us * Search UK jobs Support The Guardian Contribute Subscribe Back to top © 2018 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. 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(BUTTON) Close [p?c1=2&c2=6035250&cv=2.0&cj=1&comscorekw=Commuting%2CRail+transport%2C Motoring%2CHappiness+indices%2CHealth+%26+wellbeing%2COffice+for+Nation al+Statistics%2CLondon+Underground%2CCycling] #publisher alternate Skip to main content The Guardian - Back to home Support The Guardian Contribute Subscribe Contribute Search jobs Sign in (BUTTON) My account * Comments & replies * Public profile * Account details * Emails & marketing ______________________________________________________________ * Membership * Contributions * Digital Pack ______________________________________________________________ * Sign out Search [ ] * switch to the International edition * switch to the UK edition * switch to the US edition * switch to the Australia edition current edition: International edition * News * Opinion * Sport * Culture * Lifestyle [ ] Show More * (BUTTON) News + World news + UK news + Science + Cities + Global development + Football + Tech + Business + Environment + Obituaries * (BUTTON) Opinion + The Guardian view + Columnists + Cartoons + Opinion videos + Letters * (BUTTON) Sport + Football + Rugby union + Cricket + Tennis + Cycling + F1 + Golf + US sports * (BUTTON) Culture + Books + Music + TV & radio + Art & design + Film + Games + Classical + Stage * (BUTTON) Lifestyle + Fashion + Food + Recipes + Love & sex + Health & fitness + Home & garden + Women + Family + Travel + Money ____________________ What term do you want to search? (BUTTON) Search with google * Make a contribution * Subscribe * (BUTTON) International edition + switch to the UK edition + switch to the US edition + switch to the Australia edition * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * The Guardian app * Video * Podcasts * Pictures * Newsletters * Today's paper * Inside the Guardian * The Observer * Guardian Weekly * Crosswords * Facebook * Twitter * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * Money * Property * Pensions * Savings * Borrowing * Careers (BUTTON) More The Careers Blog Guardian Careers What's the secret of career happiness? Can money buy you happiness? Personality, pay and company culture – we uncover the secret to career bliss • Happiness at work: what we can learn from the Swiss • Job satisfaction: what's the secret? Claire Burke Mon 19 Jan 2015 07.00 GMT First published on Mon 19 Jan 2015 07.00 GMT * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email How do you choose a career that will make you happy? [ ] How do you choose a career that will make you happy? Photograph: Alamy If you're thinking of looking for a new job in 2015, you're not alone. According to research released this month, more than a third of workers are planning to move jobs this year. But a new role doesn't always live up to expectations, and before long you may be back scrolling through recruitment sites searching for that elusive dream job. So how do you avoid making the wrong move and choose a career that will make you happy? The first step is to understand your personality and how you like to work, says Siobhan Hamilton-Phillips, director and founder of Career Psychology. The consultancy uses psychometric assessments to help people find a job that they will enjoy. "It's about finding out as much about your personality as possible. You really need to have an occupation that plays to your strengths," says Hamilton-Phillips. "For example, extroverts are good at social interaction and communicating. They tend to make good trainers. Introverts like working in smaller groups or on their own. They have the ability to concentrate and focus for a long time." Understanding your personality traits helps you recognise which working environments you are best suited to, she says. "If you know you're playing to your strengths, in an environment you can thrive and feel your work is rewarding, that really is happiness at work." The next stage is to think about the skills you enjoy using. People are happy when they use skills that make them feel energised, says John Lees, a career strategist and author of How to Get a Job You Love. So how do you find out what these are? "When you think about work on a Sunday night, what are the bits of work you look forward to? That gives you very powerful clues for what you should be doing." He also recommends sitting down with a friend and discussing your work history. Afterwards, ask them for the times when you seemed most excited and engaged. This will help reveal the type of work you like best. When it comes to getting a new job, many of us make the same mistake. People don't do enough research to find out if they'll actually enjoy the job, says Lees. "They understand they need to do a lot of research to be a good candidate in a job interview but they don't do research for themselves." This is particularly crucial if you're planning a big career change. Lees recommends talking to people from the organisation or sector and asking them what the role involves day to day. Work shadowing is also a good option. Otherwise how will you know if you'll like the job? "It's not all about internal reflection," says Lees. "You only learn by asking people, 'what do you do most of the time?'" Novella Bottini, an econometrician at thinktank Legatum Institute, which commissioned a report on wellbeing and policy in 2014, says there are four key features that affect people's happiness at work: support and recognition, a clear idea of what is expected of them, reasonable freedom over how they do the work and having a good work-life balance. The latter is particularly critical. Bottini explains: "A study in Europe suggested that people who are working more than 40 hours a week are usually less happy. They have less time for social relationships, for being part of a community. We know that these elements are critical for the wellbeing of a person." However, if you are feeling the strain of long working hours, the answer isn't necessarily to look for another job. First, try and negotiate your role with your manager to address the balance. If you're having the opposite problem – that your job isn't challenging you – ask about the opportunities to make a sideways move or work on a new project. What about the all important question of money? We might think a six figure salary will make us happy, but research suggests otherwise. A study, which used data from the Office for National Statistics, looked at the relationship between different jobs and levels of life satisfaction. And while company chief executives, earning £117,700 a year on average, were found to be the second happiest employees, many in the top 20 earn less than £19,000 a year, including company secretaries, fitness instructors and school secretaries. Vicars, who earn around £20,568, were found to be the most joyful of all. Money means different things to different people, says Lees. "Money is part of the mix but it's not as important as people believe. It's not an indicator of work happiness. All we know is that giving people more doesn't make them happier or improve their performance." However if people feel underpaid, that can be a powerful demotivator. Once you've experienced the world of work for a few years you begin to realise the type of jobs you enjoy. However if you are fresh out of school or university, how can you tell from the bewildering array of career option which job will give you the most satisfaction? Tim Reed, head of the careers and employability service at University of Kent, says graduates should reflect on "who they are, what they want from life, what they enjoy doing and what their values are. It's then matching that with realistic opportunities out there. It's hard for graduates but it's possible". This content is brought to you by Guardian Professional. To get more content and advice like this direct to your inbox, sign up for our weekly Careers update. Topics * Guardian Careers * The Careers Blog * Health * Work & careers * features * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email * Share on LinkedIn * Share on Pinterest * Share on Google+ * Share on WhatsApp * Share on Messenger * Reuse this content View all comments > (BUTTON) Order by * (BUTTON) newest * (BUTTON) oldest * (BUTTON) recommendations (BUTTON) Show 25 * (BUTTON) 25 * (BUTTON) 50 * (BUTTON) 100 * (BUTTON) All (BUTTON) Threads * (BUTTON) collapsed * (BUTTON) expanded * (BUTTON) unthreaded Loading comments… Trouble loading? 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(BUTTON) Close [p?c1=2&c2=6035250&cv=2.0&cj=1&comscorekw=Guardian+Careers%2CHealth%2CW ork+%26+careers] #publisher alternate Skip to main content The Guardian - Back to home Support The Guardian Contribute Subscribe Contribute Search jobs Sign in (BUTTON) My account * Comments & replies * Public profile * Account details * Emails & marketing ______________________________________________________________ * Membership * Contributions * Digital Pack ______________________________________________________________ * Sign out Search [ ] * switch to the International edition * switch to the UK edition * switch to the US edition * switch to the Australia edition current edition: International edition * News * Opinion * Sport * Culture * Lifestyle [ ] Show More * (BUTTON) News + World news + UK news + Science + Cities + Global development + Football + Tech + Business + Environment + Obituaries * (BUTTON) Opinion + The Guardian view + Columnists + Cartoons + Opinion videos + Letters * (BUTTON) Sport + Football + Rugby union + Cricket + Tennis + Cycling + F1 + Golf + US sports * (BUTTON) Culture + Books + Music + TV & radio + Art & design + Film + Games + Classical + Stage * (BUTTON) Lifestyle + Fashion + Food + Recipes + Love & sex + Health & fitness + Home & garden + Women + Family + Travel + Money ____________________ What term do you want to search? (BUTTON) Search with google * Make a contribution * Subscribe * (BUTTON) International edition + switch to the UK edition + switch to the US edition + switch to the Australia edition * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * The Guardian app * Video * Podcasts * Pictures * Newsletters * Today's paper * Inside the Guardian * The Observer * Guardian Weekly * Crosswords * Facebook * Twitter * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * Money * Property * Pensions * Savings * Borrowing * Careers (BUTTON) More Opinion Work & careers The cult of compulsory happiness is ruining our workplaces André Spicer Some companies strive to make the office fun, so we’ll work harder. But forced positivity has a negative side Mon 12 Dec 2016 07.00 GMT Last modified on Tue 26 Jun 2018 15.06 BST * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email Illustration by Nathalie Lees. [ ] Illustration by Nathalie Lees. In their quest to make employees happier, companies around the world have been busy installing play equipment in the workplace. Google has set up slides in its Zurich office so engineers can whizz between floors. The online shoe retailer Zappos encourages employees to dress as their favourite animal on certain days. There are US companies that give staff an opportunity to be ninjas for the day. Fussball tables, computer games, action figures and scooters have become fixtures in some workplaces. And if you walked into the offices of Inventionland, you could be mistaken for assuming you were in a children’s playground: workspaces there include a fake pirate ship, a tree house, and a giant shoe. The lengths companies go to in order to make employees happy to spend increasingly long hours at work do not stop there: Tony Hsieh, chief executive of Zappos, has been known to down vodka shots with employees in interviews. And Expedia, ranked this year as the happiest workplace in the UK, has modelled its London office on a night club with free bars, chill-out zones and Formula One simulators. In The Wellness Syndrome, the book I wrote with Carl Cederström, we took a look at the increasing fascination with happiness at work. We found a growing industry of “funsultants” offering advice on how to make workforces more positive. Firms such as Zappos have started to employ chief happiness officers. There is also a booming field of management research on positivity at work. But despite all this effort, work still sucks. According to a recent study by the London School of Economics, the place where we feel most miserable is work. There is only one place and circumstance that makes us feel worse – being sick in bed. Workplace design: how office space is becoming fun again Read more The clamour to make employees happy at work is driven by one of the oldest cliches in the human resource management playbook: that a happy worker is a good worker. As William Davies shows in his book The Happiness Industry, this idea has been part of management theory since at least the 1930s. The problem is that there have been decades of research on the link between employee satisfaction and productivity, and the results are pretty inconclusive. There are studies that find if you show students a standup comedy routine and then get them to spot errors in a piece of writing, they will do better than students who have not seen the comedy routine. However, another study, of a major UK supermarket chain, found that the stores with the least satisfied employees were the most productive and profitable. Happiness at work may be good for some jobs – such as customer-facing work where you need to make members of the public feel upbeat too – but there is evidence to suggest happiness could be a liability in other roles. One study, for instance, found that people who were angry tended to get better outcomes during a negotiation than a happy person would. People in a good mood were also worse at noticing an act of deception than people in a bad mood. While happiness at work is not always good for productivity, surely it must be good for individual employees? This is not always true either. To proceed with an unerring emphasis on being happy can crowd out other emotions; anger, sadness, anxiety and uncertainty – all staples of the contemporary workplace – become a no-no. This implicit ban on negative emotions can therefore be emotionally stunting for employees. A number of recent studies show that being able to express a range of positive and negative emotions is important, particularly when people are dealing with difficult experiences. But giving space for a range of emotions at work can also be important for the health of the entire organisation. This is wonderfully illustrated by a recent study considering why the mobile phone maker Nokia failed. In 2007, the year the iPhone launched, Nokia was the world’s leading mobile-phone maker. It had ample information about Apple’s venture, so should have been able to successfully challenge it. However, the Finnish company had invested heavily in a smartphone operating system called Symbian, which wasn’t working well. Middle managers in the company knew it, but they feared communicating the bad news up the hierarchy because they didn’t want to appear to be negative. They had got the message: if you wanted to keep your division open, it was imperative to be only upbeat and pass on positive news. Because senior managers only got positive news, it took them too long to ditch Symbian, switch operating systems and launch a decent smartphone. By that point, Apple and Samsung had overtaken Nokia. Now Nokia no longer makes mobile phones. The sad truth is that being constantly on the lookout for happiness may actually mean happiness eludes us. This point was illustrated by a study in which psychologists got two groups of people to do something that usually makes people happy – watching a film of someone winning an ice-skating competition. They then tested how happy the experience made them. Before watching the video, one group read out a statement about how important it was to be happy and have an upbeat attitude; the other group did not. The psychologists found that the group that didn’t read out the statement actually tended to be more happy after watching the video. This suggests that when we talk about how important happiness is, we become less likely to find it, even when we have experiences that usually make us happy. Wanting to be happy at work is fair enough. But being forced to be happy at work can be troubling. If organisations were genuinely interested in making their employees happy at work, then they would probably give up on the corporate clowning and look at some much more downbeat interventions. A simple step would be allowing employees to work from home at least some of the time. One experimental study found employee satisfaction and productivity shot up when people were allowed to work from home. A second simple step would be to stop interrupting workers with all sorts of pointless demands such as long emails, bureaucratic forms and compulsory happiness initiatives. A study by researchers at Harvard Business School found workers felt most satisfied on days at work when they were just able to consistently focus on an important piece of work and make some meaningful progress on it. Finally, removing some of the endemic uncertainty that is built into many workplaces would be an excellent step towards making employees more happy at work. In my own work with Mats Alvesson we found that many organisational restructuring and change initiatives achieve very little apart from making employees miserable, building the reputations of a few managers, and fattening the coffers of consultants. One way organisations really could make their employees happier, aside from slides and vodka shots? Think long and hard before pointless restructuring. Topics * Work & careers * Opinion * Health & wellbeing * Work-life balance * comment * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email * Share on LinkedIn * Share on Pinterest * Share on Google+ * Share on WhatsApp * Share on Messenger * Reuse this content View all comments > (BUTTON) Order by * (BUTTON) newest * (BUTTON) oldest * (BUTTON) recommendations (BUTTON) Show 25 * (BUTTON) 25 * (BUTTON) 50 * (BUTTON) 100 * (BUTTON) All (BUTTON) Threads * (BUTTON) collapsed * (BUTTON) expanded * (BUTTON) unthreaded Loading comments… Trouble loading? 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(BUTTON) Close [p?c1=2&c2=6035250&cv=2.0&cj=1&comscorekw=Work+%26+careers%2CHealth+%26 +wellbeing%2CWork-life+balance%2CLife+and+style%2CUK+news%2CGuardian+Ca reers] #publisher alternate Skip to main content The Guardian - Back to home Support The Guardian Contribute Subscribe Contribute Search jobs Sign in (BUTTON) My account * Comments & replies * Public profile * Account details * Emails & marketing ______________________________________________________________ * Membership * Contributions * Digital Pack ______________________________________________________________ * Sign out Search [ ] * switch to the International edition * switch to the UK edition * switch to the US edition * switch to the Australia edition current edition: International edition * News * Opinion * Sport * Culture * Lifestyle [ ] Show More * (BUTTON) News + World news + UK news + Science + Cities + Global development + Football + Tech + Business + Environment + Obituaries * (BUTTON) Opinion + The Guardian view + Columnists + Cartoons + Opinion videos + Letters * (BUTTON) Sport + Football + Rugby union + Cricket + Tennis + Cycling + F1 + Golf + US sports * (BUTTON) Culture + Books + Music + TV & radio + Art & design + Film + Games + Classical + Stage * (BUTTON) Lifestyle + Fashion + Food + Recipes + Love & sex + Health & fitness + Home & garden + Women + Family + Travel + Money ____________________ What term do you want to search? (BUTTON) Search with google * Make a contribution * Subscribe * (BUTTON) International edition + switch to the UK edition + switch to the US edition + switch to the Australia edition * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * The Guardian app * Video * Podcasts * Pictures * Newsletters * Today's paper * Inside the Guardian * The Observer * Guardian Weekly * Crosswords * Facebook * Twitter * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive Health and wellbeing Can happiness be a good business strategy? A happy workforce is more engaged, creative and more focused, increasing the overall productivity of a company, says Tim Smedley Tim Smedley for the Guardian Professional Network Wed 20 Jun 2012 10.59 BST First published on Wed 20 Jun 2012 10.59 BST * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email happiness-work [ ] The link between happiness and productivity at work is increasingly understood. Photograph: Alberto Incrocci/Getty Images How happy are you at work? Maybe you're reading this at work right now? Which could indicate that you work in a friendly workplace culture where you're empowered to do as you see fit and read whatever you want online. Or it could mean that you're bored out of your brain, whiling away the hours until the clock clunks to home time. The former suggests that you're a happy and productive worker; the latter, quite the opposite. And this link between happiness and productivity at work is becoming increasingly understood. Nic Marks, of the New Economics Foundation (Nef), has spent the last 10 years of his life working in this field. It used to be known as 'well-being economics' until it was discovered that "normal people didn't know what that meant", says Marks. Happiness is what it's really all about. "People who are happier at work are more productive – they are more engaged, more creative, have better concentration", says Marks. "The difference in productivity between happy and unhappy people at work can range between 10-50%. That's 10% for non-complex repetitive tasks, or up to 40-50% in service and creative industries." And that's an awful lot in terms of business revenue. The current poster boy for happiness in business circles is Tony Hsieh. A beneficiary of the dot-com boom he became a multi-millionaire in his early 20s by selling his web company LinkExchange to Microsoft for $265m. He then took over fashion start-up Zappos in 1999 because he missed working in a happy environment. "It began selfishly for me", he admits. "I was in the financial position of not having to work again... so if I'm going to go back into an office it better be around people I would choose to hang out with. Otherwise, what's the point? But it actually turned out to be a good business strategy." By 2005, Hsieh decided that a happy company culture was Zappos's number one business priority, from which everything else would grow. In an ironic echo of the General Electric CEO Jack Welsch who advocated axing the bottom performing 10% of managers each year, Hsieh removed the 5-10% of employees who did not buy into the same vision. "The best way to make [a happy culture] stick is to get rid of the whatever percentage of people who aren't living up to the company values", he argues. "What we found is that short term pain was totally worth the long-term gain of strengthening the relationships with everybody else." By removing the cynics, says Hsieh, the remaining 90% "became super-engaged". Empowerment policies then came thick and fast. The company moved from San Francisco to Las Vegas where they could recreate a college campus environment; the sole communication policy reads "'be real and use your best judgement"; call centre staff are hired on friendliness – only 5% of calls result in sales but long-term relationships are built over time. By 2008 the company reached $1b in gross merchandise sales. In 2012, it is now over $2bn, with 5,000 staff. That sort of growth – especially through a prolonged recession – is hard to ignore. The UK government is not ignoring happiness. For the last two years Lib Dem MP Jo Swinson has chaired the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Wellbeing Economics. When it started out, two people came. The last sitting in May was standing room only. "Anyone who has worked in a business knows that when colleagues feel motivated, empowered and wake up looking forward to going to work – then they will work better. We all know that", says Swinson. "And increasingly businesses are recognising that too." In light of this groundswell of interest, Nic Marks and Nef have just launched an online tool to help businesses measure and manage the happiness of their employees. Marks feels that the employee engagement surveys run by many businesses are too extractive, based on what employers can get out of their employees rather than what employees want. To avoid disappearing down an HR blackhole, as Marks puts it, Nef's happiness survey gives employees instant results – including personalised action plans – as well as collating the results anonymously for the business. One company who trialled the Nef approach – The Works, a recruitment agency in the north of England – ended up changing its working hours and internal communications practices on the back of the survey. "It's given employees empowerment, hopefully it's given them more job satisfaction", says Joanne Shires, the firm's head of people and talent. "And for us it's a return on our social investment." So can happier people at work actually lead to a happier and more prosperous society? In down town Las Vegas, Tony Hsieh and Zappos are putting that to the test. Having bought the old Las Vegas city hall to house the new company headquarters, planning the obligatory cool workplace trimmings – funky break-out areas, an internal pub – all felt too insular, says Hsieh. So Zappos set up and funded a $350m project to invest $100m in local real estate, $100m in residential development, $50m in small businesses, $50m in education, and $50m in technology start-ups. "What started out as a new office move has actually turned out to be a project to revitalise down town Vegas," says Hsieh. And guess what, "we've seen our employees become engaged on a whole new level because of this. It all feeds back into the Zappos brand... we can do well and do good." Which has to be more than just a happy coincidence. This content is brought to you by Guardian Professional. Become a GSB member to get more stories like this direct to your inbox Topics * Health and wellbeing * Strategy * features * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email * Share on LinkedIn * Share on Pinterest * Share on Google+ * Share on WhatsApp * Share on Messenger * Reuse this content View all comments > (BUTTON) Order by * (BUTTON) newest * (BUTTON) oldest * (BUTTON) recommendations (BUTTON) Show 25 * (BUTTON) 25 * (BUTTON) 50 * (BUTTON) 100 * (BUTTON) All (BUTTON) Threads * (BUTTON) collapsed * (BUTTON) expanded * (BUTTON) unthreaded Loading comments… Trouble loading? 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For some, becoming self-employed was the answer Emma Sheppard @Emmalousheppard Mon 21 Aug 2017 12.26 BST Last modified on Mon 21 Aug 2017 15.30 BST * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email Jade Sarkhel, freelance food photographer and stylist [ ] Jade Sarkhel left a career in marketing after feeling unappreciated for the hours she was putting in – she now runs her own photography business. Photograph: Neil Sarkhel Starting your own business can be a leap of faith, but freelance food photographer and stylist Jade Sarkhel says she’s never been happier: “It’s so much more satisfying if you know you’re building something for yourself. I’m now earning three or four times what I did in a full-time job and I’m working fewer hours.” As an employee – first a hairdresser, then as a marketing executive for a beauty brand and subsequently a restaurant group – Sarkhel admits she was often left feeling unappreciated for the hours she was putting in. She turned her photography hobby into a business in December and is already hiring staff. “What makes me happy at work now is variation,” she says. “And I can have longer periods of work and breaks in between when I want to.” The number of self-employed people in the UK has increased by 45% since 2000, to 4.7 million workers in early 2016. In 2015, a survey by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) (pdf) found that since 2010, 40% of the rise in jobs in the UK has been self-employment, a change it said had sparked a debate about whether it was “as a sign of entrepreneurial spirit, innovation and future economic growth ... [or] primarily indicative of a rise in precarious, insecure work”. Happiness consultant Samantha Clarke believes the rise can partly be explained by the influx of a new generation who seek very different things from a career, compared with their predecessors. “For them happiness at work is essential – [the work] must be purposeful, the environment must be mindful to their needs and also motivating and nurturing for their desire to learn and grow,” she says. Plus technology just makes it easier to give it a try – “you can set up quite easily and effectively … you used to have to hire an expensive web designer”. Samantha Clarke, happiness consultant Facebook Twitter Pinterest Happiness consultant Samantha Clarke says younger workers seek purposeful work. Trying to improve happiness at work has become big business in its own right. Prof Ivan Robertson, a business psychologist and co-founder of employee wellbeing company Robertson Cooper, says there’s now a much better understanding of what we want from work, and corporations are using that insight to try to retain talent. Remarkably it doesn’t all come down to money, once a minimum level is achieved. How to turn an idea into a dream job – by people who have done it Read more “Decades of research has identified three core things,” Robertson says. “One is control – that you have control over how you go about your work, including the place and time you do it, and how you work towards your objectives. The more freedom you have over that, the happier people tend to be. The second is resources. Do you have what you need to be able to carry out your job? And the third is support. When the resources aren’t there, or things get a bit much, is there support that kicks in?” If those three factors are present, Robertson adds, employees are unlikely to feel stressed and unhappy at work. Elevating that to a state of happiness depends on there being a higher purpose to the task – “[it’s] a sense of meaningfulness, that what you’re doing actually makes a difference”. For many, self-employment will tick those boxes. According to the latest research (pdf) from the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (known as IPSE), more than four out of five (84%) people are very satisfied with working for themselves, citing a better work-life balance, increased earning potential and control over work as the main reasons. By contrast, a survey by HR professional body CIPD (pdf) found just 45% of employees felt satisfied at work. But entrepreneurs who set up their own businesses to achieve happiness will need to consider the welfare of their staff as they grow. Jonathan Birch, co-founder and creative strategy director of Glass Digital, says his experience as an employee has directly affected his approach as an employer when it comes to promoting a supportive culture. Jonathan Birch of Glass Digital Facebook Twitter Pinterest Jonathan Birch of Glass Digital: ‘It’s a different set of stresses and satisfaction factors when it comes to running your own business. A big part of it is loving what you do.’ Photograph: Mark Pinder for the Guardian “When we created our own agency, it was borne out of frustration. There’s a lot of smoke and mirrors in the digital marketing world. As an employee, I wanted visibility in terms of overall company goals to put my contribution into context. We deliver all our campaigns with utter transparency, so clients and staff can see what’s being delivered and when. [And] we’ve got quite a flat structure, day to day. My view is everyone should be valued, everyone should be heard.” Work-life balance is also important, he adds. It’s something he’s struggled with as a small business owner, but which he’s realised is key to his own wellbeing. Nevertheless, he wouldn’t be anywhere else. “It’s a different set of stresses and satisfaction factors when it comes to running your own business. A big part of it is loving what you do. That rubs off on your staff.” Starting your own business may not be for everyone, Robertson admits. While control is easy to achieve, resources and support may be harder to find when self-employed – although he recommends finding a co-founder to share the burden with. “There would be some people who would feel so abandoned that [starting their own business] would be too much. [But if someone] really believes in what they’re doing, that will keep them motivated, focused and happy.” Topics * Life and style * Making your ideas work * Entrepreneurs * Small business * Work-life balance * Work & careers * features * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email * Share on LinkedIn * Share on Pinterest * Share on Google+ * Share on WhatsApp * Share on Messenger * Reuse this content Most popular * Money * Property * Pensions * Savings * Borrowing * Careers IFRAME: /email/form/footer/today-uk * Contact us * Complaints & corrections * Secure Drop * Work for us * Privacy policy * Cookie policy * Terms & conditions * Help * All topics * All writers * Digital newspaper archive * Facebook * Twitter * Advertise with us * Search UK jobs Support The Guardian Contribute Subscribe Back to top © 2018 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. (BUTTON) Close [p?c1=2&c2=6035250&cv=2.0&cj=1&comscorekw=Life+and+style%2CEntrepreneur s%2CSmall+business%2CWork-life+balance%2CWork+%26+careers] #RSS Feed for Business Club articles - Telegraph.co.uk [p?c1=2&c2=6035736&cv=2.0&cj=1] Accessibility links * Skip to article * Skip to navigation [telegraph_print_190.gif] Telegraph.co.uk ___________________ Submit Tuesday 18 December 2018 * Home * Video * News * World * Sport * Business * Money * Comment * Culture * Travel * Life * Women * Fashion * Luxury * Tech * Film Advertisement 1. Home» 2. Finance» 3. Business Club Nine easy ways to make yourself happier at work Is your job getting you down? Here are a few quick and simple ways to get yourself out of the workplace doldrums Happiness tip: if you know a good joke, don’t post it on Facebook. If it gets no likes, you’ll be miserable Don't fake it. Try our nine tips for being happier at work Photo: Alamy Rebecca Burn Callander By Rebecca Burn-Callander, Enterprise editor 6:20PM BST 18 Aug 2014 Follow No job is perfect but if you know that you're in the right career, find your work rewarding, but still feel unhappy at work, these tips could help give you the lift you need. 1. Reward yourself for a job well done. This could be a doughnut, a cup of your favourite coffee or five minutes reading a good magazine. Too often we focus only on our failings without acknowledging when we do something well. At the very least, learn to give yourself a mental pat on the back. [jam-doughnut_1603342c.jpg] 2. Fake it. Studies have found that smiling, even when you don’t feel like it, can improve your mood. Take the opportunity to smile when you can – at staff or colleagues or the cashier in the corner shop. Smiling is also contagious, so you could help other people to feel more cheerful, which will improve the general atmosphere around you. [teeth_1467641c.jpg] Related Articles * Brits feel financially secure but don't much love their jobs 17 Sep 2014 * Ten tips for conquering your email inbox 18 Jul 2014 * Ten time management techniques that really work 15 Jul 2014 * How to write the perfect LinkedIn profile in 7 steps 15 Aug 2014 * Top ten must-have apps for small businesses 05 Aug 2014 * The key to happiness - have low expectations 06 Aug 2014 3. Create a pleasant space around you. Keep useful or beautiful things in your work space and get rid of clutter and mess. Arriving to a sea of papers and moulding coffee cups has never improved anyone’s temper. [messy-desk_2637008c.jpg] 4. You are not a machine. If you have a desk job, make sure you take regular breaks and walk around. Try to get out of the office at lunch time; even a 15-minute stroll can work wonders for your mood. [walking_1371914c.jpg] 5. Don’t over-promise and under-deliver. Far better to be pragmatic about what you can achieve in your working day, and over-achieve on your goals, rather than let down colleagues, staff or clients. [Archery-scotland_2301279c.jpg] 6. Try to learn something new each day. If we’re learning new things, we feel as though we are progressing in life. You don’t have to learn the complete works of Shakespeare – just learning a joke that you can tell your friends, or finding a new short-cut to work can help keep your happiness levels high. [men-learning-compu_2749373c.jpg] 7. Turn the other cheek. If people are moody or unpleasant during your working day, don’t take it personally. Remember that it’s impossible to know everything that’s going on in other people’s lives, the factors affecting their treatment of you. Learn to shrug off any snide remarks or sharp retorts. It’s probably less about you and more about their own problems. [dogs_1768053c.jpg] 8. If something is out of your control, don’t obsess about it. If you are powerless to change something, accept it. This will not only make you happier at work, it will free your mind to take action on issues that you do have the power to improve. [computer_2133891c.jpg] 9. Remember that you are in charge of your happiness. No one else can make you happy - you have to do that yourself. Don’t lose your temper with others for failing to pick you up when you’re feeling down and take responsibility for your own moods. [meditation_2534282c.jpg] Business Club * Finance » * Your Business » * People » * Rebecca Burn-Callander » Politics blogs Politics Blogs Top finance galleries» Advertisement Business Club» People Money Sales Technology Business Club Video Your Business Video SME Home Advertisement Ask the expert » Ask John Is something holding your company back? Ask our business agony uncle and retail expert John Timpson to help you with anything from cash flow crises to funding headaches, staffing problems and sales downturns by emailing your question to askjohn@telegraph.co.uk Latest finance videos » Financial Detox: how to save money at work Financial detox: saving money at work Financial Detox: Shopping Financial detox: tips for saving on shopping BP boss: oil won't hit $100 a barrel for long time City of London Sponsored Five ways Brexit could impact your investments Join The Business Club » Business Club membership form Business Club membership banner . LinkedIn forum » Join the conversation Telegraph Business Club on LinkedIn banner . Advertisement Advertisement More from the web Loading News Progress 17 supply vehicle departs from the International Space Station The latest news, opinion and analysis View Football Catch up on all the latest football news and results View Film All the latest film trailers, reviews and features View Competitions Enter one of our exciting new competitions View Back to top * HOME * Finance * Financial Crisis * Debt Crisis Live * Markets * Banks and Finance * City Diary * Economics * Transport * Media and Telecoms * Energy * Retail News * * Personal Finance * Your Business * Investing * Savings * Student Finance * Jobs * Job Search * Companies * China business * Money Deals * Money Transfers * Comment * Alex * Find an IFA * Contact us * Privacy and Cookies * Advertising * Fantasy Football * Tickets * Announcements * Reader Prints * * Follow Us * Apps * Epaper * Expat * Promotions * Subscriber * Syndication © Copyright of Telegraph Media Group Limited 2018 Terms and Conditions Today's News Archive Style Book Weather Forecast * Home * My Feed * Saved The Telegraph (BUTTON) * News * Politics * World * Sport * Technology * Business * Money * Opinion * Obituaries * Travel * Culture * Lifestyle * Women * Family * Health and Fitness * Fashion * Luxury * Cars * Free Mobile App * Jobs * Financial Solutions * Rewards * Events * Dating * Offers * Shop * Garden Shop * Bookshop * Tickets * Puzzles * Fantasy Football * Voucher Codes * Work at The Telegraph * Telegraph Corporate * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe now * My Account My details My newsletters Logout Upgrade to Premium * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe - 30 days free * Login * Register * Search * Video * Rewards * My Account My details My newsletters Logout The Telegraph * Home * News * Sport * Business (BUTTON) ALL SECTIONS * Lifestyle * Women * Politics * Work * Sex * Life * Women Mean Business * Columnists * Facebook Group * Telegraph Dating (BUTTON) More * Telegraph * Lifestyle * Women * Work The 5 reasons why you're unhappy at work and what you can do about it * * * * Save Happiness is within your reach Happiness is within your reach Credit: Mike Kemp/Blend Images 10 October 2017 • 7:00am (BUTTON) Follow Follow the topics within this article * Mental health * Working from home * Health * Changing Minds * Sleep * Happiness It’s World Mental Health day and the chances are that while you sit at your desk in the office this morning this will be more relevant to you than ever before. A report this year revealed that one in three “‘sick notes”’ handed out by GPs in Britain are now for mental health issues and, shockingly, more than five 5 million of us are being signed off work every year due to anxiety and depression. More of us than ever now feel that our work life is actually affecting our mental health. A not-so-cheering fact is that the UK currently has the lowest ranking for job satisfaction in the western world, with nearly a quarter of us reporting feeling deeply unhappy at work. More of us are saying work is making us feel unhappy and depressed More of us are saying work is making us feel unhappy and depressed Credit: PeopleImages/Digital Vision So why are we so unhappy? And, more importantly, what needs to change to fix it? Enter Dr Annie McKee. The senior fellow at the University of Pennsylvania, and high- profile leadership consultant, has written a book called ‘How to be Happy at Work.’ After years spent consulting in the public and private sectors, McKee was alarmed at how unhappiness was such a consistent problem among her clients. “There have definitely been times when I have been unhappy at work,” she says, relaying how as a single mother at 27 she took herself to college to finally pursue her career, “but part of the reason I wrote this book was that it didn’t seem to matter what size or type of company it was, so many workers said: I want to do well at work, I really want to enjoy my work,: but I’m miserable.” The ubiquitous alignment of misery with work is something that McKee thinks is within our power to change. She believes that our unhappiness, beyond any particulars about our individual office cultures, is tied to three intrinsic work myths that we have blindly believed for years: work has to be gruelling, how we feel about work doesn’t matter, and we cannot ask for anything more from work. Ultimately, we believe we are not meant to be happy at work. Feeling over worked is making us feel anxious and unfulfilled Feeling over worked is making us feel anxious and unfulfilled Credit: Jessica Peterson/Getty Images This she believes isn’t just bad for us, it’s bad for business too. “When we are unhappy and miserable and disengaged, we don’t give our best. Happy companies outperform their competitors by 20 per cent%.” Workers in the UK highlighted three key factors affecting their job satisfaction: pride in their organisation, feeling appreciated, and being treated with fairness and respect. Based on this, the onus for your happiness at work can, and maybe should, lie with your workplace. McKee’s consultation with leaders has always taken this into account. “If we can help leaders understand themselves better, and understand the power that they have to either create good, happy work cultures, or the opposite, then we can make a difference in the minds of individual people who get up and go to work every day, and to the companies as well. ”. “But companies strive for organisational success over personal success,” she notes. “We’re in this hyper- competitive world where we are driving for short- term gain over long- term success. In that kind of environment, people learn that their boss will sacrifice them individually for the goal and target of the company.” Many are finding it hard to can't switch off at the end of the day Many are finding it hard to can't switch off at the end of the day Credit: Ghislain & Marie David de Lossy/Getty Images It may also be why the UK freelance economy is flourishing. Since 2009, it has grown by 25 per cent,% and there are now an estimated two 2 million freelance workers. A survey conducted to coincide with World Mental Health Day by The Hoxby Collective, a global network of freelancers, showed that over a third (33 per cent%) of workers surveyed claimed to suffer mental health issues as a direct result of working rigid hours. Of this, an overwhelming response (90 per cent%) suffered from stress, 78 per cent% from anxiety and 52 per cent% from insomnia. Their conclusion was that the traditional “‘9-5”’ (which has shifted to 8-6 for many) is inefficient and is taking its toll. However, as much as we may want it to be, our unhappiness at work is not all our boss’s fault. This view forms the backbone to McKee’s book, namely that we have more control over our work-based happiness than we think, and the misapprehension that we don’t is only making things worse. She McKee advises a reframing of your perception of your job; asking yourself how unhappy you really are and whether or not you have the power to change things for yourself, instead of waiting for someone to do it for you. Her book urges a heavy degree of navel-gazing, as she argues that by understanding what you want from work you can better decide whether what you are doing is right for you. Freelance careers are soaring as people seek out ways to work hours which suit them Freelance careers are soaring as people seek out ways to work hours which suit them Credit: GrandPix/Getty Not recognising the need to make these changes is what McKee calls “‘Boiling Frog Syndrome”. She says: “:’ “If you put a frog in boiling water it will jump right out. Work is like a pot of water that is gradually getting warmer and we don’t realise it. ,” she says, “Unfortunately, a lot of people wait for it to become unbearable. They wait for that great big wake-up call: getting sick or getting fired – but if the water feels warm, it probably is. Pretty soon it will be too hot.” Getting out of this hot water means breaking free of what McKee calls the “‘happiness traps”’ that work creates: overwork, money, ambition, “‘should”’ and helplessness. “Overwork is overvalued,” she pithily remarks., “People are lauded for getting into work at 8am and reading emails at midnight. Nobody can work like that, compromising sleep, health and family, without one day waking up and realising that that they are emotionally depleted.” Will it make me happy Indeed, this is something that Lloyds Banking Group boss António Horta-Osório talked about this weekend when he revealed that his insomnia and inability to switch off reached such a crisis point that he had to be admitted to the Priory in order to rest, and stop a total physical collapse. Prioritising money over health and happiness is, McKee notes, one of the primary reasons for this work burnout, misery and the huge damage it can do to your mental health. Ambition can also fuel this. Antonio Horta-Osorio, CEO of Lloyds banking group, was admitted to The Priory after suffering from a bout of insomnia Antonio Horta-Osorio, CEO of Lloyds banking group, was admitted to The Priory after suffering from a bout of insomnia Credit: HO/Reuters “Ambition is good until it isn’t,” she continues., “You need to be ambitious for what you want to get out of your job, not for what you think you should want.” Which brings us to “‘should” – ’- the socially constructed happiness trap that leads us to never view our own lives from our own perspective, but from what we believe we “‘should”’ be doing. All of this ultimately leads to happiness trap number five: helplessness. Interestingly, according to research, men are more likely than women to fall into these traps. One recent survey showed that 80 per cent% of women placed workplace happiness over salary, compared with 55 per cent % of men. Disturbingly, this fits with what disgraced Saatchi & Saatchi chairman, Kevin Roberts, claimed last year – ; when he blamed women’s “circular ambition to be happy” on the dearth of female CEOs. Should we be worried about this? Is happiness a barricade to success? McKee vehemently disagrees. “Happiness and success go hand in hand,” she says, and then pointedly adds: “And happiness comes first.” The 5 'Happiness Traps' 1) OVERWORKED? SET BOUNDARIES Ask yourself why you are working so much. Is it really because you have to? Or is it a habit? Put in some boundaries –- when you want to work, how you want to work and then discipline yourself to stick to it. Pay rises: be careful what you ask for Pay rises: be careful what you ask for Credit: Joe Giddens/PA/Wire 2) CHASING A PAY RISE OVER HAPPINESS? CHECK YOUR INSECURITY We all work for money… but the decision to choose money over happiness is fuelled by insecurity. Money, we think, will fool people into believing we are deserving of our success. Instead, see money as an outcome that follows our good work rather than a goal in itself. 3) AMBITIOUS? MAKE SURE IT’S FOR THE RIGHT THING Ambition is good, but only if it is geared towards the right thing for you. Ask why you are doing what you are? Success isn’t really success when we define it as a win-lose, zero-sum game. Do something for the wrong reason , or motivation and it can hurt our ability to lead effectively. Make work work for you Make work work for you Credit: Igor Emmerich/Image Source 4) DO SOMETHING BECAUSE YOU WANT TO, NOT BECAUSE YOU “‘SHOULD”’ This trap is pervasive because it’s tied to how we learn to live in society and our organisations. But some of the cultural rules that guide us at work are outdated and destructive. One question to ask yourself would be: do these rules that I am following fit with who I am: yes or no. If no: why am I doing it? 5) FEELING HELPLESS AT WORK? FIND A FRIEND It takes blind faith and courage to take action when we believe we are unable to influence our world. Find a friend who will be able to give you back a confident image of yourself and who will support your beliefs and remind you what you deserve. How to Be Happy At Work: The Power of Purpose, Hope and Friendship by Dr Dr. Annie McKee (Harvard Business Review Press) is out now. To find out more information about mental health go to: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/changing-minds/ Related Topics * Mental health * Working from home * Health * Changing Minds * Sleep * Happiness * Anxiety * Depression * Show more * * * * Follow The Telegraph * Follow on Facebook * Follow on Twitter * Follow on Instagram (BUTTON) Show comments If you would like to add a comment, please register or log in Register Log in Please review our commenting policy Follow The Telegraph * Follow on Facebook * Follow on Twitter * Follow on Instagram IFRAME: https://widgethost.barnebys.com/widgets/28/?w=300&h=460 Women latest 1. Hands up in a classroom 19 Dec 2018, 4:31pm Comment: After a tumultuous year, do any of our leaders deserve top marks? Allison Pearson Premium Allison Pearson 2. 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Visit our adblocking instructions page. (BUTTON) Close #RSS Feed for Women's Life articles - Telegraph.co.uk [p?c1=2&c2=6035736&cv=2.0&cj=1] Accessibility links * Skip to article * Skip to navigation [telegraph_print_190.gif] Telegraph.co.uk ___________________ Submit Tuesday 18 December 2018 * Home * Video * News * World * Sport * Business * Money * Comment * Culture * Travel * Life * Women * Fashion * Luxury * Tech * Film * Politics * Work * Family * Sex * Life * Health * Wonder Women Columnists Advertisement 1. Home» 2. Women» 3. Women's Life Women are happier with work-life balance than men Men are less likely than women to agree they achieve the right balance between their work and homelife, new findings reveal. Men are less likely than women to agree they achieve the right balance between their work and homelife, new findings reveal. Photo: Alamy By Rhiannon Williams 6:47AM BST 25 Sep 2013 Follow The Office for National Statistics has found that more than six in ten women believe the balance between their professional and personal lives is just right. Some 13 per cent of women 'strongly agreed' the way they balanced their lives was good, with an additional 48 per cent described it as 'fine'. Jill Kirby, former chair of the Centre for Policy Studies' family and welfare policy group told the Daily Mail: "Women are broadly happy with the choices they are making at the moment. "As we know from previous surveys, women are more interested in having time at home and often want part-time work so they can have the time they need with their children" The report suggested that the majority of women do not require full-time jobs or taxpayer subsidies to work longer hours, saying: "Over half of employees in the UK agreed or strongly agreed that they achieved the right balance between their work and home lives. Related Articles * The secret to happiness? Being a woman 25 Sep 2013 * Ed Miliband flirts with Web 2.0 meets Feminism 3.0 24 Sep 2013 * Why Angela Merkel cannot escape Thatcher's legacy 23 Sep 2013 * Ed Miliband flirts with Web 2.0 meets Feminism 3.0 24 Sep 2013 * 'Labour's women champion would make no difference' 24 Sep 2013 "Men are less likely than women to agree or agree strongly that they achieve the right balance." A quarter of women surveyed declared themselves to be unhappy with how they juggled work and home, as 17 per cent disagreed that the balance was correct, and 8 per cent disagreed strongly. An additional 15 per cent said they were undecided. Just over half of men - 53 per cent - said they felt their work-life balance to be good, while 31 per cent disagreed. Psychologists have claimed that couples with very different careers were able to attain a better work-life balance than partners working in the same profession, as the latter are more likely to work long hours. Presented last year at the British Psychological Society Division of Occupational Psychology Annual Conference, the findings stated that academic couples were more likely to struggle with their work-life balance, spend longer in the office and put more emphasis on their careers than academics whose partners had different jobs. Last year the ONS found that just over 48 per cent of adults reported "relatively low satisfaction" with their work-life balance. The report said obtaining “the correct balance” between work and home “can help increase and maintain levels of well-being”. It also found that nine out of ten Britons said the most common pastime undertaken in free time was watching television. 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Credit: Hero Images/Getty Images Last year, in the aftermath of allegations about Harvey Weinstein, the MeToo campaign that followed and large gender pay gaps at the BBC, I wrote an article in these pages about the happiness of women in the workplace. Based on the data from my engaging.works website, which surveys the workplace satisfaction of thousands of people, I found a 5pc happiness gap, with men more likely to be content than their female counterparts. No surprise there, you might say. Following the requirement for more transparent reporting, we have seen (sometimes huge) differences in pay between men and women. The Hampton-Alexander Review, launched in 2016, set the ambition that women should make up 33pc of all FTSE... 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(BUTTON) Close #RSS Feed for Health articles - Telegraph.co.uk [p?c1=2&c2=6035736&cv=2.0&cj=1] Accessibility links * Skip to article * Skip to navigation [telegraph_print_190.gif] Telegraph.co.uk ___________________ Submit Tuesday 18 December 2018 * Home * Video * News * World * Sport * Business * Money * Comment * Culture * Travel * Life * Women * Fashion * Luxury * Tech * Film * Politics * Investigations * Obits * Education * Science * Earth * Weather * Health * Royal * Celebrity * Defence * Scotland Advertisement 1. Home» 2. News» 3. Health People work harder when they're happy, study finds A new study from the University of Warwick finds that happier people are more productive at work, and that its worthwhile for employers to invest in workplace environment People work harder when they're happy, study finds The study found that happiness makes people over 12 per cent more productive at work Photo: © Frank and Helena / Alamy 7:07AM GMT 21 Mar 2014 Happier people work harder, a study has found. Happiness makes people over 12 per cent more productive at work, according to the latest research from the University of Warwick. Professor of Economics Andrew Oswald said: "Companies like Google have invested more in employee support and employee satisfaction has risen as a result. "For Google, it rose by 37 per cent, they know what they are talking about. Under scientifically controlled conditions, making workers happier really pays off." Dr Daniel Sgroi added: "The driving force seems to be that happier workers use the time they have more effectively, increasing the pace at which they can work without sacrificing quality." Related Articles * Meningitis B vaccine set to be made available for babies in Government adviser U-turn 21 Mar 2014 * Thousands of dementia patients not referred to specialists 20 Mar 2014 * Pensioners who do not volunteer reduce their life expectancy, says Lord O'Donnell 20 Mar 2014 * A happiness index makes for sound economics 20 Mar 2014 The study, to be published in the Journal of Labor Economics, included four different experiments with more than 700 participants. During the experiments a number of the participants were either shown a comedy movie clip or treated to free chocolate, drinks and fruit. Others were questioned about recent family tragedies, such as bereavements, to assess whether lower levels of happiness were later associated with lower levels of productivity. Dr Eugenio Proto said: "We have shown that happier subjects are more productive, the same pattern appears in four different experiments. "This research will provide some guidance for management in all kinds of organizations, they should strive to make their workplaces emotionally healthy for their workforce." Health * News » * UK News » * Lifestyle » In Health Asco Miniature horse therapy An astonishing image of a pregnant pony uterus has been selected as the overall winner for the 2015 Wellcome Image Awards. The photograph was taken by Michael Frank, and is of an historic specimen from the Lanyon Anatomy Museum of the Royal Veterinary College in London. It shows the preserved uterus of a New Forest pony, approximately five months into the pregnancy Wellcome Image Awards A young women has had to have a metal spoon fished out of her stomach after accidentally swallowing it while eating ice cream. Zhang Weiwei, the 22-year-old varsity student from Wuhan University in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, was on her way back from a meal with friends when the incident happened. Weiwei had bought an ice cream and was chatting and walking back to her dorm room when another friend saw her and jumped on her back to greet her. Weiwei got such a fright that she swallowed the entire 14cm metal spoon. Weird X-rays For the past two years Russian photojournalist Vladimir Yakovlev travelled around the world, searching for people who have discovered new found hobbies and pleasure in their older age. With the series The Age Of Happiness, Yakovlev hopes to change the usual perception of life after retirement and promote positive ageing. On his travels he met some extraordinary characters over 60-year-old - some very close to the 100 milestone - who enjoy each day and inspire others to make their lives equally fulfilling. Life begins at 70 A group of men from Caerphilly in South Wales celebrated completing a pioneering 35-year health study - beating killer diseases by making simple changes to their lifestyle. 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Advertisement 1. Home» 2. Men» 3. Active» 4. Men's Health Men over 60 happier at work than women Men nearing retirement are the happiest they have ever been at work and for the first time in their entire working lives they are happier than women, according to new research. 5:45PM GMT 02 Dec 2009 Women also experience a 'happiness bounce' towards the end of their working lives but it is much smaller than men's. Researchers at the University of Portsmouth studied 5,000 public sector workers as part of a study with spin-out company Quality Of Working Life Ltd. Their results show that employees aged over 60 have a significantly higher quality of working life than their middle-aged colleagues and this pre-retirement 'bounce' is more pronounced in men. The research also shows that quality of working life tends to be high in young workers but those aged 25-59 have the lowest quality of working life, as measured by the Work-Related Quality of Life scale. Dr Darren Van Laar, of the university's psychology department, said: "Previous research has shown that women are generally happier than men at work. However, this study shows that as we get older the difference in happiness narrows and the happiness factor of men and women completely reverses at around age 60. Related Articles * Father wins sex discrimination case after request to work part-time rejected 04 Nov 2014 "At this age, men, with several years of working life still to go, become much happier at work than women for the first time. "Men might be happier as they approach retirement because they tend to have jobs that offer more flexibility and they are able to wind down more and reduce their stress. Also, men may typically have the prospect of a much higher pension, which also provides more flexibility and options. "The differences between men and women might also have something to do with gender differences in attitudes towards work and retirement. Men may look forward to retirement much more and see it as an opportunity to stop working and spend more time doing the things they like doing. "Women on the other hand may value work for the social opportunities and networks it provides rather than simply as a means of earning money. The prospect of more leisure time may not seem nearly as attractive because they may see themselves as 'still working' but at home and in a different way. And the prospect of more time at home with their husbands may not be a cause of joy and happiness." Dr Van Laar said: "While we are only now beginning to identify the factors that contribute to quality of working life, this research underlines the potential benefits from taking action to improve the work environment and experience for all age groups. "This becomes more than of academic interest when the trends are analysed more closely in the light of the planned increases in retirement ages." Quality of Working Life Ltd will now work with employers to find out why men see work in a more positive light after the age of 60 and to see if those factors can be extended to help women too. Men's Health * News » * UK News » * Health News » In Men's Health The troubles of men rarely get our attention Five ways to avoid a midlife crisis Overweight child eating chips Why you never get over a fat childhood A new discovery could mean a unisex contraceptive pill one day, scientists believe The secret to better sperm? A handful of nuts A baby crying It's time for a proper debate on circumcision Men's grooming is going below the belt Read more from Telegraph Men Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More from the web IFRAME: https://s.telegraph.co.uk/international/Barnebys/2014/Barnebys_UK_300x5 50.html Editor's Choice My cat died, and it affected me as much as losing my dad Dave the cat The grief felt after the loss of a pet can be every bit as painful as that following the death of a human, so why don’t we take it seriously, asks Lee Kynaston 17 of the best white trainers for men If you say something sexist at work, will you lose your job? Men need to open up about depression, not man up It's taken me 30 years, but I'm proud to say I'm ginger News Progress 17 supply vehicle departs from the International Space Station The latest news, opinion and analysis View Football Catch up on all the latest football news and results View Film All the latest film trailers, reviews and features View Competitions Enter one of our exciting new competitions View Back to top * HOME * News * World News * Obituaries * Travel * Health * Jobs * Sport * Football * Cricket * Fantasy Football * Culture * Motoring * Dating * Finance * Personal Finance * Economics * Markets * Fashion * Property * Puzzles * Comment * My Telegraph * Letters * Columnists * Technology * Gardening * Telegraph Shop * Contact us * Privacy and Cookies * Guidelines * Advertising * Tickets * Announcements * Reader Prints * * Follow Us * Apps * Epaper * Expat * Promotions * Subscriber * Syndication © Copyright of Telegraph Media Group Limited 2018 Terms and Conditions Today's News Archive Style Book Weather Forecast * Home * My Feed * Saved The Telegraph (BUTTON) * News * Politics * World * Sport * Technology * Business * Money * Opinion * Obituaries * Travel * Culture * Lifestyle * Women * Family * Health and Fitness * Fashion * Luxury * Cars * Free Mobile App * Jobs * Financial Solutions * Rewards * Events * Dating * Offers * Shop * Garden Shop * Bookshop * Tickets * Puzzles * Fantasy Football * Voucher Codes * Work at The Telegraph * Telegraph Corporate * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe now * My Account My details My newsletters Logout Upgrade to Premium * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe - 30 days free * Login * Register * Search * Video * Rewards * My Account My details My newsletters Logout The Telegraph * Home * News * Sport * Business (BUTTON) ALL SECTIONS * News * UK * World * Politics * Science * Education * Health * Brexit * Royals * Investigations * Matt * Front Bench newsletter (BUTTON) More * Telegraph * News Four day working week would boost productivity and happiness, Oxford University study suggests * * * * Save Office workers Researcher told BBC - gains from improved productivity could make up for the 'lost' fifth day at home or enjoying leisure time * Charles Hymas 30 September 2018 • 2:45pm (BUTTON) Follow Follow the author of this article * Charles Hymas Follow the topics within this article * Happiness A four-day working week would boost productivity, a study by Oxford University economists suggested. The gains from improved productivity could make up for the "lost" fifth day at home or enjoying leisure time,the lead researcher told the BBC, suggesting it is potentially the ultimate virtuous working circle to improve work-life balance. It comes as it was reported Sunday that Labour is exploring proposals that would see workers enjoy a three-day weekend, but get paid the same as a five-day working week, by companies passing on efficiency savings from new technology to staff. For the past six months, a team led by Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, associate professor of economics and strategy at Oxford University's... 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(BUTTON) Close * Home * My Feed * Saved The Telegraph (BUTTON) * News * Politics * World * Sport * Technology * Business * Money * Opinion * Obituaries * Travel * Culture * Lifestyle * Women * Family * Health and Fitness * Fashion * Luxury * Cars * Free Mobile App * Jobs * Financial Solutions * Rewards * Events * Dating * Offers * Shop * Garden Shop * Bookshop * Tickets * Puzzles * Fantasy Football * Voucher Codes * Work at The Telegraph * Telegraph Corporate * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe now * My Account My details My newsletters Logout Upgrade to Premium * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe - 30 days free * Login * Register * Search * Video * Rewards * My Account My details My newsletters Logout The Telegraph * Home * News * Sport * Business (BUTTON) ALL SECTIONS * Lifestyle * Health and Fitness * Body * Mind * Nutrition (BUTTON) More * Telegraph * Lifestyle * Health and Fitness * Mind A Lykke life: the six pillars of happiness that keep the whole world smiling * * * * Save A globe The search for happiness is universal Credit: Duncan Beedie * Boudicca Fox-Leonard 10 September 2017 • 7:00am (BUTTON) Follow Follow the author of this article * Boudicca Fox-Leonard Follow the topics within this article * Portugal * Africa * Happiness * Iceland Meik Wiking could be the happiest person I’ve ever met. It’s raining, his favourite independent coffee shop in London is closed and we’ve been forced to seek refuge in a nearby chain, and he’s still smiling. "Hygge works really well in Denmark, but what works well in France is the value placed around meal times"Meik Wiking But then the Dane knows a thing or two about staying chipper. As the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen he is one of the leading experts in global happiness, committed to understanding well-being and quality of life. Last year his book, The Little Book of Hygge – which looked at the reasons why Denmark is the happiest nation in the world – became an international bestseller, translated into 32 languages. Wiking Meik Wiking knows a thing or two about happiness A year on from Brits skittering to buy cosy throws, candles and pastries, Meik has another Danish word for us, Lykke. And this time the scope is global. The Danish word for happiness, Lykke, takes the focus away from Scandinavia to explore how other countries are leading the way in cultivating happiness. It was inspired by the letters and emails from people around the world, telling him their happiness stories. “Every culture and country does something well in terms of improving quality of life and there’s a lot of inspiration we can pick up from around the word,” says Meik. “Hygge works really well in Denmark, but what works well in France is the value placed around meal times.” For the most part, he says his countrymen have been puzzled by the international reaction to Hygge. “Hygge is just the way we live. Danes see Hygge the way Americans see freedom. It’s something inherently Danish, but Hygge happens everywhere.” People from around the world Across the world, certain themes are common in the search for happiness Credit: Flashpop/Digital Vision Far from having the monopoly on cosiness and conviviality, Meik says Danes have simply given the rest of the world a word to appreciate what they were already doing. “A French mother of two told me about how she and her children would regularly spend a Sunday under the duvet on the sofa and called it a lazy afternoon. Now it can be a Hyggely afternoon. It’s about removing the guilt from enjoying the simple pleasures in life.” Lykke, by comparison, is Meik’s magnum opus, separating happiness into six categories, Togetherness, Money, Health, Freedom, Trust and Kindness, domains that came up as a result of his and his team’s analysis of the World Happiness Report. The world's 20 happiest countries for 2017 Meik is particularly interested in how the way we design cities impacts our behaviour and happiness. While the UK just edges into the top 20 Happiest Countries, Meik feels that our long commutes (particularly those living and working around the capital) and our unequal work/life balance are what hold us back as a country. On the plus side, apparently we’re leading the way in destigmatising mental health issues (Thanks to Prince Harry speaking out in part), and even our world famous predilection for queues might be a stress buster. Lykke, he hopes, will give us a spectrum of tips and ideas from around the world. If he’s passionate about equipping us all with the means to be happier, then it is in part because his own life has mirrored his research. Five years ago Meik was languishing around a seven on the happiness scale, working for another think tank in Copenhagen. “It was a well paid job but I just wasn’t super passionate about it,” he says. At the same time, he had noticed a global growth in happiness research. “The UN had passed a Happiness Resolution, David Cameron initiated the happiness survey in the UK and I realised this was an exciting area and someone should do something,” says Meik. Yet, he didn’t have the courage to take the leap himself; not until the loss of his close friend and mentor to cancer at the age of 49. Kids and a globe The UN has made happiness an important part of its agenda Credit: Brand X Blend Images - Larry Williams “Back in 1998 my own mother had died of cancer at 49. I was only 34 and I thought, ‘what if you only have 15 years left?’” It was the memento mori that pushed him to quit his job and establish the Happiness Research Institute. Today he rates his happiness at a whopping 9/10, and his experience correlates with evidence that self employed people are happier with their lives, even when they work hard and earn less money. “It’s about the sense of control freedom and identity,” says Meik. "We tend to overlook that there are lots of people doing good things. First and foremost Lykke is a story of optimism and hope" For a cynical Brit, such as myself, all this smiling and happiness sounds a little exhausting. Thank God Meik admits to having good days and bad days. “I’m doing quite well in the happiness scale. But I also have to do my tax returns. I’m not smiling when I’m doing those,” he, laughs. “In life you go through happiness and unhappiness. There’s promotions, redundancies, engagements and heartbreaks. It goes up and down for me as well.” Since Hygge exploded, practising what he preaches has become even more important. Traveling the world as de facto global ambassador for happiness, Meik always makes sure he has a book with him at the airport. To stay in touch with friends, he organises regular supper clubs where they all share the cooking responsibilities. It is, he says, more hyggely that way, and, no one person shoulders the stress of hosting. “We’re all still talking about the time we spent hours making a mountain of sausages from scratch, and they were all absolutely horrible. But we had a really fun evening!” he says. Wiking Wiking says that Lykke 'is a story of optimism and hope' He hopes people will be encouraged to implement some of Lykke’s ideas into their own lives. “With a lot of political turmoil globally, it’s nice to look for the good in the world. We tend to overlook that there are lots of people doing good things. First and foremost Lykke is a story of optimism and hope.” The Little Book of Lykke (Penguin Life, £9.99) is available from books.telegraph.co.uk Little things making a big difference around the world Togetherness Okinawa, Japan Home to some of the healthiest people in the world, where many live to an age of more than 100. Some suggest it has to do with moai, which means to “come together in a common purpose”. It is a solid part of Okinawan tradition to create small, secure social networks in which members commit to each other for life. Moai is created when a child is born and helps to integrate the child into a lifelong community. Whether you face serious problems in life, economic struggle, sickness or grief over the loss of a loved one, the moai will be there. Perth, Australia Shani, a young Canadian woman, turned a street in a suburb of Perth into a community by introducing pizza nights, movie nights, herb gardens and goats, through asking people to dream of what kind of street they would like to live in. Knocking on a neighbour’s door for the first time may be terrifying for some, but the rewards can be big. The Netherlands Since 2006, the Dutch have celebrated National Neighbour’s Day on the last Friday of May. Initiated by the coffee company Douwe Egberts, the Dutch notion that a good neighbour is better than a distant friend has turned an initiative to get neighbours together over a cup of coffee into a nationwide event that is celebrated in 2,000 districts. Mexico The Day of the Dead celebrations take place between Oct 28 and Nov 2 each year. The belief is that, on this day, the deceased have divine permission to visit friends and relatives on earth. People visit the graves of families and friends, taking food and drink with them. The events are a celebration of life rather than a sober mourning of its passing and create a sense of togetherness even with lost ones. The festival The Day of the Dead featured in the James Bond film 'Spectre' (2015) Credit: Steven Vaughan Western Africa The proverb “it takes a village to raise a child” exists in many different African languages, but is sometimes said to have originated among the Igbo and Yoruba people of western Africa. Our language shapes our behaviour – and the proverb is a reminder that if we honour the notion that we are each other’s keepers, we all become happier. Money United States The Giving Pledge is a philanthropic initiative started by Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates which encourages the world’s wealthiest individuals and families to donate the majority of their wealth to help address society’s biggest issues. Today, more than 150 billionaires from more than 15 countries have signed the pledge. Gates and Buffett Bill Gates and Warren Buffett are high-profile philanthropists Credit: AP Pabna, Bangladesh The development organisation BRAC helps people out of poverty by bringing them together and having them pool their resources to start their own businesses and to resolve problems in the community. Spain Established by the charity Mensajeros de la Paz, the Robin Hood Restaurant in Madrid is a typical restaurant by day but, at night, it transforms into a pioneering place where homeless people can dine at tables set with flowers and with proper cutlery and glasses, free of charge. The restaurant uses the money from paying customers at breakfast and lunch to fund free evening meals. Happy Spaniard Credit: Duncan Beedie Vietnam Reaching Out Vietnam provides opportunities for people with disabilities to learn skills and gain meaningful employment so that they are able to integrate fully into their communities and lead independent and fulfilling lives. Fairtrade gift shops sell items made by disabled people in Vietnam and the profits are fed back into the business to assist disabled people by giving them training and finding them jobs. Health Denmark In Copenhagen, 45 per cent of all commutes for work or education are by bike. This is part of the reason why Danes get more exercise than most people – without hitting the gym. Finland The country’s cherished sauna culture is best expressed by the public facilities found in towns and cities. True Vikings adore the healthy, invigorating combination of heat and icy water. A happy Finn Credit: Duncan Beedie Japan Shinrin-yoku literally translates as “forest bathing” and refers to soaking up the sights, smells and sounds of a natural setting to promote physiological and psychological health. The term was first coined in 1982, but today millions of Japanese walk along 48 “forest therapy” trails to get their dose of what I guess could be labelled “outdoorphins”. Bhutan In some Bhutanese schools, students and teachers start and finish their day with a silent moment of “brain brushing”, a short mindfulness exercise. Because the Bhutanese focus on Gross National Happiness instead of Gross National Product, the country is almost a laboratory testing out different approaches to improve well-being. A study found that the GNH curriculum significantly increased student well-being and improved performance. Iceland The television show Lazy Town uses an athletic protagonist, Sportacus, who lives on a diet consisting of fruit and vegetables to encourage children to take part in physical activities outdoors and eat healthily. The hero is contrasted with the show’s lazy, junk-food-eating villain and antagonist. In co-operation with a major supermarket chain in Iceland, healthy greens were branded as “sports candy” (as in the TV show), resulting in a 22 per cent increase in sales of fruit and vegetables. Top 65 happy songs Freedom Portugal The happiest parents seem to be found in Portugal. According to a comprehensive study that was initiated in 2005, Portuguese grandparents play a key role in the day-to-day life of families and help with the daily routine of looking after their grandchildren. When six grown-ups instead of two take an active part in and responsibility for accompanying children to school, supervising homework, taking them to sports and other clubs and doing other chores like cooking, it provides the parents with more freedom – and, as it turns out, greater levels of happiness. United States The Live Near Your Work Program in Maryland gives monetary rewards of up to $3,000 (£2,277) towards the purchase, down-payments on or final costs of new homes for people who move to within five miles of their workplace. Participants consequently spend less time commuting and a substantial number have switched their mode of transport from driving to walking. Germany In 2011, Volkswagen stopped its BlackBerry servers sending emails to a proportion of its employees when they are off shift. The staff can still use their devices to make calls, but the servers stop routing emails 30 minutes after the end of employees’ shifts, and start again 30 minutes before they return to work. Their logo Volkswagen: not all bad Credit: AFP Sweden Public employers and private companies are experimenting with shorter working days and weeks. One of them is the SEO company Brath, which reports: “Today we get more done in six hours than comparable companies do in eight. We believe it brings with it the high level of creativity demanded in this line of work. We believe nobody can be creative and productive for eight hours straight. Six hours is more reasonable, even though we, too, of course, check Facebook or the news at times.” Trust Israel and Palestine The Parents’ Circle Families Forum is a grass roots organisation of Palestinian and Israeli families who have lost immediate family members in the conflict. A process called the Parallel Narrative Experience aims to help each side of the conflict understand the personal and national narratives of the other. The members meet one another on a regular basis to forge mutual understanding and respect between the communities. Israeli and Palestinian embracing Credit: Duncan Beedie Denmark Østerskov high school uses role-playing games throughout the school year to teach children. Pupils spend a week at a time “living” in ancient Rome or on Wall Street, for example. The teachers find that, for instance, children with Asperger’s learn social skills and how to handle social situations by playing different characters in the games. Singapore The Singapore Prison Service has changed its jails into schools for life by focusing on co-operation and rehabilitation. Prison officers have been assigned to manage all matters relating to the inmates in a particular housing unit, and they take on the role of mentor and counsellor. The inmates are given the power to make decisions, as long as these serve to help them make a change for the better. By any measure, the results have been impressive, ranging from improved staff morale and safety, better social connections between prisons and the rest of society and a drop in recidivism from 44 to 27 per cent over a 10-year period. Brazil In the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, artists have created a small, but significant, revolution. And their main weapons are a brush and some colourful paint. In an open, collaborative and inclusive process, they paint the favela houses in the colours of the rainbow – and a lot of local young people help with the project, making it theirs. They choose the colours together, paint together and play together. Today, it is a new world that greets the locals and the tourists. It is bright, colourful and proud. These are not just houses, these are homes. And the people who live here are now proud to show that they have more to offer the world than the world might have expected. The colourful houses A huge art project has transformed parts of Rio's favelas Credit: Favela Painting / Barcroft Media Kindness India In Hyderabad, the Gift Compassion Project pairs up children from rich and poor schools, who exchange gifts they have made themselves in order to break down social barriers. Poland In a pillar-like chest of drawers in the middle of a Warsaw square, homeless individuals have their own box, on which they write down the things they need the most. Caring passers-by can then drop the necessary items in the box. Turkey To keep homeless dogs from starvation in Istanbul, the Turkish company Pugedon has invented a vending machine that dispenses dog food in exchange for bottles. When someone deposits a bottle at the top, food is released at the bottom. The Smart Recycling Boxes operate at no charge to the city and the recycled bottles cover the cost of the food. Related Topics * Portugal * Africa * Happiness * Iceland * Show more * * * * Follow the Telegraph Health and Fitness news * Follow on Facebook * Follow on Twitter (BUTTON) Show comments If you would like to add a comment, please register or log in Register Log in Please review our commenting policy Follow the Telegraph Health and Fitness news * Follow on Facebook * Follow on Twitter Health and Fitness latest 1. This time of year it's common to feel a bit run down, but that's no excuse to avoid going to the doctor if you think you need it 19 Dec 2018, 11:55am Do you have a common winter illness or is it time to see a doctor? 2. 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(BUTTON) Search with google * Make a contribution * Subscribe * (BUTTON) International edition + switch to the UK edition + switch to the US edition + switch to the Australia edition * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * The Guardian app * Video * Podcasts * Pictures * Newsletters * Today's paper * Inside the Guardian * The Observer * Guardian Weekly * Crosswords * Facebook * Twitter * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * Money * Property * Pensions * Savings * Borrowing * Careers (BUTTON) More career inspiration Guardian Careers Three things you think will make you happier at work (but won't) When we get what we want we’re still miserable – so what common mistakes do we all make in our search for career contentment? Charlotte Seager Charlotte Seager @CharlotteSeager Email Mon 28 Mar 2016 07.01 BST Last modified on Wed 14 Feb 2018 21.21 GMT * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email Eggs with human characteristics isolated on white as concept [ ] What makes some of us happier at work than others? Photograph: Alamy For many of us, work’s not working out. Mundane tasks, too much to do and the nagging feeling that your job may be, well, meaningless – mean that 47% of people in the UK want to change jobs. And for millennials like me it’s even higher, with 66% of us wanting to quit. We all know what will make us happy – more money, longer holidays, a promotion – yet when we get them, we’re still miserable. So what common myths do we believe about happiness? And, more importantly, what will actually make us happy at work? Myth: more money will make me happier “Our perceptions of pay are relative to what other people are making,” says research psychologist Dr Ronald Riggio. “So even if you are paid a lot – think professional athlete – if you find out a similar other, say another athlete, is making more than you, it can lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness regardless of the amount you are making.” However, research on salary and happiness suggests that satisfaction with life does increase with salary, but only up to around £50,000 a year. After that, more money doesn’t make you happier. “The reason it works up to a point is that a salary of £50,000 allows you to cover all your needs and expenses and probably keeps you from stress and worry,” Riggio adds. Myth: more holidays will make me happier More time off will only help if being at work makes you miserable. “If you really love your work, offering less time at work obviously won’t make you happy. If you don’t like your job, then it might,” says Riggio. However, even then this happiness will be short-lived. “People ‘habituate’ and get used to more time off, so it doesn’t improve overall happiness. And if someone doesn’t like their job, they then become even more unhappy when they return to work.” Myth: changing job or getting a promotion will make me happier According to research, simply changing jobs won’t make you happier. Psychologists tracked high-level managers for five years and measured their work satisfaction before and after changing job or being promoted. Surprisingly, although these managers experienced a burst of satisfaction immediately after the job change, their satisfaction plummeted within a year. In other words, they experienced a sort of happiness hangover. Whereas managers who chose not to change jobs experienced little change in their overall level of satisfaction. Truth: striving towards goals will make you happy So if a higher salary, longer holidays or a new job won’t make us happier – sigh, even writing that is making me miserable – what will? The answer, according to Sonja Lyubomirsky, psychologist and author of The How of Happiness, is striving towards specific career goals, rather than material objectives like more money. It’s the struggling, stretching your skills and working towards something achievable that makes us happy – not the accomplishment. Why? Well, because striving towards a specific goal gives structure and meaning to our day-to-day work. “It creates obligations, deadlines and timetables, as well as opportunities for mastering new skills and interacting with others,” writes Lyubomirsky. “It helps us attain a sense of purpose, feelings of efficacy over our progress and mastery over our time. All these things make people happy.” Having friends at work is also the biggest predictor of long-term job happiness, according to Michelle Gielan, founder of the Institute for Applied Positive Research and author of Broadcasting Happiness. “And you don’t need a ton of friends and close work colleagues; just a handful of meaningful relationships to reap the benefits.” So fostering friendships at work is a key way to boost your mood. Finally, happy employees also feel as though their work is meaningful. “No work is meaningful unless the brain says it is,” says Shawn Achor, psychologist and author of The Happiness Advantage. “And you can imbue any job with meaning if you focus on building relationships at work, or on growing, or providing for your family.” So don’t believe the myths – to be content at work, you need to work steadily towards a specific goal, make friends and find meaning in what you do. More money, holidays and promotions won’t lead to lasting happiness. 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(BUTTON) Close [p?c1=2&c2=6035250&cv=2.0&cj=1&comscorekw=Guardian+Careers%2CWork+%26+c areers%2CPsychology%2CCareers] #alternate RSS Feed for Lifestyle articles - Telegraph.co.uk RSS Feed for Expat articles - Telegraph.co.uk [p?c1=2&c2=6035736&cv=2.0&cj=1] Accessibility links * Skip to article * Skip to navigation [telegraph_print_190.gif] Telegraph.co.uk ___________________ Submit Tuesday 18 December 2018 * Home * Video * News * World * Sport * Business * Money * Comment * Culture * Travel * Life * Women * Fashion * Luxury * Tech * Film * Women * Men * GoodLife * Wellbeing * Interiors * Gardening * Food * Pets * Relationships * Expat * Puzzles * Announcements * Events Advertisement 1. Home» 2. Lifestyle Workers more positive if they eat outside the office, study finds Walking away from your desk and eating lunch outside makes a person happier about their work, according to a new study. Can't stand a noisy eater? You may be a creative genius. Can't stand a noisy eater? You may be a creative genius. Photo: Alamy By Hayley Dixon and agencies 11:11AM BST 14 Apr 2013 Leaving the office to eat lunch increases general wellbeing, and makes employees look more favourably upon their job, it is said. In contrast, those who eat at their desk are likely to feel more miserable, possibly damaging their productivity. Eating sandwiches on the beach was found to boost mood the most, with a park bench in a green space second best. Both of these locations make us happier - and more positive about our job - than going to a restaurant, psychologists found. Going home to eat also perks people up and the research even found that snacking on a bus or train made people happier. Related Articles * Farmers, forestry workers and fishermen happier than the rest of us, ONS study to find 22 Jul 2012 * Bamburgh Castle 'best place' in Britain to eat lunch 27 May 2013 * Walking back to happiness for Marks & Spencer? 06 Apr 2013 Going to a work cafe had next to no effect on workers' “happiness score”, while eating at their desk made them feel more downbeat. The research was commissioned by bread brand Kingsmill and carried out by scientists at the University of Sussex. A Kingsmill spokesman said: "It's fascinating that lunches outside, at the beach or on a park bench, can have such a dramatic impact on people's emotional wellbeing and attitudes towards work. "Eating sandwiches with the sun on your face, or feeling a light refreshing breeze, can really help refresh you and refocus your mind for the afternoon ahead." University of Sussex scientists measured workers' happiness eating lunch in different places using a number of different psychological tests. These included self evaluation questionnaires and word association tests. They then assigned a happiness index score to each location. On average, when workers ate at the beach their happiness increased by a score of 17.04, while eating at their desk caused their happiness score to fall by 1.42. The report states: "People who ate lunch at the beach showed the greatest increase in happiness. "This was followed by people who are lunch in a public green space; at a restaurant; at home with family; and public transport. "People who ate lunch at the work cafe essentially had no change in happiness after lunch. Eating lunch at a work desk may actually make people less happy." It went on: "People who ate lunch at the beach showed the greatest increase in association between happiness and work. "Eating lunch at a work desk or work cafe decreased associations between happiness and work." Kingsmill is now calling on employers to let staff eat lunch off-site, even if only occasionally, in a bid raise happiness and productivity levels, and have launched a nationwide search for the UK's top 10 Lunch Spots. Followed by the beach and a green space people most enjoyed eating lunch in a restaurant, followed by at home, then on public transport. The desk was the least satisfying place to have lunch, the study found. 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Home» 2. News» 3. Health» 4. Health News Getting the bus or train to work makes us happier than driving, study finds Workers who give up their cars and get the bus or train to work are happier despite the crowds and disruption, a study has found. it was found that the likelihood of reporting being constantly under strain or unable to concentrate were at least 13 per cent higher for those participants who used car travel it was found that the likelihood of reporting being constantly under strain or unable to concentrate were at least 13 per cent higher for those participants who used car travel Photo: Alamy Rebecca Smith By Rebecca Smith, Medical Editor 7:00AM BST 15 Sep 2014 Follow Commuting to work by bus, train, bicycle or foot makes people happier than those who use their car each day instead, research suggests. The study of 18,000 British workers by a team at University of East Anglia found commuting that involved some physical activity improved measures like feelings of worthlessness, sleepless nights and unhappiness. Lead researcher Adam Martin, from UEA's Norwich Medical School, said: "One surprising finding was that commuters reported feeling better when travelling by public transport, compared to driving. "You might think that things like disruption to services or crowds of commuters might have been a cause of considerable stress. But as buses or trains also give people time to relax, read, socialise, and there is usually an associated walk to the bus stop or railway station, it appears to cheer people up." He added: “This research shows that if new projects such as London’s proposed segregated cycleways, or public transport schemes such as Crossrail, were to encourage commuters to walk or cycle more regularly, then there could be noticeable mental health benefits.” Related Articles * Ditch the car and lose half a stone - research shows public transport linked to lower BMI 20 Aug 2014 * Cycling should be included in the National Curriculum 24 Apr 2013 * Children 'should get compulsory cycling lessons at school' 24 Apr 2013 It was found that the likelihood of reporting being constantly under strain or unable to concentrate were at least 13 per cent higher for those participants who used car travel, when compared to active travel. The researchers said that commuting by bus or train incorporates the beneficial effects of being physically active as most journeys will involve walking to the station or stop but also include time to read or talk to friends while travelling. It was also found that people who had longer walks to work within their commute had high scores on the well-being test. Switching from driving to other forms of commuting increased the well-being score. Writing in the journal Preventive Medicine, the researchers said: "Together, these results appear to suggest that avoiding car driving may be beneficial to well-being. This view complements existing evidence of a negative association between driving and physical health and is consistent with the hypothesis that car driving, a non-passive travel mode that requires constant concentration, can give rise to boredom, social isolation and stress. "However, this view is also consistent with the hypothesis that intrinsic enjoyment is gained from the exercise or relaxation associated with active travel." This is the first long term study to investigate modes of commuting and the effect on well-being, the researchers said. It comes after a similar study found people who gave up their car and got the bus or train to work lost weight and were healthier physically. The average man who commuted to work by bus or train was half a stone lighter than a similar man who drove to work. The effect was similar but less dramatic in women. That study found that taking the bus or train to work was as beneficial as walking or cycling for body weight. Health News * News » * UK News » * Health » * Rebecca Smith » In Health News A young women has had to have a metal spoon fished out of her stomach after accidentally swallowing it while eating ice cream. Zhang Weiwei, the 22-year-old varsity student from Wuhan University in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, was on her way back from a meal with friends when the incident happened. Weiwei had bought an ice cream and was chatting and walking back to her dorm room when another friend saw her and jumped on her back to greet her. Weiwei got such a fright that she swallowed the entire 14cm metal spoon. Weird X-rays For the past two years Russian photojournalist Vladimir Yakovlev travelled around the world, searching for people who have discovered new found hobbies and pleasure in their older age. With the series The Age Of Happiness, Yakovlev hopes to change the usual perception of life after retirement and promote positive ageing. On his travels he met some extraordinary characters over 60-year-old - some very close to the 100 milestone - who enjoy each day and inspire others to make their lives equally fulfilling. Life begins at 70 A group of men from Caerphilly in South Wales celebrated completing a pioneering 35-year health study - beating killer diseases by making simple changes to their lifestyle. Living proof: the secret of healthy ageing Rapeseed: the British olive oil? Why olive oil should be kept out of the frying pan A member of the CG Environmental HazMat team disinfects the entrance to the residence of a health worker at the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital who has contracted Ebola in Dallas, Texas Ebola outbreak in pictures Advertisement Advertisement Latest Video» Rat climbs over man Large rat climbs on sleeping commuter Disabled great-grandfather denied stairlift and forced to crawl Old and frail wombat is rescued Elderly wombat rescued after being attacked Scientist in lab Sponsored When media meets medicine More from The Telegraph IFRAME: https://s.telegraph.co.uk/international/Barnebys/2014/Barnebys_UK_300x5 50.html Advertisement Advertisement More from the web Loading More from The Telegraph Loading News Progress 17 supply vehicle departs from the International Space Station The latest news, opinion and analysis View Football Catch up on all the latest football news and results View Film All the latest film trailers, reviews and features View Competitions Enter one of our exciting new competitions View Back to top * HOME * News * UK News * Politics * Long Reads * Wikileaks * Jobs * World News * Europe * USA * China * Royal Family News * Celebrity news * Dating * Finance * Education * Defence * Weird News * Editor's Choice * Financial Services * Pictures * Video * Matt * Alex * Comment * Blogs * Crossword * Contact us * Privacy and Cookies * Advertising * Fantasy Football * Tickets * Announcements * Reader Prints * * Follow Us * Apps * Epaper * Expat * Promotions * Subscriber * Syndication © Copyright of Telegraph Media Group Limited 2018 Terms and Conditions Today's News Archive Style Book Weather Forecast * Home * My Feed * Saved The Telegraph (BUTTON) * News * Politics * World * Sport * Technology * Business * Money * Opinion * Obituaries * Travel * Culture * Lifestyle * Women * Family * Health and Fitness * Fashion * Luxury * Cars * Free Mobile App * Jobs * Financial Solutions * Rewards * Events * Dating * Offers * Shop * Garden Shop * Bookshop * Tickets * Puzzles * Fantasy Football * Voucher Codes * Work at The Telegraph * Telegraph Corporate * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe now * My Account My details My newsletters Logout Upgrade to Premium * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe - 30 days free * Login * Register * Search * Video * Rewards * My Account My details My newsletters Logout The Telegraph * Home * News * Sport * Business (BUTTON) ALL SECTIONS * News * UK * World * Politics * Science * Education * Health * Brexit * Royals * Investigations * Matt * Front Bench newsletter (BUTTON) More * Telegraph * News We're working harder, feel more stressed and have less security - but Brits are happier at work than ever before * * * * Save Businesswoman on a tablet British workers may be putting more hours in than ever, but most say they would enjoy working even without the money Credit: Alamy * John Bingham, Social Affairs Editor 23 July 2016 • 10:00pm (BUTTON) Follow Follow the author of this article * John Bingham Follow the topics within this article * Jobs and employment * Graduates * Happiness From Monday morning blues to clockwatching on a Friday afternoon, work is supposed to be the part of life we tolerate only because we have to pay the bills. But new research shows that even though Britons are putting in longer hours, feel more stress and, for many, are much less secure in their jobs than in the past, they are also happier at work than ever before. The striking paradox in attitudes to work is highlighted in new findings from the 30-year British Social Attitudes survey (BSA), the longest running and most authoritative barometer of public opinion in the UK. It found that almost two thirds of Britons are now so wedded to their careers that money is a secondary consideration, a view which has strengthened noticeably over the period of the financial crisis and subsequent recession. Experts argued the shift could be because people’s jobs have become more “interesting” and less rigid in recent years because of changes in the economy and the increase in graduate work. Commuters casting shadows Britons are so wedded to their careers that money is a secondary consideration Credit: Daniel Munoz/Reuters But psychologists said it also raises the possibility that what makes people happy has changed with career replacing family at the centre of their priorities. The most recent edition of the BSA shows that 62 per cent of people in the UK believe they would enjoy having a job “even if [they] did not need the money”. That includes 14 per cent – or one in seven – who strongly agreed with the statement. When the same question was asked in 2005, only 49 per cent agreed overall. Only nine per cent agreed strongly. "There is a common pattern of people working harder but being more happy"Kirby Swales That finding was, in turn, virtually unchanged on the level seen in 1997 (48 per cent). The figures, published by NatCen Social Research, show a striking contrast between the experience of the recent economic downturn, sometimes known as the “Great Recession”, to that in previous periods of economic uncertainly, when it comes to enthusiasm for work. The proportion saying they would enjoy employment even if they did not need the money slipped from 54 per cent in 1989 to 48 per cent by 1997, during the early 1990s recession, in line with what might be expected during a period of higher unemployment. By contrast, it rose sharply during the recent downturn. The report argues that the changes in the workplace, with many employees experiencing less rigid working conditions than in the past, could be part of the explanation. Commuter waits on the street The workplace has become less rigid Credit: Brent Lewin/Bloomberg The number of graduates in the workforce – a group more likely to say they would work even if they did not have to – has more than doubled since the mid-1980s. Kirby Swales, director of the NatCen Survey Centre, said there was evidence that both white collar workers and those in manual or routine jobs are “buying in” to their work more than in the past – but often for different reasons. “There is a common pattern of people working harder but being more happy,” he said. “It could be at the lower end the job satisfaction is driven by fear of recession but at the managerial end it is more driven by the changing nature of work … and people are willing to work harder.” The study includes detailed questioning about people’s own working life. They were asked a whether they considered their job well paid and secure as well as aspects such as being “interesting”, if it made them feel “useful” or allowed them to work independently. Overall it shows that job satisfaction has increased over the last two decades but job security has not – and actively deteriorated for those in traditional working class “routine” or “semi-routine” posts. "For all the talk of work-life balance, there isn’t much indication that we are getting it"Dr Stephanie Morgan Those in professional jobs report having much more freedom and flexibility than they did a decade ago but those in some routine jobs said the opposite. Yet both groups are more likely to report working longer hours and feel stress at work than in the past. “We find that there has been an increase in those that are saying willing to work hard,” said Mr Swales. “It does seem to be increasingly accepted among people that they have to go that extra mile and they accept that work is a bit more stressful and a bit more imposing on their work-life balance but if that is associated with more autonomy there are plenty of people choosing to do that.” Dr Stephanie Morgan, an occupational psychologist at Kingston Business School in London said the findings suggest that for some people, work has overtaken aspects of life such as family as a priority source of happiness. Office workers from above People get pride from their work Credit: Alamy While more people report feeling stress, for those in fulfilling jobs that stress could actively be linked with happiness and feelings of pride in their work. “For all the talk of work-life balance, there isn’t much indication that we are getting it,” she said. “But it has been accepted that [work itself] is part of being happy. There has been a lot more talk of having an identity at work and getting meaning out of work and being able to continue when we retire, having relationships and seeing people and all the important things which come from having a job. “Certainly the indications from this suggest that people are actually working longer hours and feel less secure – and those two things are probably linked and therefore mustn’t be neglected. “But people are enjoying the work and are saying that they would do it even if they didn’t have to … maybe the balance is considered to be acceptable. It might not be a perfect balance but if you are enjoying the work and go home and go home and in the hors you have you are a better partner and parent [maybe] that is considered sufficient.” * * * * Follow Telegraph News * Follow on Facebook * Follow on Twitter * Follow on Instagram READ MORE ABOUT: * Jobs and employment * Graduates * Happiness * Show more Follow Telegraph News * Follow on Facebook * Follow on Twitter * Follow on Instagram IFRAME: https://widgethost.barnebys.com/widgets/28/?w=300&h=460 News latest 1. Stickers are set up in protest on the entrance of the police station in Mantes-la-Jolie, west of Paris, Wednesday, December 19th. 19 Dec 2018, 7:27pm Police stations closed as French officers demand £248m of unpaid overtime in day of protest 2. A photo taken from the Majestic hotel on May 15, 2016 shows a general view of the Croisette in Cannes 19 Dec 2018, 7:16pm Invasive beetle set to wipe out palm trees of French Riviera 3. 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We urge you to turn off your ad blocker for The Telegraph website so that you can continue to access our quality content in the future. Thank you for your support. Need help? Visit our adblocking instructions page. (BUTTON) Close * Home * My Feed * Saved The Telegraph (BUTTON) * News * Politics * World * Sport * Technology * Business * Money * Opinion * Obituaries * Travel * Culture * Lifestyle * Women * Family * Health and Fitness * Fashion * Luxury * Cars * Free Mobile App * Jobs * Financial Solutions * Rewards * Events * Dating * Offers * Shop * Garden Shop * Bookshop * Tickets * Puzzles * Fantasy Football * Voucher Codes * Work at The Telegraph * Telegraph Corporate * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe now * My Account My details My newsletters Logout Upgrade to Premium * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe - 30 days free * Login * Register * Search * Video * Rewards * My Account My details My newsletters Logout The Telegraph * Home * News * Sport * Business (BUTTON) ALL SECTIONS * Lifestyle * Men * Thinking Man * Active * Fashion and Style * Relationships * The Filter * Telegraph Dating (BUTTON) More Premium * Telegraph * Lifestyle * Men * Thinking Man Lord Price: 'I want to help people be a little bit happier at work' * * * * Save Lord Price in the grounds of his Dorset home: 'When I sit down to write, I am happy' Lord Price in the grounds of his Dorset home: 'When I sit down to write, I am happy' Credit: JAY WILLIAMS * Peter Stanford 4 September 2017 • 7:00pm (BUTTON) Follow Follow the author of this article * Peter Stanford Follow the topics within this article * Theresa May * Liam Fox * House of Lords * Waitrose Ltd * Careers * Mark Price Once retired from the front line, our high-profile business chiefs tend to follow predictable paths: a bit of well-paid consultancy to “keep their hand in”, counterbalanced with membership of charitable boards; more time with the family and on the golf course; and the inevitable stab at their memoirs. But Mark Price’s “retirement” choices are arguably more ambitious than his career to date, and anything but conventional. After a decade as managing director of Waitrose, part of a 33-year stint at John Lewis that began in the lighting department of their Southampton store, Price stood down in 2016 while deputy chairman of the partnership, the company famously owned by its workers. He is fond enough... To continue reading this article Start your free trial of Premium * Access all Premium articles * Subscriber-only events * Cancel any time Free for 30 days then only £2 per week Try Premium Access one Premium article per week Register for free Register for free to continue reading this article Register Or unlock all Premium articles, free for 30 days Start trial Already have an account? Login Want to learn more? View all subscriptions Login Print subscriber? 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(BUTTON) Close #RSS Feed for Jobs articles - Telegraph.co.uk [p?c1=2&c2=6035736&cv=2.0&cj=1] Accessibility links * Skip to article * Skip to navigation [telegraph_print_190.gif] Telegraph.co.uk ___________________ Submit Tuesday 18 December 2018 * Home * Video * News * World * Sport * Business * Money * Comment * Culture * Travel * Life * Women * Fashion * Luxury * Tech * Film Advertisement 1. Home» 2. Finance» 3. Jobs It's official: most people are miserable at work Half of all UK workers want to change careers Woman crying Just because I’m crying doesn’t mean I’m unhappy London's workers are unhappiest of all Rebecca Burn Callander By Rebecca Burn-Callander 5:00AM BST 18 Sep 2015 Follow The UK is home to millions of discontent workers, it has emerged, as more than half of the nation's employed people admit that they would rather be in a different career. According to new research by the London School of Business and Finance (LSBF), which interviewed 1,000 male and female professionals of different age groups from across the UK, an overwhelming 47pc want to change jobs and more than one in five are looking to career hop in the next 12 months. British workers are hoping that a new career will bring increased salary prospects, better work-life balance and improved job satisfaction, the report found. Workers seeking a career change, by age "With a changing economy and new sectors creating jobs and business models that would not have even existed a decade ago, many professionals may have considered the option of jumping ship and facing the challenges of a new career path," said Dr Steve Priddy, dean and director of research at LSBF. "I’m particularly delighted to see that our younger workforce is bold enough to dare try to enter a new professional field." London workers are even more likely to be unhappy in their jobs with 55pc saying that they want to switch careers; 45pc are looking to do so in the next two years. Not all Brits are simply seeking improved pay or hours - some truly regret their career choices. Around a quarter said they had made a mistake entering their current profession. This figure rises to 30pc for 25-34 year-olds. When this figure is extrapolated to the "Millennial" generation, workers aged between 18 and 34, the figure hits 66pc. Think Tank: Fix the workplace, not the workers Millennials feel that their entrepreneurial talents are under-utilised in the traditional workplace "The high rate of desire to change careers in younger people comes from them arriving to the workforce eager to succeed but professionally immature," explained Jeanine O’Donnell, career strategist at jobs platform CareerHMO. "The result? They get into a new career and employer and the first impression is that this is not what they wanted. Thus, they make a generalisation that it's the wrong career and they want to change.” IFRAME: http://renderer.qmerce.com/interaction/55fbb97bf94584352d111ba8 Regionally, professionals in London and Scotland are the most likely to regret choosing their current careers and the main reason is a lack of work/life balance. But despite their clear disillusionment, many people are still unwilling to change careers. This is mainly because of fears over a lack of financial security - 29pc cited this as a major barrier - while uncertainty about what to switch to affected 20pc and a fear of failure plagued 15pc. Financial worries were cited by 41pc of Millennials as the prime reason they weren't budging from their current jobs, and they were also the most likely to change jobs when more money was on the table. “Salary can be what’s called a ‘hygiene factor’, i.e. if people are dissatisfied with their prospects at work, then it becomes a reason to move,” said Margaret Davies, occupational psycologist and director at women's development consultancy The Glass Lift. Workers aged between 35 and 44 tended to be more interested in a career move that improved their work/life balance. Overall, the over 55s are the most content workers in the UK, with just 19pc looking to change career. Cardiff is home to the nation's happiest workers. Some 68pc of people surveyed in the city said they were satisfied with their career. This compares to London where just 19pc of workers said they will never want to change careers telegraph.co.uk Follow @telefinance Top finance galleries» Advertisement Advertisement IFRAME: http://www.dianomi.com/partner/telegraph/11882.epl Latest finance videos » Financial Detox: how to save money at work Financial detox: saving money at work Financial Detox: Shopping Financial detox: tips for saving on shopping BP boss: oil won't hit $100 a barrel for long time City of London Sponsored Five ways Brexit could impact your investments More from the web IFRAME: https://s.telegraph.co.uk/international/pricegrabber/PricegrabberUKExpa tFinance.html Advertisement Advertisement More from the web IFRAME: https://s.telegraph.co.uk/international/Barnebys/2014/Barnebys_UK_300x5 50.html More from the web IFRAME: https://s.telegraph.co.uk/international/pricegrabber/PricegrabberUKExpa tTech.html News Progress 17 supply vehicle departs from the International Space Station The latest news, opinion and analysis View Football Catch up on all the latest football news and results View Film All the latest film trailers, reviews and features View Competitions Enter one of our exciting new competitions View Back to top * HOME * Finance * Financial Crisis * Debt Crisis Live * Markets * Banks and Finance * City Diary * Economics * Transport * Media and Telecoms * Energy * Retail News * * Personal Finance * Your Business * Investing * Savings * Student Finance * Jobs * Job Search * Companies * China business * Money Deals * Money Transfers * Comment * Alex * Find an IFA * Contact us * Privacy and Cookies * Advertising * Fantasy Football * Tickets * Announcements * Reader Prints * * Follow Us * Apps * Epaper * Expat * Promotions * Subscriber * Syndication © Copyright of Telegraph Media Group Limited 2018 Terms and Conditions Today's News Archive Style Book Weather Forecast #RSS Feed for Shopping and consumer news articles - Telegraph.co.uk [p?c1=2&c2=6035736&cv=2.0&cj=1] Accessibility links * Skip to article * Skip to navigation [telegraph_print_190.gif] Telegraph.co.uk ___________________ Submit Tuesday 18 December 2018 * Home * Video * News * World * Sport * Business * Money * Comment * Culture * Travel * Life * Women * Fashion * Luxury * Tech * Film * Politics * Investigations * Obits * Education * Science * Earth * Weather * Health * Royal * Celebrity * Defence * Scotland Advertisement 1. Home» 2. News» 3. Shopping and consumer news Are happy workers more productive? As Pret a Manger becomes the latest company to credit happy workers for improved profits, we examine the evidence that suggests smiling employees might keep the tills ringing Do happier employees work more efficiently? Do happier employees work more efficiently? Photo: Getty Images Harry Wallop By Harry Wallop 6:00AM BST 22 Apr 2015 Follow Was it the new quinoa pots on the menu? Or the 50,000 portions of macaroni cheese it is selling each week? There are a number of reasons why the sandwich chain Pret a Manger was able to report an impressive set of annual figures yesterday – with sales up 16 per cent to £594 million. But many management experts think they know the biggest cause: happiness. The company takes the wellbeing of its workforce very seriously. Not because it is intrinsically paternalistic (though it may well be) but because it thinks there is a direct link between the happiness of the people serving the avocado and herb salad wraps and the company’s turnover. Its chief executive, Clive Schlee, was interviewed by the Telegraph a couple of years ago as he toured some outlets. He said: “The first thing I look at is whether staff are touching each other – are they smiling, reacting to each other, happy, engaged? I can almost predict sales on body language alone.” The staff are given a bonus – paid to everyone in their branch – if a weekly secret shopper spots positive and happy staff behind the counter. No wonder the employees are often frighteningly enthusiastic and decidedly unBritish in their high-fiving, whooping and giving out the occasional free coffee to customers. [pret_2162227a.jpg] It is easy to dismiss Pret’s management style as nauseatingly Californian and to dismiss any link between its workers’ real wellbeing and the company’s profits. But the economics of happiness is a topic being taken increasingly seriously around the world – in universities as well as on factory floors, warehouses and offices. Not least in Britain, where levels of productivity lag many major economies. • Want to get a free Pret coffee? Flirt • Britain's productivity is a national disgrace On some measures Britain is now around a fifth less productive per worker than the G7 average, and an embarrassing 40 per cent below the United States. It is a stick which Ed Balls regularly uses to beat George Osborne with. So could a happier workforce close this productivity gap and help Britain enjoy a full throttle recovery? Professor Andrew Oswald, at the University of Warwick, is regarded as one of the leading experts in this field. Last year he and his team published major findings. In simple terms, happy people were 12 per cent more productive than “normal” people. This sounds deceptively black and white. But Prof Oswald insisted that his team’s experiment, involving 700 people in laboratory conditions, is the most conclusive proof that there is a causal link between happiness and improved performance. During the experiments volunteers were either shown a comedy clip making them laugh or given free chocolate or fruit as an incentive. They were then given a series of arithmetic tasks. The happy group just did better. The unhappy group (weeded out through a series of interviews to ascertain if they were suffering from tragedy in their family life) did worse. [belgrave-house-22_3187097b.jpg] ^Google's London head quarters The paper was widely reported at the time and cited as a compelling reason why companies needed to follow the example of Google. The internet company is regarded as the pioneer in employee happiness. Googlers, as they are called, are given free ice creams, free lifts to work, free dry cleaning, the opportunity to spend 20 per cent of their time in the office on non-work projects of “passion” (no, that does not mean an affair). Cynics suggest this is a clever method to ensure workers never need to leave the office. But many companies have embraced this ethos. Stickyeyes, a digital consultancy in Leeds, is one of many companies to now offer free massages to workers as well as “Free Food Fridays” and a non-pay bar at the end of the week. Innocent Smoothies, the juice company, has ping pong tables nestling on fake grass at its London headquarters, and every three months it gives workers a detailed questionnaire about their happiness. It helps them spot spikes as well as dips in satisfaction. “We were getting feedback about our working hours,” says Jane Marsh, the head of people, at Innocent. Employees were expected to finish work at 6pm. They wanted to leave at 5.30pm. “We changed it,” she says. A fairly simple measure – but one that, in theory, cost it 875 working hours a week across its 350 employees. Was it cost effective? “We implemented it at the end of last year, so we’ve yet to get our first read on it. But anecdotally it has had a very positive impact.” [INNOCENT-1_2383638b.jpg] ^The Innocent offices There is a slight problem with anecdotal evidence from trendy companies and laboratory experiments undertaken at Warwick. Dr Alex Bryson at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research says: “You have to ask yourself about the believability of the experiment. How did they induce happiness? By showing a comedy clip. Even if you could induce higher wellbeing into individual workers that doesn’t necessarily translate into improved profitability. “Firstly, it is costly. If, for instance, you have a profit share model for workers.” This is the case with John Lewis, often given as shining example of a company stuffed with happy “partners”, enjoying the company’s own country club and generous sabbaticals. But, despite excellent sales and profit growth in recent years, when it comes to profit per worker – the standard measure of productivity – John Lewis lags significantly behind many of its rivals, such as Marks & Spencer. • Why providing free coffee and a thinking chair could attract jobseekers Work undertaken by Prof Alex Edmans at the London Business School and Wharton, suggests, however, there is a link between not just happier workers, but between happier companies and shareholder returns over a long period of time. Between 1994 and 2009, the 100 best companies to work for in the United States, as measured by Fortune magazine, outperformed their peer group by 2.3 per cent per year. This is not a correlation, but a direct causation, insists Prof Edmans. Everyone agrees that rewards – usually bonuses and better pay – lift workers’ morale most. But small things help too. [johnlewisbonus_1841495a.jpg] ^John Lewis partners finding out their annual bonus (as a percentage of salary) One of the key measures experts recommend is to give them more autonomy about how they work. This can be as little as allowing them to move their desk, says Prof Oswald. But even expensive measures can be cost effective. An American private medical insurer called Humana studied 33 of its nursing teams, and found patients working with its happiest nurses had 40 per cent less paid in claims, 70 per cent fewer visits to hospital. In turn, Humana paid out 24 per cent less per patient. This mounting evidence that worker happiness is an important a measure as operating profit margin has, of course, bred a whole happiness industry. Companies are increasingly turning to analytics companies and human resource specialists and asking them track their workers’ satisfaction. This, in turn, raises an important ethical question: is the business of your employer to investigate your mental health? Marsh, at Innocent, says: “Do you need to keep an eye of border of privacy? Of course you do. Some people may be unhappy at work, which has nothing to do with their office life. You have to tread carefully.” [manufacturing-supp_2674327b.jpg] ^Is he happy? Does it matter? But even if all privacy concerns are overcome and measuring worker happiness become standard practice across the offices of Britain, it’s not certain than workers will actually start skipping to their desks. This is because of the fact that happiness is a relative concept. “Because we are creatures of comparison [if] everyone gets paid more, everyone looks at each other, there is an enormous washing out effect because relativities haven’t changed," says Prof Oswald. "Unfortunately humans can’t help looking over their shoulder.” Only if we can crack envy, it seems, can we all truly learn to be happy, and so productive, workers. thetelegraphnews Follow @telegraphnews Top news galleries Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News Progress 17 supply vehicle departs from the International Space Station The latest news, opinion and analysis View Football Catch up on all the latest football news and results View Film All the latest film trailers, reviews and features View Competitions Enter one of our exciting new competitions View Back to top * HOME * News * UK News * Politics * Long Reads * Wikileaks * Jobs * World News * Europe * USA * China * Royal Family News * Celebrity news * Dating * Finance * Education * Defence * Weird News * Editor's Choice * Financial Services * Pictures * Video * Matt * Alex * Comment * Blogs * Crossword * Contact us * Privacy and Cookies * Advertising * Fantasy Football * Tickets * Announcements * Reader Prints * * Follow Us * Apps * Epaper * Expat * Promotions * Subscriber * Syndication © Copyright of Telegraph Media Group Limited 2018 Terms and Conditions Today's News Archive Style Book Weather Forecast #RSS Feed for Jobs articles - Telegraph.co.uk [p?c1=2&c2=6035736&cv=2.0&cj=1] Accessibility links * Skip to article * Skip to navigation [telegraph_print_190.gif] Telegraph.co.uk ___________________ Submit Tuesday 18 December 2018 * Home * Video * News * World * Sport * Business * Money * Comment * Culture * Travel * Life * Women * Fashion * Luxury * Tech * Film Advertisement 1. Home» 2. Finance» 3. Jobs Farmers, forestry workers and fishermen happier than the rest of us, ONS study to find Anyone who lives there knows it, but now it looks like the Government has found the proof: workers who live and toil outdoors in the British countryside are happier than the rest of us. Farmers, forestry workers and fishermen happier than the rest of us, ONS study to find Those who work outdoors in the countryside are happier than the rest of us Photo: Alamy Christopher Hope By Christopher Hope, Senior Political Correspondent 10:00PM BST 22 Jul 2012 Follow Results from the Government’s first ever survey of National Well Being, published by the Office for National Statistics, are likely to show that people who work in farming, forestry and fishing are happier than others. The ONS – more used to weighing up public sector finances or crime statistics – was given the rather subjective task of asking how happy Britons are by Prime Minister David Cameron in 2010. Ministers want to use the information to allow young people to make informed choices about their jobs – asking whether they will be happy, rather than whether they will earn a lot of money. The prime mover behind the 'happiness index' has been Mr Cameron who said when he became Conservative leader in 2005 that gauging people's wellbeing was among the "central political issues of our time". He said then: "It's time we focused not just on GDP but on GWB — general well being." Previous surveys have suggested that Britons' happiness has remained static for 25 years Related Articles * Workers more positive if they eat outside the office 14 Apr 2013 * Family mealtimes to become official measure of national ‘happiness’ 07 Mar 2014 According to provisional data from the ONS's Well Being study - which have been seen by The Daily Telegraph – 20 different industry sectors were ranked according to “mean life satisfaction”. The study - which is published in full on Tuesday morning - found that at the top of the satisfaction list were people who work in “agriculture, forestry and fishing”. That was followed in the top third of the satisfaction index - perhaps surprisingly - by “people working in mining, quarrying, “real estate activities”, electricity and gas supply and “water supply, sewerage and waste”. Propping up the list were those working in “admin and support services”, transport and storage”, “accommodation and food services” and “wholesale repair of vehicles”. Even people who are paid to cheer us up did not appear to be a very happy with their lot, with those working in “arts, entertainment and recreation” ranked below bankers and insurers for job satisfaction. The study covered the quality of life of people in the UK, environmental and sustainability issues, as well as the economic performance of the country. The ONS wants the new well-being survey to “provide a more coherent measure of 'how the country is doing' than standalone measures such as GDP”. The news came amid fears that voice of Britain’s countryside in Government is being silenced after the 100-year-old post of the independent rural advocate was abolished. A letter to today’s The Daily Telegraph, signed by four bishops and the high sheriff of Cornwall, calls for the advocate’s role to be reinstated, urging “ministers to retain an independent adviser on rural affairs across government”. They say: “There has been an independent voice for rural communities in Government since the Rural Development Commission was established in 1909. “In the current economic circumstances, it is more important than ever that the voices of rural communities are not lost and that an independent adviser — distinct from the range of rural pressure groups — exists to speak up for rural interests.” Mary Creagh, the shadow Environment secretary, said: “People in rural areas still need this independent champion, as their Tory and Lib Dem MPs are silent on rural problems, neutered by ambition, government propaganda or quiet despair.” Stuart Burgess, who was rural advocate between 2004 and 2010, told The Daily Telegraph: “I am personally concerned about the loss of the independent rural champion who can give voice into the very heart of Government. “The voice is going to be lost. The rural unit has been set up in Defra – but that does not provide that independent voice that Lloyd George in 1909 that was so important to have. “The strength in the independent rural voice is the ability to go around the country, to gather evidence and to listen rural communities – and getting those messages into the heart of Government.” Jobs * News » * Politics » * Environment » * Christopher Hope » Best paid jobs in the UK 2014 Roles of the future could include body part makers and child designers. 10 well paid jobs for 2030 Kate Broughton makes cards and crafts from her West Yorkshire home: 'I quit work to sell my crafts online - and net £20,000' Maureen Gilbertson eBay for a living: 'Our turnover is now £1.5m' Top finance galleries» Advertisement Advertisement IFRAME: http://www.dianomi.com/partner/telegraph/11882.epl Latest finance videos » Financial Detox: how to save money at work Financial detox: saving money at work Financial Detox: Shopping Financial detox: tips for saving on shopping BP boss: oil won't hit $100 a barrel for long time City of London Sponsored Five ways Brexit could impact your investments More from the web IFRAME: https://s.telegraph.co.uk/international/pricegrabber/PricegrabberUKExpa tFinance.html Advertisement Advertisement More from the web IFRAME: https://s.telegraph.co.uk/international/Barnebys/2014/Barnebys_UK_300x5 50.html More from the web IFRAME: https://s.telegraph.co.uk/international/pricegrabber/PricegrabberUKExpa tTech.html News Progress 17 supply vehicle departs from the International Space Station The latest news, opinion and analysis View Football Catch up on all the latest football news and results View Film All the latest film trailers, reviews and features View Competitions Enter one of our exciting new competitions View Back to top * HOME * Finance * Financial Crisis * Debt Crisis Live * Markets * Banks and Finance * City Diary * Economics * Transport * Media and Telecoms * Energy * Retail News * * Personal Finance * Your Business * Investing * Savings * Student Finance * Jobs * Job Search * Companies * China business * Money Deals * Money Transfers * Comment * Alex * Find an IFA * Contact us * Privacy and Cookies * Advertising * Fantasy Football * Tickets * Announcements * Reader Prints * * Follow Us * Apps * Epaper * Expat * Promotions * Subscriber * Syndication © Copyright of Telegraph Media Group Limited 2018 Terms and Conditions Today's News Archive Style Book Weather Forecast * Home * My Feed * Saved The Telegraph (BUTTON) * News * Politics * World * Sport * Technology * Business * Money * Opinion * Obituaries * Travel * Culture * Lifestyle * Women * Family * Health and Fitness * Fashion * Luxury * Cars * Free Mobile App * Jobs * Financial Solutions * Rewards * Events * Dating * Offers * Shop * Garden Shop * Bookshop * Tickets * Puzzles * Fantasy Football * Voucher Codes * Work at The Telegraph * Telegraph Corporate * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe now * My Account My details My newsletters Logout Upgrade to Premium * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe - 30 days free * Login * Register * Search * Video * Rewards * My Account My details My newsletters Logout The Telegraph * Home * News * Sport * Business (BUTTON) ALL SECTIONS * Travel Discovering hygge * Destinations * Hotels * Offers * Holiday types * City * Beach * Tours * Cruise * Ski * Family * Advice * Luxury * Book a trip * Travel Shows * Travel Insurance (BUTTON) More * Telegraph * Travel * Discovering hygge Why living like a Dane could transform your life for the better Brought to you by Visit Denmark * * * * * * Shares Save Family at the dining table Savour the moments: live like a Dane and see why they're among the happiest people in the world Credit: Getty 12 June 2018 • 11:15am (BUTTON) Follow Denmark is famous for being one of the happiest countries in the world. So what can we learn from them? Want to know the secret to happiness? Ask a Dane. The country is regularly ranked as one of the happiest in the world. One study even found that the closer a country is in distance to Denmark, the happier its people are likely to be! So are Danes just born happy, or do they know something we don’t? If the key to happiness lies in social equality and a community spirit then the Danes certainly have a head start. Denmark is known for being one of the most egalitarian countries in the world and its high levels of wellbeing are often attributed to its welfare system, where higher taxes provide free healthcare, school and university education, and government spending on children and the elderly is higher per capita than any other country in the world. It is thought that this provides a sense of security that takes away some of the worries people might otherwise have. But the Danes have some other secrets to living a happy life too — and there are a few lessons we can learn from them. Prioritise a work-life balance According to an OECD Better Life report, the Danes have better work-life balance than anywhere else in the world, with only 2 per cent regularly working long hours (compared to an average figure of 13 per cent for other countries). All employees are entitled to a minimum of five weeks paid holiday a year, and when Danes are at work, they often have flexible working environments. No wonder studies say the Danes are among the happiest — and most productive — workforce in the world. You won’t find many Danes working past 5pm. Instead, they’re meeting friends in cafes, going for a walk in the park and cooking dinner with their families. Living, basically. People enjoying a sunset in a park Time well spent: learn to prioritise time outside of the office Credit: Getty Appreciate the little things The Danes are masters at stripping things back and focusing on what makes them happy without feeling guilty about it — whether that’s snuggling down to watch a movie with the family or having a delicious cinnamon bun. Part of this is down to hygge, the Danish concept which is even harder to define than it is to pronounce, but which involves creating a warm and contented atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with people you love. Hygge is about everyday happiness. It’s slowing down, being in the present moment and celebrating the simple pleasures in life. It’s the antidote to our modern lives and all the pressures that come with them. The fact that is such an important part of Danish culture is probably one reason they’re so happy. Spending time with loved ones Spending quality time with the people we love is one of the easiest routes to happiness — yet many of us let things like work, or spending time online, get in the way. Not the Danes. In his book, The Little Book of Hygge, Meik Wiking notes that 78 per cent of Danes socialise with friends, family or colleagues a minimum of once a week, compared to the European average of 60 per cent. “Danes are really good at making time for friends and family, with regular meals or time scheduled in together,” says Helen Russell, author of novel Gone Viking (Ebury), who moved from the UK to Denmark five years ago. “We all know how much better we feel when we’ve spent quality time with our people – and this is a key part of getting hygge.” It all stems back to the days when gathering food and wood were a crucial part of surviving the Danish winter. “You had to help out neighbours, your family and friends to survive. Now, there’s central heating and supermarkets and offices to go to, but there’s still a cultural emphasis on being together,” she adds. Couple cycling in Denmark Social society: Danish culture emphasises time spent with friends and family Credit: Getty Trusting one another Denmark has been shown to be one of the most trusting nations in Europe. “One of the main reasons Danes are often considered the happiest people in the world is trust – 79 per cent of Danes trust “most people” — and if you trust your neighbours (and your neighbour’s neighbours) you’re less anxious and have the headspace to be happy,” says author Helen Russell. “You feel better and you save yourself unnecessary stress – plus trusting the people around you can make them behave better so this trust becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.” Of course, there is one more way to channel some of that famous Danish happiness too — visit Denmark and hope some of the conviviality rubs off on you. The Danish way Hygge is more than a passing fancy for Danes, it's a philosophy that forms a key part of their endless success in the world happiness charts - and it could be your antidote to the stress of modern life. A city break to Copenhagen will do more that satiate your wanderlust, it'll satisfy your most fundamental desire - to feel good. SAS takes you from London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Aberdeen and Edinburgh directly to Copenhagen. Discover the airline that believes hygge starts in the sky, visit flysas.com * * * * * * Shares Don't miss 1. Young people sitting on a dock in Copenhagen 12 Jun 2018, 12:00pm Eight ways to make your life more hygge 2. The view of London from Parliament Hill 12 Jun 2018, 11:45am How to enjoy a hygge day out in London 3. Nyhavn canal 12 Jun 2018, 11:30am Four of the best hygge influencers to follow on Instagram 4. Lobby at Radisson Collection Hotel Royal Copenhagen 12 Jun 2018, 11:00am Where are the coolest places to stay in Copenhagen? 5. Four friends sitting by open fire 15 May 2018, 11:57am Why the Brits already understand hygge 6. A group of friends sharing a bottle of wine 15 May 2018, 11:55am Why the Danes are dead serious about hygge (and you should be too) 7. Skyline of Copenhagen 15 May 2018, 11:55am The seven most hygge things in Copenhagen 8. Row of houses and boats at Nyhavn 15 May 2018, 11:55am Why Copenhagen is the ultimate place for a relaxing city break 9. Tivoli Gardens 15 May 2018, 11:54am How to spend a long weekend in Copenhagen * Contact us * About us * Rewards * Archive * Reader Prints * Branded Content * Syndication * Guidelines * Privacy * Terms and Conditions * Advertising terms * Fantasy Sport * Voucher Codes * Modern Slavery © Telegraph Media Group Limited 2018 Please support us by disabling your adblocker We've noticed you're adblocking. We rely on advertising to help fund our award-winning journalism. We urge you to turn off your ad blocker for The Telegraph website so that you can continue to access our quality content in the future. Thank you for your support. Need help? Visit our adblocking instructions page. (BUTTON) Close * Home * My Feed * Saved The Telegraph (BUTTON) * News * Politics * World * Sport * Technology * Business * Money * Opinion * Obituaries * Travel * Culture * Lifestyle * Women * Family * Health and Fitness * Fashion * Luxury * Cars * Free Mobile App * Jobs * Financial Solutions * Rewards * Events * Dating * Offers * Shop * Garden Shop * Bookshop * Tickets * Puzzles * Fantasy Football * Voucher Codes * Work at The Telegraph * Telegraph Corporate * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe now * My Account My details My newsletters Logout Upgrade to Premium * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe - 30 days free * Login * Register * Search * Video * Rewards * My Account My details My newsletters Logout The Telegraph * Home * News * Sport * Business (BUTTON) ALL SECTIONS * Lifestyle * Good News * Telegraph * Lifestyle * Good News What’s the secret to happiness? Scientists may have found the answer In association with Seven Seas * * * * Save Blake Lively A very happy Blake Lively smiles during a press conference in Cannes Credit: AFP * Mark Molloy 23 May 2016 • 7:15am (BUTTON) Follow Follow the author of this article * Mark Molloy Follow the topics within this article * Other * International Day of Happiness The pursuit of happiness can be a lifelong search for some - but researchers believe they may have found a key factor in feeling a greater overall sense of wellbeing. Individuals who feel a strong sense of belonging to social groups are much happier people, according to new research by psychologists. Nottingham Trent University researchers found that the more an individual identified with a particular group, such as family, in their local community or through a hobby, the happier they were with their life. revelers Happy revellers Credit: AFP “Our findings suggest that thinking more about one's group life could have significant benefits for an overall sense of wellbeing,” said Dr Juliet Wakefield, a psychologist at Nottingham Trent University. “We tend to identify with groups that share our values, interests and life priorities, as well as those that support us in times of crisis, and we can see how this would link to happiness. Our work taps into knowledge that is deep within all of us, but which we often forget due to the fast-paced and achievement-focused nature of modern life – that to be your best self, you tend to require the support of others.” Pope Francis A smiling Pope Francis Credit: Reuters They studied how 4,000 participants felt connected to certain groups, and then measured the impact this had upon their levels of happiness. She added: “It's important to note that identifying with a group isn't the same as membership, though. You can be a member of a group with which you feel no connection at all. It's that subjective sense of belonging that's crucial for happiness. IFRAME: //giphy.com/embed/BQAk13taTaKYw “Healthcare professionals should encourage people to join groups that they are interested in, or which promote their values and ideals, as well as advising people to maintain association with groups they already belong to. Simple social interventions such as this could in turn help to reduce NHS expenditure and prevent future ill health.” Another study found that intelligent people could be more easily distracted at work. So if you have trouble concentrating at work, it’s probably because of all those amazing ideas you have running through your head. Revealed: The age adults are at their ‘healthiest and happiest’. For healthy living * * * * Follow The Telegraph * Follow on Facebook * Follow on Twitter * Follow on Instagram * Follow on LinkedIn READ MORE ABOUT: * Other * International Day of Happiness * Show more Don't miss 1. Peter Gwyn said he hope this will encourage more female contestants to take part in the show 28 Aug 2018, 12:01am University Challenge to introduce 'gender neutral' questions following complaints from viewers 2. Rory and Rhys on their wedding day 13 Jan 2018, 4:01pm Liberal churches boosted by LGBT weddings as couples join their congregations 3. Four Brits have set a new world record for rowing across the Atlantic 13 Jan 2018, 8:49am UK quartet celebrate with a cup of tea after breaking Atlantic rowing record 4. Smiling woman 22 Aug 2017, 10:30am Love at first sight? It's not as unrealistic as you might think 5. Thomas Moore holds the hair he cut off for cancer patients. 17 Sep 2016, 9:10am Boy donates hair to make wigs for child cancer patients 6. The world's most "liveable" city, apparently, but where is it? 15 Sep 2016, 11:30am Move over Melbourne – this is really the world’s most ‘liveable’ city 7. Duncan Jones and David Bowie in 2009 30 Jul 2016, 11:03am Duncan Jones welcomes baby son six months after David Bowie's death – and has given him a special name 8. Matthew Dunn completed his tour of Europe with the Royal Navy Black Cats before returning the wallet 04 Jul 2016, 6:31pm Navy engineer returns lost wallet via 1,300 mile European road trip 9. Muhannad points to the shelf where he found the money 30 Jun 2016, 4:08pm Syrian refugee praised after handing in €50,000 he found hidden in donated wardrobe Follow The Telegraph * Follow on Facebook * Follow on Twitter * Follow on Instagram * Follow on LinkedIn Brought to you by Seven Seas 1. Ladies shopping Dress for your style and not your age 2. Man carrying lady on his back What your body really needs at 50 3. Lady meditating outside Beauty starts from within 4. A Boots store 3 for 2 across selected Seven Seas products * Contact us * About us * Rewards * Archive * Reader Prints * Branded Content * Syndication * Guidelines * Privacy * Terms and Conditions * Advertising terms * Fantasy Sport * Voucher codes © Telegraph Media Group Limited 2018 Please support us by disabling your adblocker We've noticed you're adblocking. We rely on advertising to help fund our award-winning journalism. We urge you to turn off your ad blocker for The Telegraph website so that you can continue to access our quality content in the future. Thank you for your support. Need help? Visit our adblocking instructions page. (BUTTON) Close #RSS Feed for Thinking Man articles - Telegraph.co.uk [p?c1=2&c2=6035736&cv=2.0&cj=1] Accessibility links * Skip to article * Skip to navigation [telegraph_print_190.gif] Telegraph.co.uk ___________________ Submit Thursday 13 December 2018 * Home * Video * News * World * Sport * Business * Money * Comment * Culture * Travel * Life * Women * Fashion * Luxury * Tech * Film * Women * Men * GoodLife * Wellbeing * Interiors * Gardening * Food * Pets * Relationships * Expat * Puzzles * Announcements * Events * Thinking Man * Active * Fashion and Style * Relationships * The Filter * Instant Expert * Why Not Get Moving? Advertisement 1. Home» 2. Men» 3. Thinking Man Which is best: interesting job or well-paid job? A high salary can make you more unhappy, while jobs that start off interesting don't always remain so, says Rhymer Rigby As you rise through the ranks, you often move away from what makes your job interesting Photo: Alamy By Rhymer Rigby 8:29AM GMT 04 Dec 2014 It’s the topic of a thousand dinner party conversations. Is it better to have a job which pays very well or a job that is genuinely interesting? Do you want people to say, “Wow, that’s cool” when you tell them what your chosen vocation is? Or do you want to go on holiday in the Maldives and drive a Range Rover Sport? The conventional thinking on money and job satisfaction comes from a theory developed by the psychologist Frederick Herzberg. He proposed that there were two sets of factors in the workplace. One group, known as motivators, cause satisfaction. These are things like achievement, advancement and interest in work. The other group, called hygiene factors, cause dissatisfaction if they are absent – and salary is part of this group. So, if you don’t earn enough you will be dissatisfied. But once you earn enough, extra money counts for very little. In fact, says Cary Cooper, professor of organisational psychology at Lancaster University, a higher salary may actually make you less happy. “You’ll be giving up things like time with your family and friends in order to earn the extra money.” The answer might seem obvious, then. Find a job that is interesting and where you earn enough, but don’t worry about about earning a vast salary because the Range Rover won’t make you happy if you never have time to see your girlfriend. However, context is hugely important. If you live in an ultra-expensive city such as London or New York, “enough” may be well into six figures. So you may have considerably more latitude when it comes to an interesting job if you’re based in Bristol or Leeds. Equally, if your friends are high-earning bankers and lawyers, you may experience far more salary-related dissatisfaction than you would if they were teachers. Time of life is important too. “If you’re divorced and have no kids then you might be far happier working all hours to earn a huge salary,” says Prof Cooper. There are also gender differences. “We did some research which showed that 18 per cent of people were mainly motivated by money,” says Ian Gooden, CEO of the HR consultancy Chiumento. “But men are twice as likely to be motivated by money than women and this is particularly true of men under 35.” So, working in the City until your mid 30s and then going to do something interesting that pays less is actually a very smart idea, in terms of your happiness. Related Articles * * 10 ways to tell that you're out of touch at work 27 Nov 2014 * Is your CV full of awful clichés? 20 Nov 2014 * It's time we stopped pretending to be passionate about work 13 Nov 2014 * Have you 'made it' in life? 05 Dec 2014 Money can cause satisfaction and dissatisfaction in other ways too. We tend to benchmark ourselves against our peers. So if you get a £1m bonus, you’ll be pleased – unless Mike, who sits next to you, gets a £1.5m bonus. To anyone on a normal salary, this may sound ridiculous – but it’s not actually about the money, it’s about the recognition. The extra £500,000 says that Mike performed 50% better than you and that’s what’s making you unhappy. Gooden warns that it’s also very easy to get trapped in high-earning jobs. “You get the phenomenon of ‘economic prisoners’ where you wind up stuck in a job you hate because you need the salary to support your lifestyle.” You can’t turn round to your partner and explain that you’re going to take the kids out of private school and move to a smaller house because you hate your career. “There is no acceptable way out,” he says. What about an interesting job, then? On the face of things, doing something that stimulates and interests you should be far more positive than going for the big bucks. However, while this is mostly true, there are downsides to cool jobs. For starters, people often go into sectors because they’re widely viewed as being interesting and not because they personally find the job in question interesting. Thus, you might get a job in the media, when actually you’d be much happier (and probably better paid) working in IT because what really motivates you is solving problems. So you need to think hard and honestly about what interests you. Which would you rather have: Bear in mind too that, when it comes to interest, all jobs to some extent revert to the norm. What you loved when you joined can easily become just work three years down the line, especially if you are the kind of person who sees work as a means to an end. Moreover, as you rise through the ranks, you often move away from what makes your job interesting and into general management, which is pretty similar whatever sector you’re in. You often see this with people who work in tech: they don’t want to be promoted because they want to do the interesting stuff, not manage people. “Be very careful about letting go of what interests you for more money,” says Gooden. In fact, he adds, while there is a common belief that we should all aim as high as possible at work, “Not many people are motivated by really demanding jobs.” So, is it more important to earn a lot of money or have an interesting job? The answer is that you need to step back and ask yourself what is important to you – while reminding yourself that your work does not exist in isolation. However, we can say that earning vastly in excess of what you need is not likely to make you happy – and if you have the choice between a job that interests you and pays enough and one that doesn’t interest you and pays far more, you should go for the former. Finally, it’s worth remembering that one of the most significant contributors towards happiness at work is not related to how interesting your job is or how much it pays. “Relationships at work are so important,” says Prof Cooper, “especially your relationship with your line manager.” In fact, if you hate your boss, you’ll probably still be miserable, even if your job is both fascinating and well-paid. Thinking Man * Finance » * Personal Finance » * Jobs » * Men » In Thinking Man Britain needs a Minister for Men Don't look back in anger: Loaded's final cover Loaded 'could have been Britain's answer to Rolling Stone' Why are so many middle-aged men committing suicide? 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[ ] Bad management and bullying in the workplace wil affect productivity. Photograph: Aiste Miseviciute/Alamy Is it worth measuring the nation's happiness? That was the question posed at the Work Foundation's annual debate last month, inspired by the government's move to incorporate questions on wellbeing into the Office for National Statistics's quarterly national citizen's survey. With politicians in many countries now talking about gross national wellbeing, new books devoted to finding happiness being released and the proliferation of wellbeing indices such as the Happy Planet Index, a "happiness agenda" is emerging. But how will a national measure of this help enhance wellbeing throughout the UK's workforce, particularly at a time of economic instability, high unemployment and intrinsic job insecurity? The absence of wellbeing in the workplace is costly. In the government's recent Foresight Programme study on mental capital and wellbeing, it was estimated that sickness absence, presenteeism (being present at work but contributing little added value to the business) and labour turnover cost the country about £26bn a year. Incidences of stress-related sickness absence have also risen, replacing backache as the main source of work illness, with 40% of incapacity benefits (the biggest source) attributed to mental ill health and stress. Indeed, the 2009 Boorman review for the NHS into health and wellbeing indicated savings of over £555m could be made from reduced sickness absence if healthier work environments were created. So there is a bottom-line argument for minimising workplace stress and enhancing wellbeing. Stephen Bevan, managing director of the Work Foundation, feels the government may also have another motivation for attempting to measure happiness: "We are likely to see GDP grow very slowly over the coming decade or longer, so governments will need another measure of success than economic growth." Bevan also points out: "If we take the happiness agenda seriously and make the changes that would enhance wellbeing at work, we could see real bottom-line benefits in terms of sickness absence and greater productivity from more engaged workers." There is a growing body of evidence to suggest we are motivated at work by things other than money and that, as long as we are relatively job-secure and earning a reasonable wage, the quality of working life is at least as important. In the Mercer global engagement scale – developed with thousands of workers in the UK, US, Japan, India, Germany, France and China – "base pay" as a motivator comes low down a list of 12 factors that engage workers. The top motivator is "respect" – how valued and trusted by their organisation employees feel. Then comes (in order of priority) "type of work", "providing good service to customers", "the people you work with" and finally, good "work-life balance". Only after these does pay come into the equation. Given the recent controversies over bankers' pay, it's interesting that "bonuses" come bottom of the list. All this should support the findings of the recent review into the fairness of top public sector salaries by executive chairman of the Work Foundation Will Hutton, which recommended a maximum salary for senior executives of 20 times that of the lowest paid. President Franklin D Roosevelt said during the Great Depression that "true individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence … people who are hungry and out of a job are the stuff of which dictatorships are made … the hopes of the Republic cannot forever tolerate either undeserved poverty or self-serving wealth." The way jobs are shaped, by both managers and employees, has a huge impact on our sense of wellbeing at work. But the quality of work is in danger of being neglected, especially when people are worrying about unemployment. The focus in much of the happiness debate is on the primacy of being employed and people's perceptions of their income relative to others. While there may be some truth in the Anna Karenina principle that all happy families are alike, but every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way, we increasingly have a better understanding of what makes for unhappiness and stress in the workplace. If people don't have much control over their jobs, are not engaged and involved in decision-making, consistently work long hours, and are badly managed or bullied, they will suffer. There are ways of treating people at work that can make them happier that have little to do with money or bonuses. This has been confirmed by research based on the government's Workplace Employee Relations Survey, endorsed by the Health and Safety Executive and reflected in the National Institute of Clinical Excellence's guidelines on managing workplace stress. So what can we do to make our workplaces happier environments? First, we need managers with better social and interpersonal skills, who manage people by praise and reward and not fault-finding (because few managers do this, a pay rise is often the only time people feel their contribution is recognised). Second, individuals should have autonomy and control over their work – the absence of micro-management. Third, there needs to be a shorter working hours culture, where appropriate flexible working arrangements are available which people can take up without damaging their careers or feeling guilty. Fourth, there should be manageable workloads and achievable deadlines, and finally, a culture should be encouraged in which employees feel valued and trusted. Alistair Blaxill, executive director of Communisis, one of the UK's biggest marketing services providers, says the happiest companies he has worked for are those that "give their staff 'wriggle room', don't micro-manage, let people know when they have done a good job, make them feel part of a family and ensure reasonable work-life balance". Yet despite all the supporting evidence, some of these basic ingredients are not being applied. And if that's the case, how will a national measure of happiness help? We think it will do so indirectly – by motivating businesses and politicians to do better when international and corporate bench marks are put into the public arena by business and social commentators. But developing this wellbeing index is also a high risk for the government, because over time it could highlight a worsening in people's happiness levels, holding government accountable. On the upside, the government will need to take action to enhance wellbeing, as it does when responding to slow economic growth or declining gross domestic product (GDP). Which reminds us of the old Japanese proverb "a vision without action is a daydream, action without vision is a nightmare". In launching the inclusion of wellbeing items in the Office for National Statistics' survey a few months ago, the prime minister emphasised that GDP was not a good measure of a society's success. In doing so, David Cameron echoed the sentiments of US senator Robert F Kennedy, in a speech he gave at the University of Kansas in 1968. "Gross national product does not allow for the health of our children, the quality of their education or the joy of their play," Kennedy said. "It … measures neither our wit nor our courage, neither our wisdom nor our learning, neither our compassion nor our devotion to our country. It measures everything, in short, except that which makes life worthwhile." • Cary L Cooper is distinguished professor of organisational psychology and health at Lancaster University Management School and co-author of Wellbeing: Productivity and Happiness at Work; Stephen Wood is professor of management at the University of Leicester Topics * Work-life balance * Work & careers * Mental health * Economic growth (GDP) * Economics * Office for National Statistics * Economic policy * features * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email * Share on LinkedIn * Share on Pinterest * Share on Google+ * Share on WhatsApp * Share on Messenger * Reuse this content View all comments > (BUTTON) Order by * (BUTTON) newest * (BUTTON) oldest * (BUTTON) recommendations (BUTTON) Show 25 * (BUTTON) 25 * (BUTTON) 50 * (BUTTON) 100 * (BUTTON) All (BUTTON) Threads * (BUTTON) collapsed * (BUTTON) expanded * (BUTTON) unthreaded Loading comments… Trouble loading? 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(BUTTON) Close [p?c1=2&c2=6035250&cv=2.0&cj=1&comscorekw=Work-life+balance%2CWork+%26+ careers%2CMoney%2CMental+health%2CEconomic+growth+%28GDP%29%2CEconomics %2COffice+for+National+Statistics%2CEconomic+policy%2CSociety%2CBusines s%2CPolitics%2CUK+news] #RSS Feed for Science News articles - Telegraph.co.uk [p?c1=2&c2=6035736&cv=2.0&cj=1] Accessibility links * Skip to article * Skip to navigation [telegraph_print_190.gif] Telegraph.co.uk ___________________ Submit Tuesday 18 December 2018 * Home * Video * News * World * Sport * Business * Money * Comment * Culture * Travel * Life * Women * Fashion * Luxury * Tech * Film * Politics * Investigations * Obits * Education * Science * Earth * Weather * Health * Royal * Celebrity * Defence * Scotland * Science News * Dinosaurs * Space * Night Sky * Evolution * Picture Galleries * Science Video Advertisement 1. Home» 2. News» 3. Science» 4. Science News Happiness is having a job, and the salary doesn't matter Having a job is more important to people than how much they are paid, according to the first official inquiry into what makes Britons happy. Commuters make their way to work over London Bridge. Anastasia de Waal said employment was central to people's sense of identity and wellbeing Commuters make their way to work over London Bridge. Anastasia de Waal said employment was central to people's sense of identity and wellbeing Photo: AP By Tim Ross, Social Affairs Editor 7:30AM GMT 10 Jan 2011 Follow The Office for National Statistics (ONS) analysed responses from more than 2,000 people to David Cameron's initiative to measure the nation's wellbeing. The emerging results showed that job security, personal health and relationships with family members were at the top of most people's concerns, and were cited by nine out of 10 of those responding to the ONS consultation. Other key ingredients of a happy life were parents' sense of the security of their children's future, with couples keen that their children have a good life and a nice place to live; the freedom of society; and spiritual and religious beliefs. Respondents were more likely to rate having a job as important to them than being paid a high salary. Anastasia de Waal, a social policy analyst at the think tank Civitas, said employment was central to people's sense of identity and wellbeing. "A job is about your life, it is not about your income," she said. "It is about every aspect – having the motivation to get up in the morning, self-esteem and being a role model to your children. Income is almost secondary to that. "People's lives fall apart if they don't have a job. They are much more likely to be depressed if they are out of work, and there is a strong relationship between unemployment and family breakdown and health difficulties." The Prime Minister launched the programme in November, in an attempt to create a broader measure of Britain's success than the performance of the economy. Mr Cameron said governments had a role in helping people "feel better" and that the national wellbeing index should help politicians and wider society "build a better life". Paul Allin, director of the wellbeing project at the ONS, said the initiative would combine objective data, such as crime, employment and life expectancy rates, with subjective measures, such as fear of crime, job satisfaction and self-reported health, to give "a more complete picture of national wellbeing". "We want to encourage people to tell us what matters to them," he said. "The more responses we have to the debate, the more realistic a picture of the UK we will have." The ONS consultation will run until April. 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Home» 2. Comment» 3. Columnists» 4. Philip Johnston How can we measure happiness? Western leaders are looking beyond traditional indexes of economic and social well-being and turning to ways of measuring national happiness. Philip Johnston wonders how such a scheme might work. How can we measure happiness?; Clear blue laughter: David Cameron is a firm believer in 'GWB’ – general well-being; Getty Clear blue laughter: David Cameron is a firm believer in 'GWB’, an index of general well-being Photo: Getty By Philip Johnston 8:13AM GMT 16 Nov 2010 Follow What makes you happy? The smell of new-mown grass on a spring morning, perhaps; or the laughter of your children. Maybe it is watching an England winger running 80 yards to score a try against Australia at Twickenham, or the thought of winning the lottery. For many of us happiness is spiritual, individual, difficult to define and ephemeral. A Buddhist monk with no possessions beyond his clothes and an alms bowl might consider himself happier than a City financier with homes on three continents. For people afflicted with mental or physical health problems, happiness may be unattainable. Then there are the Victor Meldrews among us who are never happier than when they have something to grumble about. Personal happiness is something we all aspire to; so what about national happiness? Can the well-being of a country be measured? Is it possible to aggregate all those individual experiences into a happiness index that can be published quarterly, along with crime statistics, inflation rates and unemployment figures? David Cameron thinks it is – and he is not alone. Political leaders including Nicolas Sarkozy and Barack Obama subscribe to the idea that measuring a nation’s well-being by its economic output – its GDP per capita – is a policy dead-end. Is this wise? The consideration of happiness and how to maximise it is hardly a new activity. It has exercised great minds from Socrates to Montaigne and on to Bentham, Mill and the authors of the American Declaration of Independence. But while philosophers tended to deal with how we should lead our lives as individuals, the idea of happiness, both as a science and a specific aim of national policy, has only taken off in the past decade or so. And there are allegedly physiological dimensions, too. Researchers have found a close correlation between reported happiness and activity in the cerebral cortex, which would explain why some drugs can bring about a feeling of well-being. Although there is little evidence that this science has any sound basis or is anything other than a strategy for declining growth, it has become a booming academic discipline around the globe. More than 200 colleges, including the University of Cambridge, either have research institutes or offer courses in so-called positive psychology, which seeks to maximise happiness for individuals and society at large. International conferences are devoted to the subject. So it is hardly surprising that it caught Mr Cameron’s eye, especially when most of the economic news is gloomy and government policy is couched in the downbeat language of austerity. In such circumstances, looking beyond the traditional measurements of national well-being is a serious temptation, even if it risks being derided as gimmickry. Moreover, economists believe that the pursuit of public happiness as a policy goal has merit even when the economy is booming. This is because, as their data have become more comprehensive and sophisticated, they have noticed one apparent paradox: that despite a substantial increase in GDP in the industrialised West, the levels of human contentment have remained static. This realisation encouraged Lord Layard, professor of economics at the LSE and adviser to Gordon Brown, to urge the last Labour government to recognise that economic growth need not be an overriding priority. He believed governments should embrace the Benthamite principle that, “the best society is that where the people are happiest, and the best policy is the one that produces the greatest happiness”. They found this hard to do because so little was known about what made people happy. But, as Lord Layard points out, “the past 30 years have seen a major scientific revolution and we know much about what causes happiness, using the results of psychology and neuroscience. “The first thing we know is that in the past 50 years, average happiness has not increased at all in Britain or in the United States – despite massive increases in living standards.” In better-off countries, in other words, simply raising incomes does not make people any happier. In truth, Mr Cameron has been thinking along these lines for a while. Shortly after he became Tory leader in 2005, he said: “Well-being can’t be measured by money or traded in markets. It’s about the beauty of our surroundings, the quality of our culture and, above all, the strength of our relationships. Improving our society’s sense of well-being is, I believe, the central political challenge of our times.” He added: “It’s time we admitted that there’s more to life than money and it’s time we focused not just on GDP but on GWB – general well-being.” Of course, there were many who felt it was easy for the millionaire Tory leader to diminish the importance of money when he has plenty of it. But Mr Cameron was tapping into a political idea gaining traction elsewhere. Two years ago, Mr Sarkozy went so far as to commission Joseph Stiglitz and Amartya Sen, the Nobel prize-winning economists, to consider how a sense of national happiness might be captured. They proposed replacing GDP with a broader measure based on something called net national product (NNP), which takes account not just of annual growth but the value, and depreciation, of all of a nation’s human and physical resources. An enthused Mr Sarkozy suggested broadening this into an internationally accepted index of national achievement that would embrace the state of the environment, the equality of incomes, the quality of public services, free services provided within a family or community and even opinion polls on the contentment of ordinary citizens. But it can be seen from this list how easy it is for politicians to set criteria for happiness that fit their own political outlook. If a government pursues policies aimed at spending more on public services, producing income equality and cutting greenhouse gas emissions, then it will obtain high scores against the benchmarks and targets it has set for itself. Yet it might enhance a country’s well-being if the government taxed less, spent less and did less. In order to avoid a politically biased view of what constitutes national contentment, it would be essential to have an independent body such as the Office for National Statistics deciding what questions to ask and when to do so. A survey conducted in the middle of a cold, wet January, for instance, might produce significantly gloomier results than one carried out in June. So what might a list of questions contain? Measurements of national well-being are already included in cross-border surveys carried out by the UN or the OECD and include such indicators as a perceived lack of corruption; low unemployment; high levels of education and income; and the number of older people in the labour market. Using such criteria, polls can try to paint a picture of what a country thinks about itself. But when it comes to exploring on a national basis individual perceptions of personal happiness, Mr Cameron could be walking into a political quagmire. Questions such as “How much purpose does your life have?” may be the stock in trade of psychiatrists and priests but are dangerous for politicians because the answers are so unpredictable. As John Stuart Mill said: “Ask yourself whether you are happy and you cease to be so.” Yet it seems that modern politicians have bought so heavily into the idea that the state can do everything that they have deluded themselves into believing it can deliver the most elusive of all human desires: happiness. They have been persuaded that it is possible to measure life satisfaction and that its achievement on a national scale should be a goal of government. The difficulty is to establish an index that does not remain static or decline. After all, which politician will enjoy being accused of making his fellow citizens less happy than they were? If measuring happiness is a relatively new phenomenon in the West, it has underpinned the public policy of one country for almost 40 years. The Kingdom of Bhutan has pursued the goal of “gross national happiness” since 1972. Its main components include the promotion of equitable socioeconomic development; preservation and promotion of cultural values; and the establishment of good governance. It probably helps, too, that there is little in the way of traffic, commuting into major cities does not involve an hour-long journey crushed together like sardines, television was banned until 1999 and the Himalayas provide a visual backdrop to a stunning sub-tropical landscape. No wonder they are happy. Philip Johnston * Politics » * Economics » * Comment » * Personal View » * David Cameron » In Philip Johnston There are 11,400 foreign nationals in the UK's jails Deporting convicts is easier said than done How can we measure happiness?; Clear blue laughter: David Cameron is a firm believer in 'GWB’ – general well-being; Getty How can we measure happiness? One of the two European Parliament buildings, in Strasbourg As we wield the axe, Europe asks for more Mother pushing stroller by clothes shop on street There's plenty of welfare on offer to the Poles Top News Galleries Advertisement Follow The Telegraph on social media Advertisement IFRAME: http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.face book.com%2FTelegraphComment&width=300&height=258&colorscheme=light&show _faces=true&header=false&stream=false&show_border=true Sign up to our Politics email Sign up for our Politics email Read our latest comment and analysis Advertisement Advertisement MORE Moderation FAQs * How we moderate reader comments News Progress 17 supply vehicle departs from the International Space Station The latest news, opinion and analysis View Football Catch up on all the latest football news and results View Film All the latest film trailers, reviews and features View Competitions Enter one of our exciting new competitions View Back to top * HOME * News * World News * Obituaries * Travel * Health * Jobs * Sport * Football * Cricket * Fantasy Football * Culture * Motoring * Dating * Finance * Personal Finance * Economics * Markets * Fashion * Property * Puzzles * Comment * My Telegraph * Letters * Columnists * Technology * Gardening * Telegraph Shop * Contact us * Privacy and Cookies * Guidelines * Advertising * Tickets * Announcements * Reader Prints * * Follow Us * Apps * Epaper * Expat * Promotions * Subscriber * Syndication © Copyright of Telegraph Media Group Limited 2018 Terms and Conditions Today's News Archive Style Book Weather Forecast #RSS Feed for Women's Health articles - Telegraph.co.uk [p?c1=2&c2=6035736&cv=2.0&cj=1] Accessibility links * Skip to article * Skip to navigation [telegraph_print_190.gif] Telegraph.co.uk ___________________ Submit Tuesday 18 December 2018 * Home * Video * News * World * Sport * Business * Money * Comment * Culture * Travel * Life * Women * Fashion * Luxury * Tech * Film * Politics * Work * Family * Sex * Life * Health * Wonder Women Columnists Advertisement 1. Home» 2. Women» 3. Women's Health How happy are you? (And here's how to be happier) Many of us would like to be happier in life. Here's a simple way to find out how to make that happen, writes Anna Pitts How to be happier How to be happier By Anna Pitts 9:13AM BST 01 May 2014 If we are happy, we are content. You often hear people say ‘I don’t mind as long as I’m happy’ or ‘if you’re happy, I’m happy’. Our lives seem to revolve around this invisible but powerful force and understanding it is the key to, well, happiness. Abstract notions are difficult to comprehend and realising what makes you happy or figuring out how you can be happier is tricky. Sometimes, you don’t realise there are problems, or can’t specify what they are, until you sit down and analyse the situation. But, the good news is this can now be done - the Graduate Recruitment Bureau has invented the 'wheel of happiness’ a handy, quick self-assessment exercise that makes sense of your life in minutes. Read: Can you be happy for 100 days? This exercise splits your life in to eight key areas, displayed around the circumference of the wheel. A line runs from each title to the centre of the wheel forming a scale of 1-10. You then rate each aspect of your life allowing you to see which areas are dragging you down- something which you might not have been able to pinpoint just by thinking about it. Connect the dots to see the shape of your ‘happiness wheel’ (but don’t worry - it will never be perfectly round)! It will probably change each time you do it too, which can be handy for comparing different times of your life. So, how does this work? Basically, you can give your own level of happiness a number by adding up your scores in each category. Technically, the highest happiness score is 80 (8 areas, rating 10 in each) so you can use this to gauge how much happier you could theoretically be. Related Articles * Could you be happy for 100 days in a row? 19 Mar 2014 * Why adultery could aid a happy marriage 14 Feb 2014 * The secret of a happy marriage: women wearing the trousers 18 Feb 2014 * Want a happy and healthy relationship in 2014? Here's how 03 Jan 2014 * Secret to a happy marriage? What's mine is ... mine 19 Feb 2014 The wheel of happiness [happywheel_2868855c.jpg] For example, the wheel above has the following figures: Health: 9 Wealth: 6 Family and friends: 9 Fun and recreation: 8 Relationships: 6 Career: 5 Physical environment: 6 Personal growth: 8 Total happiness score: 57/80 Result: 71 per cent happy Therefore, the things in this person’s life that seemingly don’t need improving and make them the happiest are their health, friends and family, fun and recreation and personal growth. On the other hand, things dragging them down that might need addressing are their career, wealth, physical environment and relationships as these all scored below seven. Once you’ve identified your ‘problem area’ it might be handy to further analyse it with subsequent, more detailed wheels. Say you scored low in ‘friends and family’, create a wheel with the different people in your life round the edge and rate your relationships with them to see which are making you unhappy. The beauty of the wheel is its versatility - it can take you 10 seconds or 10 hours, depending on how long you fancy analysing your life! You can make a complicated computer diagram or do a quick scribble on a post-it note. You can tailor it - do a general analysis, then get down to the nitty-gritty, and, if you wish, delve even deeper! Doing this exercise means you can see and calculate how happy you actually are, according to you - the only opinion that really counts. You can then see the areas that you might want to address, getting you on track to understanding your happiness. Anna Pitts is a researcher at the Graduate Recruitment Bureau. Follow her on Twitter @annaepitts or connect with her on LinkedIn. Women's Health * Lifestyle » * Women » * Women's Life » In Women's Health Stress levels are on the increase Working in a male-dominated office made me ill with stress Pavan Amara, the founder of My Body Back Sex after rape: the woman helping rape victims enjoy sex again As abuse survivors often feel powerless as adults, it is important to remember how you want to approach recovery is your decision to make. Inside Yarl's Wood: We fled the UK only to be locked up Nine unusual ways to help you conceive Lindsey Swift, 25, was fat-shamed whilst running Fat-shamed female jogger: 'I know I'm fat - why do you think I'm running?' 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Home» 2. News» 3. Health» 4. Expat Health How to have a life and get on in life, Danish-style Why Denmark has the best work-life balance in the world and how our expat columnist attempted to get in on the act Work life balance Denmark knows the importance of work-life balance Helen Russell By Helen Russell 6:21PM GMT 12 Feb 2016 Follow “It’s me. I’m still at the office,” the voice on the end of the line sighs: “I’ll be another hour. Don’t wait for me to eat.” My husband apologises, sounding forlorn, before hanging up as I glance at the clock. It reads 5pm. This is ‘pulling an all-nighter’, Danish-style. With a working day typically ending at 4pm and overtime frowned on as an indicator of inefficiency, Denmark has the best work-life balance in the world. Rush hour starts at 3pm and by five-ish, most families around my way are thinking about supper. This came as a shock when we moved here from London for my husband’s job in 2013. Working from home as a freelance journalist, I’d just about had time to answer a few emails, sample some Danish pastries (in the name of ‘cultural integration’) and brush the crumbs off my jumper when my other half came crashing through the door. I took this to be a first day exception, easing the new boy in gently. But then the same thing happened the next day. And the one after that. And when Friday rolled around, he was back at 2.30pm. "Working from home as a freelance journalist, I’d just about had time to answer a few emails, sample some Danish pastries and brush the crumbs off my jumper when my other half came crashing through the door" I was still in my pyjamas, hair unbrushed, coffee mugs scattered about my desk, speaking, ironically, to a time management expert in Boston. I had justified my slovenliness by telling myself that it was still morning in America. Then my husband sauntered in. “What are you doing here?” I demanded. Was he sick? Had he lost his job? Had there been some sort of nuclear disaster only communicated in Danish? (my motto: ‘why think rationally when you can add a little drama?’). But no, he told me: “People just leave even earlier on Fridays.” Less work, more Danish pastries, seems like a good deal Photo: Alamy The official working week in Denmark is 37 hours – far fewer than the 50-plus weeks we were used to putting in back home – but a recent OECD study showed that the average Dane only works 33 hours a week. Denmark also comes top of the world in terms of worker motivation and has the happiest workforce in the EU. Yeah, because they’re massive slackers! was my initial response. But then I discovered that workers are 12 per cent more productive when they’re in a positive state of mind, making Denmark the second most productive country in the EU. “There’s this word Danes have,” my husband called out from the sofa where he’d taken up residence to decide how to fill his 65-hour weekend. “It’s ‘arbejdsglæde’,” he goes on: “from ‘arbejde’ the Danish for work and ‘glæde’ - the word for happiness. It literally means ‘happiness at work’.” The word exists exclusively in Nordic languages, I learn, and is considered essential to living the good life in Denmark. “It’s like there’s an expectation that you’ll be happy at work, so Danes make this a priority,” is how he puts it, through a mouthful of crisps: “They don’t do presenteeism - you just get your work done and go home.” “It’s like there’s an expectation that you’ll be happy at work, so Danes make this a priority. They don’t do presenteeism - you just get your work done and go home.” Of course Denmark’s not perfect. By any means. In many ways. And there’s still workplace stress and even high levels of antidepressant use. But this is because Danes expect arbejdsglæde: if they’re unhappy, they do something about it. There isn’t the same culture of ‘soldiering on’, for fear that being honest might impact negatively on your career, that I’ve experienced in the UK. In Denmark, you get help: you take six months off, after which you’re welcomed back into the fold. And with a short working week, you can have a life and get on in life. • Having a baby Scandi-style • Welcome to Denmark - the most shameless nation on the planet This was a radical concept for a die-hard Londoner to get her head around. As a freelancer with no clear demarcation of working hours or even ‘office space’ (the kitchen; the living room; the bath, even – anywhere will do), I found it hard to switch off. So in the spirit of living Danishly, I decided take the no-nonsense Viking approach. After a hard day at the not-at-all-coalface, I poured myself a medicinal glass of wine, hovered the cursor over ‘Shut Down’ on my laptop, and clicked. There was silence. I could hear my fridge whirring and next-door’s cat having a fight with a hedge. But the world did not end. And I had a startling realisation that I was not nearly as indispensible as I thought I was. This, I decided, was A Good Thing. Work-life balance: one. Presenteeism: nil. • Helen Russell is the author of The Year of Living Danishly – Uncovering the Secrets of the World’s Happiest Country (Icon, £8.99) 10 places where expats are most satisfied with their work-life balance telegraph.co.uk Follow @telegraph Advertisement EXPAT HOME» Telegraph Expat: news, features and advice for expatriates around the world, including offshore finance, property, education, health and the Expat Directory Before You Go Expat Money Expat News Expat Life Expat Property Expat Health Expat Education Expat Directory MyExpat Expat Email Bulletin Advertisement Latest Video» Rat climbs over man Large rat climbs on sleeping commuter Disabled great-grandfather denied stairlift and forced to crawl Old and frail wombat is rescued Elderly wombat rescued after being attacked Scientist in lab Sponsored When media meets medicine MYEXPAT GROUP BLOG» Annabel Kantaria * Annabel Kantaria has lived in Dubai since long before most people knew where it was Anna Nicholas * Anna Nicholas blogs about life in rural Majorca Stephen Clarke * Stephen Clarke gives the inside scoop on his home city of Paris Mark Johnson * Mark Johnson splits his time between south-west France and London More from The Telegraph IFRAME: https://s.telegraph.co.uk/international/Barnebys/2014/Barnebys_UK_300x5 50.html Advertisement Advertisement More from the web Loading More from The Telegraph Loading News Progress 17 supply vehicle departs from the International Space Station The latest news, opinion and analysis View Football Catch up on all the latest football news and results View Film All the latest film trailers, reviews and features View Competitions Enter one of our exciting new competitions View Back to top * HOME * News * UK News * Politics * Long Reads * Wikileaks * Jobs * World News * Europe * USA * China * Royal Family News * Celebrity news * Dating * Finance * Education * Defence * Weird News * Editor's Choice * Financial Services * Pictures * Video * Matt * Alex * Comment * Blogs * Crossword * Contact us * Privacy and Cookies * Advertising * Fantasy Football * Tickets * Announcements * Reader Prints * * Follow Us * Apps * Epaper * Expat * Promotions * Subscriber * Syndication © Copyright of Telegraph Media Group Limited 2018 Terms and Conditions Today's News Archive Style Book Weather Forecast #RSS Feed for Women's Business articles - Telegraph.co.uk [p?c1=2&c2=6035736&cv=2.0&cj=1] Accessibility links * Skip to article * Skip to navigation [telegraph_print_190.gif] Telegraph.co.uk ___________________ Submit Tuesday 18 December 2018 * Home * Video * News * World * Sport * Business * Money * Comment * Culture * Travel * Life * Women * Fashion * Luxury * Tech * Film * Politics * Work * Family * Sex * Life * Health * Wonder Women Columnists Advertisement 1. Home» 2. Women» 3. Women's Business Monday blues? There's no better time to start an extra-curricular activity Research has found that having wide-ranging interests outside of work - particularly volunteering - can help improve your productivity and wellbeing. Josephine Fairley urges us all to embrace 'Corporate Social Opportunity' Happiness tip: if you know a good joke, don’t post it on Facebook. If it gets no likes, you’ll be miserable Josephine Fairley offers advice on how to be happier at work (and out) Photo: Alamy Josephine Fairley By Josephine Fairley 12:40PM GMT 10 Nov 2014 Follow I heard a wonderful phrase the other day: Corporate Social Opportunity. Simply, it means taking the chance to do something positivem outside of your workplace, which will benefit not only your own wellbeing, but that of someone else. It's so much better than the dry, tired term ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’, which makes volunteering sound like something companies have to do to look good in their annual report. Not so. More than ever, we're told, young people want to work for businesses they consider 'ethical' - to have some sense of social responsiblity. Volunteering is part of this culture and can open up a wealth of opportunities for a company and its staff. It can increase job satisfaction and productivity (plus, it gets you out of the office and stops you being sedentary for a day). That's why it's vital that you - and your employer - grab the chance with both hands. Related Articles * A man sleeping underneath his desk in his cubicle at work * Knackered parents in office: Don't hate them 01 Dec 2014 * Social media blamed for crisis of confidence in schoolgirls 10 Nov 2014 * How to have a sense of humour in the office 17 Nov 2014 * Work bad behaviour: Would you cheat your way to the top? 03 Nov 2014 Once upon a time, employees might have been taken on an assault course (or even paint-balling), as a team-building initiative. How wasteful. (Not to mention painful). How much better, I’ve always reasoned, to do something worthwhile: painting a homeless shelter or an old age people’s day care centre, doing some guerilla gardening: anything ‘hands-on’, which helps to build a set of shared values as well as a set of shared responsibilities. And why stop at volunteering? Karen Blackett, CEO of agency Mediacom, allows her staff one 'inspiration day' a month - where her employees can learn a new skill and report back to their colleagues. Anything from abseiling to pottery goes - it doesn't have to be a team activity. Having an extra-curricular activity, she reasons, makes you more interesting and inspiring. That's why I was delighted to be invited, last week, to the launch of a wonderful new initiative, dreamed up by Kids Company’s Camila Batmanghelidjh and John Frieda (the many responsible for many a ‘Good Hair Day’). 'The School of Confidence' buddies adult volunteers with young people who need – yes – a confidence boost, helping them acquire the life-skills required to integrate successfully into society. Broken homes are a given – but all sorts of other abuse is rife, too. It couldn't come at a better time, given today's new figures showing a dramatic fall in confidence and self-esteem in teenage girls, blamed on cyberbullying and increased social media use. Not to mention, the MPs committee who, last week, warned that more young people than ever are seeking counselling for mental health issues. Lawyers, writers and business dynamos are now offering one-on-one sessions that seek to transmit some of the knowledge and confidence it’s taken to get them where they are - while offering an all-important shoulder to lean on. Frieda is actually there himself, volunteering a five full days a week. Hats off, I say. Having cashed out of his haircare brand (to the tune of a reported £260 million) 12 years back; this is a man who has clearly found his new mission, and it goes way beyond the perfect blow-dry. But several of my fellow lunchgoers looked downcast. ‘There’s no way my boss would give me time off to volunteer,’ observed a couple. It's a shame. To me, any organisation which doesn’t allow its staff the opportunity to do some good, as well as make some money, is missing a trick. My own observation is that the emotional rewards from feeling like you’re making a difference to someone else, in a hands-on way, are huge. (We did, after all, mostly grow up on a diet of Blue Peter, which gets kids in the mindset of ‘doing some good’ almost as soon as they’re out of Pampers.) Studies have shown that millennials, in particular, are influenced by a company’s sense of purpose, rather than a higher salary, when it comes to deciding which job to take – and it also leads to better retention. That’s win, win, win, in my book. Not convinced? It's backed up yet again by a brand new piece of research. Join In - an ‘Olympic legacy' charity which offers opportunities in community sport - has observed that volunteers’ personal wellbeing was twice as high as those who had never volunteered. In fact, they scored three to four times higher, when asked if they felt part of their community, and whether they trusted people within it. From everything I’ve seen, allowing employees to volunteer works true magic. It's why I'd recommend that you get involved - at whatever level you can. Even the smalllest contribution can make a huge change to your happiness, motivation and stress-levels. Not to mention the lives of others. And to those bosses who might be unsympathetic to the idea of their staff giving some hours every month to becoming a ‘Confidence Building Friend’ (or indeed, to do any other activity)? I say: get with the Corporate Social Opportunity programme. Remember what happened to the first round of dinosaurs. Women's Business * Women » * Wonder Women Columnists » * Josephine Fairley » In Women's Business How two women became CEOs through job sharing Stress levels are on the increase Working in a male-dominated office made me ill with stress Women work two hours for free a day. Prepare for payback Constantly feeling the pressure? How to go back to work after a holiday - and beat the blues Lena Dunham gives advice in new youtube mini-series Ask Lena. 'My dream job is turning out to be a nightmare' Read more from Women Advertisement Advertisement Latest video» Rat climbs over man Large rat climbs on sleeping commuter Disabled great-grandfather denied stairlift and forced to crawl Old and frail wombat is rescued Elderly wombat rescued after being attacked Scientist in lab Sponsored When media meets medicine More from the web Loading Advertisement Advertisement More from the web IFRAME: https://s.telegraph.co.uk/international/Barnebys/2014/Barnebys_UK_300x5 50.html More from The Telegraph More from the web News Progress 17 supply vehicle departs from the International Space Station The latest news, opinion and analysis View Football Catch up on all the latest football news and results View Film All the latest film trailers, reviews and features View Competitions Enter one of our exciting new competitions View Back to top * HOME * Motoring * Motoring News * Food and Drink * Recipes * Restaurants * Women * Women's Life * Sex * Family and Parenting * Gardening * Gardening Advice * Gardening Pictures * * History * Expat * * Crossword * Blogs * Dating * Contact us * Privacy and Cookies * Advertising * Fantasy Football * Tickets * Announcements * Reader Prints * * Follow Us * Apps * Epaper * Expat * Promotions * Subscriber * Syndication © Copyright of Telegraph Media Group Limited 2018 Terms and Conditions Today's News Archive Style Book Weather Forecast #RSS Feed for France articles - Telegraph.co.uk [p?c1=2&c2=6035736&cv=2.0&cj=1] Accessibility links * Skip to article * Skip to navigation [telegraph_print_190.gif] Telegraph.co.uk ___________________ Submit Tuesday 18 December 2018 * Home * Video * News * World * Sport * Business * Money * Comment * Culture * Travel * Life * Women * Fashion * Luxury * Tech * Film * USA * Asia * China * Europe * Middle East * Australasia * Africa * South America * Central Asia * KCL Big Question * Expat * Honduras * France * Francois Hollande * Germany * Angela Merkel * Russia * Vladimir Putin * Greece * Spain * Italy Advertisement 1. Home» 2. News» 3. World News» 4. Europe» 5. France Nicolas Sarkozy wants to measure economic success in 'happiness' Nicolas Sarkozy has cemented the French reputation for enjoying the good life by proposing the country's economic progress should be measured in "happiness". Nicolas Sarkozy has proposed measuring economic progress in terms of 'happiness' Nicolas Sarkozy has proposed measuring economic progress in terms of 'happiness' Photo: AFP By Henry Samuel in Paris 6:24PM BST 14 Sep 2009 The French president has announced a "revolutionary" plan to make joy and wellbeing the key indicators of growth, rather than traditional yardsticks like a country's gross domestic product (GDP). The new assessment will be based on figures relating to work-life balance, recycling, household chores and even levels of traffic congestion. Critics have pointed out that measuring "happiness" will make France's struggling economy, famous for its short working week and generous social benefits, look better. Mr Sarkozy asked US economist Joseph Stiglitz, winner of the 2001 Nobel economics prize and a critic of free-market economists, and Armatya Sen of India, who won the 1998 Nobel Prize for work on developing countries, to come up with the new measures. Their report recommended a shift in emphasis on gross domestic product to ones which measure wellbeing and "sustainability". Related Articles * Nicolas Sarkozy: how french happiness will be measured 14 Sep 2009 Mr Sarkozy said he would "fight to make all international organisations change their statistical systems by following the recommendations" of the report. He said: "A great revolution is waiting for us. For years, people said that finance was a formidable creator of wealth, only to discover one day that it accumulated so many risks that the world almost plunged into chaos.' "The crisis doesn't only make us free to imagine other models, another future, another world. It obliges us to do so." When the measures are adopted, France will move a step closer to the remote Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, currently the only country in the world which puts happiness at the heart of government policy. In Bhutan, the government must consider every policy for its impact on "Gross National Happiness". This has led to a ban on advertising, wrestling channels, plastic bags and traffic lights. Mr Sarkozy told a packed hall at Paris' Sorbonne university the world could have predicted last year's economic crisis if it had looked at happiness, wellbeing and sustainability. The French government is now planning to include many of the "happiness" indicators in its regular growth statistics. His report explains that dry economic statistics alone are no longer sufficient. "Traffic jams may increase GDP as a result of the increased use of gasoline, but obviously not the quality of life," it writes. The report also suggests "measuring the proportion of one's time in which the strongest reported feeling is a negative one", such as pain or worry. Conversely, positive emotions such as joy should also be charted. Leisure should be part of the equation too as "consuming the same bundle of goods and services but working 1,500 hours a year instead of 2,000 hours a year implies an increase in one's standard of living". More prominence should be given to the distribution of income and wealth, as well as to access to education and health. Others aspects to be factored in are hobbies, social relationships and levels of personal debt. Sustainability is vital, said the report, to factor in countries or individuals who over-consume their economic wealth or damage the environment for the future. The president is rumoured to have delayed the report's release as he thought discussing happiness in the depths of the economic crisis might have been unpopular. But with France showing timid signs of recovery, the president decided the world was ready. France * News » * World News » * Europe » Related Partners * The best way to transfer money overseas In France Work began on Monday to clear a shanty town outside Calais used by migrants trying to reach Britain after the French government won a legal battle to dismantle part of the Jungle camp. Calais Jungle evictions, in pictures Frontman Jesse Hughes blows a kiss before the start of the concert Eagles of Death Metal in concert Sculptures decorated with oranges and lemons in Menton on the French Riviera ahead of the start of the The Lemon Festival of Menton The Eiffel Tower is lit with the blue, white and red colours of the French flag in Paris, France to pay tribute to the victims of a series of deadly attacks on Friday in the French capital. 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Home» 2. News» 3. UK News Women happier if they work part-time By Ben Leapman, Home Affairs Correspondent 12:01AM BST 23 Sep 2007 Women are happiest with part-time jobs that allow them to combine work and family life, a study has found. The researchers conducted what they call the first detailed academic study of British couples and their work-life balance. They found that women who worked part-time reported higher levels of satisfaction with their job than those who worked full time. All working women reported greater "life satisfaction" than housewives with no paid job. The findings held true both for mothers and childless women. Men were happier working full time. Employment experts said the findings highlighted the need for more part-time jobs. Of the 13 million British women who have jobs, about 44 per cent work part time, compared with only 10 per cent of working men. The researchers were surprised at their findings on job satisfaction, because part-time work has traditionally been concentrated in low-paid, low-skilled occupations. Related Articles * Childless women 'hostile to working mums' 19 Sep 2007 * Women lose out on jobs 'because of maternity laws' 22 Sep 2007 The study was based on interviews with 3,800 couples who were questioned repeatedly over an eight-year period in the British Household Panel Survey. The report was compiled by Professor Alison Booth of Essex University – a mother-of-two who went part time after the birth of her children but now works full-time – and Jan van Ours of Tilburg University in the Netherlands. They concluded: "Women prefer part-time jobs. Women with children are significantly happier if they have a job." Emma Stewart, a co-founder of the Women Like Us employment agency, which recruits through a word-of-mouth network among primary schools parents, said: "Half of the women who come to us had 10 years of work experience before they had children, and they don't want to let that go to waste. "They want to find work that is fulfilling but they want to fit their work around their home life. UK News * News » In UK News Telegraph View George Bush Telegraph Obituaries Latest Politics News The Viking longboat burns during the annual Up Helly Aa festival in Lerwick, Shetland Islands Up Helly Aa Festival A husky waits for practice with its sledder Aviemore Sled Dog Rally Top news galleries Advertisement Advertisement Latest Video» Rat climbs over man Large rat climbs on sleeping commuter Disabled great-grandfather denied stairlift and forced to crawl Old and frail wombat is rescued Elderly wombat rescued after being attacked Scientist in lab Sponsored When media meets medicine Sign up to our Frontpage news email Frontpage email sign up Advertisement Advertisement News Progress 17 supply vehicle departs from the International Space Station The latest news, opinion and analysis View Football Catch up on all the latest football news and results View Film All the latest film trailers, reviews and features View Competitions Enter one of our exciting new competitions View Back to top * HOME * News * UK News * Politics * Long Reads * Wikileaks * Jobs * World News * Europe * USA * China * Royal Family News * Celebrity news * Dating * Finance * Education * Defence * Weird News * Editor's Choice * Financial Services * Pictures * Video * Matt * Alex * Comment * Blogs * Crossword * Contact us * Privacy and Cookies * Advertising * Fantasy Football * Tickets * Announcements * Reader Prints * * Follow Us * Apps * Epaper * Expat * Promotions * Subscriber * Syndication © Copyright of Telegraph Media Group Limited 2018 Terms and Conditions Today's News Archive Style Book Weather Forecast * Home * My Feed * Saved The Telegraph (BUTTON) * News * Politics * World * Sport * Technology * Business * Money * Opinion * Obituaries * Travel * Culture * Lifestyle * Women * Family * Health and Fitness * Fashion * Luxury * Cars * Free Mobile App * Jobs * Financial Solutions * Rewards * Events * Dating * Offers * Shop * Garden Shop * Bookshop * Tickets * Puzzles * Fantasy Football * Voucher Codes * Work at The Telegraph * Telegraph Corporate * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe now * My Account My details My newsletters Logout Upgrade to Premium * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe - 30 days free * Login * Register * Search * Video * Rewards * My Account My details My newsletters Logout The Telegraph * Home * News * Sport * Business (BUTTON) ALL SECTIONS * News * UK * World * Politics * Science * Education * Health * Brexit * Royals * Investigations * Matt * Front Bench newsletter (BUTTON) More * Telegraph * News Finding love makes you happier than a pay rise, study finds * * * * Save Finding a partner is one of the key life changes to make you happy, a study found Finding a partner is one of the key life changes to make you happy, a study found * Hannah Furness 12 December 2016 • 12:01am (BUTTON) Follow Follow the author of this article * Hannah Furness Follow the topics within this article * Happiness * Health * Mental health * Depression * Anxiety Jane Austen famously wrote that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife. Her words, as ever, have proved ahead of her time, as a new study reveals having a partner has a greater impact on happiness than getting a pay rise. Finding love and enjoying good mental health are by far the most important keys to a happy life, a study by the London School of Economics has found. Both factors were found to be more significant contributors to an individual's overall contentment than economic factors, including doubling one’s salary, according to analysis by the LSE. A pay rise will only do so much to improve your mood A pay rise will only do so much to improve your mood The study was based on several international surveys which asked 200,000 people around the globe to determine how different factors had an impact on their wellbeing. The investigation found that doubling a person's income raised their happiness by under 0.2 points, on a scale of 0-10. It suggested individuals care largely about their income relative to other people, so general increases in income have very small impacts on the overall happiness of the people. Conversely, unemployment reduces the happiness of each unemployed person by about 0.7 points on average, further creating “fear and unease among those in work” and affecting the whole community. Mental health is the biggest single predictor of individual happiness. Television shows like First Dates may boost happiness by pairing people off Television shows like First Dates may boost happiness by pairing people off The study found suffering from depression or anxiety disorders is more common than unemployment and it also reduces happiness by 0.7 points. Having a partner also raises happiness by 0.6 points, and losing a partner by separation or death reduces happiness by a roughly equal amount, the study found. “People need to be needed, and to be in meaningful relationships,” authors said. The findings, researchers suggests could go on influence how governments treat their voters, with a shift in emphasis likely to produce better outcomes for happiness. Unemployment had a negative effect on the happiness of the whole community Unemployment had a negative effect on the happiness of the whole community “Happiness is hugely affected by the ethos of a society, which affects everyone in it,” the report found. “For example, happiness is higher in societies where people trust each other. If those who trust others rises from 0 per cent to 100 per cent, happiness rises by 1 whole point. “Freedom is also a crucial determinant of happiness. So no-one who favours happiness should favour a totalitarian state.” Richard Layard, co-author of the report, said: "'The evidence shows that the things that matter most for our happiness and for our misery are our social relationships and our mental and physical health. Feeling depression or anxiety, not unsurprisingly, was found to have a negative effect on wellbeing Feeling depression or anxiety, not unsurprisingly, was found to have a negative effect on wellbeing “This demands a new role for the state - not 'wealth creation' but 'wellbeing creation'. "In the past, the state has successively taken on poverty, unemployment, education and physical health. But equally important now are domestic violence, alcoholism, depression and anxiety conditions, alienated youth, exam-mania and much else. These should become centre stage." The findings will be discussed at a conference on wellbeing at the LSE on December 12 and 13, co-organised with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and other leading institutions. * * * * Follow Telegraph News * Follow on Facebook * Follow on Twitter * Follow on Instagram READ MORE ABOUT: * Happiness * Health * Mental health * Depression * Anxiety * Show more Follow Telegraph News * Follow on Facebook * Follow on Twitter * Follow on Instagram IFRAME: https://widgethost.barnebys.com/widgets/28/?w=300&h=460 News latest 1. Stickers are set up in protest on the entrance of the police station in Mantes-la-Jolie, west of Paris, Wednesday, December 19th. 19 Dec 2018, 7:27pm Police stations closed as French officers demand £248m of unpaid overtime in day of protest 2. A photo taken from the Majestic hotel on May 15, 2016 shows a general view of the Croisette in Cannes 19 Dec 2018, 7:16pm Invasive beetle set to wipe out palm trees of French Riviera 3. 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We urge you to turn off your ad blocker for The Telegraph website so that you can continue to access our quality content in the future. Thank you for your support. Need help? Visit our adblocking instructions page. (BUTTON) Close #RSS Feed for Mother Tongue articles - Telegraph.co.uk [p?c1=2&c2=6035736&cv=2.0&cj=1] Accessibility links * Skip to article * Skip to navigation [telegraph_print_190.gif] Telegraph.co.uk ___________________ Submit Wednesday 19 December 2018 * Home * Video * News * World * Sport * Business * Money * Comment * Culture * Travel * Life * Women * Fashion * Luxury * Tech * Film * Politics * Work * Family * Sex * Life * Health * Wonder Women Columnists Advertisement 1. Home» 2. Women» 3. Mother Tongue Secret of a man’s happiness: do the dishes for a quiet life They may be written off down the pub as “under the thumb”, but husbands who do more chores in the home are happier than those who do not, according to experts at Cambridge University. Secret of a man’s happiness: do the dishes for a quiet life Secret of a man’s happiness: do the dishes for a quiet life Photo: CORBIS By John Bingham, Social Affairs Editor 6:30AM BST 27 Jun 2012 Follow A study of men across seven countries found that those who shouldered a bigger share of domestic responsibilities had a better sense of wellbeing and enjoyed a better work-life balance. But experts suggested that, while this may be partly because they felt less guilty, the main reason could be that they had simply learnt the secret of a quiet life. Sociologists used data from the regular European Social Survey which compares the lifestyles of people across Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, France and Britain. All of the participants are asked standard questions used to measure their happiness or wellbeing such as whether they feel “fulfilled” in life and whether they wake up feeling refreshed. They were also asked a series of questions designed to measure their levels of “work-life conflict”. Related Articles * Good marriage and puppy secret to long life 14 Nov 2012 * Why the Germans are far-sighted, Italians impatient and French depressive - according to studies 03 Apr 2013 * Women master cookery at the age of 55, says survey 31 Oct 2012 * Men sharing household chores 31 Jul 2011 * British women ‘leisure queens’ of the Western world, international study says 05 Mar 2014 * Household chores bad for heart 13 Jan 2011 The answers from men and women were then compared with separate questions dealing with how much time they spent on tasks like cooking, washing, shopping or DIY. The researchers expected to find that where men shouldered more of the burden, women’s happiness levels were higher. In fact they found that it was the men who were happier while their wives and girlfriends appeared to be largely unmoved. Those men who did more housework generally reported less work-life conflict and were scored slightly higher for wellbeing overall. Prof Jacqueline Scott, professor of empirical sociology at Cambridge, co-author of a book on gender roles in which the study is included, said this may be because more men support gender equality than in the past. But she added that it may also be that women nowadays are more likely to be vocal in making their feelings about lazy husbands known. “Times are changing,” she said. “As a more equitable philosophy becomes the ideal, if you are experiencing something which doesn’t live up to that to are more ready to express dissatisfaction – and certainly that is what is perceived by men. “They are picking up on more family conflict.” She added: “There were really good reasons from the literature for thinking that it would be women who really benefited if the men did more but that is not what we found and that is what is interesting. “I think that really is because by and large women have taken it for granted that they would have to do a double shift. “It is not that their wellbeing rises if he is doing more on this measure.” Mother Tongue * News » * UK News » * John Bingham » In Mother Tongue Sexting part of everyday life for half of teenagers Pornography has changed the landscape of adolescence Bryony Gordon: How to throw a cheap kids birthday party for under £35 How to throw a children's birthday party - without going viral Lucy Cavendish's dog has been very unwell '"I will give her an injection and she will drift off," the vet says' Bryony Gordon's daughter is a toddler 'I am an adult. Finally, an adult!' On her family holiday in Mauritius Bryony Gordon experiences a storm 'The mountain behind the resort has been swallowed by clouds and mist' Read more from Women Advertisement Advertisement Latest video» Rat climbs over man Large rat climbs on sleeping commuter Disabled great-grandfather denied stairlift and forced to crawl Old and frail wombat is rescued Elderly wombat rescued after being attacked Scientist in lab Sponsored When media meets medicine Advertisement Advertisement News Progress 17 supply vehicle departs from the International Space Station The latest news, opinion and analysis View Football Catch up on all the latest football news and results View Film All the latest film trailers, reviews and features View Competitions Enter one of our exciting new competitions View Back to top * HOME * Motoring * Motoring News * Food and Drink * Recipes * Restaurants * Women * Women's Life * Sex * Family and Parenting * Gardening * Gardening Advice * Gardening Pictures * * History * Expat * * Crossword * Blogs * Dating * Contact us * Privacy and Cookies * Advertising * Fantasy Football * Tickets * Announcements * Reader Prints * * Follow Us * Apps * Epaper * Expat * Promotions * Subscriber * Syndication © Copyright of Telegraph Media Group Limited 2018 Terms and Conditions Today's News Archive Style Book Weather Forecast * Home * My Feed * Saved The Telegraph (BUTTON) * News * Politics * World * Sport * Technology * Business * Money * Opinion * Obituaries * Travel * Culture * Lifestyle * Women * Family * Health and Fitness * Fashion * Luxury * Cars * Free Mobile App * Jobs * Financial Solutions * Rewards * Events * Dating * Offers * Shop * Garden Shop * Bookshop * Tickets * Puzzles * Fantasy Football * Voucher Codes * Work at The Telegraph * Telegraph Corporate * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe now * My Account My details My newsletters Logout Upgrade to Premium * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe - 30 days free * Login * Register * Search * Video * Rewards * My Account My details My newsletters Logout The Telegraph * Home * News * Sport * Business (BUTTON) ALL SECTIONS * News * Science * Telegraph * News * Science Give workers 'breathing breaks' to boost happiness, says expert * * * * * Save A woman breathes outside Only pregnant women are trained in breathing even though it could boost happiness and productivity * Sarah Knapton, Science Editor 20 March 2017 • 6:30am (BUTTON) Follow Follow the author of this article * Sarah Knapton Follow the topics within this article * United Nations * Sugar * Happiness * Anxiety * Depression * International Day of Happiness Employees should be allowed ‘breathing breaks’ throughout the day to increase their productivity and happiness, a leading expert has said. Author and happiness guru Max Strom, who offers lunchtime breathing workshops for office workers in central London, claims that calming the breath can have a huge impact on well-being. Max Strom Max Strom Ahead of the United Nations International Day of Happiness day he argues that while smokers are allowed regular breaks outdoors, non-smokers are often forced to sit at their desks for long periods of time when they should be having regular trips into the fresh air. “Pregnant women are taught to breathe because it is so beneficial when coping with physical and emotional distress, but nobody else is,” he said. “So when smokers go out for their break, the rest of the workforce should be allowed to follow them out, to go and breathe in the fresh air. It would have such a big impact. “Happiness is something we all want, and yet nobody is educated about how to achieve it. Nobody really thinks what makes them happy, they just think about what gives them pleasure. It’s not the same thing. We should teach happiness in schools. Max teaching delegates at the World Government Summit in Dubai his Inner Axis breathing technique Max teaching delegates at the World Government Summit in Dubai his Inner Axis breathing technique “In the western world there are probably around 40 per cent of people who are suffering from anxiety or depression, because happiness is plummeting. “And it’s largely driven by the rise of technology. People are more connected than ever, and yet they have never been more isolated. People are now starving for intimacy.” Mr Strom, author of the book ‘There Is No App For Happiness’, claims the advent of air conditioning, the television and the internet are the three worst technological culprits for breeding loneliness. Air conditioning or central heating has allowed people to feel far more comfortable in their own homes, meaning they need to venture out less. Likewise, television and the internet have allowed people to communicate without ever meeting. Max Strom teaching yoga in London Max Strom teaching yoga in London Credit: Karen Yeomans “The problem is 90 per cent of human communication is not done through words, it’s visual,” he added. “You can’t tell tone of voice, or see facial expressions. So when you communicate using text or email, you’re having 10 per cent of a relationship. We now have to rely on emoticons to get the true meaning across. “The internet is the new white sugar. The more you use it, the more you want to use it, and the worse it is for you. People waste so much time on technology and what they don’t realise is that time is lifespan. When you kill time, you are killing yourself.” Max Strom teaching Max Strom teaching International Day of Happiness was founded following the UN Conference on Happiness in 2012. It is a campaign cooridinated by Action for Happiness, which brings together groups for, 160 different countries to improve well-being. Mark Williamson, Director of Action for Happiness said: "We urgently need a change in priorities. “Ultimately we want to help create a society that puts people’s overall happiness first, rather than focusing just on economic growth. We want to encourage people away from self-obsessed materialistic and unfulfilling behaviour towards a more collaborative and loving way of living.” Mr Strom said people could take the first step by demanding that technology simplifies life, not complicates it. He also suggests working out what makes them happy, and then telling family and friends. “Some technology is good. The washing machine has hugely freed up time for people, for example” he said. “But it’s important to define happiness at the deepest level. If you never go on this journey and learn what makes you happy, you will never find it.” * * * * * Follow the Telegraph * Follow on Facebook * Follow on Twitter * Follow on Instagram READ MORE ABOUT: * United Nations * Sugar * Happiness * Anxiety * Depression * International Day of Happiness * Show more (BUTTON) Show comments If you would like to add a comment, please register or log in Register Log in Please review our commenting policy Follow the Telegraph * Follow on Facebook * Follow on Twitter * Follow on Instagram IFRAME: https://widgethost.barnebys.com/widgets/28/?w=300&h=460 Science latest 1. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may be triggered by the immune system 17 Dec 2018, 12:01am Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may be triggered by hyperactive immune system, study suggests 2. Father putting up Christmas lights with children 14 Dec 2018, 2:22pm The Mighty Girl effect: why fathering a daughter protects men against sexism 3. 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Genetically modified pigs were used to avoid rejection 05 Dec 2018, 6:00pm Pig hearts could soon be tested in humans after scientists pass important milestone Premium * Contact us * About us * Rewards * Archive * Reader Prints * Branded Content * Syndication * Guidelines * Privacy * Terms and Conditions * Advertising terms * Fantasy Sport * Voucher codes © Telegraph Media Group Limited 2018 Please support us by disabling your adblocker We've noticed you're adblocking. We rely on advertising to help fund our award-winning journalism. We urge you to turn off your ad blocker for The Telegraph website so that you can continue to access our quality content in the future. Thank you for your support. Need help? Visit our adblocking instructions page. (BUTTON) Close #publisher alternate Skip to main content The Guardian - Back to home Support The Guardian Contribute Subscribe Contribute Search jobs Sign in (BUTTON) My account * Comments & replies * Public profile * Account details * Emails & marketing ______________________________________________________________ * Membership * Contributions * Digital Pack ______________________________________________________________ * Sign out Search [ ] * switch to the International edition * switch to the UK edition * switch to the US edition * switch to the Australia edition current edition: International edition * News * Opinion * Sport * Culture * Lifestyle [ ] Show More * (BUTTON) News + World news + UK news + Science + Cities + Global development + Football + Tech + Business + Environment + Obituaries * (BUTTON) Opinion + The Guardian view + Columnists + Cartoons + Opinion videos + Letters * (BUTTON) Sport + Football + Rugby union + Cricket + Tennis + Cycling + F1 + Golf + US sports * (BUTTON) Culture + Books + Music + TV & radio + Art & design + Film + Games + Classical + Stage * (BUTTON) Lifestyle + Fashion + Food + Recipes + Love & sex + Health & fitness + Home & garden + Women + Family + Travel + Money ____________________ What term do you want to search? (BUTTON) Search with google * Make a contribution * Subscribe * (BUTTON) International edition + switch to the UK edition + switch to the US edition + switch to the Australia edition * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * The Guardian app * Video * Podcasts * Pictures * Newsletters * Today's paper * Inside the Guardian * The Observer * Guardian Weekly * Crosswords * Facebook * Twitter * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive Women in Leadership Happiness at work: what we can learn from the Swiss Harriet Minter Switzerland's citizens regularly rank among the world's happiest, so what makes them so cheerful during their working hours? Contact author @harrietminter Fri 11 Oct 2013 08.00 BST First published on Fri 11 Oct 2013 08.00 BST * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email Box of chocolates [ ] Swiss people are some of the happiest around – maybe it's something to do with chocolate? Photograph: Graham Turner for the Guardian It's Friday morning and the weekend is just a few hours away. So are you feeling happy? Probably not. The Fulfilment@Work report from Randstad says that while women enjoy their jobs a tiny bit more than men, only 17% would say they were very fulfilled. But fear not, there might be a way to make your working week better. Reports from the OECD and the UN suggest that Switzerland's citizens regularly rank amongst some of the happiest in the world. So could we all be happier at work if we were a bit more Swiss? According to the OECD world happiness rankings, the average Swiss citizen works 1,632 hours a year, 144 less than the world average. Add to this an average wage $7,000 more than the world average (although a complicated tax system and very expensive Starbucks might mean you don't end up better off) and it seems the first rule of working more Swiss is do less for more. Which sounds good to me. Nicola Mendelsohn famously became Facebook vice-president for EMEA on a four-day week, but can it work for the rest of us? In a recent article, Andrew Simms argued that a four-day week increases happiness and could cut carbon emissions. But apart from the banker Simms found, who does 50% less work for just 20% less pay, the dream of a better work-life balance looks unlikely. Especially when you discover that part-time workers earn less and the UK has some of the longest hours in Europe. So given that our first option is as likely as being able to find a tuneful cuckoo clock, we need to turn to another Swiss staple, neutrality. Could adopting a neutral approach to office politics help you get ahead? It would certainly be more peaceful and give you more time to actually get on with your job. Win/win, right? Wrong. In an article for the Harvard Business Review, the authors of Break Your Own Rules are clear: "The bottom line is that it's just not possible to opt out of the political game at work and still win in your career." So far being Switzerland isn't really working out as a career strategy. But there is hope. As well as earning more and working less, the OECD also ranks Switzerland highly for the connectivity of its citizens, with 94% of them stating that they know someone they could rely on in a time of crisis. Feeling connected to each other doesn't just bring happiness in our social lives, but in our working lives too. In his book, The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work, author Alain de Botton explains that a job feels meaningful "whenever it allows us to generate delight or alleviate suffering in others." Unless you're working in healthcare or as Lindt chocolatier, this might not seem like a daily occurrence, but by bringing a little joy to your colleagues you could also push your own happiness level up to Swiss proportions. Consulting firm DHW (Delivering Happiness at Work) claims you can bring a smile to your team's faces by making sure that everyone knows your company's core values, having an open and accessible CEO and by making sure you tell people when they're doing a good job. While shorter hours and a politics-free world might be the dream, if you're looking to find a little more fulfilment in your workplace you could do worse than just handing out a compliment or two, noticing when a colleague is having a bad day, or simply putting the Swiss into chocolate and sharing it round the office. Who knew being happy was so easy? Sign up to become a member of the Women in Leadership community here for more comment, analysis and best practice direct to your inbox Topics * Women in Leadership * Women in business * Staff retention * Management * Policy * Work/life * comment * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email * Share on LinkedIn * Share on Pinterest * Share on Google+ * Share on WhatsApp * Share on Messenger * Reuse this content View all comments > (BUTTON) Order by * (BUTTON) newest * (BUTTON) oldest * (BUTTON) recommendations (BUTTON) Show 25 * (BUTTON) 25 * (BUTTON) 50 * (BUTTON) 100 * (BUTTON) All (BUTTON) Threads * (BUTTON) collapsed * (BUTTON) expanded * (BUTTON) unthreaded Loading comments… Trouble loading? 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(BUTTON) Close [p?c1=2&c2=6035250&cv=2.0&cj=1&comscorekw=Women+in+Leadership%2CWomen+i n+business%2CStaff+retention%2CManagement%2CPolicy%2CWork%2Flife] #alternate RSS Feed for How about that? articles - Telegraph.co.uk [p?c1=2&c2=6035736&cv=2.0&cj=1] Accessibility links * Skip to article * Skip to navigation [telegraph_print_190.gif] Telegraph.co.uk ___________________ Submit Wednesday 19 December 2018 * Home * Video * News * World * Sport * Business * Money * Comment * Culture * Travel * Life * Women * Fashion * Luxury * Tech * Film * Politics * Investigations * Obits * Education * Science * Earth * Weather * Health * Royal * Celebrity * Defence * Scotland Advertisement 1. Home» 2. News» 3. News Topics» 4. How about that? Revealed: the 10 UK cities where workers are happiest Does your city make the list? Norwich - home to the UK's happiest workers Norwich - home to the UK's happiest workers Photo: PA/Chris Radburn Adam Boult By Adam Boult 8:50PM GMT 02 Feb 2016 Follow According to a recent study by 'business psychologists' OPP, the UK city where people are most happy in their jobs is Norwich. OPP, European distributor of Myers-Briggs personality test, questioned more than 2,500 workers about their levels of job satisfaction. 36 per cent of respondents said they felt more satisfied at work than they did the previous year. Workload, salary and management changes were listed as the three most important factors influencing job satisfaction. Lowest levels of job satisfaction were reported among workers in Newcastle, Cardiff and Glasgow. The industries with the unhappiest workers were found to be finance, followed closely by retail, catering & leisure and manufacturing & utilities Highest levels of satisfaction were found among those working in architecture, engineering, building, sales, media and marketing. IFRAME: http://renderer.qmerce.com/interaction/56b115748b03d1a947fbd50a John Hackston, Head of Research at OPP, said: “Although it is great to see employee happiness on the rise, our research shows that job satisfaction doesn’t fully translate into feeling successful at work." "Employees highlight that improving communication within organisations is particularly important. Effective communication will not only improve performance and decision-making but also enables employees to better understand the organisation’s strategy. "By addressing the factors that affect workplace satisfaction, businesses can help their employees achieve their full potential." A 2014 study by researchers at the University of Warwick found that 'happy people were 12 per cent more productive than “normal” people. • Are happy workers more productive? During the research volunteers were either shown a comedy clip making them laugh or given free chocolate or fruit as an incentive. They were then given a series of arithmetic tasks. The happy group just did better. The unhappy group (weeded out through a series of interviews to ascertain if they were suffering from tragedy in their family life) did worse. • Nine easy ways to make yourself happier at work UK cities with the happiest employees 1. Norwich 2. Liverpool 3. Birmingham 4. Brighton 5. Plymouth 6. Sheffield 7. Nottingham 8. Manchester 9. Southampton 10. Bristol thetelegraphnews Follow @telegraphnews Top news galleries Advertisement IFRAME: //www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook. com%2FTelegraph.co.uk&width&height=62&colorscheme=light&show_faces=fals e&header=true&stream=false&show_border=true Telegraph on Facebook Advertisement Latest Video» Rat climbs over man Large rat climbs on sleeping commuter Disabled great-grandfather denied stairlift and forced to crawl Old and frail wombat is rescued Elderly wombat rescued after being attacked Scientist in lab Sponsored When media meets medicine More from The Telegraph IFRAME: https://s.telegraph.co.uk/international/Barnebys/2014/Barnebys_UK_300x5 50.html Advertisement Advertisement More from the web Loading More from The Telegraph Loading News Progress 17 supply vehicle departs from the International Space Station The latest news, opinion and analysis View Football Catch up on all the latest football news and results View Film All the latest film trailers, reviews and features View Competitions Enter one of our exciting new competitions View Back to top * HOME * News * UK News * Politics * Long Reads * Wikileaks * Jobs * World News * Europe * USA * China * Royal Family News * Celebrity news * Dating * Finance * Education * Defence * Weird News * Editor's Choice * Financial Services * Pictures * Video * Matt * Alex * Comment * Blogs * Crossword * Contact us * Privacy and Cookies * Advertising * Fantasy Football * Tickets * Announcements * Reader Prints * * Follow Us * Apps * Epaper * Expat * Promotions * Subscriber * Syndication © Copyright of Telegraph Media Group Limited 2018 Terms and Conditions Today's News Archive Style Book Weather Forecast * Home * My Feed * Saved The Telegraph (BUTTON) * News * Politics * World * Sport * Technology * Business * Money * Opinion * Obituaries * Travel * Culture * Lifestyle * Women * Family * Health and Fitness * Fashion * Luxury * Cars * Free Mobile App * Jobs * Financial Solutions * Rewards * Events * Dating * Offers * Shop * Garden Shop * Bookshop * Tickets * Puzzles * Fantasy Football * Voucher Codes * Work at The Telegraph * Telegraph Corporate * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe now * My Account My details My newsletters Logout Upgrade to Premium * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe - 30 days free * Login * Register * Search * Video * Rewards * My Account My details My newsletters Logout The Telegraph * Home * News * Sport * Business (BUTTON) ALL SECTIONS * Business * SME Home * SME Home * SME News * Quick Guides * Security Risks * Innovation * Insights * Money * Wellbeing * HP Products (BUTTON) More Premium * Telegraph * Business * SME Home A happy office is a productive office Brought to you by hp logo * * * * * Shares Save woman with headphones in holding smartphone smiling at camera Sound moves: think about the small improvements you can make to the lives of staff Credit: Getty Images * Rebecca Burn-Callander 28 September 2015 • 3:40pm (BUTTON) Follow Follow the author of this article * Rebecca Burn-Callander There is one simple thing that small businesses can do to hang on to talented staff and it is not what you might think Pay rises, flexible working and social gatherings be damned. What workers really want, it turns out, is a few tunes in the office. Music has topped the bill in a new report, which looks into the best workplace moraleboosting tactics, followed by flexible hours and “chatting with colleagues”. The research shows that it really is not that hard to make workers happy. Just a few tweaks to the workplace environment could help you keep staff turnover down. About 44pc of the small business workers surveyed said that playing music would improve their working life; 41pc wanted flexible hours; and 40pc sought a sociable work environment. Sage One, the payroll software business, found that more than a quarter of the UK small business personnel would be happier at work if they were offered treats. The research goes to show how relatively small sums of money can go a really long way in staff retention. By letting your people play the music they want during their working day, you are not only likely to hang on to them for longer, they could actually be more productive as a result. Replacing good people is time-consuming, costly and can put emotional strain on small teams Separate research, conducted last year by Mindlab International, found that nine out of 10 workers perform better when listening to music. During the study, 88pc of participants produced their most accurate test results and 81pc completed their fastest work when music was playing. Of course, music tends to work better in environments where staff are involved in data entry, creative projects or on sales floors. It is less helpful for work that requires high levels of problem-solving. The Sage One study also debunked a few myths about what staff really want at work. Just 12pc cared about pictures, plants or other decorations, showing that office surroundings may not be as important as the interior design experts would have us believe. What the report does not talk about, however, is all the free measures that small business owners can take to boost morale. It is easy to say “well done” when someone has done a great job. It is free(ish) to give loyal workers their birthday off – and this is a strategy that has paid off for fast-growing companies such as Timpsons, the keycutting chain. Make sure that you have a policy of promoting staff from within to show your people that they are not going to be stuck in a career rut, and that hard work is rewarded. Take some time to think about the small, incremental improvements that you can make to the lives of staff. Replacing good people is time-consuming, costly and can put emotional strain on small teams. It is easy to make a start: consider a team playlist on Spotify or any of the other streaming networks, buy in some decent cakes, and push flexible hours up the work agenda. It is the way forward for having happy staff. For more advice on preparing your business for the tech challenges of the future, visit HP BusinessNow * * * * * Shares Most recent 1. Happy colleagues working 11 Apr 2017, 10:00am Investors want more than cash - it's all about chemistry Premium 2. A woman going through her accounts in a workshop 30 Mar 2017, 1:00pm How small businesses can gain control of their finances Premium 3. Miso tasty food 29 Mar 2017, 12:45pm When would you throw the towel in on your startup? Premium 4. Contemporary artist and designer Heath Kane 07 Mar 2017, 9:00am Sweating the big stuff: business talking politics Premium 5. Two models wearing Rose and Willard clothing 27 Feb 2017, 9:00am How a fashion entrepreneur tried resizing her business Premium 6. 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(BUTTON) Close * Home * My Feed * Saved The Telegraph (BUTTON) * News * Politics * World * Sport * Technology * Business * Money * Opinion * Obituaries * Travel * Culture * Lifestyle * Women * Family * Health and Fitness * Fashion * Luxury * Cars * Free Mobile App * Jobs * Financial Solutions * Rewards * Events * Dating * Offers * Shop * Garden Shop * Bookshop * Tickets * Puzzles * Fantasy Football * Voucher Codes * Work at The Telegraph * Telegraph Corporate * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe now * My Account My details My newsletters Logout Upgrade to Premium * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe - 30 days free * Login * Register * Search * Video * Rewards * My Account My details My newsletters Logout The Telegraph * Home * News * Sport * Business (BUTTON) ALL SECTIONS * News * UK * World * Politics * Science * Education * Health * Brexit * Royals * Investigations * Matt * Front Bench newsletter (BUTTON) More * Telegraph * News Young people struggle to cope with setbacks as happiness falls to lowest level in a decade * * * * Save A young student in a study group suffering from the exhaustion of finals "This is a generation rapidly losing faith in their ability to achieve their goals in life, who are increasingly wary of and disillusioned with the jobs market and at risk of leaving a wealth of untapped potential in their wake." Credit: PeopleImages/Digital Vision * Olivia Rudgard, Social Affairs Correspondent 5 April 2018 • 12:01am (BUTTON) Follow Follow the author of this article * Olivia Rudgard Follow the topics within this article * Mental health * Children's health * Anxiety * Depression * Jobs and employment Today's youngsters are the unhappiest in almost a decade because they do not know how to cope with setbacks, research by the Prince's Trust has found. The charity, founded by the Prince of Wales, said worries about the future, money, and "not being good enough" were "piling up" on young people aged 16-25. Its research found that happiness and confidence in emotional health had dropped to their lowest levels since 2009. Its index rates young people's emotional health by ranking happiness levels in areas such as work and relationships from 0 to 100. In this year's survey the overall average figure was 57, a four-point fall from the previous year and down from 70 when the study was first carried out. Almost half of the young people said they did not feel they could cope well with setbacks in life. Financial worries were behind the issues experienced by many respondents, with one in three saying that being without a job would put their mental health at risk. One in ten said they had lost a job through redundancy or having a contracted terminated or not renewed, or being fired, and 54 per cent said they were worried about their finances. 61 per cent of young people said they regularly felt stressed, 53 per cent said they regularly felt anxious and 27 per cent said they felt hopeless on a regular basis. Almost half said they had experienced a mental health problem. Nick Stace, UK chief executive at The Prince’s Trust, said: “It should ring alarm bells for us all that young people are feeling more despondent about their emotional health than ever before. "This is a generation rapidly losing faith in their ability to achieve their goals in life, who are increasingly wary of and disillusioned with the jobs market and at risk of leaving a wealth of untapped potential in their wake. “One of the most important things we can do to stem this flow is to show young people that it’s worth having high aspirations, that opportunities to earn a good living and progress in a career are out there and that they’ll be supported along the way to live, learn and earn." mental health young people numbers The charity said it would work with mental health charity Young Minds to review its programmes so it could incorporate aspects which would help participants' mental health. The charity, founded in 1976, works with disadvantaged young people to help them get a job or continue their education. Figures released earlier this week by the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers suggested that 96 per cent of teachers had worked with children who were experiencing mental health issues. Related Topics * Mental health * Children's health * Anxiety * Depression * Jobs and employment * Show more * * * * Follow Telegraph News * Follow on Facebook * Follow on Twitter * Follow on Instagram Follow Telegraph News * Follow on Facebook * Follow on Twitter * Follow on Instagram IFRAME: https://widgethost.barnebys.com/widgets/28/?w=300&h=460 News latest 1. Stickers are set up in protest on the entrance of the police station in Mantes-la-Jolie, west of Paris, Wednesday, December 19th. 19 Dec 2018, 7:27pm Police stations closed as French officers demand £248m of unpaid overtime in day of protest 2. 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(BUTTON) Close #RSS Feed for Relationships articles - Telegraph.co.uk [p?c1=2&c2=6035736&cv=2.0&cj=1] Accessibility links * Skip to article * Skip to navigation [telegraph_print_190.gif] Telegraph.co.uk ___________________ Submit Tuesday 18 December 2018 * Home * Video * News * World * Sport * Business * Money * Comment * Culture * Travel * Life * Women * Fashion * Luxury * Tech * Film * Women * Men * GoodLife * Wellbeing * Interiors * Gardening * Food * Pets * Relationships * Expat * Puzzles * Announcements * Events * Thinking Man * Active * Fashion and Style * Relationships * The Filter * Instant Expert * Why Not Get Moving? Advertisement 1. Home» 2. Men» 3. Relationships Men are happier when their wives don't go out to work, study finds A new Australian study reveals that couples with breadwinning wives are more likely to split than those who follow 'traditional gender roles' Jon Hamm and January Jones in Mad Men Jon Hamm and January Jones in Mad Men: 'traditional gender roles die hard' Photo: AMC By Jonathan Wells 12:34PM BST 15 Jul 2015 According to a study published today, the success of modern marriages is dependent on a strict adherence to traditional social values. The extensive survey, conducted by the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, has collated data suggesting that if the man isn't bringing home the bacon, then his marriage is more likely to fail. • House-husbands are 'more likely to have an affair' Professor Roger Wilkins, the author of the report, believes that the recent economic downturn could be upsetting the equilibrium of conventional marriages. He commented that "there’s reasonable evidence that if the unemployment rate rises, particularly for men, it will have detrimental consequences for marital stability". Whilst these 'conventional marriages', built upon foundations of 'traditional social values', are becoming less and less important in a world of legalised gay marriage and equality in the workplace, the fact remains that many male/female couples still operate using the social codes that were so stringently established during the last century. [B8P7AM_3324795b.jpg] ^Are out-dated social attitudes towards marriage still hard-wired into the modern man? Shockingly, even in instances where one partner worked over 50 hours every week, the rate of divorce and relationship dissatisfaction was still not as high as when a female partner out-earned her husband. Wilkins acknowledges that these results do not scream 'social progress', yet explains why he was not surprised. "When you look at men’s relationship satisfaction, it’s at its highest when their wife is not in the workforce. It does seem that that’s what is behind it; those traditional gender roles die hard. I guess all things being equal, men would prefer their wife at home and managing the household." Indeed, a study published last year concluded that husbands who work long hours are likely to have happier and healthier wives while hardworking women's spouses tend to suffer. • Key to a happy marriage is a hard working husband Stress and jealousy appear to be the major factors that upset the equilibrium of marriages - most notably either when the man is unemployed, or when he is out-earned by his female partner. And though these findings may not reflect the gender flexibility of the modern world, they do prove that the institution of marriage has been hard-wired with some rather out-dated and unspoken rules. Let us know where you stand on the issue below. 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I've been promoted twice in the last year. However the company is staffed almost entirely by men and I’m the only female in a managerial role, so I feel incredibly out of place. Although I get on well with my colleagues, I'm constantly self-conscious. I’m proud of my career progress and enjoy the responsibility, but I can't help thinking I should leave and move to a different sector where I would feel more comfortable. Help! Working in a profession dominated heavily by the opposite sex can be a daunting experience – whether you’re male or female. It’s well understood that men and women react differently to their working environment, resulting in behavioural and emotional variations - which can create challenges for both. Our society remains driven by our perception of gender roles and stereotypes. This informs how we see men who work in traditionally 'female sectors' (such as nursing) and women in 'male roles'. And the effect of these influences can feel multiplied when it’s a question of one versus many. You’ve landed a great job in an exciting business that offers you managerial responsibility at a comparatively early stage in your career – a fantastic achievement. For all your success at work, it’s also absolutely logical you feel strained as a result of your experience of being one of a very few women - and indeed the only woman at managerial level. "Women in male-dominated occupations have less healthy patterns of cortisol - a hormone linked to stress response and immune function". Earlier this year, Indiana University measured the cortisol patterns of women working in office environments where men made up 85 per cent or more of the staff. The research found women in male-dominated occupations have less healthy patterns of cortisol - a hormone linked both to stress response and immune function - throughout the day. The resulting impact on personal health and wellbeing shouldn’t be taken lightly. Just this week, a new study found that one in three young women, aged 18 to 30, think men are better suited to being an IT technician compared to 10 per cent of older women, aged 31 and over. So if the vast majority of your peer group think you aren’t suited to working in a male-dominated industry, it’s understandable you might be questioning it too. These are your challenges at the moment. You must prioritise your health and happiness You must prioritise your health and happiness Credit: Alamy Here’s what’s working in your favour: you’re great at your work; you enjoy your role; you get on well with your colleagues; the job is exciting and has potential. You’re in a strong position; you have a very useful and transferable degree, and are currently gaining great experience by working for a fast-growing business that’s allowing you to shine early on in your career. In spite of the complexity of what you’re feeling, I believe your question is reasonably straightforward to answer. If the positive enjoyment your feel for your job and career path outweighs the negative anxiety you feel as a result of being in a gender minority – and my sense from reading your letter is that this is the case – then you should persevere with the role you have. If, on the other hand you feel your wellbeing is being compromised and your situation is creating stress which is proving increasingly hard to manage, then you must prioritise your health and happiness. "Assertiveness is a mindset as much as a skill, so keep in mind why you were hired and promoted". If you stay, then here some tips and strategies you can use to give yourself the confidence to move onwards and upwards at work: Stop the self-doubt: Your self-confidence is being undermined because you’re acutely aware of how you differ from your colleagues. You need to embrace and accept these differences, and focus instead on reminding yourself of all your positive attributes in order to reinforce your confidence. Assertiveness is a mindset as much as a skill, so keep in mind why you were hired and promoted. Be yourself: It may be tempting to feel you have to change yourself and your working or management style to fit in with others around you. But don’t – it’s a sure-fire way to undermining your own happiness at work in the long term. Instead, make sure you’re playing to your strengths and focus on being authentic. Add to your skills: Being confident professionally will really help support your conviction in yourself, and will enhance your managerial authority. Think about your senior colleagues at work and whether there is any training or further education you can organise yourself that would cement your knowledge or soft skills, then sign yourself up. Find a mentor or sponsor at work Find a mentor or sponsor at work Credit: Alamy Find a sponsor: This is someone senior and influential at your firm who will endorse you, look out for you, and generally shout about your talent and potential to whoever will listen. A sponsor should help you focus your ambition and make the most of the career opportunity ahead of you, and studies have shown they can be particularly helpful to women in male-dominated workplaces. Push for change: You have a growing profile in a small and innovative business, so use your influence to persuade your senior management of the benefits of recruiting a more diverse workforce – it’s not as unrealistic a proposition as it may sound. Present a case for implementing diversity targets to your management team, and explore how your firm can broaden its recruitment strategy to ensure the business is attracting a diverse workforce according to gender, racial and educational background. Good luck. Louisa Symington-Mills works in private equity as a COO and is founder and CEO of Citymothers and Cityfathers, networks of more than 6,000 parents in City careers. She is The Telegraph's careers agony aunt. Email your work and business questions to: work.advice@telegraph.co.uk Louisa cannot print answers to every single question submitted, but she does read all your emails. Please note that by submitting your question to Louisa, you are giving your permission for her to use your question as the basis of her column, published online at Wonder Women. All questions will be kept anonymous and key details, facts and figures may change to protect your identity. Louisa can only answer based on the information you give her and her advice is not a substitute for legal advice. * * * * Follow The Telegraph * Follow on Facebook * Follow on Twitter * Follow on Instagram Follow The Telegraph * Follow on Facebook * Follow on Twitter * Follow on Instagram IFRAME: https://widgethost.barnebys.com/widgets/28/?w=300&h=460 Women latest 1. Hands up in a classroom 19 Dec 2018, 4:31pm Comment: After a tumultuous year, do any of our leaders deserve top marks? Allison Pearson Premium Allison Pearson 2. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex speaks to head chef Stuart Jones as she visits the Royal Variety Charity's residential nursing and care home at Brinsworth House o 19 Dec 2018, 3:34pm Is Meghan having twins...and other things not to say about the size of a pregnant woman's bump Premium 3. Women are rejecting the term 'mumpreneur' 19 Dec 2018, 3:11pm Comment: When did we decide it was OK to call business women 'mumpreneurs'? Clue: it's not Josephine Fairley Premium 4. 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Premium Voucher codes Body Shop discount code Office Shoes discount code Dunelm discount code Marks and Spencer discount code * Contact us * About us * Rewards * Archive * Reader Prints * Branded Content * Syndication * Guidelines * Privacy * Terms and Conditions * Advertising terms * Fantasy Sport * Voucher codes © Telegraph Media Group Limited 2018 Please support us by disabling your adblocker We've noticed you're adblocking. We rely on advertising to help fund our award-winning journalism. We urge you to turn off your ad blocker for The Telegraph website so that you can continue to access our quality content in the future. Thank you for your support. Need help? Visit our adblocking instructions page. (BUTTON) Close * Home * My Feed * Saved The Telegraph (BUTTON) * News * Politics * World * Sport * Technology * Business * Money * Opinion * Obituaries * Travel * Culture * Lifestyle * Women * Family * Health and Fitness * Fashion * Luxury * Cars * Free Mobile App * Jobs * Financial Solutions * Rewards * Events * Dating * Offers * Shop * Garden Shop * Bookshop * Tickets * Puzzles * Fantasy Football * Voucher Codes * Work at The Telegraph * Telegraph Corporate * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe now * My Account My details My newsletters Logout Upgrade to Premium * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe - 30 days free * Login * Register * Search * Video * Rewards * My Account My details My newsletters Logout The Telegraph * Home * News * Sport * Business (BUTTON) ALL SECTIONS * Lifestyle * Women * Politics * Work * Sex * Life * Women Mean Business * Columnists * Facebook Group * Telegraph Dating (BUTTON) More * Telegraph * Lifestyle * Women * Work The workplace fable of the Anxious Executive who tried to stay on top * * * * Save Mark Price shares his workplace fables Mark Price shares his workplace fables (posed by models) * Mark Price 23 October 2017 • 12:10pm (BUTTON) Follow Follow the author of this article * Mark Price Follow the topics within this article * Mark Price * Careers * Happiness * Jobs and employment Mark Price shares his workplace fables - true stories form the business front line that can teach us lessons about career success... As far as the Anxious Executive was concerned, his role was to be the star at the centre of the team. The other members were there to make him look good. Thus, the Anxious Executive always made sure that when he appointed people to his team, they were good - but not too good. After all, the leader should always be the brightest and best, he thought. The Anxious Executive made sure never to praise his team in public. He didn’t want other people to overhear and to think others were better than he. "After all, the leader should always be the brightest and best, he thought" Even when the Anxious Executive finally retired, he took steps to ensure his successor wasn’t quite as good, so his own legacy seemed greater. But the New Executive was different. She recruited people who were more knowledgeable than she. She publicly acknowledged how good each new member was, seeking their advice and listening to their views. The New Executive saw her role as creating the ideal conditions for a team to work together. They enjoyed great success and the Anxious Executive’s legacy was quickly forgotten. Moral of the tale Confident leaders surround themselves with able people. Workplace Fables by Mark Price - Anxious Executive Share your Workplace Fables and learn more about Mark’s mission to improve workplace happiness at engaging.works/ideas Related Topics * Mark Price * Careers * Happiness * Jobs and employment * Show more * * * * Follow The Telegraph * Follow on Facebook * Follow on Twitter * Follow on Instagram (BUTTON) Show comments If you would like to add a comment, please register or log in Register Log in Please review our commenting policy Follow The Telegraph * Follow on Facebook * Follow on Twitter * Follow on Instagram IFRAME: https://widgethost.barnebys.com/widgets/28/?w=300&h=460 Women latest 1. 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Agatha Christie went missing for 11 days in 1926 - a mystery that still intrigues us today 19 Dec 2018, 7:00am Was there more to Agatha Christie's 11 mysterious missing days than has previously been revealed? Premium 7. Christine Armstrong, author of 'Mother of All Jobs' 19 Dec 2018, 6:00am The working mum's guide to getting through Christmas 8. More than half of business women surveyed said they found the term 'mumpreneur' negative 19 Dec 2018, 12:01am Don't patronise us with 'mumpreneurs' label, says poll of 500 businesswomen 9. Brexit supporters protest 18 Dec 2018, 7:00pm Comment: Why I’ve changed my mind about Theresa May’s deal Allison Pearson Premium Allison Pearson 10. Raneem Oudeh (left) and her mother, Khaola Saleem were killed by Oudeh's former partner 18 Dec 2018, 4:33pm If two men were killed at the football every week, it would be a scandal - so why don't we care it's happening to women? Premium 11. 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Coming from a family where the festive season meant feuds and fights, Hannah Betts took a bah humbug approach to it all. But now she’s sharing a home with a man who is anything but the Grinch… 15 Dec 2018, 6:00am We've moved in, bought a dog and decorated the tree - but are we Christmas compatible? Premium Voucher codes Body Shop discount code Office Shoes discount code Dunelm discount code Marks and Spencer discount code * Contact us * About us * Rewards * Archive * Reader Prints * Branded Content * Syndication * Guidelines * Privacy * Terms and Conditions * Advertising terms * Fantasy Sport * Voucher codes © Telegraph Media Group Limited 2018 Please support us by disabling your adblocker We've noticed you're adblocking. We rely on advertising to help fund our award-winning journalism. We urge you to turn off your ad blocker for The Telegraph website so that you can continue to access our quality content in the future. Thank you for your support. Need help? 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(BUTTON) Close * Home * My Feed * Saved The Telegraph (BUTTON) * News * Politics * World * Sport * Technology * Business * Money * Opinion * Obituaries * Travel * Culture * Lifestyle * Women * Family * Health and Fitness * Fashion * Luxury * Cars * Free Mobile App * Jobs * Financial Solutions * Rewards * Events * Dating * Offers * Shop * Garden Shop * Bookshop * Tickets * Puzzles * Fantasy Football * Voucher Codes * Work at The Telegraph * Telegraph Corporate * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe now * My Account My details My newsletters Logout Upgrade to Premium * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe - 30 days free * Login * Register * Search * Video * Rewards * My Account My details My newsletters Logout The Telegraph * Home * News * Sport * Business (BUTTON) ALL SECTIONS * Lifestyle * Pets * Telegraph * Lifestyle * Pets * News and features Ten reasons why bosses should embrace Bring Your Dog to Work Day * * * * Save Dogs Take your four-legged friends along for the commute to work on Friday 22nd June Credit: Barrie Harwood / Alamy Stock Photo * Pete Wedderburn 21 June 2018 • 12:45pm (BUTTON) Follow Follow the author of this article * Pete Wedderburn Follow the topics within this article * Animals * Dogs * Happiness Tomorrow - Friday 22nd June - is national Bring Your Dog to Work Day. Bosses across the UK are being encouraged to allow their staff to bring their pets to work, with the intention of making the workplace a more relaxed, productive, enjoyable place. The hashtag #BringYourDogToWorkDay will be trending, with photos of dogs sitting on office chairs, in coffee docks and at workplace receptions. On first impressions, this may seem like an indulgence to sentimental pet owners. However, with deeper analysis, it turns out that there’s a strong rationale for a dog friendly attitude in the workplace. Dog at work A Thai company allow their staff to bring their dogs to work with the aim to lower stress, promote a positive work environment and increase productivity Credit: RUNGROJ YONGRIT /EPA Why Bring Your Dog to Work Day should be embraced in 2018 1. Dogs are a powerful source of social support for humans. When a dog is beside you, you have a sense that they are giving you genuinely unconditional love, and that feels good. A dog doesn’t care if you have done something wrong, if you are grumpy, or if you are having a down day of any kind. A dog loves you anyway, giving you cheerful attention regardless of what else is going on in your life. So it’s no wonder that dogs make humans feel better, improving their social life in a very real and direct way. And it can only be good to have that extra emotional support beside your staff at work. 2. Dogs encourage owners to take exercise: studies have shown that on average, dog owners walk 79% further than non-dog owners. Exercise has many add on benefits for physical and mental health. Employees with their dogs at work are likely to get out and about at coffee breaks: the physical exercise will help with their state of mind and productivity for the rest of the day. 3. Petting a dog has been proven to reduce stress, whether or not you own the dog. The process of patting and stroking a dog reduces the blood pressure, changes your physiological state into a more relaxed mode, and makes you feel better. So dogs in your office could help lessen the overall stress of the workplace environment. 4. Pet ownership generally has been shown to have a number of positive health benefits, including fewer visits to the doctor, lower cholesterol and improved heart health. If you encourage pet ownership amongst your employees by letting them bring their dogs to work, you’re likely to be rewarded by a healthier workforce with fewer sick days. 5. Dogs are social creatures, loving to be included in their owners’ daily activities. It’s fun for dogs to be out and about with humans, and it’s good for their psychological and physical health too. Far too many dogs are left isolated in back gardens, on their own. If more dogs are brought to work, there will be a positive impact on the animal welfare of thousands of dogs across the country. This may not be a direct benefit for you business, but it’s a do-gooder aspect that your dog-loving staff and customers will appreciate. 6. If employees are allowed to bring their dogs to work, they will save money through not having to pay for a dog minder, doggy day care or dog walker. This is a genuine financial perk for your staff that costs you nothing. 7. Dogs act as a social lubricant, increasing the ease and frequency of conversations between friends, colleagues and strangers. If you don’t believe this, take a dog with you and count the number of social encounters you have compared to being out and about on your own. So the human social connections in your workplace will be enhanced by having dogs scattered amongst your team. 8. Dogs that are used to being out and about with their owners tend to be more relaxed, better socialised and easier to be around than dogs that are left isolated on their own. The process of spending time in a wide variety of social situations often leads to positive conditioning for dogs, helping them to be well rounded, friendly and easy-going animals. The more pleasant experiences that a dog enjoys, the easier they tend to be to interact with. This is another do-gooder aspect of a dogs-at-work policy: you will be doing your bit to make the nation’s dogs more sociable and better behaved. 9. A Dogs At Work policy is often viewed by employees as a valuable employment perk. A recent study showed that over two fifths (43%) of employees would like to see pets allowed in the office, 39% felt that pets at work would increase their productivity, 50% believed it would increase their happiness, and a significant proportion of workers would be prepared to stay at work for longer if pets were allowed to be there with them. 10. Your company will be joining a long list of successful companies that have adopted Dogs At Work policies, including Amazon, Google and Ben & Jerry’s. Not surprisingly, a pet food company has one of the longest running Pets-At-Work schemes. Purina PetCare have had a year-round dog friendly policy since 2003. They’ve witnessed for themselves the many benefits, and to encourage other companies to join in, they have launched a Pets at Work Toolkit which includes six easy steps to set-up a successful Pets at Work scheme, as well as, as well as health and safety advice and tips on workspace requirements. dogs Dogs are social creatures, loving to be included in their owners’ daily activities Credit: Hero Images Inc. / Alamy Do you want to make your dog owning employees’ love you more than ever? Welcome their pets to work tomorrow, and they’ll be barking and howling your praise. Related Topics * Animals * Dogs * Happiness * Show more * * * * (BUTTON) Show comments If you would like to add a comment, please register or log in Register Log in Please review our commenting policy IFRAME: https://widgethost.barnebys.com/widgets/28/?w=300&h=460 Pets latest 1. Pete Wedderburn 17 Dec 2018, 12:50pm Pet Subjects: Telegraph vet Pete Wedderburn answers your questions 2. Debora Robertson visits 'Doggy Style' a christmas market for dogs 11 Dec 2018, 8:00am Should you buy your dog something stylish for Christmas? Premium 3. Pete Wedderburn 09 Dec 2018, 7:00am Pet Subjects: Telegraph vet Pete Wedderburn answers your questions 4. Cats 07 Dec 2018, 11:00am Jobs with cats: from vets to kitten socialisers and more 5. Pete Wedderburn 29 Nov 2018, 1:05pm Pet Subjects: Telegraph vet Pete Wedderburn answers your questions 6. Pete Wedderburn 29 Nov 2018, 12:15pm Pet Subjects: Telegraph vet Pete Wedderburn answers your questions 7. 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(BUTTON) Close * Home * My Feed * Saved The Telegraph (BUTTON) * News * Politics * World * Sport * Technology * Business * Money * Opinion * Obituaries * Travel * Culture * Lifestyle * Women * Family * Health and Fitness * Fashion * Luxury * Cars * Free Mobile App * Jobs * Financial Solutions * Rewards * Events * Dating * Offers * Shop * Garden Shop * Bookshop * Tickets * Puzzles * Fantasy Football * Voucher Codes * Work at The Telegraph * Telegraph Corporate * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe now * My Account My details My newsletters Logout Upgrade to Premium * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe - 30 days free * Login * Register * Search * Video * Rewards * My Account My details My newsletters Logout The Telegraph * Home * News * Sport * Business (BUTTON) ALL SECTIONS * Lifestyle * Expat * Money * Ask the experts * Education and family * Health * Property * Expat life * Before you go * Expat news (BUTTON) More * Telegraph * Lifestyle * Expat * Expat health Does expat life really make you healthier, wealthier and happier? In association with [IntegraGlobal_1204.jpg?imwidth=185&impolicy=spark-logo] * * * * * Save A couple drinking champagne abroad Is life abroad as good as they say it is? Credit: Alamy * Elizabeth Roberts 1 March 2016 • 11:03am (BUTTON) Follow Follow the author of this article * Elizabeth Roberts Follow the topics within this article * Healthy food It’s official: living overseas is good for your health, wealth and happiness. Or at least, that’s the case if the latest survey on the topic is to be believed. An online poll of 1,000 people was carried out for international relocations company MoveHub. Half the respondents (located in the UK and Ireland) had spent time living abroad, and half had not. A total of 69 per cent of expats rated their health as good or even very good compared with only 58 per cent of people who had lived in just one country. When it comes to happiness, 63 per cent of expats described themselves as happy or very happy compared with only 53 per cent of others. And 40 per cent of those who’d tasted expat life said they were making a lot of money or were on a good salary. This is compared with 28 per cent of those who had not lived overseas. But is this too good to be true? We asked six Telegraph Expat readers and contributors around the world: Andy Probert, 46, a freelance journalist from Bromsgrove in Worcestershire, has lived in Turkey for 10 years. “As an expat, life is a lot sunnier, more relaxed, far less pressured and more enjoyable. We earn 12 per cent interest on our savings, the annual council tax is £40, there are greater opportunities to explore your interests, as well as enjoying the social, historic and cultural fabric of our adopted homeland. "I returned to the UK in February and was struck by how the rat race has become a virtual 24-hour experience" Andy Probert, Brit living in Turkey "For the first time in eight years, I returned to the UK in February and was struck by how the rat race has become a virtual 24-hour experience. Sitting in a traffic jam on a B-road at 2am, wondering where all the traffic had come from, made me yearn for ‘home’. Home is now Turkey.” Journalist and author Helen Russell pictured in Denmark with her son Helen Russell, pictured with her son, is happier - but not healthier or richer Helen Russell is a 35-year-old journalist and author from London. She lives in Denmark. “Since relocating at the start of 2013 I’ve enjoyed living Danishly – the distance from friends and family back home has made me appreciate them more; I’ve stretched myself personally and professionally to create a new life for myself in my adopted homeland; and there’s something about the experience of starting over - or making a big change in your life - that is invigorating (albeit terrifying at times). "Being an expat in the country regularly voted the happiest in the world has certainly made me more content. But healthier? And richer? No. The one-a-day Danish pastry habit and the eye-wateringly high taxes that fund the fabulous Scandinavian welfare state mean I am down on the £ and up on the lbs. But I am happy. And hygge (content). And this, for the moment, feels like a deal worth making.” Jonny Lis, a 28-year old from London, has lived in the Philippines for three years, where he works as an operations manager. “Moving to the Philippines has definitely made me happier. I used to live in a cramped house in Brixton, with a dead-end job that I didn't like, and I was always running out of money due to the costs of living in London. I now live in a lovely flat with an outdoor pool and gym. • Expat romance: top 10 places to fall in love with a local "I love my job and have a great deal of financial freedom as everything is so much cheaper. I do miss my friends and family but have made new friends out here too, which really helped my transition. I wouldn't necessarily say that I was healthier; my work schedule matches UK hours, so I work 3pm to midnight Monday to Friday. As a result I usually snack late at night after work, which can easily lead to me putting on weight if I'm not careful, and I can’t cycle to work like I used to in London as the roads here are very treacherous. "However, I get a lot more sunshine and good weather, I have a number of exotic islands close by for long weekends away, I have made a lot of friends, and have had some unforgettable experiences that I know I wouldn't have had if I had stayed in the UK. Coming here was easily the best decision I ever made.” Operations Manager Jonny Lis pictured with his girlfriend Grace in Philippines Jonny Lis, pictured with his girlfriend, Grace, is wealthier and happier in the Philippines Credit: Jonny Lis Neil Bunting, 50, from Hastings, has worked in international schools in Indonesia, Oman and Saudi Arabia for the past 15 years. He now lives in Dubai. “I wouldn’t change my decision for anything. It has been a wonderful journey experiencing life in different cultures. It hasn’t always been a smooth ride and I have been exposed to dangers and frustrations, especially with the bureaucracy of moving, but the learning experiences have been tremendous. • What type of expat are you? "It may be a cliché, but living in the sun does make you happier, as does the opportunities that come more easily along with a more comfortable lifestyle. I am not sure it is healthier, perhaps not in terms of the over exposure to the sun and pollution, but from a mental health point of view living in countries where people smile all the time definitely makes you feel better.” Gillian Harvey, 37, is from Hertfordshire. A mother of five, she has lived in France since 2009. A freelance writer, Gillian blogs for Telegraph Expat. “Since moving to France I’m happier and healthier, but not much wealthier. I can’t fault the health care here. Although I miss aspects of life in the UK, the pace of life is definitely slower here, which helps to reduce stress. But food costs the Earth, taxes are high, and heating oil costs a fortune. As they say, two out of three ain’t bad.” Tim Howe, 52, from Bath is a self employed teacher, translator and interpreter. He’s lived in Germany since 1998. “While I love being my own boss, Germany is no easy ride. Monthly advance tax payments and health insurance contributions make a big hole in earnings. On the plus side are climate and lifestyle; generally better than in the UK. Warm Bavarian summers mean regular meet-ups with friends at shady beer gardens and beer-fuelled, free-music street festivals. Alpine mountains and lakes, within a two-hour drive of my home, also beckon. Do I miss anything? Yes, British humour and TV.” So overall, our expats are unanimous in their belief that relocating made them happier. But when it comes to health and wealth, it depends very much on location. 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Inside Arijiju, Kenya's unique new exclusive-use villa * Contact us * About us * Rewards * Archive * Reader Prints * Branded Content * Syndication * Guidelines * Privacy * Terms and Conditions * Advertising terms * Fantasy Sport * Voucher codes © Telegraph Media Group Limited 2018 Please support us by disabling your adblocker We've noticed you're adblocking. We rely on advertising to help fund our award-winning journalism. We urge you to turn off your ad blocker for The Telegraph website so that you can continue to access our quality content in the future. Thank you for your support. Need help? Visit our adblocking instructions page. (BUTTON) Close #RSS Feed for Wellbeing articles - Telegraph.co.uk [p?c1=2&c2=6035736&cv=2.0&cj=1] Accessibility links * Skip to article * Skip to navigation [telegraph_print_190.gif] Telegraph.co.uk ___________________ Submit Wednesday 19 December 2018 * Home * Video * News * World * Sport * Business * Money * Comment * Culture * Travel * Life * Women * Fashion * Luxury * Tech * Film * Women * Men * GoodLife * Wellbeing * Interiors * Gardening * Food * Pets * Relationships * Expat * Puzzles * Announcements * Events * Diet * Fitness * Mood and mind * Sleep * Health Advice * Doctor's Diary * Graham Norton * Spa Spy Advertisement 1. Home» 2. Lifestyle» 3. Wellbeing If you're happy and you know it raise your hand Wellington College is running classes in happiness – but will they work for Lucy Cavendish? Happiness classes are now on offer for parents at Wellington College Happiness classes are now on offer for parents at Wellington College Photo: Andrew Crowley Lucy Cavendish By Lucy Cavendish 7:00AM BST 11 Oct 2010 My mother thinks I push myself too hard. “Why do you work, cook, clean, look after four children, and walk your dogs every day?” she asks. My answer is always the same: this is modern life. But when she asks me if it makes me happy, I tend not to answer. Can you ever make yourself happy? Can anyone teach a stressed-out mother of four how to be happy? I’m here at Wellington College in Berkshire on a damp Sunday evening to find out. I am being allowed to sit in on one of the first “happiness classes” that the school is running for parents of its pupils. Since 2006, when Dr Anthony Seldon, the master of the college, announced that happiness was to become part of the weekly curriculum, what actually goes on in the tutorials in wellbeing and positive psychology has been privy only to the students who attend the £9,000-a-term school. The introduction of the classes caused something of an outcry. There were those who thought it a waste of time for a school that prided itself on its intellectual prowess. However, Seldon fought back, pointing out that his course – devised with the Institute of Wellbeing at Cambridge – would help children struggling with the pressures of exam-orientated schooling and league tables. Now, many schools offer similar courses. “There should be a wider vision,” Seldon said at the time, “in which the purpose of education is to develop all the faculties existing within each child. Education is about preparing children for life in the fullest sense. If these faculties are not nurtured at school, they are unlikely to be developed later, especially in those from poorer backgrounds.” Four years on, Seldon clearly hopes that the new happiness lessons for parents will prove just as much of a hit as those for their troubled teens. Ian Morris, the 34-year-old teacher who runs the courses, says: “I see them more as wellbeing classes. We look at many areas – altruism, resilience, taking joy in the natural world – and hope the lessons are thought-provoking and useful.” Related Articles * American universities targeting British students 21 Sep 2010 * Wellington College extends 'happiness lessons' to parents 20 Sep 2010 * Private schools to overhaul entrance tests 14 Sep 2010 * A-levels are not fit for purpose 16 Aug 2010 When I meet the 15 parents who have come for a weekly, hour-long class, they are all white, middle-class and, I suspect, all here for the same reason: curiosity. “I’m here because I want to know what my son actually does in these classes,” says Colette Turley. Has she noticed a difference in him? “I’m not sure,” she says after a pause, “but I think anything that helps teenagers come to terms with themselves and coping with everything life has to throw at them is a good thing.” Today’s parents class is on the theme of mindsets. We start by watching a quick – very quick – clip of Usain Bolt running the 100 metres. Morris asks whether we believe that Bolt’s ability to run faster than anyone else on the planet is due to nature or nurture. There is a silence, before a father pipes up, saying he believes it to be a combination of the two. “He must be built to run fast,” he says, “and have grown up in an environment that encouraged him to run.” Morris nods, but then tells us that a surprising 50 per cent of the children he teaches believe Bolt is fast only because he was born that way. “They also believe that some people are born to be good at maths, for example, and that they are not. They therefore often get negative thoughts about their abilities. They think, 'What’s the point of trying at maths when I was not born to be good at it?’ I want them to see that being 'good’ at something is also about making an effort and being open to that learning experience.” He then tells us about the work of the social psychologist Carol Dweck. She identified two mindsets that children tend to fall into: “fixed” and “growth”. Those with a “fixed” mindset often get praised for being clever – “Look at you, how clever you are!” This can result in a child only attacking problems he thinks he will succeed at. “The child will be wedded to success and reluctant to take on challenges in case they 'fail’ and then feel stupid,” Morris tells us. “People with a 'growth’ mindset believe the more they work at something, the better they will get. They are much less likely to give up when the going gets tough.” Dweck, he says, found it far more beneficial to praise the process of learning rather than the end result. One parent tells me her son doesn’t consider himself as academic as some of the other boys. “I think this sort of class will really help him,” she says. “He is scared of failure and sometimes I think that stops him from trying.” The session is enjoyable, but I have mixed feelings about how effective it is. Yes, it might be useful for the parents to see just what Morris is teaching their children about this topic – and the lesson certainly made me think. But I am not sure that this alone can make people happy. “Well, maybe happiness is the wrong term,” says Morris. “It is perhaps about being better informed. It’s about provoking thought and helping their confidence, isn’t it?” When parents start asking Morris for advice, there seems to be a gap between the theory and the cold hard reality of searching for happiness. A woman with a sleek black ponytail asks if the fixed vs growth mindset is why her child won’t do her piano practice. “She does her violin practice when her violin teacher is more scary than her piano teacher.” Morris asks how old her child is. “Ten,” says the woman. There is a silence. “She’s very young,” says Morris, “so I don’t really have an answer to that.” At best, I find the class interesting. I am guilty, as I am sure most parents are, of offering that “Oh, aren’t you so clever?” line. It has never really occurred to me to praise the doing of something rather than the overall achievement. It also makes me realise why people feel so negative about themselves. Then again, I am not one to put happiness high on my agenda. I am just trying to survive. Except that, as I drove away from Wellington College and saw some boys play football in the dark, I did feel oddly more capable of feeling happy. That, perhaps, is the key to being able to cope with what life throws at you. Wellbeing * Education » * Family Advice » * Lucy Cavendish » Top news galleries Advertisement Advertisement Latest Video» Rat climbs over man Large rat climbs on sleeping commuter Disabled great-grandfather denied stairlift and forced to crawl Old and frail wombat is rescued Elderly wombat rescued after being attacked Scientist in lab Sponsored When media meets medicine More from the web More from the web Advertisement Advertisement More from the web IFRAME: https://s.telegraph.co.uk/international/Barnebys/2014/Barnebys_UK_300x5 50.html More from The Telegraph Loading News Progress 17 supply vehicle departs from the International Space Station The latest news, opinion and analysis View Football Catch up on all the latest football news and results View Film All the latest film trailers, reviews and features View Competitions Enter one of our exciting new competitions View Back to top * HOME * Motoring * Motoring News * Food and Drink * Recipes * Restaurants * Women * Women's Life * Sex * Family and Parenting * Gardening * Gardening Advice * Gardening Pictures * * History * Expat * Car Warranty * * Crossword * Dating * Theatre Tickets * Contact us * Privacy and Cookies * Advertising * Fantasy Football * Tickets * Announcements * Reader Prints * * Follow Us * Apps * Epaper * Expat * Promotions * Subscriber * Syndication © Copyright of Telegraph Media Group Limited 2018 Terms and Conditions Today's News Archive Style Book Weather Forecast * Home * My Feed * Saved The Telegraph (BUTTON) * News * Politics * World * Sport * Technology * Business * Money * Opinion * Obituaries * Travel * Culture * Lifestyle * Women * Family * Health and Fitness * Fashion * Luxury * Cars * Free Mobile App * Jobs * Financial Solutions * Rewards * Events * Dating * Offers * Shop * Garden Shop * Bookshop * Tickets * Puzzles * Fantasy Football * Voucher Codes * Work at The Telegraph * Telegraph Corporate * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe now * My Account My details My newsletters Logout Upgrade to Premium * Search * Video * Rewards * Subscribe - 30 days free * Login * Register * Search * Video * Rewards * My Account My details My newsletters Logout The Telegraph * Home * News * Sport * Business (BUTTON) ALL SECTIONS * Lifestyle * Women * Politics * Work * Sex * Life * Women Mean Business * Columnists * Facebook Group * Telegraph Dating (BUTTON) More * Telegraph * Lifestyle * Women * Work The workplace fable of The Energetic Boss * * * * Save light bulb with gears inside Credit: © Sergey Nivens / Alamy Stock Photo * Mark Price 21 November 2017 • 6:00am (BUTTON) Follow Follow the author of this article * Mark Price Follow the topics within this article * Publishing * Mark Price * Careers * Happiness Mark Price shares his workplace fables - true stories from the business front line that can teach us lessons about career success When the new boss arrived he was brimming with ideas. New products, more innovation, better prices, greater service, more outlets, better training and so on and so forth. It was like watching a three-ring circus as all areas of the business worked hard, improved, caught up and then overtook the competition. “Will he never stop!” exclaimed the team as new idea followed new idea. Many yearned for a rest but enjoyed the fruits of their success, and the encouragement to try new things. When the energetic boss left everyone was relieved when the new leader called for a period of ‘consolidation’. A time to improve what had been done, to draw breath, to reflect. The pace lessened but so did progress. The competition pushed forward and went from followers to leaders once more. Moral of the tale: Running a business is like travelling up a down escalator. Run and you make progress, walk and you stay the same, stand still and you go backwards Workplace Fables: 147 True Life Stories, by Mark Price, is published by Stour Publishing. 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(BUTTON) Close #publisher alternate Skip to main content The Guardian - Back to home Support The Guardian Contribute Subscribe Contribute Search jobs Sign in (BUTTON) My account * Comments & replies * Public profile * Account details * Emails & marketing ______________________________________________________________ * Membership * Contributions * Digital Pack ______________________________________________________________ * Sign out Search [ ] * switch to the International edition * switch to the UK edition * switch to the US edition * switch to the Australia edition current edition: International edition * News * Opinion * Sport * Culture * Lifestyle [ ] Show More * (BUTTON) News + World news + UK news + Science + Cities + Global development + Football + Tech + Business + Environment + Obituaries * (BUTTON) Opinion + The Guardian view + Columnists + Cartoons + Opinion videos + Letters * (BUTTON) Sport + Football + Rugby union + Cricket + Tennis + Cycling + F1 + Golf + US sports * (BUTTON) Culture + Books + Music + TV & radio + Art & design + Film + Games + Classical + Stage * (BUTTON) Lifestyle + Fashion + Food + Recipes + Love & sex + Health & fitness + Home & garden + Women + Family + Travel + Money ____________________ What term do you want to search? (BUTTON) Search with google * Make a contribution * Subscribe * (BUTTON) International edition + switch to the UK edition + switch to the US edition + switch to the Australia edition * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * The Guardian app * Video * Podcasts * Pictures * Newsletters * Today's paper * Inside the Guardian * The Observer * Guardian Weekly * Crosswords * Facebook * Twitter * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive Careers in sustainable business Guardian sustainable business Reclaim your happiness at work on the International Day of Happiness The average Brit spends 100,000 hours at work and if we were happier at work, we'd be happier in our whole lives • Find out how happy you are at work compared to the national average Nic Marks Thu 20 Mar 2014 12.36 GMT First published on Thu 20 Mar 2014 12.36 GMT * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email Employees at desk [ ] Happier employees are found to be more creative, more innovative and more focused on their work. Photograph: Alex Freund/Getty Images Today is the UN's International Day of Happiness – a day set aside to raise global awareness that happiness is a fundamental human goal. Global issues such as human rights, peacekeeping and sustainable development are what we would expect the UN to have on its agenda. So why has it decided that the seemingly frivolous idea of happiness is worth championing? If we could create a world that was more inclusive, equitable, and balanced, a world where all people were happier, most of us would agree that this would be progress. When understood like this, happiness suddenly seems a much more serious issue, one that belongs on the global agenda. The UN is so serious about it that in a 2012 resolution it called for a "more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes ... the happiness and well-being of all peoples". As far away as Bhutan, whose government convened the first UN Conference on Happiness at which the International Day of Happiness was instigated, happiness is now featuring on national agendas. The UK government is taking a lead and is the first western nation to have an official national indicator of wellbeing. All too often, the concept of happiness is hijacked by advertisers and the popular media and then sold back to us in the form of materialism and glamour. In reality, the important things for our happiness are rarely even things at all. They are more about the quality of our relationships and whether what we do in our home and working lives feels purposeful. The London-based campaign group Action for Happiness is co-ordinating many global events this year under the banner of "reclaiming happiness". Falling on a Thursday, this year's International Day of Happiness is a workday for most of us. Let's ask ourselves the question: how would the world be if we were all happier at work? It is quite a radical question. For many, work has come to signify the exact opposite of happiness. It's where we go to earn the money to buy the things we hope will make us happy. We don't expect to be happy at work; we expect to endure it until we clock out or log off and return to our real lives – a life outside of work. But hang on a minute. The average Brit spends 100,000 hours at work during their lifetime – that's more than 11 and a half years. Work is part of our real life and if we were happier at work we would be happier in our whole lives. We'd be better partners, better parents, better people. So happiness at work is good for us, as individuals. But what about business? Let's ask another question: what happens to a business if its employees are happier at work? Far from spending the day lolling about and chatting with colleagues, as some sceptics might assume, happier employees are more creative, more innovative and more focused on their work. Every day they make more progress with their work than their unhappy colleagues. They also are much less likely to leave – who leaves a job they love? When we do the maths, the costs of ignoring happiness at work are substantial. An average UK company will employ about 250 people. If it is average in all aspects, then about 40 of them will leave each year and over 1,000 days will be lost due to absenteeism. If the company had a really happy, engaged workforce, then staff turnover would typically halve, absenteeism would be cut by 25%, and productivity would increase by about 20%. The cost of ignoring happiness in an average UK company, paying average wages, works out to be in excess of £1m every year. Happiness at work is not a threat to business; it's an opportunity. Creating happy profitable businesses may work for the few but surely the world will continue on its current path towards an inequitable, unbalanced, and unsustainable future, regardless? This is where the happiness perspective gets really interesting. Most of us feel happier when we work for an organisation that is seeking to make a positive impact in the world. In fact, many of us forgo higher salaries to work for organisations and on issues that are aligned with our personal values and sense of purpose. Organisations that create products and services that make the world a better place will surely be rewarded with employees who are happier, more engaged, and genuinely proud to work there. There is a win-win-win here for individuals, business and society. So today, let's reclaim our happiness – at work as well as at home. Let's follow the example of the UN and put happiness at the core of everything we do and we can work together to a make a better world for all of us. Nic Marks is director of Happiness Works and on the board of Action for Happiness Join the community of sustainability professionals and experts. Become a GSB member to get more stories like this direct to your inbox Topics * Guardian sustainable business * Careers in sustainable business * Health and wellbeing * Ethical business * Corporate social responsibility * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email * Share on LinkedIn * Share on Pinterest * Share on Google+ * Share on WhatsApp * Share on Messenger * Reuse this content View all comments > (BUTTON) Order by * (BUTTON) newest * (BUTTON) oldest * (BUTTON) recommendations (BUTTON) Show 25 * (BUTTON) 25 * (BUTTON) 50 * (BUTTON) 100 * (BUTTON) All (BUTTON) Threads * (BUTTON) collapsed * (BUTTON) expanded * (BUTTON) unthreaded Loading comments… Trouble loading? 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(BUTTON) Close [p?c1=2&c2=6035250&cv=2.0&cj=1&comscorekw=Guardian+sustainable+business %2CLife+and+style%2CHealth+and+wellbeing%2CEthical+business%2CCorporate +social+responsibility] #RSS Feed for Health News articles - Telegraph.co.uk [p?c1=2&c2=6035736&cv=2.0&cj=1] Accessibility links * Skip to article * Skip to navigation [telegraph_print_190.gif] Telegraph.co.uk ___________________ Submit Tuesday 18 December 2018 * Home * Video * News * World * Sport * Business * Money * Comment * Culture * Travel * Life * Women * Fashion * Luxury * Tech * Film * Politics * Investigations * Obits * Education * Science * Earth * Weather * Health * Royal * Celebrity * Defence * Scotland Advertisement 1. Home» 2. News» 3. Health» 4. Health News Millions resign or call in sick as Monday Blues bite in recession Millions of workers resign or call in sick every year due to stress at work, according to research that suggests the "Monday Blues" could be worse than ever. Millions resign or call in sick as Sunday Blues bite in recession More than a quarter of people said their weekend was ruined by the Sunday Blues – the thought of returning to work on Monday morning Photo: CORBIS Andy Bloxham By Andy Bloxham 7:30AM BST 17 May 2010 Follow A study for the mental health charity Mind found that almost 20 per cent of people had claimed they were ill because they could not cope with pressure in the office. Eight per cent of the population left a job last year due to stress and more than a quarter of people said their weekend was ruined by the thought of returning to work on Monday morning - researchers found. The study is released to coincide with the launch of the charity’s campaign to improve the work-life balance for employees. It urged people to take practical steps to improve their working life, such as by “reclaiming” their lunch hour. The study found that stress was badly affecting people’s sleeping patterns, general health and relationships. Related Articles * An audience with the human iPod 16 May 2010 * QI: Quite Interesting facts about bees 14 May 2010 * Secret court opened up in autistic pianist case 13 May 2010 * One in seven soldiers driven to alcohol by war horror 13 May 2010 * 'Tidal wave' of mental trauma among servicemen 13 May 2010 It noted that a record number of prescriptions for anti-depressants were issued last year at 39.1m, while a quarter of people said stress was affecting their relationship with their spouse or partner. The recession was cited as a powerful negative influence on happiness at work, as staff felt pressured into working longer hours without extra pay while fearing for their jobs. One in four said they had cried at work because they could not cope with the stress. More than one in 10 said they felt they had insufficient support from their manager. According to separate research from the Shaw Trust, an employment charity for the disabled, half of managers believe their staff never suffer mental health problems. Last year, the fit note was introduced to replace the sick note, an occupational health advice line was launched, and national stress management standards were brought into force to be monitored by the Health and Safety Executive. However, Mind believes not enough is being done to tackle the issue of mental health in the workplace. Paul Farmer, its chief executive, said: “Working conditions have been incredibly tough for the last couple of years, and the emotional fall out of the recession doesn’t just centre on people who have lost their jobs, but on people who are struggling to cope with the extra demands of working harder, longer hours, and under more pressure." He added that it was in companies' interests to tackle mental health problems including stress. “Businesses who look after their staff reap the rewards in reduced sickness absence and increased productivity.” Last week, research from University College London was published in the European Heart Journal which suggested those who work more than 10 hours a day are 60% more likely to develop heart problems. Around 1m people regularly work more than 48 hours a week, with 600,000 going beyond 60 hours – the point at which the individual is at acute risk of developing ill health. According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, the working population of Britain in the first three months of this year was just below 29m. Mental illness costs employers an estimated £26bn every year. Health News * News » * UK News » * Andy Bloxham » In Health News A young women has had to have a metal spoon fished out of her stomach after accidentally swallowing it while eating ice cream. Zhang Weiwei, the 22-year-old varsity student from Wuhan University in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, was on her way back from a meal with friends when the incident happened. Weiwei had bought an ice cream and was chatting and walking back to her dorm room when another friend saw her and jumped on her back to greet her. Weiwei got such a fright that she swallowed the entire 14cm metal spoon. Weird X-rays For the past two years Russian photojournalist Vladimir Yakovlev travelled around the world, searching for people who have discovered new found hobbies and pleasure in their older age. With the series The Age Of Happiness, Yakovlev hopes to change the usual perception of life after retirement and promote positive ageing. On his travels he met some extraordinary characters over 60-year-old - some very close to the 100 milestone - who enjoy each day and inspire others to make their lives equally fulfilling. Life begins at 70 A group of men from Caerphilly in South Wales celebrated completing a pioneering 35-year health study - beating killer diseases by making simple changes to their lifestyle. Living proof: the secret of healthy ageing Rapeseed: the British olive oil? Why olive oil should be kept out of the frying pan A member of the CG Environmental HazMat team disinfects the entrance to the residence of a health worker at the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital who has contracted Ebola in Dallas, Texas Ebola outbreak in pictures Advertisement Advertisement Latest Video» Rat climbs over man Large rat climbs on sleeping commuter Disabled great-grandfather denied stairlift and forced to crawl Old and frail wombat is rescued Elderly wombat rescued after being attacked Scientist in lab Sponsored When media meets medicine More from The Telegraph IFRAME: https://s.telegraph.co.uk/international/Barnebys/2014/Barnebys_UK_300x5 50.html Advertisement Advertisement More from the web Loading More from The Telegraph Loading News Progress 17 supply vehicle departs from the International Space Station The latest news, opinion and analysis View Football Catch up on all the latest football news and results View Film All the latest film trailers, reviews and features View Competitions Enter one of our exciting new competitions View Back to top * HOME * News * UK News * Politics * Long Reads * Wikileaks * Jobs * World News * Europe * USA * China * Royal Family News * Celebrity news * Dating * Finance * Education * Defence * Weird News * Editor's Choice * Financial Services * Pictures * Video * Matt * Alex * Comment * Blogs * Crossword * Contact us * Privacy and Cookies * Advertising * Fantasy Football * Tickets * Announcements * Reader Prints * * Follow Us * Apps * Epaper * Expat * Promotions * Subscriber * Syndication © Copyright of Telegraph Media Group Limited 2018 Terms and Conditions Today's News Archive Style Book Weather Forecast IM Subscribe register IM Subscribe Login Created with Sketch. * IM Join us? 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Log in using your social network account OR Log in directly with The Independent {{message}} ____________________ Please enter an email address Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address ____________________ Please enter a valid password [ ] Keep me logged in (BUTTON) Submit Forgotten your password? Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout AVAVA/shutterstock.com How to be happier at work, without changing jobs * Relaxnews * Wednesday 9 February 2011 01:00 * {{#singleComment}}{{value}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{value}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow Indy/Life Unhappy in your job? News website BusinessNewsDaily reported on Febuary 7 strategies to change that, without having to change your job. If you're suffering while on the clock, you're in good company. A recent poll in the UK cited over 20 percent of office workers are dissatisfied with their work, while 52 percent of Americans say they are unhappy with theirs, according to an annual Conference Board survey. Also, last month the Legatum Institute released its 2010 index ranking happiness in 110 countries (covering 90 percent of the world's population) on a variety of scales, including economy, work, health, and personal freedom. The results revealed that unless you're living in Norway, Denmark, Finland, or perhaps Australia, you might have a few complaints about your life in general. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial The BusinessNewsDaily article reports that it's not our work that makes us miserable, it's how we cope with our feelings of boredom, perfectionism, or stress that are all part of the day-to-day package. Here are a few tips to help change that, culled from a new book titled Fit Soul, Fit Body: 9 Keys to a Healthier, Happier You by authors Brant Secunda, a spiritual healer, and Mark Allen, world champion Ironman: 1. Stand up and move around - Get up to have a face-to-face with a coworker, walk around at lunchtime - anything to keep your body active and energized. 2. Embrace the boredom - If repetitive tasks leave you numb with boredom, take a tip from a top athlete who trains every day for hours at a time: chipping away at small tasks can be a powerful way to reach your financial and professional goals. 3. Change your routine - Try working 8 AM to 4 PM rather than 9 AM to 5 PM, if possible, or rearrange your desk. Make calls instead of e-mailing. 4. Stop procrastinating for five minutes - If you're putting off a large project with a looming deadline, start small. Commit to working on it for just five minutes, and take it from there. 5. Go out to lunch - Take a break, and keep your body well fed and hydrated throughout the day. Keep a large bottle of water at your desk and sip it all day to keep you feeling refreshed and energized. 6. Live in the moment - Let go of perfectionism by doing the best you can right now, despite what else might be going on in your life. "Instead of focusing on absolute perfection, make the goal to give the best you can in the moment, even if you know on another day it might be better," states the article. Read the full article here: http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/be-happier-and-healthier-at-work-10-st rategies-to-try-0971/ A few more articles with tips: http://www.businesspundit.com/50-tips-for-being-happier-at-work/ http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-happiness-project/201007/want-b e-happy-work-dozens-tips-plus-few-quizzes-consider Learn more about the world's happiest countries: http://www.prosperity.com/ Try one of these resolutions for happiness from New York Times best-selling author Gretchen Rubin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5rpNEmqPdM Reuse content Comments Share your thoughts and debate the big issues Learn more (BUTTON) {{value_p}} Independent Minds comments (BUTTON) {{value}} open comments Open Comments Join the discussion (BUTTON) Please be respectful when making a comment and adhere to our Community Guidelines. * You may not agree with our views, or other users’, but please respond to them respectfully * Swearing, personal abuse, racism, sexism, homophobia and other discriminatory or inciteful language is not acceptable * Do not impersonate other users or reveal private information about third parties * We reserve the right to delete inappropriate posts and ban offending users without notification You can find our Community Guidelines in full here. {{^nickname}} Create a commenting name to join the debate ____________________ (BUTTON) Submit Please try again, the name must be unique {{/nickname}} {{^nickname}} ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ {{/nickname}} {{#nickname}} ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ {{/nickname}} {{^nickname}} (BUTTON) Post {{/nickname}} {{#nickname}} (BUTTON) Post {{/nickname}} (BUTTON) Posting... * Newest first * Oldest first * Most liked * Least liked Loading comments... {{^comments}} There are no comments yet - be the first to add your thoughts {{/comments}} {{#comments}} {{sender.name}} {{dateTime}} {{{commentText}}} Reply {{#sender.isSelf}} Delete {{/sender.isSelf}} {{posVotes}} {{negVotes}} {{#replies}} {{sender.name}} {{dateTime}} {{{commentText}}} Reply {{#sender.isSelf}} Delete {{/sender.isSelf}} {{posVotes}} {{negVotes}} {{#replies}} {{sender.name}} {{dateTime}} {{{commentText}}} {{#sender.isSelf}} Delete {{/sender.isSelf}} {{posVotes}} {{negVotes}} {{/replies}} {{/replies}} {{/comments}} {{#showMore}} (BUTTON) Load all comments {{/showMore}} Minds Comments Join the discussion (BUTTON) Please be respectful when making a comment and adhere to our Community Guidelines. 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Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout Voices Your personality type and how your boss speaks to you are more valuable than perks for workplace happiness Why staff wellbeing at work is so much more than free lunches and massages * Cary Cooper and Ivan Robertson * Tuesday 5 June 2018 13:02 * {{#singleComment}}{{total}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{total}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow The Independent Voices istock/Getty images When Google promoted a software engineer named Chade-Meng Tan to the role of “Jolly Good Fellow”, his career – and the entire culture of Silicon Valley – took a sharp turn. Meng, a cheerful employee valued for his motivational qualities, went from developing mobile search tools to spreading happiness across the organisation. Happiness became his job. Google wasn’t the first to hire someone with the sole remit of enforcing employee contentment. In 1999, when Google was still a start-up, French fashion brand Kiabi hired Christine Jutard as its chief happiness officer. She was one of the first to perform the role. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial But once Google did it, employee happiness became a key metric and other organisations quickly adopted their approach. Three years after Meng’s appointment, fast food giant McDonald’s even promoted Ronald McDonald from brand mascot to CHO. The role remains popular today. There are more than 1,000 chief happiness officers listed on jobs website LinkedIn. But a closer look at what really makes employees happy shows that lots of companies are going about it the wrong way. The theory goes that happy employees are productive employees and productive employees generate more profit. The secondary benefit is that happy employees don’t look to jump ship. This cuts recruitment costs, further increasing profits. So most organisations investing heavily in fostering a happiness culture think they see a good return on investment. Expedia, for example, provides an office full of perks and up to US$14,000 per year, per person, in travel perks, to keep people happy. Other firms offer unlimited vacations, free food, even office toys to keep the happiness levels high. But the answer to employee happiness is not in the form of bean bags and ping-pong tables. As the Expedia example shows, it is the company’s “culture” and “career opportunities” that have made it one of the UK’s most popular places to work – not the physical surroundings. Read more * Why half the country's workforce wants a different job There is a real difference between happiness gimmicks and working in a well-being culture – one that values people, manages them by praise and reward rather than fault-finding, and that enables them to work flexibly and provides them with work-life balance. Research shows that these are the real keys to happiness. A 2017 study of start-up businesses found that 57 per cent had at least one member who worked remotely, either from home or wherever they happened to want to work. Companies surveyed said this was a logistical choice. The best person for the job might not have been local to begin with and offices only have so much space. But there’s an added benefit here: the implied trust and autonomy of allowing staff to work remotely may contribute more to their happiness than dragging them into an office stocked with free coffee and fruit. As John Ruskin, the British reformer, said in 1851: “In order that people may be happy at work, these three things are needed: they must be fit for it, they must not do too much of it, and they must have a sense of success in it”. Research shows that employee happiness is also determined by their personalities. In a large study of 3,200 employees from a variety of organisations and sectors, carried out by Robertson Cooper Ltd, a workplace well-being consultancy that we set up, we found that certain personality types experienced more “good days at work” than other types. We discovered that employees who scored highly on positive emotions and enthusiasm, lower on depressive tendencies like sadness, hopelessness and loneliness and those who “begin tasks and carry them through” have the highest number of good days at work. If you combine these three personality characteristics, those who had all three had 79 per cent of “good days at work”, whereas those who had low scores on these only had 57 per cent of good days. This, in turn, translates into higher job satisfaction, better health and higher productivity. The implications here is that employers should try and recruit people with these characteristics but, of course, some people who lack some of these characteristics may have key skills that are even more important. And, even if you do recruit with happiness traits in mind, being content at work will, to a larger extent, depend on the workplace culture that truly values staff, trusts them, manages them humanely and compassionately and provides them with greater balance in their lives. Read more * Is there bullying in your workplace? Here's why In our recent book Wellbeing: Productivity and Happiness at Work, case studies of major employers – including Rolls Royce, BT, John Lewis Partnership, Network Rail and the UK Civil Service – shows how this kind of well-being culture boosts the bottom line. Happiness and contentment at work is not about sushi for lunch and massages at your desk; it is about how bosses treat those that work for them. As Mark Twain once wrote: “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can somehow become great.” Cary Cooper, 50th Anniversary Professor of Organisational Psychology and Health, University of Manchester and Ivan Robertson, Emeritus Professor of Work & Organizational Psychology, University of Manchester This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. __________________________________________________________________ The Independent has launched its #FinalSay campaign to demand that voters are given a voice on the final Brexit deal. 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Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout News > World > Europe Six-hour working day 'boosts productivity and makes people happier' Nurses who worked six-hour days were found to be 20 per cent happier and had more energy * Samuel Osborne @SamuelOsborne93 * Wednesday 11 May 2016 10:12 * {{#singleComment}}{{total}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{total}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow The Independent Commuters walk to work over London Bridge ( Scott Barbour/Getty Images ) A shorter work day increases productivity and makes people happier, research has found. The Svartedalens retirement home in Gothenburg, Sweden's second largest city, conducted an experiment to determine whether cutting hours improved patient care and boosted employees' morale. Nurses who worked six-hour days for the past year were found to be 20 per cent happier and had more energy at work and in their spare time. Sweden's 6 hour work day explained The 68 nurses also took half as much sick time as those in the control group and were able to do 64 per cent more activities with elderly residents. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial They were also 2.8 times less likely to take any time off work in a two-week period, Bengt Lorentzon, a researcher on the project, told Bloomberg. Created with Sketch. The 10 happiest countries in Europe Show all 10 Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. 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The 10 happiest countries in Europe 1/10 Denmark Coulourful houses and boats seen in the Nyhavn district in Copenhagen 2/10 Switzerland 3/10 Iceland Iceland, Northern Lights 4/10 Norway Wheel deal: cycling in Norway Visit Norway 5/10 Finland Getty 6/10 The Netherlands 7/10 Sweden AFP 8/10 Austria Sean Gallup/Getty Images 9/10 Germany Getty Images 10/10 Belgium The city hall on Brussels' Grand Place is illuminated during a light show, December 30, 2015 Reuters 1/10 Denmark Coulourful houses and boats seen in the Nyhavn district in Copenhagen 2/10 Switzerland 3/10 Iceland Iceland, Northern Lights 4/10 Norway Wheel deal: cycling in Norway Visit Norway 5/10 Finland Getty 6/10 The Netherlands 7/10 Sweden AFP 8/10 Austria Sean Gallup/Getty Images 9/10 Germany Getty Images 10/10 Belgium The city hall on Brussels' Grand Place is illuminated during a light show, December 30, 2015 Reuters "If the nurses are at work more time and are more healthy, this means that the continuity at the residence has increased," Mr Lorentzon said. "That means higher quality [care]." Sweden made headlines in 2015 when it was reported the country was moving towards a six-hour work day. Read more * Sweden introduces six-hour work day * The truth about Sweden’s six-hour work day * Sweden's six-hour work day comes to the UK at Agent Marketing in Liverpool A Toyota centre in Gothenburg, Sweden's second largest city, implemented shorter working hours over a decade ago, with the company reporting happier staff, a lower turnover rate and an increase in profits. Their results prompted a number of other Swedish companies to trial shorter hours. Six out of 10 bosses in the UK agreed cutting employees' work hours would improve productivity, the Daily Telegraph reported. Longer working hours have been liniked with heart disease and stroke, according to a medical study published in the Lancet. 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Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout News > UK > Home News British people are happier to be in work despite increased stress, research finds Six out of 10 people say they would like to be employed even if they did not need the money * Gabriel Samuels @gabs_samuels * Sunday 24 July 2016 10:17 * * {{^moreThanTen}} {{total}} comments {{/moreThanTen}} Click to follow The Independent People queue outside a job centre in Bristol, UK ( Getty ) The majority of British people are happy and grateful to be in work and would still choose to have a job even it they did not need the money, according to research. About 62 per cent of people in the UK say they would like to be employed in a job they enjoyed rather than simply staying at home – despite also saying they were suffering from increased stress due to longer working hours. People also said they feel under more pressure than ever to perform in their jobs, and feel they have less job security than in the past. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Read more * Zero-hours contracts: Tories have broken their pledge on job security * Millennials’ lifetime earnings ‘permanently scarred’ because they’ve entered the jobs market at a tough time, report finds * UK faces short recession as Brexit uncertainty hits house prices, consumer spending and jobs, EY predicts Employed people do however feel more attached to their careers beyond simply the money they bring in, and are now more likely to remain in a job even if they won the lottery. The survey showed graduate workers were among the most likely to say they would like a job even if it was not financially necessary. When the survey was held in 2005, only 49 per cent of people said they would want to be employed even if they did not need to be. The findings form part of the recently released British Social Attitudes survey (BSA), which has been assessing the thoughts and beliefs of the nation since 1983. Meanwhile those in professional jobs report having much more freedom and flexibility than they did a decade ago. Created with Sketch. UK news in pictures Show all 50 Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. (BUTTON) Created with Sketch. UK news in pictures 1/50 19 December 2018 There was controversy in the Commons today as Jeremy Corbyn allegedly called the Prime Minister a stupid woman under his breath after she made a joke at PMQs AP 2/50 18 December 2018 Jose Mourinho after he was sacked by Manchester United with immediate effect. The Portuguese leaves United sixth in the table with the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday proving his final game in charge. A club statement read: "Manchester United announces that manager Jose Mourinho has left the club with immediate effect. The club would like to thank Jose for his work during his time at Manchester United and to wish him success in the future. A new caretaker manager will be appointed until the end of the current season, while the club conducts a thorough recruitment process for a new, full-time manager." Reuters 3/50 17 December 2018 Firefighters and police officers attend a memorial service at the Harrods Bombing memorial in west London, on the 35th anniversary of the terrorist attack which left three police officers and three members of the public dead, on December 17, 1983 PA 4/50 16 December 2018 Theresa May has hit out at Mr Blair, accusing him of "insulting"the British people and the office of prime minister by "undermining" Brexit talks with calls in Brussels for a second referendum. PA 5/50 15 December 2018 Chester Zoo after a fire broke out in the Monsoon Forest habitat area. PA 6/50 14 December 2018 Fracking has been halted at the Preston Road site in Lancashire after a series of tremors peaking at 0.9 magnitude Reuters 7/50 13 December 2018 Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar today told Theresa May that he expects assurances that there will be no hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland AP 8/50 12 December 2018 Theresa May announces that she is to face a vote of no confidence today Reuters 9/50 11 December 2018 Armed police restrain a man inside the grounds of the Houses of Parliament in London Reuters 10/50 10 December 2018 A demonstrator dressed as Theresa May sells Brexit Fudge in Old Palace Yard, Westminster PA 11/50 9 December 2018 A pro-brexit demonstrator speaks into a megaphone at the "Brexit betrayal" march in London. Counter-demonstrators also staged a march in London today Angela Christofilou/The Independent 12/50 8 December 2018 People in Santa costumes in Trafalgar Square, London, as they take part in Santacon PA 13/50 7 December 2018 A large mural depicting one star being chipped away from the EU flag is seen in Dover. The work has been attributed to Banksy Reuters 14/50 6 December 2018 A man wearing a storm trooper costume holds a sketchbook belonging to costume designer John Mollo, and showing illustrations for Star Wars costumes, during a photo-call ahead of an auction at Bonhams in central London Reuters 15/50 5 December 2018 Demonstrators for and against Brexit protest opposite the Houses of Parliament AFP/Getty 16/50 4 December 2018 Theresa May has suffered an unprecedented defeat after the government was found to be in contempt of parliament for refusing to publish key Brexit papers. Labour and other opposition MPs, including Ms May's DUP allies, won a narrow victory on the emergency motion, which argued that ministers failed to comply with a binding Commons resolution to publish the full legal advice on the Brexit dea Reuters 17/50 3 December 2018 The Independent's Final Say campaign and People's Vote delivering to 10 Downing Street their respective petitions calling for a public referendum on Theresa May's Brexit deal. The Independent editor Christian Broughton delivered over one million Final Say signatures and People's Vote spokesman Chuka Umunna delivered 300,000 People's Vote signatures at midday The Independent/Lucy Young 18/50 2 December 2018 Competitors take part in the London Santa Run in London's Victoria Park Reuters 19/50 1 December 2018 Britain will no longer have access to the EU's Galileo satellite system (pictured) following brexit PA 20/50 30 November 2018 US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Theresa May attend the G20 leaders summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina Reuters 21/50 29 November 2018 Waves hit the British coast as Storm Diana approaches, in Portreath, Cornwall StuCornell/Twitter/Reuters 22/50 28 November 2018 Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stand with Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha (left), the son of Leicester City's chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, and his mother Aimon watched by Leicester City players (right) as they pause after laying flowers during their visit to the King Power Stadium in Leicester, to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the October 27 helicopter crash at the stadium. The chairman was among five people killed when his helicopter crashed in the side's stadium car park moments after taking off from the pitch AFP/Getty 23/50 27 November 2018 A demonstrator wearing a mask of Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg poses outside Portcullis house to question the refusal of Zuckerberg to give evidence to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee investigation into disinformation and fake news at the Houses of Parliament in London. Facebook boss Richard Allan is expected to be among a number of officials giving evidence to an "international grand committee" on disinformation and fake news AFP/Getty 24/50 26 November 2018 Artist Joseph Hillier and his sculpture - Messenger, depicting "a young powerful woman", which will be unveiled next year for Theatre Royal Plymouth. The sculpture, spanning seven metres high and nine metres wide, is too large to be put together at Castle Fine Arts foundry, near Oswestry, so it's being made in sections with 30 master craftsmen to weld them together PA 25/50 25 November 2018 Prime Minister Theresa May gives a press conference at the end of the European Council meeting in Brussels. The leaders of the 27 remaining EU member countries (EU27) have endorsed the draft Brexit withdrawal agreement and approved the draft political declaration on future EU-UK relations in a special meeting of the European Council on Britain leaving the EU under Article 50 EPA 26/50 24 November 2018 Environmental activists gather around a mock 'coffin', with "our future" written on it, on the green in Parliament Square during a demonstration organised by the movement Extinction Rebellion, calling on the British government to take action on climate and ecological issues. After a week of protest action disrupting the traffic on bridges in central London over the Thames, the social movement Extinction Rebellion, planned a 'funeral march' to highlight what they describe as a climate and ecological emergency. Extinction Rebellion demands that the UK government reduces to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 and creates a citizens assembly to oversee changes in environmental policies AFP/Getty 27/50 23 November 2018 England batsman Jonny Bairstow celebrates after reaching his century during Day One of the Third Test match against Sri Lanka at Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo Getty 28/50 22 November 2018 Prime Minister Theresa May joins a parent and baby group during a visit to the Kentish Town Health Centre in London Reuters 29/50 21 November 2018 A crashed car, with an object protruding through the windscreen, sits abandoned on the A628 in the Peak District, as a blast of snow hit the north of England PA 30/50 20 November 2018 Waves crash over Seaham lighthouse near Durham as the cold and wet weather continues PA 31/50 19 November 2018 Prime Minister Theresa May speaking at the CBI annual conference at InterContinental Hotel. Ms May, speaking at the CBI conference, said it was “important” that the UK had escaped EU rules by the 2022 election, but did not give a guarantee PA 32/50 18 November 2018 England's Harry Kane celebrates with team mate Jesse Lingard after he scored the winning goal against Croatia, after coming from 0-1 down during their Nations League match at Wembley Stadium. The win means that England process to the semi-finals of the new competition and relegate Croatia AFP/Getty 33/50 17 November 2018 Demonstrators on Westminster Bridge in London for a protest called by Extinction Rebellion to raise awareness of the dangers posed by climate change PA 34/50 16 November 2018 Environment Secretary Michael Gove speaking outside the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs offices. He confirmed he will remain in post and thinks it is important to continue working with Cabinet colleagues to ensure the best Brexit outcome for the country PA 35/50 15 November 2018 Theresa May chuckles at a press conference in Downing Street after a tough day in which multiple cabinet members have resigned and a number of MPs have tabled votes of no confidence in her leadership Reuters 36/50 14 November 2018 Pro-European Union, anti-Brexit demonstrators hold placards and wave Union and EU flags as they protest outside of the Houses of Parliament. British and European Union negotiators have reached a draft agreement on Brexit AFP/Getty 37/50 13 November 2018 Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab leaves Downing Street. Prime Minister Theresa May today faced her divided ministers as negotiators scrambled to secure a divorce agreement with the European Union and anxiety mounted over the risk of a no-deal Brexit PA 38/50 12 November 2018 Berlin Mayor Michael Mueller (centre) welcomes Madrid Mayor Manuela Carmena (left) and London Mayor Sadiq Khan at City Hall in Berlin. The three city leaders are meeting to discuss common challenges, including the consequences of Brexit, immigration and the growth of right-wing populism Getty 39/50 11 November 2018 Prince Charles, and President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier face the Cenotaph during the Remembrance Sunday ceremony on Whitehall in London. On the 100th anniversary of the World War I armistice, the day's events mark the final First World War Centenary commemoration events hosted by the UK Government AFP/Getty 40/50 10 November 2018 Fans, players and staff pay tribute inside of the King Power stadium as a silence is observed in memory of Leicester City chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha prior to their Premier League match against Burnley. The first time a match has been played in the stadium since the owners helicopter crash Getty 41/50 9 November 2018 Transport Minister Jo Johnson has resigned in protest of the Government's Brexit plan and called for a Final Say referendum EPA 42/50 8 November 2018 Britain's Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt delivers a speech at the British embassy in Paris. Britain's foreign secretary says Brexit negotiations are in "the final phase" and that he is confident that an agreement will be reached with the European Union. AP 43/50 7 November 2018 Captain James Pugh places a figure among artist Rob Heard's installation Shrouds of the Somme, which honours the dead of the First World War, at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. 72,396 small shrouded figures, representing soldiers who died and were never recovered from the Somme battlefields, have been laid out by volunteers and members of 1 Royal Anglian Regiment PA 44/50 6 November 2018 Adrian Lester, Sir Lenny Henry, Ade Adepitan, Nadine Marsh-Edwards, Marcus Ryder and Meera Syal, as they deliver a letter, signed by a string of stars, to 10 Downing Street, calling for tax breaks to effect change and boost diversity behind the camera PA 45/50 5 November 2018 EU nationals, living in the UK take part in a demonstration along Whitehall. Three campaign groups, 'the3million', 'British in Europe', and UNISON came together to form a human chain from Downing Street to Parliament Square and lobby MPs Getty 46/50 4 November 2018 The Leicester City team with Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha (centre in white uniform) son of Leicester City's Thai owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha while they pay their respects during the second day of the funeral ceremony at Wat Thepsirin Buddhist temple in Bangkok. Players and staff from the club arrived in Bangkok to attend a mourning rite for the club's chairman, whose death last week in a helicopter crash stunned the Premier League club King Power/AFP/Getty 47/50 3 November 2018 The Edenbridge Bonfire Society celebrity guy, Boris Johnson, is set on fire in Kent PA 48/50 2 November 2018 Wreaths reading 'THE BOSS', for Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, left by Leicester City players outside the King Power stadium. Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, was among those to have tragically lost their lives on Saturday evening when a helicopter carrying him and four other people crashed outside the stadium PA 49/50 1 November 2018 Google staff stage a walkout at the company's UK headquarters in London as part of a global campaign over the US tech giant's handling of sexual harassment. Hundreds of employees also walked out of their European headquarters in Dublin, as well as, other offices in different parts of the world AFP/Getty 50/50 31 October 2018 Protesters block Parliament Square in London as the environmental group Extinction Rebellion launches a mass civil disobedience campaign demanding action on climate change PA 1/50 19 December 2018 There was controversy in the Commons today as Jeremy Corbyn allegedly called the Prime Minister a stupid woman under his breath after she made a joke at PMQs AP 2/50 18 December 2018 Jose Mourinho after he was sacked by Manchester United with immediate effect. The Portuguese leaves United sixth in the table with the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday proving his final game in charge. A club statement read: "Manchester United announces that manager Jose Mourinho has left the club with immediate effect. The club would like to thank Jose for his work during his time at Manchester United and to wish him success in the future. A new caretaker manager will be appointed until the end of the current season, while the club conducts a thorough recruitment process for a new, full-time manager." Reuters 3/50 17 December 2018 Firefighters and police officers attend a memorial service at the Harrods Bombing memorial in west London, on the 35th anniversary of the terrorist attack which left three police officers and three members of the public dead, on December 17, 1983 PA 4/50 16 December 2018 Theresa May has hit out at Mr Blair, accusing him of "insulting"the British people and the office of prime minister by "undermining" Brexit talks with calls in Brussels for a second referendum. PA 5/50 15 December 2018 Chester Zoo after a fire broke out in the Monsoon Forest habitat area. PA 6/50 14 December 2018 Fracking has been halted at the Preston Road site in Lancashire after a series of tremors peaking at 0.9 magnitude Reuters 7/50 13 December 2018 Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar today told Theresa May that he expects assurances that there will be no hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland AP 8/50 12 December 2018 Theresa May announces that she is to face a vote of no confidence today Reuters 9/50 11 December 2018 Armed police restrain a man inside the grounds of the Houses of Parliament in London Reuters 10/50 10 December 2018 A demonstrator dressed as Theresa May sells Brexit Fudge in Old Palace Yard, Westminster PA 11/50 9 December 2018 A pro-brexit demonstrator speaks into a megaphone at the "Brexit betrayal" march in London. Counter-demonstrators also staged a march in London today Angela Christofilou/The Independent 12/50 8 December 2018 People in Santa costumes in Trafalgar Square, London, as they take part in Santacon PA 13/50 7 December 2018 A large mural depicting one star being chipped away from the EU flag is seen in Dover. The work has been attributed to Banksy Reuters 14/50 6 December 2018 A man wearing a storm trooper costume holds a sketchbook belonging to costume designer John Mollo, and showing illustrations for Star Wars costumes, during a photo-call ahead of an auction at Bonhams in central London Reuters 15/50 5 December 2018 Demonstrators for and against Brexit protest opposite the Houses of Parliament AFP/Getty 16/50 4 December 2018 Theresa May has suffered an unprecedented defeat after the government was found to be in contempt of parliament for refusing to publish key Brexit papers. Labour and other opposition MPs, including Ms May's DUP allies, won a narrow victory on the emergency motion, which argued that ministers failed to comply with a binding Commons resolution to publish the full legal advice on the Brexit dea Reuters 17/50 3 December 2018 The Independent's Final Say campaign and People's Vote delivering to 10 Downing Street their respective petitions calling for a public referendum on Theresa May's Brexit deal. The Independent editor Christian Broughton delivered over one million Final Say signatures and People's Vote spokesman Chuka Umunna delivered 300,000 People's Vote signatures at midday The Independent/Lucy Young 18/50 2 December 2018 Competitors take part in the London Santa Run in London's Victoria Park Reuters 19/50 1 December 2018 Britain will no longer have access to the EU's Galileo satellite system (pictured) following brexit PA 20/50 30 November 2018 US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Theresa May attend the G20 leaders summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina Reuters 21/50 29 November 2018 Waves hit the British coast as Storm Diana approaches, in Portreath, Cornwall StuCornell/Twitter/Reuters 22/50 28 November 2018 Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stand with Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha (left), the son of Leicester City's chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, and his mother Aimon watched by Leicester City players (right) as they pause after laying flowers during their visit to the King Power Stadium in Leicester, to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the October 27 helicopter crash at the stadium. The chairman was among five people killed when his helicopter crashed in the side's stadium car park moments after taking off from the pitch AFP/Getty 23/50 27 November 2018 A demonstrator wearing a mask of Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg poses outside Portcullis house to question the refusal of Zuckerberg to give evidence to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee investigation into disinformation and fake news at the Houses of Parliament in London. Facebook boss Richard Allan is expected to be among a number of officials giving evidence to an "international grand committee" on disinformation and fake news AFP/Getty 24/50 26 November 2018 Artist Joseph Hillier and his sculpture - Messenger, depicting "a young powerful woman", which will be unveiled next year for Theatre Royal Plymouth. The sculpture, spanning seven metres high and nine metres wide, is too large to be put together at Castle Fine Arts foundry, near Oswestry, so it's being made in sections with 30 master craftsmen to weld them together PA 25/50 25 November 2018 Prime Minister Theresa May gives a press conference at the end of the European Council meeting in Brussels. The leaders of the 27 remaining EU member countries (EU27) have endorsed the draft Brexit withdrawal agreement and approved the draft political declaration on future EU-UK relations in a special meeting of the European Council on Britain leaving the EU under Article 50 EPA 26/50 24 November 2018 Environmental activists gather around a mock 'coffin', with "our future" written on it, on the green in Parliament Square during a demonstration organised by the movement Extinction Rebellion, calling on the British government to take action on climate and ecological issues. After a week of protest action disrupting the traffic on bridges in central London over the Thames, the social movement Extinction Rebellion, planned a 'funeral march' to highlight what they describe as a climate and ecological emergency. Extinction Rebellion demands that the UK government reduces to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 and creates a citizens assembly to oversee changes in environmental policies AFP/Getty 27/50 23 November 2018 England batsman Jonny Bairstow celebrates after reaching his century during Day One of the Third Test match against Sri Lanka at Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo Getty 28/50 22 November 2018 Prime Minister Theresa May joins a parent and baby group during a visit to the Kentish Town Health Centre in London Reuters 29/50 21 November 2018 A crashed car, with an object protruding through the windscreen, sits abandoned on the A628 in the Peak District, as a blast of snow hit the north of England PA 30/50 20 November 2018 Waves crash over Seaham lighthouse near Durham as the cold and wet weather continues PA 31/50 19 November 2018 Prime Minister Theresa May speaking at the CBI annual conference at InterContinental Hotel. Ms May, speaking at the CBI conference, said it was “important” that the UK had escaped EU rules by the 2022 election, but did not give a guarantee PA 32/50 18 November 2018 England's Harry Kane celebrates with team mate Jesse Lingard after he scored the winning goal against Croatia, after coming from 0-1 down during their Nations League match at Wembley Stadium. The win means that England process to the semi-finals of the new competition and relegate Croatia AFP/Getty 33/50 17 November 2018 Demonstrators on Westminster Bridge in London for a protest called by Extinction Rebellion to raise awareness of the dangers posed by climate change PA 34/50 16 November 2018 Environment Secretary Michael Gove speaking outside the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs offices. He confirmed he will remain in post and thinks it is important to continue working with Cabinet colleagues to ensure the best Brexit outcome for the country PA 35/50 15 November 2018 Theresa May chuckles at a press conference in Downing Street after a tough day in which multiple cabinet members have resigned and a number of MPs have tabled votes of no confidence in her leadership Reuters 36/50 14 November 2018 Pro-European Union, anti-Brexit demonstrators hold placards and wave Union and EU flags as they protest outside of the Houses of Parliament. British and European Union negotiators have reached a draft agreement on Brexit AFP/Getty 37/50 13 November 2018 Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab leaves Downing Street. Prime Minister Theresa May today faced her divided ministers as negotiators scrambled to secure a divorce agreement with the European Union and anxiety mounted over the risk of a no-deal Brexit PA 38/50 12 November 2018 Berlin Mayor Michael Mueller (centre) welcomes Madrid Mayor Manuela Carmena (left) and London Mayor Sadiq Khan at City Hall in Berlin. The three city leaders are meeting to discuss common challenges, including the consequences of Brexit, immigration and the growth of right-wing populism Getty 39/50 11 November 2018 Prince Charles, and President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier face the Cenotaph during the Remembrance Sunday ceremony on Whitehall in London. On the 100th anniversary of the World War I armistice, the day's events mark the final First World War Centenary commemoration events hosted by the UK Government AFP/Getty 40/50 10 November 2018 Fans, players and staff pay tribute inside of the King Power stadium as a silence is observed in memory of Leicester City chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha prior to their Premier League match against Burnley. The first time a match has been played in the stadium since the owners helicopter crash Getty 41/50 9 November 2018 Transport Minister Jo Johnson has resigned in protest of the Government's Brexit plan and called for a Final Say referendum EPA 42/50 8 November 2018 Britain's Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt delivers a speech at the British embassy in Paris. Britain's foreign secretary says Brexit negotiations are in "the final phase" and that he is confident that an agreement will be reached with the European Union. AP 43/50 7 November 2018 Captain James Pugh places a figure among artist Rob Heard's installation Shrouds of the Somme, which honours the dead of the First World War, at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. 72,396 small shrouded figures, representing soldiers who died and were never recovered from the Somme battlefields, have been laid out by volunteers and members of 1 Royal Anglian Regiment PA 44/50 6 November 2018 Adrian Lester, Sir Lenny Henry, Ade Adepitan, Nadine Marsh-Edwards, Marcus Ryder and Meera Syal, as they deliver a letter, signed by a string of stars, to 10 Downing Street, calling for tax breaks to effect change and boost diversity behind the camera PA 45/50 5 November 2018 EU nationals, living in the UK take part in a demonstration along Whitehall. Three campaign groups, 'the3million', 'British in Europe', and UNISON came together to form a human chain from Downing Street to Parliament Square and lobby MPs Getty 46/50 4 November 2018 The Leicester City team with Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha (centre in white uniform) son of Leicester City's Thai owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha while they pay their respects during the second day of the funeral ceremony at Wat Thepsirin Buddhist temple in Bangkok. Players and staff from the club arrived in Bangkok to attend a mourning rite for the club's chairman, whose death last week in a helicopter crash stunned the Premier League club King Power/AFP/Getty 47/50 3 November 2018 The Edenbridge Bonfire Society celebrity guy, Boris Johnson, is set on fire in Kent PA 48/50 2 November 2018 Wreaths reading 'THE BOSS', for Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, left by Leicester City players outside the King Power stadium. Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, was among those to have tragically lost their lives on Saturday evening when a helicopter carrying him and four other people crashed outside the stadium PA 49/50 1 November 2018 Google staff stage a walkout at the company's UK headquarters in London as part of a global campaign over the US tech giant's handling of sexual harassment. Hundreds of employees also walked out of their European headquarters in Dublin, as well as, other offices in different parts of the world AFP/Getty 50/50 31 October 2018 Protesters block Parliament Square in London as the environmental group Extinction Rebellion launches a mass civil disobedience campaign demanding action on climate change PA Kirby Swales, director at the NatCen Survey Centre which coordinated the research, said people seem to be more willing to work harder to achieve something to be happy about. “There is a common pattern of people working harder but being more happy. We find that there has been an increase in those that are willing to work hard," Mr Swales told the Telegraph. “It does seem to be increasingly accepted among people that they have to go that extra mile and they accept that work is a bit more stressful and a bit more imposing on their work-life balance, but if that is associated with more autonomy there are plenty of people choosing to do that.” Last week, it was reported a Scottish man who won a £14m lottery jackpot was back to work as a plumber just two days after his win was publicly announced. John Doherty, 52, said he “would be bored sat at home” as he enjoyed his work and “wanted to stay grounded”. 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Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout News > UK > Home News Britain has best work environments out of major European countries, new survey claims Many workers in France, Germany and Italy feel bosses have no genuine interest in their wellbeing * Jack Peat * Tuesday 16 October 2018 17:03 * {{#singleComment}}{{total}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{total}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow The Independent Thirty-six per cent of workers on the continent said their boss had no idea what they did on a day-to-day basis ( Rex Features ) Britain is home to some of the best work environments in Europe when compared to other major economies, a new survey has revealed. Despite a third of respondents saying they did not get enough recognition from their boss, some 67 per cent said they thought their manager had a genuine interest in their wellbeing and happiness at work. Almost half said they got on well with their boss on both a professional and personal level and two-thirds agreed they deserved to be in the position they were in. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Read more * Why a valued and respected workforce boosts the bottom line However, managers on the continent came off far worse. Research of 5,000 workers in France, Germany and Italy has revealed over a quarter of European employees felt their bosses had no genuine interest for their wellbeing, with Italians feeling the most underappreciated followed by workers in France and Germany. By contrast, just 22 per cent of Britons said the same, the lowest number of all four major economies. The survey also found 44 per cent of European employees did not believe their bosses would be able to complete a day’s work in their job. This could be due to a lack of interest or effort to engage with them, with 36 per cent of workers on the continent saying their boss had no idea what they did on a day-to-day basis. “The workplace has a profound effect on shaping the beliefs and values of employees," said Saurav Chopra, co-founder and CEO of Perkbox. “In fact, a key differentiator separating the highest performing companies from the rest is the way they look after the wellbeing of their staff. “It signals ‘the right way’ of doing things and becomes self-reinforcing - you care for them, they will care for your business in return.” Created with Sketch. UK news in pictures Show all 50 Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. (BUTTON) Created with Sketch. UK news in pictures 1/50 18 December 2018 Jose Mourinho after he was sacked by Manchester United with immediate effect. The Portuguese leaves United sixth in the table with the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday proving his final game in charge. A club statement read: "Manchester United announces that manager Jose Mourinho has left the club with immediate effect. The club would like to thank Jose for his work during his time at Manchester United and to wish him success in the future. A new caretaker manager will be appointed until the end of the current season, while the club conducts a thorough recruitment process for a new, full-time manager." Reuters 2/50 17 December 2018 Firefighters and police officers attend a memorial service at the Harrods Bombing memorial in west London, on the 35th anniversary of the terrorist attack which left three police officers and three members of the public dead, on December 17, 1983 PA 3/50 16 December 2018 Theresa May has hit out at Mr Blair, accusing him of "insulting"the British people and the office of prime minister by "undermining" Brexit talks with calls in Brussels for a second referendum. PA 4/50 15 December 2018 Chester Zoo after a fire broke out in the Monsoon Forest habitat area. PA 5/50 14 December 2018 Fracking has been halted at the Preston Road site in Lancashire after a series of tremors peaking at 0.9 magnitude Reuters 6/50 13 December 2018 Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar today told Theresa May that he expects assurances that there will be no hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland AP 7/50 12 December 2018 Theresa May announces that she is to face a vote of no confidence today Reuters 8/50 11 December 2018 Armed police restrain a man inside the grounds of the Houses of Parliament in London Reuters 9/50 10 December 2018 A demonstrator dressed as Theresa May sells Brexit Fudge in Old Palace Yard, Westminster PA 10/50 9 December 2018 A pro-brexit demonstrator speaks into a megaphone at the "Brexit betrayal" march in London. Counter-demonstrators also staged a march in London today Angela Christofilou/The Independent 11/50 8 December 2018 People in Santa costumes in Trafalgar Square, London, as they take part in Santacon PA 12/50 7 December 2018 A large mural depicting one star being chipped away from the EU flag is seen in Dover. The work has been attributed to Banksy Reuters 13/50 6 December 2018 A man wearing a storm trooper costume holds a sketchbook belonging to costume designer John Mollo, and showing illustrations for Star Wars costumes, during a photo-call ahead of an auction at Bonhams in central London Reuters 14/50 5 December 2018 Demonstrators for and against Brexit protest opposite the Houses of Parliament AFP/Getty 15/50 4 December 2018 Theresa May has suffered an unprecedented defeat after the government was found to be in contempt of parliament for refusing to publish key Brexit papers. Labour and other opposition MPs, including Ms May's DUP allies, won a narrow victory on the emergency motion, which argued that ministers failed to comply with a binding Commons resolution to publish the full legal advice on the Brexit dea Reuters 16/50 3 December 2018 The Independent's Final Say campaign and People's Vote delivering to 10 Downing Street their respective petitions calling for a public referendum on Theresa May's Brexit deal. The Independent editor Christian Broughton delivered over one million Final Say signatures and People's Vote spokesman Chuka Umunna delivered 300,000 People's Vote signatures at midday The Independent/Lucy Young 17/50 2 December 2018 Competitors take part in the London Santa Run in London's Victoria Park Reuters 18/50 1 December 2018 Britain will no longer have access to the EU's Galileo satellite system (pictured) following brexit PA 19/50 30 November 2018 US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Theresa May attend the G20 leaders summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina Reuters 20/50 29 November 2018 Waves hit the British coast as Storm Diana approaches, in Portreath, Cornwall StuCornell/Twitter/Reuters 21/50 28 November 2018 Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stand with Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha (left), the son of Leicester City's chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, and his mother Aimon watched by Leicester City players (right) as they pause after laying flowers during their visit to the King Power Stadium in Leicester, to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the October 27 helicopter crash at the stadium. The chairman was among five people killed when his helicopter crashed in the side's stadium car park moments after taking off from the pitch AFP/Getty 22/50 27 November 2018 A demonstrator wearing a mask of Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg poses outside Portcullis house to question the refusal of Zuckerberg to give evidence to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee investigation into disinformation and fake news at the Houses of Parliament in London. Facebook boss Richard Allan is expected to be among a number of officials giving evidence to an "international grand committee" on disinformation and fake news AFP/Getty 23/50 26 November 2018 Artist Joseph Hillier and his sculpture - Messenger, depicting "a young powerful woman", which will be unveiled next year for Theatre Royal Plymouth. The sculpture, spanning seven metres high and nine metres wide, is too large to be put together at Castle Fine Arts foundry, near Oswestry, so it's being made in sections with 30 master craftsmen to weld them together PA 24/50 25 November 2018 Prime Minister Theresa May gives a press conference at the end of the European Council meeting in Brussels. The leaders of the 27 remaining EU member countries (EU27) have endorsed the draft Brexit withdrawal agreement and approved the draft political declaration on future EU-UK relations in a special meeting of the European Council on Britain leaving the EU under Article 50 EPA 25/50 24 November 2018 Environmental activists gather around a mock 'coffin', with "our future" written on it, on the green in Parliament Square during a demonstration organised by the movement Extinction Rebellion, calling on the British government to take action on climate and ecological issues. After a week of protest action disrupting the traffic on bridges in central London over the Thames, the social movement Extinction Rebellion, planned a 'funeral march' to highlight what they describe as a climate and ecological emergency. Extinction Rebellion demands that the UK government reduces to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 and creates a citizens assembly to oversee changes in environmental policies AFP/Getty 26/50 23 November 2018 England batsman Jonny Bairstow celebrates after reaching his century during Day One of the Third Test match against Sri Lanka at Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo Getty 27/50 22 November 2018 Prime Minister Theresa May joins a parent and baby group during a visit to the Kentish Town Health Centre in London Reuters 28/50 21 November 2018 A crashed car, with an object protruding through the windscreen, sits abandoned on the A628 in the Peak District, as a blast of snow hit the north of England PA 29/50 20 November 2018 Waves crash over Seaham lighthouse near Durham as the cold and wet weather continues PA 30/50 19 November 2018 Prime Minister Theresa May speaking at the CBI annual conference at InterContinental Hotel. Ms May, speaking at the CBI conference, said it was “important” that the UK had escaped EU rules by the 2022 election, but did not give a guarantee PA 31/50 18 November 2018 England's Harry Kane celebrates with team mate Jesse Lingard after he scored the winning goal against Croatia, after coming from 0-1 down during their Nations League match at Wembley Stadium. The win means that England process to the semi-finals of the new competition and relegate Croatia AFP/Getty 32/50 17 November 2018 Demonstrators on Westminster Bridge in London for a protest called by Extinction Rebellion to raise awareness of the dangers posed by climate change PA 33/50 16 November 2018 Environment Secretary Michael Gove speaking outside the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs offices. He confirmed he will remain in post and thinks it is important to continue working with Cabinet colleagues to ensure the best Brexit outcome for the country PA 34/50 15 November 2018 Theresa May chuckles at a press conference in Downing Street after a tough day in which multiple cabinet members have resigned and a number of MPs have tabled votes of no confidence in her leadership Reuters 35/50 14 November 2018 Pro-European Union, anti-Brexit demonstrators hold placards and wave Union and EU flags as they protest outside of the Houses of Parliament. British and European Union negotiators have reached a draft agreement on Brexit AFP/Getty 36/50 13 November 2018 Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab leaves Downing Street. Prime Minister Theresa May today faced her divided ministers as negotiators scrambled to secure a divorce agreement with the European Union and anxiety mounted over the risk of a no-deal Brexit PA 37/50 12 November 2018 Berlin Mayor Michael Mueller (centre) welcomes Madrid Mayor Manuela Carmena (left) and London Mayor Sadiq Khan at City Hall in Berlin. The three city leaders are meeting to discuss common challenges, including the consequences of Brexit, immigration and the growth of right-wing populism Getty 38/50 11 November 2018 Prince Charles, and President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier face the Cenotaph during the Remembrance Sunday ceremony on Whitehall in London. On the 100th anniversary of the World War I armistice, the day's events mark the final First World War Centenary commemoration events hosted by the UK Government AFP/Getty 39/50 10 November 2018 Fans, players and staff pay tribute inside of the King Power stadium as a silence is observed in memory of Leicester City chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha prior to their Premier League match against Burnley. The first time a match has been played in the stadium since the owners helicopter crash Getty 40/50 9 November 2018 Transport Minister Jo Johnson has resigned in protest of the Government's Brexit plan and called for a Final Say referendum EPA 41/50 8 November 2018 Britain's Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt delivers a speech at the British embassy in Paris. Britain's foreign secretary says Brexit negotiations are in "the final phase" and that he is confident that an agreement will be reached with the European Union. AP 42/50 7 November 2018 Captain James Pugh places a figure among artist Rob Heard's installation Shrouds of the Somme, which honours the dead of the First World War, at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. 72,396 small shrouded figures, representing soldiers who died and were never recovered from the Somme battlefields, have been laid out by volunteers and members of 1 Royal Anglian Regiment PA 43/50 6 November 2018 Adrian Lester, Sir Lenny Henry, Ade Adepitan, Nadine Marsh-Edwards, Marcus Ryder and Meera Syal, as they deliver a letter, signed by a string of stars, to 10 Downing Street, calling for tax breaks to effect change and boost diversity behind the camera PA 44/50 5 November 2018 EU nationals, living in the UK take part in a demonstration along Whitehall. Three campaign groups, 'the3million', 'British in Europe', and UNISON came together to form a human chain from Downing Street to Parliament Square and lobby MPs Getty 45/50 4 November 2018 The Leicester City team with Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha (centre in white uniform) son of Leicester City's Thai owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha while they pay their respects during the second day of the funeral ceremony at Wat Thepsirin Buddhist temple in Bangkok. Players and staff from the club arrived in Bangkok to attend a mourning rite for the club's chairman, whose death last week in a helicopter crash stunned the Premier League club King Power/AFP/Getty 46/50 3 November 2018 The Edenbridge Bonfire Society celebrity guy, Boris Johnson, is set on fire in Kent PA 47/50 2 November 2018 Wreaths reading 'THE BOSS', for Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, left by Leicester City players outside the King Power stadium. Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, was among those to have tragically lost their lives on Saturday evening when a helicopter carrying him and four other people crashed outside the stadium PA 48/50 1 November 2018 Google staff stage a walkout at the company's UK headquarters in London as part of a global campaign over the US tech giant's handling of sexual harassment. Hundreds of employees also walked out of their European headquarters in Dublin, as well as, other offices in different parts of the world AFP/Getty 49/50 31 October 2018 Protesters block Parliament Square in London as the environmental group Extinction Rebellion launches a mass civil disobedience campaign demanding action on climate change PA 50/50 30 October 2018 British Prime Minister Theresa May, right, listens to Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, center, flanked by Lithuania's Health Minister, Aurelijus Veryga at the Oslo Cancer Cluster for a summit to discuss the role of health technology. Speaking from Oslo, May says this week's austerity-easing British budget does not signal an impending election NTB scanpix via AP 1/50 18 December 2018 Jose Mourinho after he was sacked by Manchester United with immediate effect. The Portuguese leaves United sixth in the table with the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday proving his final game in charge. A club statement read: "Manchester United announces that manager Jose Mourinho has left the club with immediate effect. The club would like to thank Jose for his work during his time at Manchester United and to wish him success in the future. A new caretaker manager will be appointed until the end of the current season, while the club conducts a thorough recruitment process for a new, full-time manager." Reuters 2/50 17 December 2018 Firefighters and police officers attend a memorial service at the Harrods Bombing memorial in west London, on the 35th anniversary of the terrorist attack which left three police officers and three members of the public dead, on December 17, 1983 PA 3/50 16 December 2018 Theresa May has hit out at Mr Blair, accusing him of "insulting"the British people and the office of prime minister by "undermining" Brexit talks with calls in Brussels for a second referendum. PA 4/50 15 December 2018 Chester Zoo after a fire broke out in the Monsoon Forest habitat area. PA 5/50 14 December 2018 Fracking has been halted at the Preston Road site in Lancashire after a series of tremors peaking at 0.9 magnitude Reuters 6/50 13 December 2018 Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar today told Theresa May that he expects assurances that there will be no hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland AP 7/50 12 December 2018 Theresa May announces that she is to face a vote of no confidence today Reuters 8/50 11 December 2018 Armed police restrain a man inside the grounds of the Houses of Parliament in London Reuters 9/50 10 December 2018 A demonstrator dressed as Theresa May sells Brexit Fudge in Old Palace Yard, Westminster PA 10/50 9 December 2018 A pro-brexit demonstrator speaks into a megaphone at the "Brexit betrayal" march in London. Counter-demonstrators also staged a march in London today Angela Christofilou/The Independent 11/50 8 December 2018 People in Santa costumes in Trafalgar Square, London, as they take part in Santacon PA 12/50 7 December 2018 A large mural depicting one star being chipped away from the EU flag is seen in Dover. The work has been attributed to Banksy Reuters 13/50 6 December 2018 A man wearing a storm trooper costume holds a sketchbook belonging to costume designer John Mollo, and showing illustrations for Star Wars costumes, during a photo-call ahead of an auction at Bonhams in central London Reuters 14/50 5 December 2018 Demonstrators for and against Brexit protest opposite the Houses of Parliament AFP/Getty 15/50 4 December 2018 Theresa May has suffered an unprecedented defeat after the government was found to be in contempt of parliament for refusing to publish key Brexit papers. Labour and other opposition MPs, including Ms May's DUP allies, won a narrow victory on the emergency motion, which argued that ministers failed to comply with a binding Commons resolution to publish the full legal advice on the Brexit dea Reuters 16/50 3 December 2018 The Independent's Final Say campaign and People's Vote delivering to 10 Downing Street their respective petitions calling for a public referendum on Theresa May's Brexit deal. The Independent editor Christian Broughton delivered over one million Final Say signatures and People's Vote spokesman Chuka Umunna delivered 300,000 People's Vote signatures at midday The Independent/Lucy Young 17/50 2 December 2018 Competitors take part in the London Santa Run in London's Victoria Park Reuters 18/50 1 December 2018 Britain will no longer have access to the EU's Galileo satellite system (pictured) following brexit PA 19/50 30 November 2018 US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Theresa May attend the G20 leaders summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina Reuters 20/50 29 November 2018 Waves hit the British coast as Storm Diana approaches, in Portreath, Cornwall StuCornell/Twitter/Reuters 21/50 28 November 2018 Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stand with Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha (left), the son of Leicester City's chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, and his mother Aimon watched by Leicester City players (right) as they pause after laying flowers during their visit to the King Power Stadium in Leicester, to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the October 27 helicopter crash at the stadium. The chairman was among five people killed when his helicopter crashed in the side's stadium car park moments after taking off from the pitch AFP/Getty 22/50 27 November 2018 A demonstrator wearing a mask of Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg poses outside Portcullis house to question the refusal of Zuckerberg to give evidence to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee investigation into disinformation and fake news at the Houses of Parliament in London. Facebook boss Richard Allan is expected to be among a number of officials giving evidence to an "international grand committee" on disinformation and fake news AFP/Getty 23/50 26 November 2018 Artist Joseph Hillier and his sculpture - Messenger, depicting "a young powerful woman", which will be unveiled next year for Theatre Royal Plymouth. The sculpture, spanning seven metres high and nine metres wide, is too large to be put together at Castle Fine Arts foundry, near Oswestry, so it's being made in sections with 30 master craftsmen to weld them together PA 24/50 25 November 2018 Prime Minister Theresa May gives a press conference at the end of the European Council meeting in Brussels. The leaders of the 27 remaining EU member countries (EU27) have endorsed the draft Brexit withdrawal agreement and approved the draft political declaration on future EU-UK relations in a special meeting of the European Council on Britain leaving the EU under Article 50 EPA 25/50 24 November 2018 Environmental activists gather around a mock 'coffin', with "our future" written on it, on the green in Parliament Square during a demonstration organised by the movement Extinction Rebellion, calling on the British government to take action on climate and ecological issues. After a week of protest action disrupting the traffic on bridges in central London over the Thames, the social movement Extinction Rebellion, planned a 'funeral march' to highlight what they describe as a climate and ecological emergency. Extinction Rebellion demands that the UK government reduces to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 and creates a citizens assembly to oversee changes in environmental policies AFP/Getty 26/50 23 November 2018 England batsman Jonny Bairstow celebrates after reaching his century during Day One of the Third Test match against Sri Lanka at Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo Getty 27/50 22 November 2018 Prime Minister Theresa May joins a parent and baby group during a visit to the Kentish Town Health Centre in London Reuters 28/50 21 November 2018 A crashed car, with an object protruding through the windscreen, sits abandoned on the A628 in the Peak District, as a blast of snow hit the north of England PA 29/50 20 November 2018 Waves crash over Seaham lighthouse near Durham as the cold and wet weather continues PA 30/50 19 November 2018 Prime Minister Theresa May speaking at the CBI annual conference at InterContinental Hotel. Ms May, speaking at the CBI conference, said it was “important” that the UK had escaped EU rules by the 2022 election, but did not give a guarantee PA 31/50 18 November 2018 England's Harry Kane celebrates with team mate Jesse Lingard after he scored the winning goal against Croatia, after coming from 0-1 down during their Nations League match at Wembley Stadium. The win means that England process to the semi-finals of the new competition and relegate Croatia AFP/Getty 32/50 17 November 2018 Demonstrators on Westminster Bridge in London for a protest called by Extinction Rebellion to raise awareness of the dangers posed by climate change PA 33/50 16 November 2018 Environment Secretary Michael Gove speaking outside the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs offices. He confirmed he will remain in post and thinks it is important to continue working with Cabinet colleagues to ensure the best Brexit outcome for the country PA 34/50 15 November 2018 Theresa May chuckles at a press conference in Downing Street after a tough day in which multiple cabinet members have resigned and a number of MPs have tabled votes of no confidence in her leadership Reuters 35/50 14 November 2018 Pro-European Union, anti-Brexit demonstrators hold placards and wave Union and EU flags as they protest outside of the Houses of Parliament. British and European Union negotiators have reached a draft agreement on Brexit AFP/Getty 36/50 13 November 2018 Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab leaves Downing Street. Prime Minister Theresa May today faced her divided ministers as negotiators scrambled to secure a divorce agreement with the European Union and anxiety mounted over the risk of a no-deal Brexit PA 37/50 12 November 2018 Berlin Mayor Michael Mueller (centre) welcomes Madrid Mayor Manuela Carmena (left) and London Mayor Sadiq Khan at City Hall in Berlin. The three city leaders are meeting to discuss common challenges, including the consequences of Brexit, immigration and the growth of right-wing populism Getty 38/50 11 November 2018 Prince Charles, and President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier face the Cenotaph during the Remembrance Sunday ceremony on Whitehall in London. On the 100th anniversary of the World War I armistice, the day's events mark the final First World War Centenary commemoration events hosted by the UK Government AFP/Getty 39/50 10 November 2018 Fans, players and staff pay tribute inside of the King Power stadium as a silence is observed in memory of Leicester City chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha prior to their Premier League match against Burnley. The first time a match has been played in the stadium since the owners helicopter crash Getty 40/50 9 November 2018 Transport Minister Jo Johnson has resigned in protest of the Government's Brexit plan and called for a Final Say referendum EPA 41/50 8 November 2018 Britain's Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt delivers a speech at the British embassy in Paris. Britain's foreign secretary says Brexit negotiations are in "the final phase" and that he is confident that an agreement will be reached with the European Union. AP 42/50 7 November 2018 Captain James Pugh places a figure among artist Rob Heard's installation Shrouds of the Somme, which honours the dead of the First World War, at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. 72,396 small shrouded figures, representing soldiers who died and were never recovered from the Somme battlefields, have been laid out by volunteers and members of 1 Royal Anglian Regiment PA 43/50 6 November 2018 Adrian Lester, Sir Lenny Henry, Ade Adepitan, Nadine Marsh-Edwards, Marcus Ryder and Meera Syal, as they deliver a letter, signed by a string of stars, to 10 Downing Street, calling for tax breaks to effect change and boost diversity behind the camera PA 44/50 5 November 2018 EU nationals, living in the UK take part in a demonstration along Whitehall. Three campaign groups, 'the3million', 'British in Europe', and UNISON came together to form a human chain from Downing Street to Parliament Square and lobby MPs Getty 45/50 4 November 2018 The Leicester City team with Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha (centre in white uniform) son of Leicester City's Thai owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha while they pay their respects during the second day of the funeral ceremony at Wat Thepsirin Buddhist temple in Bangkok. Players and staff from the club arrived in Bangkok to attend a mourning rite for the club's chairman, whose death last week in a helicopter crash stunned the Premier League club King Power/AFP/Getty 46/50 3 November 2018 The Edenbridge Bonfire Society celebrity guy, Boris Johnson, is set on fire in Kent PA 47/50 2 November 2018 Wreaths reading 'THE BOSS', for Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, left by Leicester City players outside the King Power stadium. Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, was among those to have tragically lost their lives on Saturday evening when a helicopter carrying him and four other people crashed outside the stadium PA 48/50 1 November 2018 Google staff stage a walkout at the company's UK headquarters in London as part of a global campaign over the US tech giant's handling of sexual harassment. Hundreds of employees also walked out of their European headquarters in Dublin, as well as, other offices in different parts of the world AFP/Getty 49/50 31 October 2018 Protesters block Parliament Square in London as the environmental group Extinction Rebellion launches a mass civil disobedience campaign demanding action on climate change PA 50/50 30 October 2018 British Prime Minister Theresa May, right, listens to Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, center, flanked by Lithuania's Health Minister, Aurelijus Veryga at the Oslo Cancer Cluster for a summit to discuss the role of health technology. Speaking from Oslo, May says this week's austerity-easing British budget does not signal an impending election NTB scanpix via AP He added: “The case of France is an interesting one because most businesses are obliged to provide employee benefits by law. But as these stats show, this doesn’t necessarily evidence a ‘genuine interest’ for employee wellbeing.” The study also found over a quarter of respondents said they did not get any form of verbal recognition for doing their job well. Italy was worst performing in this regard, where almost a third said they did not feel they got recognition. That compares to just one in five employees in Britain, where workers felt the most appreciated on the continent. 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Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout News > Business People working for not-for-profit companies much happier than private sector employees, study finds The study found people working in the private sector would have to earn an extra £27,000 per year to have the same happiness levels as people working for third sector companies, such as charities or social enterprises * Siobhan Fenton @siobhanfenton * Friday 3 June 2016 16:01 * * {{^moreThanTen}} {{total}} comments {{/moreThanTen}} Click to follow The Independent Third sector workers report being happier and more satisfied with their pay ( Corbis ) Scientists have revealed one of the most effective ways to increase how happy you are and it’s much simpler than you might think. Working for a charity, social enterprise or other not-for-profit organisation increases your happiness levels sharply, research has found. Read more * Scientists attempt to quantify happiness caused by alcohol A study published in the Journal of Economic Psychology analysed data on 12,786 people working in the private sector and 966 people employed in the ‘third sector’ or not-for-profit organisations. It found that not only were those in the third sector happier, but that a person working for a private company would have to earn another £27,000 per year to be as happy as their not-for-profit counterparts. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial The study also found higher pay does not result in higher pay satisfaction, as third sector employees expressed similar satisfaction levels over how much they earn compared to private sector employees, despite having significantly lower salaries than them. Created with Sketch. UK news in pictures Show all 50 Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. (BUTTON) Created with Sketch. UK news in pictures 1/50 19 December 2018 There was controversy in the Commons today as Jeremy Corbyn allegedly called the Prime Minister a stupid woman under his breath after she made a joke at PMQs AP 2/50 18 December 2018 Jose Mourinho after he was sacked by Manchester United with immediate effect. The Portuguese leaves United sixth in the table with the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday proving his final game in charge. A club statement read: "Manchester United announces that manager Jose Mourinho has left the club with immediate effect. The club would like to thank Jose for his work during his time at Manchester United and to wish him success in the future. A new caretaker manager will be appointed until the end of the current season, while the club conducts a thorough recruitment process for a new, full-time manager." Reuters 3/50 17 December 2018 Firefighters and police officers attend a memorial service at the Harrods Bombing memorial in west London, on the 35th anniversary of the terrorist attack which left three police officers and three members of the public dead, on December 17, 1983 PA 4/50 16 December 2018 Theresa May has hit out at Mr Blair, accusing him of "insulting"the British people and the office of prime minister by "undermining" Brexit talks with calls in Brussels for a second referendum. PA 5/50 15 December 2018 Chester Zoo after a fire broke out in the Monsoon Forest habitat area. PA 6/50 14 December 2018 Fracking has been halted at the Preston Road site in Lancashire after a series of tremors peaking at 0.9 magnitude Reuters 7/50 13 December 2018 Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar today told Theresa May that he expects assurances that there will be no hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland AP 8/50 12 December 2018 Theresa May announces that she is to face a vote of no confidence today Reuters 9/50 11 December 2018 Armed police restrain a man inside the grounds of the Houses of Parliament in London Reuters 10/50 10 December 2018 A demonstrator dressed as Theresa May sells Brexit Fudge in Old Palace Yard, Westminster PA 11/50 9 December 2018 A pro-brexit demonstrator speaks into a megaphone at the "Brexit betrayal" march in London. Counter-demonstrators also staged a march in London today Angela Christofilou/The Independent 12/50 8 December 2018 People in Santa costumes in Trafalgar Square, London, as they take part in Santacon PA 13/50 7 December 2018 A large mural depicting one star being chipped away from the EU flag is seen in Dover. The work has been attributed to Banksy Reuters 14/50 6 December 2018 A man wearing a storm trooper costume holds a sketchbook belonging to costume designer John Mollo, and showing illustrations for Star Wars costumes, during a photo-call ahead of an auction at Bonhams in central London Reuters 15/50 5 December 2018 Demonstrators for and against Brexit protest opposite the Houses of Parliament AFP/Getty 16/50 4 December 2018 Theresa May has suffered an unprecedented defeat after the government was found to be in contempt of parliament for refusing to publish key Brexit papers. Labour and other opposition MPs, including Ms May's DUP allies, won a narrow victory on the emergency motion, which argued that ministers failed to comply with a binding Commons resolution to publish the full legal advice on the Brexit dea Reuters 17/50 3 December 2018 The Independent's Final Say campaign and People's Vote delivering to 10 Downing Street their respective petitions calling for a public referendum on Theresa May's Brexit deal. The Independent editor Christian Broughton delivered over one million Final Say signatures and People's Vote spokesman Chuka Umunna delivered 300,000 People's Vote signatures at midday The Independent/Lucy Young 18/50 2 December 2018 Competitors take part in the London Santa Run in London's Victoria Park Reuters 19/50 1 December 2018 Britain will no longer have access to the EU's Galileo satellite system (pictured) following brexit PA 20/50 30 November 2018 US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Theresa May attend the G20 leaders summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina Reuters 21/50 29 November 2018 Waves hit the British coast as Storm Diana approaches, in Portreath, Cornwall StuCornell/Twitter/Reuters 22/50 28 November 2018 Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stand with Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha (left), the son of Leicester City's chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, and his mother Aimon watched by Leicester City players (right) as they pause after laying flowers during their visit to the King Power Stadium in Leicester, to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the October 27 helicopter crash at the stadium. The chairman was among five people killed when his helicopter crashed in the side's stadium car park moments after taking off from the pitch AFP/Getty 23/50 27 November 2018 A demonstrator wearing a mask of Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg poses outside Portcullis house to question the refusal of Zuckerberg to give evidence to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee investigation into disinformation and fake news at the Houses of Parliament in London. Facebook boss Richard Allan is expected to be among a number of officials giving evidence to an "international grand committee" on disinformation and fake news AFP/Getty 24/50 26 November 2018 Artist Joseph Hillier and his sculpture - Messenger, depicting "a young powerful woman", which will be unveiled next year for Theatre Royal Plymouth. The sculpture, spanning seven metres high and nine metres wide, is too large to be put together at Castle Fine Arts foundry, near Oswestry, so it's being made in sections with 30 master craftsmen to weld them together PA 25/50 25 November 2018 Prime Minister Theresa May gives a press conference at the end of the European Council meeting in Brussels. The leaders of the 27 remaining EU member countries (EU27) have endorsed the draft Brexit withdrawal agreement and approved the draft political declaration on future EU-UK relations in a special meeting of the European Council on Britain leaving the EU under Article 50 EPA 26/50 24 November 2018 Environmental activists gather around a mock 'coffin', with "our future" written on it, on the green in Parliament Square during a demonstration organised by the movement Extinction Rebellion, calling on the British government to take action on climate and ecological issues. After a week of protest action disrupting the traffic on bridges in central London over the Thames, the social movement Extinction Rebellion, planned a 'funeral march' to highlight what they describe as a climate and ecological emergency. Extinction Rebellion demands that the UK government reduces to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 and creates a citizens assembly to oversee changes in environmental policies AFP/Getty 27/50 23 November 2018 England batsman Jonny Bairstow celebrates after reaching his century during Day One of the Third Test match against Sri Lanka at Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo Getty 28/50 22 November 2018 Prime Minister Theresa May joins a parent and baby group during a visit to the Kentish Town Health Centre in London Reuters 29/50 21 November 2018 A crashed car, with an object protruding through the windscreen, sits abandoned on the A628 in the Peak District, as a blast of snow hit the north of England PA 30/50 20 November 2018 Waves crash over Seaham lighthouse near Durham as the cold and wet weather continues PA 31/50 19 November 2018 Prime Minister Theresa May speaking at the CBI annual conference at InterContinental Hotel. Ms May, speaking at the CBI conference, said it was “important” that the UK had escaped EU rules by the 2022 election, but did not give a guarantee PA 32/50 18 November 2018 England's Harry Kane celebrates with team mate Jesse Lingard after he scored the winning goal against Croatia, after coming from 0-1 down during their Nations League match at Wembley Stadium. The win means that England process to the semi-finals of the new competition and relegate Croatia AFP/Getty 33/50 17 November 2018 Demonstrators on Westminster Bridge in London for a protest called by Extinction Rebellion to raise awareness of the dangers posed by climate change PA 34/50 16 November 2018 Environment Secretary Michael Gove speaking outside the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs offices. He confirmed he will remain in post and thinks it is important to continue working with Cabinet colleagues to ensure the best Brexit outcome for the country PA 35/50 15 November 2018 Theresa May chuckles at a press conference in Downing Street after a tough day in which multiple cabinet members have resigned and a number of MPs have tabled votes of no confidence in her leadership Reuters 36/50 14 November 2018 Pro-European Union, anti-Brexit demonstrators hold placards and wave Union and EU flags as they protest outside of the Houses of Parliament. British and European Union negotiators have reached a draft agreement on Brexit AFP/Getty 37/50 13 November 2018 Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab leaves Downing Street. Prime Minister Theresa May today faced her divided ministers as negotiators scrambled to secure a divorce agreement with the European Union and anxiety mounted over the risk of a no-deal Brexit PA 38/50 12 November 2018 Berlin Mayor Michael Mueller (centre) welcomes Madrid Mayor Manuela Carmena (left) and London Mayor Sadiq Khan at City Hall in Berlin. The three city leaders are meeting to discuss common challenges, including the consequences of Brexit, immigration and the growth of right-wing populism Getty 39/50 11 November 2018 Prince Charles, and President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier face the Cenotaph during the Remembrance Sunday ceremony on Whitehall in London. On the 100th anniversary of the World War I armistice, the day's events mark the final First World War Centenary commemoration events hosted by the UK Government AFP/Getty 40/50 10 November 2018 Fans, players and staff pay tribute inside of the King Power stadium as a silence is observed in memory of Leicester City chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha prior to their Premier League match against Burnley. The first time a match has been played in the stadium since the owners helicopter crash Getty 41/50 9 November 2018 Transport Minister Jo Johnson has resigned in protest of the Government's Brexit plan and called for a Final Say referendum EPA 42/50 8 November 2018 Britain's Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt delivers a speech at the British embassy in Paris. Britain's foreign secretary says Brexit negotiations are in "the final phase" and that he is confident that an agreement will be reached with the European Union. AP 43/50 7 November 2018 Captain James Pugh places a figure among artist Rob Heard's installation Shrouds of the Somme, which honours the dead of the First World War, at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. 72,396 small shrouded figures, representing soldiers who died and were never recovered from the Somme battlefields, have been laid out by volunteers and members of 1 Royal Anglian Regiment PA 44/50 6 November 2018 Adrian Lester, Sir Lenny Henry, Ade Adepitan, Nadine Marsh-Edwards, Marcus Ryder and Meera Syal, as they deliver a letter, signed by a string of stars, to 10 Downing Street, calling for tax breaks to effect change and boost diversity behind the camera PA 45/50 5 November 2018 EU nationals, living in the UK take part in a demonstration along Whitehall. Three campaign groups, 'the3million', 'British in Europe', and UNISON came together to form a human chain from Downing Street to Parliament Square and lobby MPs Getty 46/50 4 November 2018 The Leicester City team with Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha (centre in white uniform) son of Leicester City's Thai owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha while they pay their respects during the second day of the funeral ceremony at Wat Thepsirin Buddhist temple in Bangkok. Players and staff from the club arrived in Bangkok to attend a mourning rite for the club's chairman, whose death last week in a helicopter crash stunned the Premier League club King Power/AFP/Getty 47/50 3 November 2018 The Edenbridge Bonfire Society celebrity guy, Boris Johnson, is set on fire in Kent PA 48/50 2 November 2018 Wreaths reading 'THE BOSS', for Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, left by Leicester City players outside the King Power stadium. Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, was among those to have tragically lost their lives on Saturday evening when a helicopter carrying him and four other people crashed outside the stadium PA 49/50 1 November 2018 Google staff stage a walkout at the company's UK headquarters in London as part of a global campaign over the US tech giant's handling of sexual harassment. Hundreds of employees also walked out of their European headquarters in Dublin, as well as, other offices in different parts of the world AFP/Getty 50/50 31 October 2018 Protesters block Parliament Square in London as the environmental group Extinction Rebellion launches a mass civil disobedience campaign demanding action on climate change PA 1/50 19 December 2018 There was controversy in the Commons today as Jeremy Corbyn allegedly called the Prime Minister a stupid woman under his breath after she made a joke at PMQs AP 2/50 18 December 2018 Jose Mourinho after he was sacked by Manchester United with immediate effect. The Portuguese leaves United sixth in the table with the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday proving his final game in charge. A club statement read: "Manchester United announces that manager Jose Mourinho has left the club with immediate effect. The club would like to thank Jose for his work during his time at Manchester United and to wish him success in the future. A new caretaker manager will be appointed until the end of the current season, while the club conducts a thorough recruitment process for a new, full-time manager." Reuters 3/50 17 December 2018 Firefighters and police officers attend a memorial service at the Harrods Bombing memorial in west London, on the 35th anniversary of the terrorist attack which left three police officers and three members of the public dead, on December 17, 1983 PA 4/50 16 December 2018 Theresa May has hit out at Mr Blair, accusing him of "insulting"the British people and the office of prime minister by "undermining" Brexit talks with calls in Brussels for a second referendum. PA 5/50 15 December 2018 Chester Zoo after a fire broke out in the Monsoon Forest habitat area. PA 6/50 14 December 2018 Fracking has been halted at the Preston Road site in Lancashire after a series of tremors peaking at 0.9 magnitude Reuters 7/50 13 December 2018 Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar today told Theresa May that he expects assurances that there will be no hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland AP 8/50 12 December 2018 Theresa May announces that she is to face a vote of no confidence today Reuters 9/50 11 December 2018 Armed police restrain a man inside the grounds of the Houses of Parliament in London Reuters 10/50 10 December 2018 A demonstrator dressed as Theresa May sells Brexit Fudge in Old Palace Yard, Westminster PA 11/50 9 December 2018 A pro-brexit demonstrator speaks into a megaphone at the "Brexit betrayal" march in London. Counter-demonstrators also staged a march in London today Angela Christofilou/The Independent 12/50 8 December 2018 People in Santa costumes in Trafalgar Square, London, as they take part in Santacon PA 13/50 7 December 2018 A large mural depicting one star being chipped away from the EU flag is seen in Dover. The work has been attributed to Banksy Reuters 14/50 6 December 2018 A man wearing a storm trooper costume holds a sketchbook belonging to costume designer John Mollo, and showing illustrations for Star Wars costumes, during a photo-call ahead of an auction at Bonhams in central London Reuters 15/50 5 December 2018 Demonstrators for and against Brexit protest opposite the Houses of Parliament AFP/Getty 16/50 4 December 2018 Theresa May has suffered an unprecedented defeat after the government was found to be in contempt of parliament for refusing to publish key Brexit papers. Labour and other opposition MPs, including Ms May's DUP allies, won a narrow victory on the emergency motion, which argued that ministers failed to comply with a binding Commons resolution to publish the full legal advice on the Brexit dea Reuters 17/50 3 December 2018 The Independent's Final Say campaign and People's Vote delivering to 10 Downing Street their respective petitions calling for a public referendum on Theresa May's Brexit deal. The Independent editor Christian Broughton delivered over one million Final Say signatures and People's Vote spokesman Chuka Umunna delivered 300,000 People's Vote signatures at midday The Independent/Lucy Young 18/50 2 December 2018 Competitors take part in the London Santa Run in London's Victoria Park Reuters 19/50 1 December 2018 Britain will no longer have access to the EU's Galileo satellite system (pictured) following brexit PA 20/50 30 November 2018 US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Theresa May attend the G20 leaders summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina Reuters 21/50 29 November 2018 Waves hit the British coast as Storm Diana approaches, in Portreath, Cornwall StuCornell/Twitter/Reuters 22/50 28 November 2018 Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stand with Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha (left), the son of Leicester City's chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, and his mother Aimon watched by Leicester City players (right) as they pause after laying flowers during their visit to the King Power Stadium in Leicester, to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the October 27 helicopter crash at the stadium. The chairman was among five people killed when his helicopter crashed in the side's stadium car park moments after taking off from the pitch AFP/Getty 23/50 27 November 2018 A demonstrator wearing a mask of Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg poses outside Portcullis house to question the refusal of Zuckerberg to give evidence to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee investigation into disinformation and fake news at the Houses of Parliament in London. Facebook boss Richard Allan is expected to be among a number of officials giving evidence to an "international grand committee" on disinformation and fake news AFP/Getty 24/50 26 November 2018 Artist Joseph Hillier and his sculpture - Messenger, depicting "a young powerful woman", which will be unveiled next year for Theatre Royal Plymouth. The sculpture, spanning seven metres high and nine metres wide, is too large to be put together at Castle Fine Arts foundry, near Oswestry, so it's being made in sections with 30 master craftsmen to weld them together PA 25/50 25 November 2018 Prime Minister Theresa May gives a press conference at the end of the European Council meeting in Brussels. The leaders of the 27 remaining EU member countries (EU27) have endorsed the draft Brexit withdrawal agreement and approved the draft political declaration on future EU-UK relations in a special meeting of the European Council on Britain leaving the EU under Article 50 EPA 26/50 24 November 2018 Environmental activists gather around a mock 'coffin', with "our future" written on it, on the green in Parliament Square during a demonstration organised by the movement Extinction Rebellion, calling on the British government to take action on climate and ecological issues. After a week of protest action disrupting the traffic on bridges in central London over the Thames, the social movement Extinction Rebellion, planned a 'funeral march' to highlight what they describe as a climate and ecological emergency. Extinction Rebellion demands that the UK government reduces to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 and creates a citizens assembly to oversee changes in environmental policies AFP/Getty 27/50 23 November 2018 England batsman Jonny Bairstow celebrates after reaching his century during Day One of the Third Test match against Sri Lanka at Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo Getty 28/50 22 November 2018 Prime Minister Theresa May joins a parent and baby group during a visit to the Kentish Town Health Centre in London Reuters 29/50 21 November 2018 A crashed car, with an object protruding through the windscreen, sits abandoned on the A628 in the Peak District, as a blast of snow hit the north of England PA 30/50 20 November 2018 Waves crash over Seaham lighthouse near Durham as the cold and wet weather continues PA 31/50 19 November 2018 Prime Minister Theresa May speaking at the CBI annual conference at InterContinental Hotel. Ms May, speaking at the CBI conference, said it was “important” that the UK had escaped EU rules by the 2022 election, but did not give a guarantee PA 32/50 18 November 2018 England's Harry Kane celebrates with team mate Jesse Lingard after he scored the winning goal against Croatia, after coming from 0-1 down during their Nations League match at Wembley Stadium. The win means that England process to the semi-finals of the new competition and relegate Croatia AFP/Getty 33/50 17 November 2018 Demonstrators on Westminster Bridge in London for a protest called by Extinction Rebellion to raise awareness of the dangers posed by climate change PA 34/50 16 November 2018 Environment Secretary Michael Gove speaking outside the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs offices. He confirmed he will remain in post and thinks it is important to continue working with Cabinet colleagues to ensure the best Brexit outcome for the country PA 35/50 15 November 2018 Theresa May chuckles at a press conference in Downing Street after a tough day in which multiple cabinet members have resigned and a number of MPs have tabled votes of no confidence in her leadership Reuters 36/50 14 November 2018 Pro-European Union, anti-Brexit demonstrators hold placards and wave Union and EU flags as they protest outside of the Houses of Parliament. British and European Union negotiators have reached a draft agreement on Brexit AFP/Getty 37/50 13 November 2018 Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab leaves Downing Street. Prime Minister Theresa May today faced her divided ministers as negotiators scrambled to secure a divorce agreement with the European Union and anxiety mounted over the risk of a no-deal Brexit PA 38/50 12 November 2018 Berlin Mayor Michael Mueller (centre) welcomes Madrid Mayor Manuela Carmena (left) and London Mayor Sadiq Khan at City Hall in Berlin. The three city leaders are meeting to discuss common challenges, including the consequences of Brexit, immigration and the growth of right-wing populism Getty 39/50 11 November 2018 Prince Charles, and President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier face the Cenotaph during the Remembrance Sunday ceremony on Whitehall in London. On the 100th anniversary of the World War I armistice, the day's events mark the final First World War Centenary commemoration events hosted by the UK Government AFP/Getty 40/50 10 November 2018 Fans, players and staff pay tribute inside of the King Power stadium as a silence is observed in memory of Leicester City chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha prior to their Premier League match against Burnley. The first time a match has been played in the stadium since the owners helicopter crash Getty 41/50 9 November 2018 Transport Minister Jo Johnson has resigned in protest of the Government's Brexit plan and called for a Final Say referendum EPA 42/50 8 November 2018 Britain's Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt delivers a speech at the British embassy in Paris. Britain's foreign secretary says Brexit negotiations are in "the final phase" and that he is confident that an agreement will be reached with the European Union. AP 43/50 7 November 2018 Captain James Pugh places a figure among artist Rob Heard's installation Shrouds of the Somme, which honours the dead of the First World War, at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. 72,396 small shrouded figures, representing soldiers who died and were never recovered from the Somme battlefields, have been laid out by volunteers and members of 1 Royal Anglian Regiment PA 44/50 6 November 2018 Adrian Lester, Sir Lenny Henry, Ade Adepitan, Nadine Marsh-Edwards, Marcus Ryder and Meera Syal, as they deliver a letter, signed by a string of stars, to 10 Downing Street, calling for tax breaks to effect change and boost diversity behind the camera PA 45/50 5 November 2018 EU nationals, living in the UK take part in a demonstration along Whitehall. Three campaign groups, 'the3million', 'British in Europe', and UNISON came together to form a human chain from Downing Street to Parliament Square and lobby MPs Getty 46/50 4 November 2018 The Leicester City team with Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha (centre in white uniform) son of Leicester City's Thai owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha while they pay their respects during the second day of the funeral ceremony at Wat Thepsirin Buddhist temple in Bangkok. Players and staff from the club arrived in Bangkok to attend a mourning rite for the club's chairman, whose death last week in a helicopter crash stunned the Premier League club King Power/AFP/Getty 47/50 3 November 2018 The Edenbridge Bonfire Society celebrity guy, Boris Johnson, is set on fire in Kent PA 48/50 2 November 2018 Wreaths reading 'THE BOSS', for Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, left by Leicester City players outside the King Power stadium. Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, was among those to have tragically lost their lives on Saturday evening when a helicopter carrying him and four other people crashed outside the stadium PA 49/50 1 November 2018 Google staff stage a walkout at the company's UK headquarters in London as part of a global campaign over the US tech giant's handling of sexual harassment. Hundreds of employees also walked out of their European headquarters in Dublin, as well as, other offices in different parts of the world AFP/Getty 50/50 31 October 2018 Protesters block Parliament Square in London as the environmental group Extinction Rebellion launches a mass civil disobedience campaign demanding action on climate change PA Study author Martin Binder said: “Adding to our understanding of job satisfaction, the present paper has shown that for Great Britain’s third sector, workers in non-profit organizations are much more satisfied than their peers in private firms with the work itself that they are doing, with their hours worked and with their job security. They are not significantly more satisfied with their pay or promotion prospects but given that they earn less on average it is interesting to note that they are not less satisfied with their pay.” It is estimated that 732,000 people work in the third sector in the UK. 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( Rex Features ) Neurologists 'work out the key to finding happiness' Researchers have found the answer as to what makes us happy by using MRI to find where in the brain happiness occurs * Emma Henderson * @Emmalouisehendy * Saturday 21 November 2015 13:21 * {{#singleComment}}{{value}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{value}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow Indy/Life Everyone wants to be happy and it’s long been the ultimate goal for humans. Now scientists believe they have found the region in the brain that is responsible for controlling these feelings. Researches at Kyoto University have narrowed their search into happiness, by looking at the neural structures that cause people to be happy. Read more * Read more Why Generation Y yuppies are all so unhappy The research has been led by Wataru Sato, who thinks he has found the answer as to what makes us happy, by using MRI to find out where in the brain happiness happens. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Their study revealed that, an overall feeling of happiness is caused by happy emotions and life satisfaction. When these two feelings happen at once in the precuneus, you become happy . Warwick University suggests happiness is genetically predetermined - London Live The precuneus is found in the medial parietal lobe of your brain (located at the top of your head, towards the back) which is involved in episodic memory, reflecting upon self and some aspects of consciousness. Doctors are still unclear what the neural mechanism behind happiness occurring is though. Participants had their brains scanned with MRI and then completed a survey. The survey involved describing how happy the participants were generally, how intensely they feel emotions, whether these are positive or negative feelings and how satisfied they are with their lives. Created with Sketch. Health news in pictures Show all 40 Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. (BUTTON) Created with Sketch. Health news in pictures 1/40 Breeding with neanderthals helped humans fight diseases On migrating from Africa around 70,000 years ago, humans bumped into the neanderthals of Eurasia. While humans were weak to the diseases of the new lands, breeding with the resident neanderthals made for a better equipped immune system PA 2/40 Daily aspirin is unnecessary for older people in good health, study finds A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that many elderly people are taking daily aspirin to little or no avail Getty 3/40 Vaping could lead to cancer, US study finds A study by the University of Minnesota's Masonic Cancer Centre has found that the carcinogenic chemicals formaldehyde, acrolein, and methylglyoxal are present in the saliva of E-cigarette users Reuters 4/40 More children are obese and diabetic There has been a 41% increase in children with type 2 diabetes since 2014, the National Paediatric Diabetes Audit has found. Obesity is a leading cause Reuters 5/40 Most child antidepressants are ineffective and can lead to suicidal thoughts The majority of antidepressants are ineffective and may be unsafe, for children and teenager with major depression, experts have warned. In what is the most comprehensive comparison of 14 commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs to date, researchers found that only one brand was more effective at relieving symptoms of depression than a placebo. Another popular drug, venlafaxine, was shown increase the risk users engaging in suicidal thoughts and attempts at suicide Getty 6/40 Gay, lesbian and bisexual adults at higher risk of heart disease, study claims Researchers at the Baptist Health South Florida Clinic in Miami focused on seven areas of controllable heart health and found these minority groups were particularly likely to be smokers and to have poorly controlled blood sugar iStock 7/40 Breakfast cereals targeted at children contain 'steadily high' sugar levels since 1992 despite producer claims A major pressure group has issued a fresh warning about perilously high amounts of sugar in breakfast cereals, specifically those designed for children, and has said that levels have barely been cut at all in the last two and a half decades Getty 8/40 Potholes are making us fat, NHS watchdog warns New guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the body which determines what treatment the NHS should fund, said lax road repairs and car-dominated streets were contributing to the obesity epidemic by preventing members of the public from keeping active PA 9/40 New menopause drugs offer women relief from 'debilitating' hot flushes A new class of treatments for women going through the menopause is able to reduce numbers of debilitating hot flushes by as much as three quarters in a matter of days, a trial has found. The drug used in the trial belongs to a group known as NKB antagonists (blockers), which were developed as a treatment for schizophrenia but have been “sitting on a shelf unused”, according to Professor Waljit Dhillo, a professor of endocrinology and metabolism REX 10/40 Doctors should prescribe more antidepressants for people with mental health problems, study finds Research from Oxford University found that more than one million extra people suffering from mental health problems would benefit from being prescribed drugs and criticised “ideological” reasons doctors use to avoid doing so. Getty 11/40 Student dies of flu after NHS advice to stay at home and avoid A&E The family of a teenager who died from flu has urged people not to delay going to A&E if they are worried about their symptoms. Melissa Whiteley, an 18-year-old engineering student from Hanford in Stoke-on-Trent, fell ill at Christmas and died in hospital a month later. Just Giving 12/40 Government to review thousands of harmful vaginal mesh implants The Government has pledged to review tens of thousands of cases where women have been given harmful vaginal mesh implants. Getty 13/40 Jeremy Hunt announces 'zero suicides ambition' for the NHS The NHS will be asked to go further to prevent the deaths of patients in its care as part of a “zero suicide ambition” being launched today. Getty 14/40 Human trials start with cancer treatment that primes immune system to kill off tumours Human trials have begun with a new cancer therapy that can prime the immune system to eradicate tumours. The treatment, that works similarly to a vaccine, is a combination of two existing drugs, of which tiny amounts are injected into the solid bulk of a tumour. Wikimedia Commons / Nephron 15/40 Babies' health suffers from being born near fracking sites, finds major study Mothers living within a kilometre of a fracking site were 25 per cent more likely to have a child born at low birth weight, which increase their chances of asthma, ADHD and other issues Getty 16/40 NHS reviewing thousands of cervical cancer smear tests after women wrongly given all-clear Thousands of cervical cancer screening results are under review after failings at a laboratory meant some women were incorrectly given the all-clear. A number of women have already been told to contact their doctors following the identification of “procedural issues” in the service provided by Pathology First Laboratory. REX 17/40 Potential key to halting breast cancer's spread discovered by scientists Most breast cancer patients do not die from their initial tumour, but from secondary malignant growths (metastases), where cancer cells are able to enter the blood and survive to invade new sites. Asparagine, a molecule named after asparagus where it was first identified in high quantities, has now been shown to be an essential ingredient for tumour cells to gain these migratory properties. Getty 18/40 NHS nursing vacancies at record high with more than 34,000 roles advertised A record number of nursing and midwifery positions are currently being advertised by the NHS, with more than 34,000 positions currently vacant, according to the latest data. Demand for nurses was 19 per cent higher between July and September 2017 than the same period two years ago. REX 19/40 Cannabis extract could provide ‘new class of treatment’ for psychosis CBD has a broadly opposite effect to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active component in cannabis and the substance that causes paranoia and anxiety. Getty 20/40 Over 75,000 sign petition calling for Richard Branson's Virgin Care to hand settlement money back to NHS Mr Branson’s company sued the NHS last year after it lost out on an £82m contract to provide children’s health services across Surrey, citing concerns over “serious flaws” in the way the contract was awarded PA 21/40 More than 700 fewer nurses training in England in first year after NHS bursary scrapped The numbers of people accepted to study nursing in England fell 3 per cent in 2017, while the numbers accepted in Wales and Scotland, where the bursaries were kept, increased 8.4 per cent and 8 per cent respectively Getty 22/40 Landmark study links Tory austerity to 120,000 deaths The paper found that there were 45,000 more deaths in the first four years of Tory-led efficiencies than would have been expected if funding had stayed at pre-election levels. On this trajectory that could rise to nearly 200,000 excess deaths by the end of 2020, even with the extra funding that has been earmarked for public sector services this year. Reuters 23/40 Long commutes carry health risks Hours of commuting may be mind-numbingly dull, but new research shows that it might also be having an adverse effect on both your health and performance at work. Longer commutes also appear to have a significant impact on mental wellbeing, with those commuting longer 33 per cent more likely to suffer from depression Shutterstock 24/40 You cannot be fit and fat It is not possible to be overweight and healthy, a major new study has concluded. The study of 3.5 million Britons found that even “metabolically healthy” obese people are still at a higher risk of heart disease or a stroke than those with a normal weight range Getty 25/40 Sleep deprivation When you feel particularly exhausted, it can definitely feel like you are also lacking in brain capacity. Now, a new study has suggested this could be because chronic sleep deprivation can actually cause the brain to eat itself Shutterstock 26/40 Exercise classes offering 45 minute naps launch David Lloyd Gyms have launched a new health and fitness class which is essentially a bunch of people taking a nap for 45 minutes. The fitness group was spurred to launch the ‘napercise’ class after research revealed 86 per cent of parents said they were fatigued. The class is therefore predominantly aimed at parents but you actually do not have to have children to take part Getty 27/40 'Fundamental right to health' to be axed after Brexit, lawyers warn Tobacco and alcohol companies could win more easily in court cases such as the recent battle over plain cigarette packaging if the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights is abandoned, a barrister and public health professor have said. Getty 28/40 'Thousands dying' due to fear over non-existent statin side-effects A major new study into the side effects of the cholesterol-lowering medicine suggests common symptoms such as muscle pain and weakness are not caused by the drugs themselves Getty 29/40 Babies born to fathers aged under 25 have higher risk of autism New research has found that babies born to fathers under the age of 25 or over 51 are at higher risk of developing autism and other social disorders. The study, conducted by the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at Mount Sinai, found that these children are actually more advanced than their peers as infants, but then fall behind by the time they hit their teenage years. Getty 30/40 Cycling to work ‘could halve risk of cancer and heart disease’ Commuters who swap their car or bus pass for a bike could cut their risk of developing heart disease and cancer by almost half, new research suggests – but campaigners have warned there is still an “urgent need” to improve road conditions for cyclists. Cycling to work is linked to a lower risk of developing cancer by 45 per cent and cardiovascular disease by 46 per cent, according to a study of a quarter of a million people. Walking to work also brought health benefits, the University of Glasgow researchers found, but not to the same degree as cycling. Getty 31/40 Playing Tetris in hospital after a traumatic incident could prevent PTSD Scientists conducted the research on 71 car crash victims as they were waiting for treatment at one hospital’s accident and emergency department. They asked half of the patients to briefly recall the incident and then play the classic computer game, the others were given a written activity to complete. The researchers, from Karolinska Institute in Sweden and the University of Oxford, found that the patients who had played Tetris reported fewer intrusive memories, commonly known as flashbacks, in the week that followed Rex 32/40 Vaping backed as healthier nicotine alternative to cigarettes after latest study Vaping has been given an emphatic thumbs up by health experts after the first long-term study of its effects in ex-smokers. After six months, people who switched from real to e-cigarettes had far fewer toxins and cancer-causing substances in their bodies than continual smokers, scientists found Getty 33/40 Common method of cooking rice can leave traces of arsenic in food, scientists warn Millions of people are putting themselves at risk by cooking their rice incorrectly, scientists have warned. Recent experiments show a common method of cooking rice — simply boiling it in a pan until the water has steamed out — can expose those who eat it to traces of the poison arsenic, which contaminates rice while it is growing as a result of industrial toxins and pesticides Getty 34/40 Contraceptive gel that creates ‘reversible vasectomy’ shown to be effective in monkeys An injectable contraceptive gel that acts as a ‘reversible vasectomy’ is a step closer to being offered to men following successful trials on monkeys. Vasalgel is injected into the vas deferens, the small duct between the testicles and the urethra. It has so far been found to prevent 100 per cent of conceptions Vasalgel 35/40 Shift work and heavy lifting may reduce women’s fertility, study finds Women who work at night or do irregular shifts may experience a decline in fertility, a new study has found. Shift and night workers had fewer eggs capable of developing into healthy embryos than those who work regular daytime hours, according to researchers at Harvard University Getty 36/40 Japanese government tells people to stop overworking The Japanese government has announced measures to limit the amount of overtime employees can do – in an attempt to stop people literally working themselves to death. A fifth of Japan’s workforce are at risk of death by overwork, known as karoshi, as they work more than 80 hours of overtime each month, according to a government survey. Getty 37/40 High blood pressure may protect over 80s from dementia It is well known that high blood pressure is a risk factor for dementia, so the results of a new study from the University of California, Irvine, are quite surprising. The researchers found that people who developed high blood pressure between the ages of 80-89 are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease (the most common form of dementia) over the next three years than people of the same age with normal blood pressure. Getty 38/40 'Universal cancer vaccine’ breakthrough claimed by experts Scientists have taken a “very positive step” towards creating a universal vaccine against cancer that makes the body’s immune system attack tumours as if they were a virus, experts have said. Writing in Nature, an international team of researchers described how they had taken pieces of cancer’s genetic RNA code, put them into tiny nanoparticles of fat and then injected the mixture into the bloodstreams of three patients in the advanced stages of the disease. The patients' immune systems responded by producing "killer" T-cells designed to attack cancer. The vaccine was also found to be effective in fighting “aggressively growing” tumours in mice, according to researchers, who were led by Professor Ugur Sahin from Johannes Gutenberg University in Germany Rex 39/40 Research shows that diabetes drug can be used to stop first signs of Parkinson’s Scientists in a new study show that the first signs of Parkinson’s can be stopped. The UCL study is still in its research period but the team are ‘excited’. Today’s Parkinson’s drugs manage the symptoms of the disease but ultimately do not stop its progression in the brain. PA 40/40 Drinking alcohol could reduce risk of diabetes A new study shows that drinking alcohol three to four days a week could reduce the risk of diabetes. Wine was found to be most effective in reducing the risk due to the chemical compounds that balance blood sugar levels. Getty 1/40 Breeding with neanderthals helped humans fight diseases On migrating from Africa around 70,000 years ago, humans bumped into the neanderthals of Eurasia. While humans were weak to the diseases of the new lands, breeding with the resident neanderthals made for a better equipped immune system PA 2/40 Daily aspirin is unnecessary for older people in good health, study finds A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that many elderly people are taking daily aspirin to little or no avail Getty 3/40 Vaping could lead to cancer, US study finds A study by the University of Minnesota's Masonic Cancer Centre has found that the carcinogenic chemicals formaldehyde, acrolein, and methylglyoxal are present in the saliva of E-cigarette users Reuters 4/40 More children are obese and diabetic There has been a 41% increase in children with type 2 diabetes since 2014, the National Paediatric Diabetes Audit has found. Obesity is a leading cause Reuters 5/40 Most child antidepressants are ineffective and can lead to suicidal thoughts The majority of antidepressants are ineffective and may be unsafe, for children and teenager with major depression, experts have warned. In what is the most comprehensive comparison of 14 commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs to date, researchers found that only one brand was more effective at relieving symptoms of depression than a placebo. Another popular drug, venlafaxine, was shown increase the risk users engaging in suicidal thoughts and attempts at suicide Getty 6/40 Gay, lesbian and bisexual adults at higher risk of heart disease, study claims Researchers at the Baptist Health South Florida Clinic in Miami focused on seven areas of controllable heart health and found these minority groups were particularly likely to be smokers and to have poorly controlled blood sugar iStock 7/40 Breakfast cereals targeted at children contain 'steadily high' sugar levels since 1992 despite producer claims A major pressure group has issued a fresh warning about perilously high amounts of sugar in breakfast cereals, specifically those designed for children, and has said that levels have barely been cut at all in the last two and a half decades Getty 8/40 Potholes are making us fat, NHS watchdog warns New guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the body which determines what treatment the NHS should fund, said lax road repairs and car-dominated streets were contributing to the obesity epidemic by preventing members of the public from keeping active PA 9/40 New menopause drugs offer women relief from 'debilitating' hot flushes A new class of treatments for women going through the menopause is able to reduce numbers of debilitating hot flushes by as much as three quarters in a matter of days, a trial has found. The drug used in the trial belongs to a group known as NKB antagonists (blockers), which were developed as a treatment for schizophrenia but have been “sitting on a shelf unused”, according to Professor Waljit Dhillo, a professor of endocrinology and metabolism REX 10/40 Doctors should prescribe more antidepressants for people with mental health problems, study finds Research from Oxford University found that more than one million extra people suffering from mental health problems would benefit from being prescribed drugs and criticised “ideological” reasons doctors use to avoid doing so. Getty 11/40 Student dies of flu after NHS advice to stay at home and avoid A&E The family of a teenager who died from flu has urged people not to delay going to A&E if they are worried about their symptoms. Melissa Whiteley, an 18-year-old engineering student from Hanford in Stoke-on-Trent, fell ill at Christmas and died in hospital a month later. Just Giving 12/40 Government to review thousands of harmful vaginal mesh implants The Government has pledged to review tens of thousands of cases where women have been given harmful vaginal mesh implants. Getty 13/40 Jeremy Hunt announces 'zero suicides ambition' for the NHS The NHS will be asked to go further to prevent the deaths of patients in its care as part of a “zero suicide ambition” being launched today. Getty 14/40 Human trials start with cancer treatment that primes immune system to kill off tumours Human trials have begun with a new cancer therapy that can prime the immune system to eradicate tumours. The treatment, that works similarly to a vaccine, is a combination of two existing drugs, of which tiny amounts are injected into the solid bulk of a tumour. Wikimedia Commons / Nephron 15/40 Babies' health suffers from being born near fracking sites, finds major study Mothers living within a kilometre of a fracking site were 25 per cent more likely to have a child born at low birth weight, which increase their chances of asthma, ADHD and other issues Getty 16/40 NHS reviewing thousands of cervical cancer smear tests after women wrongly given all-clear Thousands of cervical cancer screening results are under review after failings at a laboratory meant some women were incorrectly given the all-clear. A number of women have already been told to contact their doctors following the identification of “procedural issues” in the service provided by Pathology First Laboratory. REX 17/40 Potential key to halting breast cancer's spread discovered by scientists Most breast cancer patients do not die from their initial tumour, but from secondary malignant growths (metastases), where cancer cells are able to enter the blood and survive to invade new sites. Asparagine, a molecule named after asparagus where it was first identified in high quantities, has now been shown to be an essential ingredient for tumour cells to gain these migratory properties. Getty 18/40 NHS nursing vacancies at record high with more than 34,000 roles advertised A record number of nursing and midwifery positions are currently being advertised by the NHS, with more than 34,000 positions currently vacant, according to the latest data. Demand for nurses was 19 per cent higher between July and September 2017 than the same period two years ago. REX 19/40 Cannabis extract could provide ‘new class of treatment’ for psychosis CBD has a broadly opposite effect to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active component in cannabis and the substance that causes paranoia and anxiety. Getty 20/40 Over 75,000 sign petition calling for Richard Branson's Virgin Care to hand settlement money back to NHS Mr Branson’s company sued the NHS last year after it lost out on an £82m contract to provide children’s health services across Surrey, citing concerns over “serious flaws” in the way the contract was awarded PA 21/40 More than 700 fewer nurses training in England in first year after NHS bursary scrapped The numbers of people accepted to study nursing in England fell 3 per cent in 2017, while the numbers accepted in Wales and Scotland, where the bursaries were kept, increased 8.4 per cent and 8 per cent respectively Getty 22/40 Landmark study links Tory austerity to 120,000 deaths The paper found that there were 45,000 more deaths in the first four years of Tory-led efficiencies than would have been expected if funding had stayed at pre-election levels. On this trajectory that could rise to nearly 200,000 excess deaths by the end of 2020, even with the extra funding that has been earmarked for public sector services this year. Reuters 23/40 Long commutes carry health risks Hours of commuting may be mind-numbingly dull, but new research shows that it might also be having an adverse effect on both your health and performance at work. Longer commutes also appear to have a significant impact on mental wellbeing, with those commuting longer 33 per cent more likely to suffer from depression Shutterstock 24/40 You cannot be fit and fat It is not possible to be overweight and healthy, a major new study has concluded. The study of 3.5 million Britons found that even “metabolically healthy” obese people are still at a higher risk of heart disease or a stroke than those with a normal weight range Getty 25/40 Sleep deprivation When you feel particularly exhausted, it can definitely feel like you are also lacking in brain capacity. Now, a new study has suggested this could be because chronic sleep deprivation can actually cause the brain to eat itself Shutterstock 26/40 Exercise classes offering 45 minute naps launch David Lloyd Gyms have launched a new health and fitness class which is essentially a bunch of people taking a nap for 45 minutes. The fitness group was spurred to launch the ‘napercise’ class after research revealed 86 per cent of parents said they were fatigued. The class is therefore predominantly aimed at parents but you actually do not have to have children to take part Getty 27/40 'Fundamental right to health' to be axed after Brexit, lawyers warn Tobacco and alcohol companies could win more easily in court cases such as the recent battle over plain cigarette packaging if the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights is abandoned, a barrister and public health professor have said. Getty 28/40 'Thousands dying' due to fear over non-existent statin side-effects A major new study into the side effects of the cholesterol-lowering medicine suggests common symptoms such as muscle pain and weakness are not caused by the drugs themselves Getty 29/40 Babies born to fathers aged under 25 have higher risk of autism New research has found that babies born to fathers under the age of 25 or over 51 are at higher risk of developing autism and other social disorders. The study, conducted by the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at Mount Sinai, found that these children are actually more advanced than their peers as infants, but then fall behind by the time they hit their teenage years. Getty 30/40 Cycling to work ‘could halve risk of cancer and heart disease’ Commuters who swap their car or bus pass for a bike could cut their risk of developing heart disease and cancer by almost half, new research suggests – but campaigners have warned there is still an “urgent need” to improve road conditions for cyclists. Cycling to work is linked to a lower risk of developing cancer by 45 per cent and cardiovascular disease by 46 per cent, according to a study of a quarter of a million people. Walking to work also brought health benefits, the University of Glasgow researchers found, but not to the same degree as cycling. Getty 31/40 Playing Tetris in hospital after a traumatic incident could prevent PTSD Scientists conducted the research on 71 car crash victims as they were waiting for treatment at one hospital’s accident and emergency department. They asked half of the patients to briefly recall the incident and then play the classic computer game, the others were given a written activity to complete. The researchers, from Karolinska Institute in Sweden and the University of Oxford, found that the patients who had played Tetris reported fewer intrusive memories, commonly known as flashbacks, in the week that followed Rex 32/40 Vaping backed as healthier nicotine alternative to cigarettes after latest study Vaping has been given an emphatic thumbs up by health experts after the first long-term study of its effects in ex-smokers. After six months, people who switched from real to e-cigarettes had far fewer toxins and cancer-causing substances in their bodies than continual smokers, scientists found Getty 33/40 Common method of cooking rice can leave traces of arsenic in food, scientists warn Millions of people are putting themselves at risk by cooking their rice incorrectly, scientists have warned. Recent experiments show a common method of cooking rice — simply boiling it in a pan until the water has steamed out — can expose those who eat it to traces of the poison arsenic, which contaminates rice while it is growing as a result of industrial toxins and pesticides Getty 34/40 Contraceptive gel that creates ‘reversible vasectomy’ shown to be effective in monkeys An injectable contraceptive gel that acts as a ‘reversible vasectomy’ is a step closer to being offered to men following successful trials on monkeys. Vasalgel is injected into the vas deferens, the small duct between the testicles and the urethra. It has so far been found to prevent 100 per cent of conceptions Vasalgel 35/40 Shift work and heavy lifting may reduce women’s fertility, study finds Women who work at night or do irregular shifts may experience a decline in fertility, a new study has found. Shift and night workers had fewer eggs capable of developing into healthy embryos than those who work regular daytime hours, according to researchers at Harvard University Getty 36/40 Japanese government tells people to stop overworking The Japanese government has announced measures to limit the amount of overtime employees can do – in an attempt to stop people literally working themselves to death. A fifth of Japan’s workforce are at risk of death by overwork, known as karoshi, as they work more than 80 hours of overtime each month, according to a government survey. Getty 37/40 High blood pressure may protect over 80s from dementia It is well known that high blood pressure is a risk factor for dementia, so the results of a new study from the University of California, Irvine, are quite surprising. The researchers found that people who developed high blood pressure between the ages of 80-89 are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease (the most common form of dementia) over the next three years than people of the same age with normal blood pressure. Getty 38/40 'Universal cancer vaccine’ breakthrough claimed by experts Scientists have taken a “very positive step” towards creating a universal vaccine against cancer that makes the body’s immune system attack tumours as if they were a virus, experts have said. Writing in Nature, an international team of researchers described how they had taken pieces of cancer’s genetic RNA code, put them into tiny nanoparticles of fat and then injected the mixture into the bloodstreams of three patients in the advanced stages of the disease. The patients' immune systems responded by producing "killer" T-cells designed to attack cancer. The vaccine was also found to be effective in fighting “aggressively growing” tumours in mice, according to researchers, who were led by Professor Ugur Sahin from Johannes Gutenberg University in Germany Rex 39/40 Research shows that diabetes drug can be used to stop first signs of Parkinson’s Scientists in a new study show that the first signs of Parkinson’s can be stopped. The UCL study is still in its research period but the team are ‘excited’. Today’s Parkinson’s drugs manage the symptoms of the disease but ultimately do not stop its progression in the brain. PA 40/40 Drinking alcohol could reduce risk of diabetes A new study shows that drinking alcohol three to four days a week could reduce the risk of diabetes. Wine was found to be most effective in reducing the risk due to the chemical compounds that balance blood sugar levels. Getty The results showed there was a positive relationship between the subjective happiness score and grey matter volume on the right precuneus. People who were more content with their lives, had a larger precuneus. Analysis also indicated that the same area had an association with the combined positive and negative emotional intensity and life satisfaction. The study also reveaed that people experience emotions in a variant of ways. Some people feel more happiness more intensely when they receive compliments, for example. Those people who feel happiness more intensely also feel sadness at a lower intensity as well. Read more * Happiness is fulfilling your career goals by 27, suggests new study * Why Korean children rank below England as the worst nation for child happiness * Happiness is.... what? Just the opposite of misery, or more? Week in Overall, the findings suggested that the precuneus is able to mediate overall happiness by integrating the emotional and cognitive components of happiness. Mr Sato said: “Over history, many eminent scholars like Aristotle have contemplated what happiness is. I’m very happy that we now know more about what it means to be happy." He added, "Several studies have shown that meditation increases grey matter mas in the precuneus. This new insight on where happiness happens in the brain will be useful for developing happiness programmes based on scientific research." 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Log in using your social network account OR Log in directly with The Independent {{message}} ____________________ Please enter an email address Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address ____________________ Please enter a valid password [ ] Keep me logged in (BUTTON) Submit Forgotten your password? Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout News > World > Europe How part-time work and exercise may explain why Holland is one of the happiest countries in the world The Dutch regularly top rankings for happiness * Louis Dore * Sunday 17 May 2015 10:01 * {{#singleComment}}{{total}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{total}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow The Independent Cyclists make their way through the city streets on 11 May 2009 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. ( Getty ) Holland consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world and recent statistics have pointed to their work structure as the source. In 2013 the country ranked fourth in the world for happiness in a report by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), by a panel of experts discussing economic and psychological factors alongside national statistics. The figures are used in an attempt to accurately describe the well-being of a nation, which Holland scores consistently high in, which recent analysis attributes to the proportion of people employed in part-time work. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial It has been revealed that 26.8 per cent of Dutch men and 76.6 per cent of women of working age spend less than 36 hours a week working. The Economist attributes their happiness and their work structure to the fact that dual income has not often been a necessity for a comfortable life, and an adherence of the traditional view of a family with stay at home mothers. In comparison, just over ten per cent of men work part time in the UK, as do around 40 per cent of women. While the divide in work and between the genders in the Netherlands may be considered backward by some, the country also has passed a law stating that women have the right to cut back hours at their jobs without repercussions from employers. Read more * Dutch protester prosecuted for shouting 'f*** the king' * Italian mayors sell off houses for £1 in hope of keeping villages alive The Netherlands has also come top of 28 European countries for physical exercise, which may account for some of their happiness. Statistic produced by the British Heart Foundation show that the highest percentage of their population get moderate exercise at least four days a week. Whether working less hours allows the Dutch more time to exercise is speculation, however, these figures and studies in happiness are areas where the country top the rankings consistently. 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Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout Culture > Books > Reviews Book review: The Happiness Industry: How Government and Big Business Sold us Well-Being by William Davies In his impeccably researched book, Davies traces the history of the happiness industry back to the work of the utilitarian Jeremy Bentham * Lucy Popescu * Saturday 23 May 2015 12:00 * {{#singleComment}}{{total}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{total}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow The Independent Culture The Happy industry by William Davies ( press ) Social media offer a platform for us to acknowledge our changing moods and encourage an unnatural obsession with how our wellbeing and happiness affect our working lives. Today, we can buy gadgets and apps that measure our sleep or assess the benefits of our physical activities. Self-help books about how to be happy proliferate and ensure that we remain fixated on the subject. There are even organisations which use cameras to track our smiles. Rather more worryingly, this technology and knowledge is being harnessed by corporations, policy makers and governments. According to William Davies, the science of happiness “has now penetrated the citadel of global economic management … the future of successful capitalism depends on our ability to combat stress, misery and illness and put relaxation, happiness and wellness in their place”. In his impeccably researched book, Davies traces the history of the happiness industry back to the work of the utilitarian Jeremy Bentham, a British philosopher and social reformer who believed human actions should promote happiness for the greatest number. Davies also examines the work of Gustav Fechner, a theologian and physicist who founded psychophysics; the economist William Stanley Jevons; the physiologist and philosopher Wilhelm Wundt; and the animal psychologist John B Watson. He illustrates how these disciplines overlapped and how happiness studies became entangled “with economic and medical expertise”. His main criticism of “the science of well-being” is that it encourages us to blame ourselves while ignoring political and economic contexts and while those in power exploit the science for “private profit” or “social control”. As Davies says, “unhappiness and depression are concentrated in highly unequal societies with strongly materialist, competitive values”. But the solutions offered, he argues, further isolate the poor. It’s an erudite study but because Davies covers so much The Happiness Industry can be difficult to unpack. Davies concludes that only through “understanding the strains and pains that work, hierarchy, financial pressures and inequality place upon human well-being” can we challenge them. Rather than allow our emotions to be bought and sold, we must stop focusing on our inner lives and look “outwards upon the world”. 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(BUTTON) Search with google * Make a contribution * Subscribe * (BUTTON) International edition + switch to the UK edition + switch to the US edition + switch to the Australia edition * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * The Guardian app * Video * Podcasts * Pictures * Newsletters * Today's paper * Inside the Guardian * The Observer * Guardian Weekly * Crosswords * Facebook * Twitter * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive Top Employers UK Teamwork, social events and company culture are vital to happiness at work Workplace happiness isn’t just about competitive pay and benefits, increasingly workers are placing greater value on company culture Supported by TOP EMPLOYERS RESEARCH LP About this content Alison Coleman Fri 10 Feb 2017 10.00 GMT Last modified on Fri 10 Feb 2017 12.43 GMT * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email Two employees at Pepsico in discussion in a breakout room. [ ] Keeping employees happy at work can come down to subtle changes in the values of an organisation. Photograph: Richard Davies The UK’s savviest employers have always known that the key to a productive business is investing time and effort in understanding what makes people happy at work. Why do people love their job? What to employees want their workplace to look like? Understand and act on this and you should never have a problem with motivation or morale. Yes, competitive pay and benefits are important, but employee happiness is dependent on so much more. Increasingly, workers are placing greater value on things like wellbeing and working conditions, where flexible working, collaboration, career progression and a great team spirit are part of the company culture. “This is the human era of the workplace,” says Mark Batey, senior lecturer in organisational psychology at Alliance Manchester Business School. “The best places to work are those in which people can flourish and be their best selves – instead of pretending to be someone else five days a week. The perfect workplace also gives people flexibility and autonomy as to where and how they work, built on a culture of growth and trust.” Among those organisations that have established a reputation for providing flexibility and demonstrating trust, is Pepsico, Top Employer-certified in the UK for five years running. “Our colleagues are offered the chance to grow professionally through regular training, career tools, and different assignments and experiences,” says Miriam Ort, vice-president and head of HR, PepsiCo UK & Ireland. “We also have a strong philosophy of career growth through experiences, which means we are willing to invest in moving talent through diverse roles that provide the breadth and depth our employees need to grow. This helps them build rewarding careers and become the talent we need for the future.” Flexibility is crucial to employees’ ability to optimally manage their work and their lives. In 2015 Pepsico launched a refreshed flexible working philosophy in the UK that has been a huge hit with employees. “They give us consistent feedback that they greatly value this flexibility,” says Ort. Keeping employees happy at work can come down to subtle changes in the values of an organisation. “I love having a workplace that embraces empathy as a key personality trait,” says Sarah Shields, vice-president and general manager, Channel, Dell EMC UK. “This creates a fantastic working culture and provides a broader scope for personal and professional development. We have opportunities to mentor more junior colleagues and volunteer in our local communities. By bringing our own experiences into the office we can create a team that supports and helps one another.” Maximising employee happiness and engagement is management’s responsibility, but HR is also helping, becoming more strategic on key issues such as recruiting talent, building teams, developing future leaders and influencing company culture. “HR teams can have a huge impact on company culture and employee satisfaction,” says Geoff Pearce, reward managing consultant at NorthgateArinso. “Team-building days, social events and ensuring a pleasant office environment – all are vital to happiness at work and creating a community spirit among colleagues.” Topics * Top Employers UK * Professional supplements * features * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email * Share on LinkedIn * Share on Pinterest * Share on Google+ * Share on WhatsApp * Share on Messenger * Reuse this content Most popular IFRAME: /email/form/footer/today-uk * Contact us * Complaints & corrections * Secure Drop * Work for us * Privacy policy * Cookie policy * Terms & conditions * Help * All topics * All writers * Digital newspaper archive * Facebook * Twitter * Advertise with us * Search UK jobs Support The Guardian Contribute Subscribe Back to top © 2018 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. 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Log in using your social network account OR Log in directly with The Independent {{message}} ____________________ Please enter an email address Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address ____________________ Please enter a valid password [ ] Keep me logged in (BUTTON) Submit Forgotten your password? Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout Culture > Books > Reviews Happiness by Design by Paul Dolan, book review: A work in progress with some way to go * Peter Carty * Sunday 5 October 2014 00:00 * {{#singleComment}}{{total}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{total}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow The Independent Culture What is happiness? Traditionally the most we can say with confidence is that it is both indefinable and wilfully elusive. But research into happiness is a burgeoning branch of psychology and the Government takes it seriously. David Cameron launched the UK’s regular National Well-being survey in 2012. Dolan helped to design the Well-being survey, which gives this self-help volume clout. Interestingly, his background is in economics rather than psychology. Accordingly, he trades in scarcity. Our time is limited, he says, so we should focus our attention on those things that make us feel happier. This sounds unremarkable, but Dolan emphasises the experiential: how we feel about what happens to us at the time matters more than our subsequent evaluation of it. His theory is that happiness consists of experiences of pleasure and purpose over time. While this juxtaposition of the enjoyable and the meaningful has roots in Aristotle, Dolan claims that – in particular – his discovery that we require feelings of purpose in order to be happy marks a departure. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial His main example is parenting. Why do we choose to have children, he asks? Dolan had a strong sense that, despite the daily grind, his parenting activities would feel purposeful. Fortunately, they have and his new balance of pleasure and purpose suits him, but drawing wider implications appears dubious. If the purposeful nature of child rearing can produce positive ongoing emotions, the flipside is responsibilities that can feel burdensome, if not crushing. And, away from the school run, it’s apparent that any optimal balance of pleasure and purpose will fluctuate wildly between us all. Dolan goes on to scrutinise various prompts to happiness: music, volunteering and so on. His discussion of money is interesting. Research shows that income above a certain level does not make us feel happier on a daily basis (with the caveat that the income threshold seems to vary considerably between studies; Dolan cites a US figure of $75,000). He explains that higher -income individuals place more value on their time, which makes it feel scarcer, and so they find it harder to relax. Studiously, he avoids obvious political implications. Shouldn’t all income above the happiness threshold be removed through taxation? Instead, Dolan focuses on personal transformation through “nudge” strategies. If you want to spend less time looking at emails, for example, then you could change your password to “don’tcheckmeagain”. Some of Dolan’s ways of making himself happy appear novel for a sober social scientist. He’s a keen bodybuilder and he chats with a fun-loving friend in Ibiza, Mig, at 9am each Thursday (though one has to wonder exactly what Mig makes of these rigidly scheduled early morning exchanges). Back at the academic coalface, Dolan’s theory of happiness is a work in progress with some way to go. There’s no doubt that Happiness by Design does offers constructive advice for making ourselves at least a little bit happier. Unfortunately, there’s a longer, more searching book to be written to explain why we’re not about to act on much of it. 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Don’t catch the bus to work * Jonathan Brown * Wednesday 12 February 2014 18:10 * {{#singleComment}}{{total}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{total}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow The Independent Train travel is more likely to induce anxiety than commuting by car ( Chris Turner/Stone/Getty Creative ) It was Margaret Thatcher who is credited with irrevocably damaging the image of bus travel when she reputedly branded anyone over the age of 26 still using one as a “failure”. New research however suggests that commuting by bus for more than half an hour each way remains the mode of transport likely to leave you anxious and dissatisfied whilst feeling less happy and worthwhile. According to new data from the Office for National Statistics no form of commuting greatly enhances overall levels of human joy, with those forced to travel to a job claiming to suffer more negative feelings than those who stayed at home. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial The study of 60,000 people found that each 10 minute increase in commuting time had a statistically significant impact on wellbeing. Whilst those who travelled for a quarter of an hour or less each way were relatively unscathed, those with a journey time of between 61 and 90 minutes reported feeling worst hit. The average British commute is around 40-45 minutes – the highest in Europe. Yet when one way trips exceeded 90 minutes the harmful effects virtually disappeared, suggesting that so-called extreme commuters were making the long haul to more satisfying and rewarding jobs. But the research pointed out that there was a fine balance between the costs of daily travel and the leafy rewards it could offer. “Given the loss of personal well-being generally associated with commuting, the results suggest that other factors such as higher income or better housing may not fully compensate the individual commuter for the negative effects associated with travelling to work and that people may be making sub-optimal choices,” researchers concluded. And they found that walking and cycling, long regarded as desirable health-enhancing, stress-busting pursuits, may not be quite such a good way to get about after all. Biking and walking all scored less highly in some areas of wellbeing than travelling by car, van or minibus – with particularly high levels of anxiety reported among those required to travel for more than 30 minutes on foot each way to work. Train travel was also more likely to induce anxiety than going by car. But it was poor old bus travel that fared worst. “Long bus or coach journeys to work lasting more than 30 minutes were associated with a loss of personal well-being across all four measures,” it found. Bus transport expert Andrew Braddock said market research revealed that bus passengers reported satisfaction levels of nearly 90 per cent – on a par with customers of premium retailers such as Marks & Spencer. “The overall market for bus travel is the lower socio-economic group, that is a fact. In many ways we are in contrast to continental Europe and closer to the United States where it is the poorer groups who tend to ride the bus. “But the better bus companies in the UK now have vehicles that look more like coffee shops, with leather seats and wi-fi as well as on-board information systems so that people know if there is a delay,” he said. Claire Haigh of campaign group Greener Journeys rejected the suggestion that the private car was less stressful than public transport. “Research in 2010 shows that commuting to work by car is a third more stressful than going by bus. On a bus you might be caught up in delays but you can use your time more productively by reading or doing emails,” she said. 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Log in using your social network account OR Log in directly with The Independent {{message}} ____________________ Please enter an email address Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address ____________________ Please enter a valid password [ ] Keep me logged in (BUTTON) Submit Forgotten your password? Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout Voices The secret to happiness is simple: live like a Stoic for a week We don’t control what happens to us, we can’t control what the people around us say or do, and we can’t even fully control our own bodies, which get damaged and sick and ultimately die without regard for our preferences. The only thing that we really control is how we think about things * John Sellars * Friday 28 September 2018 09:30 * {{#singleComment}}{{total}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{total}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow The Independent Voices Our lives are but moments when placed within this cosmic perspective ( PA ) What have the Romans ever done for us? Well, obviously the roads – the roads go without saying. How about guidance for how to live in the 21st century? That seems less likely, but in fact the last few years have seen a flurry of interest in the work of three Roman Stoic philosophers who offered just that. They were Seneca, tutor to the Emperor Nero; Epictetus, a former slave; and Marcus Aurelius, himself emperor. Modern books drawing on their ideas and repackaged as guidance for how to live well today include A Guide to the Good Life by William Irvine, Stoicism and the Art of Happiness by Donald Robertson, The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman, and How to Be a Stoic by Massimo Pigliucci. What all these books share is the conviction that people can benefit by going back and looking at the ideas of these Roman Stoics. There’s even an annual week dedicated to Stoicism. Stoicism holds that the key to a good, happy life is the cultivation of an excellent mental state, which the Stoics identified with virtue and being rational. The ideal life is one that is in harmony with Nature, of which we are all part, and an attitude of calm indifference towards external events. It began in Greece, and was founded around 300BC by Zeno, who used teach at the site of the Painted Stoa in Athens, hence the name Stoicism. The works of the early Stoics are for the most part lost, so it is the Roman Stoics who have been most influential over the centuries, and continue to be today. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial So, what were the ideas? Two foundational principles can both be found in the Handbook, a short work summarising the ideas of Epictetus. The first is that some things are within our control and some are not, and that much of our unhappiness is caused by thinking that we can control things that, in fact, we can’t. Goats prefer happy faces, study finds What can we control? Epictetus argues that we actually control very little. We don’t control what happens to us, we can’t control what the people around us say or do, and we can’t even fully control our own bodies, which get damaged and sick and ultimately die without regard for our preferences. The only thing that we really control is how we think about things, the judgements we make about things. This leads us to the second foundational principle from Epictetus: it’s not things that upset us, but how we think about things. Stuff happens. We then make judgements about what happens. If we judge that something really bad has happened, then we might get upset, sad, or angry, depending on what it is. If we judge that something bad is likely to happen then we might get scared or fearful. All these emotions are the product of the judgements we make. Things in themselves are value neutral, for what might seem terrible to us might be a matter of indifference to someone else, or even welcomed by others. It’s the judgements we make that introduce value into the picture, and it’s those value judgements that generate our emotional responses. Read more * The weather is a bit like Brexit: no one’s happy with it The good Stoic news is that these value judgements are the one thing over which we have complete control. Things happen, none of which are inherently good or bad, and it’s within our power to decide how we value them. The paradox of Stoicism, as Epictetus formulates it, is that we have almost no control over anything, yet at the same time we have potentially complete control over our happiness. At first glance, this might seem to understate the very real challenges that people face in their daily lives. How can just thinking differently help someone who is struggling to put food on their table, for instance? The Stoics didn’t shy away from this. They fully acknowledged that life can be hard sometimes. Seneca knew this all too well: he suffered exile, multiple bereavements, and was ultimately forced to commit suicide by Nero. He also knew that it was all too easy to say “I’m not going to let these external things disturb me” but quite another to follow through and not be disturbed oneself. Created with Sketch. The Independent's Happy List 2017 Show all 50 Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. (BUTTON) Created with Sketch. The Independent's Happy List 2017 1/50 1. Shamash Alidina, Rosa Connor and Victoria Johnson [L-R: Shamash, Rosa and Vicky] London’s Museum of Happiness believes in a happier, kinder and more playful world. It’s a not-for-profit social enterprise run by Shamash, Rosa and Victoria to provide experiences that offer people of all backgrounds the chance to learn about living happier, more fulfilling lives. They organise interactive exhibitions, workshops and events to bring the science of happiness alive. One person who nominated the trio said: “In lonely London I found love, fun and a lot of new friends at Museum of Happiness. They make me happy!” 2/50 2. Joe Attridge “Without volunteers like Joe we simply could not do what we do,” says one member of the North London Hospice, where Joe has helped out for over 10 years. “Not only does he raise thousands of pounds for us every year, he also tirelessly provides emotional support to those who need it most. Joe’s compassion and patience is truly outstanding and he has an amazing affect on our patients. He is a very special individual.” 3/50 3. Joanna Bevan As a volunteer at The Kindness Offensive, Joanna is devoted to improving life for those in need across London and further afield. Some of her achievements include running Foundation Speak Street which offers free weekly English language lessons for refugees, helping to create a sensory garden for special needs children, and organising free day trips for the elderly to museums and places of interest. Joanna is described as a ‘selfless character who is always working towards building better communities.’ 4/50 4. Max Brennan Child of Courage Max, from Brixworth, Northampton, has Ehlers Danlos Syndrome which means he tires easily and gets severe pain in his bones and joints. Some days he finds holding himself up too hard and suffers multiple falls. But five-year-old Max is determined to help other children, He set up Max’s Marvellous Mission which saw him take part in a Superhero Run to raise over £4,000 for the Newlife Foundation, a charity which supports families across the UK to purchase equipment for disabled children. 5/50 5. Sarah Burrows Sarah, from Oxfordshire, was inspired to set up Children Heard and Seen after she learnt that 65% of boys who have a parent with a conviction go on to offend themselves. The charity provides support to children of prisoners in one-to-one and group settings to help reduce the likelihood of generational offending, mental health issues and family breakdown. Activities includes creating songs to express their feelings about having a parent in prison and making scrapbooks for their loves one. 6/50 6. Matt Callanan Matt’s project We Make Good Happen will see him do 403 good deeds, and he hopes to inspire others to do a million more. So far, Matt, from Cardiff, has put on a party for 100 year old lady in care home and hidden twenty £10 notes around his home city (with two rules - don’t spend it on yourself and do some good with it), an idea which went viral. Matt was inspired to do all this as a way of continuing his late father’s good deeds. 7/50 7. John Cattle John runs a weekly skate club on the Isle of Wight, teaching over 200 people of all ages to skateboard. But, according to his pupils, he does much more than that. One of the many who nominated John says: “He teaches you to be brave, tackle your fears, trust people and have fun.” John gives extra free sessions for those who need extra help, including children with anger issues who find it hard to learn with others. Another person who nominated him said: “He has infinite patience and helps build confidence in all who meet him.” 8/50 8. Emily Chalke (R) and Rachel Price (L) This duo created Ella’s Home, Emily had the vision and Rachel helped make it happen. Ella's Home is a safe house in London where women can recover from trafficking and sexual exploitation. Named after Ella whom Emily met and helped nearly 5 years ago, the project offers long term recovery support. Emily and team work hard to ensure the home is a welcoming place for women to live and recover until they are ready for independent living. The team also provide essential outreach and long term support to women across London who have experienced sexual exploitation and trafficking. 9/50 9. Ann Marie Cockburn Since losing her 15 year old daughter Martha in 2013 to an accidental overdose, Anne-Marie has relentlessly campaigned throughout the UK (and internationally) for drug laws to be reviewed. Originally from Ayrshire, Scotland, and now living in Oxford, Anne-Marie regularly tells her story in order to raise awareness and to save anyone else from losing another Martha. She has written a book (5,742 Days) and a play called What Martha Did Next. She tells her story to prisoners with The Forgiveness Project's 'Restore' Programme and campaigns with the charity 'Anyone's Child: Families for Safer Drug Control'. 10/50 10. Jamie Collier Chef Jamie has been a volunteer cooking tutor with Cyrenians Good Food social enterprise for many years, helping to nurture a passion for good food in people who experience mental and physical ill health. One person who nominated Jamie says: “He embodies the concept of cooking being about love, kindness and caring about others. In Jamie’s own business he has taken on people who are long term unemployed and given them a sense of purpose. His passionate teaching puts a smile on so many faces, and quite simply he has helped many turn their lives around.” 11/50 11. Josh Coombes Hairdresser Josh has an enormous salon; the streets of London. For the past year this 29-year-old has been giving free haircuts to homeless people, posting photos of his scissor-work on Instagram. It's part of Josh's campaign #DoSomethingforNothing which has encouraged people around the globe to help others any way they can and give a voice to society's marginalised. One person who nominated Josh says: “With shears in hand and love in heart, this bloke is giving the gift of time and attention to the invisible”. 12/50 12. Andy Cope Andy founded organisation Brilliant Communities to bring happiness projects into schools across the country. Using three-week positive psychology workshops he places students at the centre of his work to help spread kindness and wellbeing, transforming cultures in the process. Students design their own projects, which have included an induction scheme for new pupils and a record- breaking 21,000 random acts of kindness across Derby, empowering them to think about making positive changes in their own communities. 13/50 13. Karen Cully and Dale Parker This inspiring pair from Norwich started making and delivering sandwiches to the homeless in Norwich city centre four years ago, taking the bus from their hometown of Dereham, Norfolk. Now they provide a twice weekly service, called The People's Picnic, feeding more than 70 homeless or disadvantaged people. Managed and staffed completely by volunteers, The People's Picnic offers three hot food options, three desserts and sandwiches to take away, along with clothing, sleeping bag, blanket and toiletries donations. 14/50 14. Wayne Dixon Planet-saving Tsar Former soldier Wayne from Blackburn led a campaign to clean up rubbish from Britain’s countryside. Accompanied by his dog Koda and carrying a 50lb canvas backpack of kit, Wayne undertook a 7,000 mile litter sweep with Keep Britain Tidy to raise awareness of the importance of disposing of your rubbish responsibly. Wayne spent every day of his walk across Britain cleaning verges and hedgerows and using social media to spread his message. 15/50 15. Sister Peggy Ennis “A remarkable person who has spent a lifetime helping people so often marginalised by society,” says one person who nominated Sister Peggy. She has supported hundreds of people to build new lives away from addiction and crime during her 22 years as a volunteer for RAPt. Sister Peggy's work includes running workshops for people recovering from drug addiction, and she’s motivated by her unwavering belief that everyone has the capacity to change their lives for the better. 16/50 16. Samantha Everard Samantha set up The Samee Project to support people who face barriers to work in Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Devon and Somerset. The project ‘handholds’ people who want to be self-employed or need support. and Samantha works tirelessly to help them with boost confidence, learn skills and develop self-belief. Often those in need of support are disabled, have long term illness or have fallen on bad times, and so far the project has helped more then 200 people. 17/50 17. Cemal Ezel What if your morning coffee could change lives? With the support of The Big Issue, Cemal founded social enterprise Change Please to help reduce homelessness through coffee. The scheme trains people who are homeless to be baristas on a London Living Wage, and also provides housing, a bank account and therapy. Currently operating in London, Manchester and Newcastle, and soon New York, Cemal is responsible for lifting eight people per month out of homelessness and into long-term employment. 18/50 18. Sally Field Animal Saviour This dog-mad 97-year-old has volunteered at the RSPCA's Millbrook Animal Centre in Chobham, Surrey for more than 40 years - since the centre first opened it's doors. Sally has done everything from dog walking to cleaning and cooking dinners for the rescue residents. She volunteers twice a week and has walked at least 1,000 dogs during her time, and has adopted a seemingly restrained total of seven hounds in that time. 19/50 19. Peter Finn A hip replacement five years ago hasn’t slowed down marathon runner Pete, from Rothley, Leicestershire, who clocks up the miles in aid of learning disability charity Mencap. Now aged 64. this year’s London Marathon was Pete’s 100th. He has also run around the world, in Singapore, Dublin, Hong Kong and New York, and has raised over £54,000 so far. His sons James and Rory have both taken up running as well, and they both joined Peter to complete their first marathons. 20/50 20. Rev Canon Sally Fogden Loneliness Buster In a bid to foster community spirit and tackle loneliness and isolation in rural communities retired vicar Sally Fogden set up The Rural Coffee Caravan. This mobile community café and information centre offers a place for people of all ages to socialise or access services over a free cup of tea or coffee. It provides everything from blood pressure checks to financial advice, and last year it welcomed over 5,800 Suffolk residents. Sally also volunteers for the Farming Community Network, and set up The Addington Fund to is help farmers financially in times of crisis. 21/50 21. Laura Gleadall Cancer-fighting Hero When Laura's sister Louise, 37, was diagnosed with cervical cancer Laura began an almighty fundraising journey. While juggling two jobs, looking after her son and helping to care for her sister's three children, Laura motivated her whole community to hold events, donate and spread the word to reach her target. She raised over £100,000 using JustGiving Crowdfunding to pay for Louise to have groundbreaking Immunotherapy in Germany, and Louise has now begun the treatment. 22/50 22. Louise Harrison Louise is a dedicated volunteer at Ronald McDonald House Arrowe Park, a charity which provides free ‘home away from home’ accommodation for families while their child is being treated at Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral. From training new volunteers to thinking up innovative ways to fundraise, Louise is an integral part of the team. She even kept volunteering last year whilst receiving a harsh course of radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer. 23/50 23. Brian Heath Community champion Aged 95, Brian still runs a community group called Strictly Tea Dancers at the Allendale Centre in Wimborne, Dorset, which encourages people of any age or ability to come together and learn to dance. This completely volunteer-run initiative helps to address social isolation, which especially affects older members of the local rural community. Brian met his partner Margaret at the Centre, and they now volunteer there together. 24/50 24. Rita Joliffe The Wizzybug Loan Scheme provides free, powered wheelchairs to disabled children across the UK. Rita, who lives near Burnham-on-Sea, travels all over the country to tell people who might benefit from the idea and help raise money for it to continue. In one year alone she raised over £28,000. Designability, the charity behind the scheme, says: “Rita is one in a million. She and her husband even requested people donate to the scheme in lieu of gifts for their golden wedding anniversary, raising £1,200 Every charity needs a Rita.” 25/50 25. Nisha Kotecha Three years ago Nisha, from London, founded Good News Shared, a website celebrating the positive stories that too often the public don’t hear about. Nisha has volunteered for charities for over 10 years, and its her mission to highlight their amazing and diverse work. After experiencing a bereavement last year she went on to create The Moments Journal, a positivity log to help people see and appreciate the good things - big or small - from their day. 26/50 26. Dr Margaret Lobo Since qualifying as a music therapist in 1987, Margaret has dedicated her life to providing therapy for people of all ages with learning disabilities, autism, neurological difficulties or mental health problems. After building a music studio in her back garden, Margaret set up the Otakar Kraus Music Trust, putting together a small team of volunteers. Today the Trust helps over 250 people annually and provides over 3,000 therapy sessions. Now in her 70s, Margaret still works to help the most vulnerable people in her community and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Middlesex. 27/50 27. Hussain Manawer When this Essex performance poet and mental health campaigner won the chance to go into space he decided to use it as a platform to raise awareness of the number of people who live with mental illness. Hussain, from Ilford, says: “I want to dedicate the trip to every single person who has suffered from mental health, every young boy, girl, man, woman who cries and doesn't know why.”. Hussain also speaks out on behalf of the “two billion sane Muslims on the planet”, saying he stands in support of the war on terror. 28/50 28. Jane McHale Jane has been working for charity The Sick Children's Trust for 17 years, starting out as a part time assistant and now running 'Home from Home', which supports families with seriously ill children. Eckersley House, which is located in Leeds General Infirmary, almost always has a waiting list, and staff say Jane goes 'above and beyond' to care for every single person. In Jane's spare time she also fundraises, doing everything from an aeroplane wing walk to knitting Christmas stockings to sell. 29/50 29. Gary McKee A beer-loving 47-year-old from Cleator Moor in Cumbria, had a better idea. He ran 100 marathons – on 100 successive days. Gary's life changed two decades ago when his father was diagnosed with cancer. Nurses from Macmillan Cancer Support became a cherished part of the McKee family during that dark time and now he has run approaching 2,700 miles to support them. What has kept him going, he says, has been the thought of those who need Macmillan’s support. 30/50 30. Helen Missen When her daughter developed anorexia six years ago Helen began working to improve the support available for everyone affected by the illness. She secured £500,000 extra funding for care from the Welsh Government and founded an Eating Disorder Forum for carers and sufferers. Helen, from Llanfyllin in Powys, is also is a Managing Trustee of Charlotte’s Helix, a charity exploring the genetics behind the illness, and despite being diagnosed with Lupus in 2013 she continues to fight for better treatment for eating disorders. 31/50 31. Sianne Morgan As well as being a foster carer of two children, Sianne has been a dedicated youth worker for over 17 years, supporting young people across Gwent who are not in education or employment. Whether it’s being a shoulder to cry on or taking them to job interviews, Sianne helps disadvantaged people achieve their best possible future. One young person said: “She’s helped myself get through some hard times, supporting me to now being in full time employment. Sianne never turns away a young person in need and is an inspiration and role model to many.” 32/50 32. Matthew and Steph Neville This couple from Birmingham had been saving to buy a house for years. However, when they finally had enough money they decided the funds would be better spent providing a home for refugees who had to flee from their own. Matthew works for Catholic aid agency CAFOD and Steph works at St Chad’s Sanctuary, providing practical support and English classes to people seeking sanctuary. They bought a house and gave it to homelessness charity Hope Projects to fill. 33/50 33. Oliver Phillips Tech entrepreneur Oliver built anti-Tinder meet-up app Meet’n’Eat to help people make friends in post-Brexit London. It encourages people who want to get to know others to eat together, matching them using GPS location data alongside filters such as age, food choice, time and date. Oliver, a master’s student at the London School of Economics, thought up the idea while struggling to find English-speaking dining companions in Asia and hopes it will help combat loneliness. 34/50 34. Paul Pulford After beating heroin addiction, Paul built a garden in the concrete courtyard of the hostel he was living in. Determined to help other people whose lives are affected by homelessness, drug and al-cohol addiction, Paul founded Grounded Ecotherapy, a project to help volunteer gardeners learn and work together to create urban sanctuaries. Through Paul’s leadership and enthusiasm mem-bers of Grounded Ecotherapy have worked with The Eden Project, Chelsea Flower Show and cre-ated a rooftop garden at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall. 35/50 35. Leona Rankin After she lost her fiancé to sarcoma, Leona, from Belfast, founded a charity in April 2013 to support people living with the disease. The Boom Foundation (www.theboomfoundation.co.uk) is now the main referral charity supporting people living with sarcoma in Northern Ireland, and runs support groups and patient information days. Leona has raised over £435,000 to raise awareness and fund specialist care, splitting the money across her own initiatives in Northern Ireland and funding vital research projects alongside the charity Sarcoma UK. 36/50 36. Onjali Q Raúf “The most selfless and caring person I know,” is how one person described Onjali. She launched Making Herstory in 2011 to tackle violence against women and girls following the murder of her aunt when she was aged just 28. The organisation works in diverse ways to help society’s most vulnerable females; supporting survivors of violence and abuse; assist-ing refugees; campaigning and lobbying to give voice to disempowered women; and running edu-cation programmes in schools and colleges. 37/50 37. Kim Reuter and Russ Elias Inspirational musicians and self-confessed eccentrics Russ Elias and Kim Reuter run Shabang!, an organisation committed to creating accessible arts for children, young people and adults with additional learning needs in Huddersfield. Russ and Kim combine traditional teaching skills with their own ‘peculiar educational tomfoolery’ to encourage their audience to par-ticipate in a special, unique shared experience. One of the many who nominated them said: “Kim and Russ are absolute stars and make life so much easier for so many families - they live and breathe helping others.” 38/50 38. Sam Rowe Positivity Coach Founder, Director and CEO of The Academy of Hard Knocks, Sam was inspired to set up the initia-tive to break the cycle of youth offending by providing the youth community with guidance or role models. The organisation implements values of respect, safety, confidence, professionalism and the importance of positive community involvement. One person says: “Sam is a genuinely selfless, very inspiring human being. He runs a course for young offenders to help them to never go back, and he pushed me to do my absolute best.” 39/50 39. Mandy Sanghera Mandy is a human rights activist who has spent the last 26 years campaigning locally and nationally to campaign against forced marriages, FGM and honour violence, as well as supporting victims and survivors of violence and cultural abuse. As a motivational speaker Mandy, from Coventry, helps to empower power to rebuild their lives after abuse, and she was also involved in writing the guidelines on disability and HBV for the forced marriages unit. 40/50 40. David Savage As a volunteer for Humanists UK, David helped set up a training programme for non-religious pas-toral carers, changing the way in which care is delivered in hospitals, prisons, and universities. Be-fore this, non-religious people were unable to access like-minded support at times of crisis, meaning many often went without. For over a decade David has worked hard to ensure that this initiative has been accepted as part of chaplaincy teams all over England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The network has grown to over 150 members and has supported tens of thousands of people. David, from Farnham, still volunteers weekly as a non-religious pastoral carer at London’s Guys' and St Thomas hospital. 41/50 41. Gemma and Craig Scott Outstanding Fundraiser After losing seven family members to cancer, this young couple from Scunthorpe decided to devote all their free time to running marathons to raise money for Worldwide Cancer Research. This year sees them running 10 marathons on two continents, and they always train and run side by side. The Scotts even had their wedding themed around the London Marathon, which they ran together in 2012. 42/50 42. Josephine Segal (right) and Vanessa Crocker (left) Josephine and Vanessa, aka the “angels of kindness”, co-founded charity Spread a Smile in 2013 after seeing the positive impact a magician’s visit had on Josephine’s nephew who was receiving cancer treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Spread a Smile now organise over 10 events a month at four London hospitals, including art workshops and VIP trips to concerts. One nominator said: “They make a real difference to the lives of seriously ill children and their families, helping to make wonderful memories during the darkest of days.” 43/50 43. Dial Sharma For the last 50 years, Dial has given up his time to help reduce isolation in the Asian community in North London and members of that community to integrate more with the wider society. As well as organising weekly get-togethers and trips to the seaside or abroad, he also organises practical help with issues such as tax, bills, English speaking, housing and immigration issues. Now aged 85, Dial recently helped Asian women with no voice in the home to gain more independence by attending coffee mornings. 44/50 44. Michelle Smith (photo credit: Ben Orrell Jones) In 2009 Michelle self-funded and set up Mpower People to empower people across Liverpool by helping them live healthier and more independent lives. Today the social enterprise offers a range of sports and healthy living education programmes, as well as training for employment opportunities, enterprise development or personal development. Initially aimed at those from disadvantaged groups, its now open to anyone who might benefit. 45/50 45. Katherine Sparkes Innovative Star Frustrated at the lack of inclusive opportunities for disabled children, Katherine founded Flamingo Chicks, a ballet school where disabled children can explore movement with friends. Over 2000 children take part each year across 14 different cities. Katherine also founded Styleability which provides body confidence workshops for young disabled adults, teaching them how to adapt cloth-ing to suit their needs. One person said: “She mobilises and inspires people to do social good - a passionate volunteer, she coaches others to be the change they want to see.” 46/50 46. Abbi White Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People in the East Midlands helps care for Abbi’s brother Ryan, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy - a condition that causes all muscles to weaken. Determined to fundraise for them Abbi, 14, began creating brightly coloured pictures made from buttons to sell. So far she has raised almost £50,000. Abbi says: “I wanted people to look at my art and think of Rainbows and what an amazing place it is.” 47/50 47. Paddie McGinn Paddie began volunteering as a handyperson with charity Volunteering Matters, visiting vulnerable people where he lives in Alloa, Scotland, to help them with odd jobs around the house that they couldn’t manage. Soon Paddie also took on the responsibility of organising other volunteers - arranging visits to ensure even more people benefit from the service and helping to train new starters. Today he is also part of the befriending project, visiting older, isolated people in the local community. 48/50 48. Cliff Whyte This postman from South London goes out of his way to be friendly and cheer up everyone he meets. One person who nominated Cliff says he knows everyone's name, their children's names and even what football team they support. “He always stops to chat and takes the time to ask how everyone is, and is a very positive influence on us all. He really is part of the community, a real one in a million.” 49/50 49. Steve Wheen Steve makes mini gardens in potholes around cities, to the delight of passers-by. Each miniature creation tells a little story - from picnics to royal weddings - and one fan said; “seeing a little flower bed randomly in the pavement is just amazing, and he puts little props with them depending on the season or event.” Steve’s ‘holes of happiness’ project has taken on a life of its own, with copycat pothole gardeners popping up around the world to create joy. 50/50 50. Ann Medcalf (centre) 50. This 69-year-old volunteer (pictured centre) is described as a 'mainstay' of girl guiding in South Derbyshire. Ann has given almost 50 years of service, giving up her time to work with children of all ages, from Rain-bows, Brownies, Guides and the senior section. One person who nominated her says “Ann has devoted so much of her time to the Guide Association, she does a phenomenal job, has incredible knowledge and is well known and respected throughout the whole of the Midlands.” 1/50 1. Shamash Alidina, Rosa Connor and Victoria Johnson [L-R: Shamash, Rosa and Vicky] London’s Museum of Happiness believes in a happier, kinder and more playful world. It’s a not-for-profit social enterprise run by Shamash, Rosa and Victoria to provide experiences that offer people of all backgrounds the chance to learn about living happier, more fulfilling lives. They organise interactive exhibitions, workshops and events to bring the science of happiness alive. One person who nominated the trio said: “In lonely London I found love, fun and a lot of new friends at Museum of Happiness. They make me happy!” 2/50 2. Joe Attridge “Without volunteers like Joe we simply could not do what we do,” says one member of the North London Hospice, where Joe has helped out for over 10 years. “Not only does he raise thousands of pounds for us every year, he also tirelessly provides emotional support to those who need it most. Joe’s compassion and patience is truly outstanding and he has an amazing affect on our patients. He is a very special individual.” 3/50 3. Joanna Bevan As a volunteer at The Kindness Offensive, Joanna is devoted to improving life for those in need across London and further afield. Some of her achievements include running Foundation Speak Street which offers free weekly English language lessons for refugees, helping to create a sensory garden for special needs children, and organising free day trips for the elderly to museums and places of interest. Joanna is described as a ‘selfless character who is always working towards building better communities.’ 4/50 4. Max Brennan Child of Courage Max, from Brixworth, Northampton, has Ehlers Danlos Syndrome which means he tires easily and gets severe pain in his bones and joints. Some days he finds holding himself up too hard and suffers multiple falls. But five-year-old Max is determined to help other children, He set up Max’s Marvellous Mission which saw him take part in a Superhero Run to raise over £4,000 for the Newlife Foundation, a charity which supports families across the UK to purchase equipment for disabled children. 5/50 5. Sarah Burrows Sarah, from Oxfordshire, was inspired to set up Children Heard and Seen after she learnt that 65% of boys who have a parent with a conviction go on to offend themselves. The charity provides support to children of prisoners in one-to-one and group settings to help reduce the likelihood of generational offending, mental health issues and family breakdown. Activities includes creating songs to express their feelings about having a parent in prison and making scrapbooks for their loves one. 6/50 6. Matt Callanan Matt’s project We Make Good Happen will see him do 403 good deeds, and he hopes to inspire others to do a million more. So far, Matt, from Cardiff, has put on a party for 100 year old lady in care home and hidden twenty £10 notes around his home city (with two rules - don’t spend it on yourself and do some good with it), an idea which went viral. Matt was inspired to do all this as a way of continuing his late father’s good deeds. 7/50 7. John Cattle John runs a weekly skate club on the Isle of Wight, teaching over 200 people of all ages to skateboard. But, according to his pupils, he does much more than that. One of the many who nominated John says: “He teaches you to be brave, tackle your fears, trust people and have fun.” John gives extra free sessions for those who need extra help, including children with anger issues who find it hard to learn with others. Another person who nominated him said: “He has infinite patience and helps build confidence in all who meet him.” 8/50 8. Emily Chalke (R) and Rachel Price (L) This duo created Ella’s Home, Emily had the vision and Rachel helped make it happen. Ella's Home is a safe house in London where women can recover from trafficking and sexual exploitation. Named after Ella whom Emily met and helped nearly 5 years ago, the project offers long term recovery support. Emily and team work hard to ensure the home is a welcoming place for women to live and recover until they are ready for independent living. The team also provide essential outreach and long term support to women across London who have experienced sexual exploitation and trafficking. 9/50 9. Ann Marie Cockburn Since losing her 15 year old daughter Martha in 2013 to an accidental overdose, Anne-Marie has relentlessly campaigned throughout the UK (and internationally) for drug laws to be reviewed. Originally from Ayrshire, Scotland, and now living in Oxford, Anne-Marie regularly tells her story in order to raise awareness and to save anyone else from losing another Martha. She has written a book (5,742 Days) and a play called What Martha Did Next. She tells her story to prisoners with The Forgiveness Project's 'Restore' Programme and campaigns with the charity 'Anyone's Child: Families for Safer Drug Control'. 10/50 10. Jamie Collier Chef Jamie has been a volunteer cooking tutor with Cyrenians Good Food social enterprise for many years, helping to nurture a passion for good food in people who experience mental and physical ill health. One person who nominated Jamie says: “He embodies the concept of cooking being about love, kindness and caring about others. In Jamie’s own business he has taken on people who are long term unemployed and given them a sense of purpose. His passionate teaching puts a smile on so many faces, and quite simply he has helped many turn their lives around.” 11/50 11. Josh Coombes Hairdresser Josh has an enormous salon; the streets of London. For the past year this 29-year-old has been giving free haircuts to homeless people, posting photos of his scissor-work on Instagram. It's part of Josh's campaign #DoSomethingforNothing which has encouraged people around the globe to help others any way they can and give a voice to society's marginalised. One person who nominated Josh says: “With shears in hand and love in heart, this bloke is giving the gift of time and attention to the invisible”. 12/50 12. Andy Cope Andy founded organisation Brilliant Communities to bring happiness projects into schools across the country. Using three-week positive psychology workshops he places students at the centre of his work to help spread kindness and wellbeing, transforming cultures in the process. Students design their own projects, which have included an induction scheme for new pupils and a record- breaking 21,000 random acts of kindness across Derby, empowering them to think about making positive changes in their own communities. 13/50 13. Karen Cully and Dale Parker This inspiring pair from Norwich started making and delivering sandwiches to the homeless in Norwich city centre four years ago, taking the bus from their hometown of Dereham, Norfolk. Now they provide a twice weekly service, called The People's Picnic, feeding more than 70 homeless or disadvantaged people. Managed and staffed completely by volunteers, The People's Picnic offers three hot food options, three desserts and sandwiches to take away, along with clothing, sleeping bag, blanket and toiletries donations. 14/50 14. Wayne Dixon Planet-saving Tsar Former soldier Wayne from Blackburn led a campaign to clean up rubbish from Britain’s countryside. Accompanied by his dog Koda and carrying a 50lb canvas backpack of kit, Wayne undertook a 7,000 mile litter sweep with Keep Britain Tidy to raise awareness of the importance of disposing of your rubbish responsibly. Wayne spent every day of his walk across Britain cleaning verges and hedgerows and using social media to spread his message. 15/50 15. Sister Peggy Ennis “A remarkable person who has spent a lifetime helping people so often marginalised by society,” says one person who nominated Sister Peggy. She has supported hundreds of people to build new lives away from addiction and crime during her 22 years as a volunteer for RAPt. Sister Peggy's work includes running workshops for people recovering from drug addiction, and she’s motivated by her unwavering belief that everyone has the capacity to change their lives for the better. 16/50 16. Samantha Everard Samantha set up The Samee Project to support people who face barriers to work in Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Devon and Somerset. The project ‘handholds’ people who want to be self-employed or need support. and Samantha works tirelessly to help them with boost confidence, learn skills and develop self-belief. Often those in need of support are disabled, have long term illness or have fallen on bad times, and so far the project has helped more then 200 people. 17/50 17. Cemal Ezel What if your morning coffee could change lives? With the support of The Big Issue, Cemal founded social enterprise Change Please to help reduce homelessness through coffee. The scheme trains people who are homeless to be baristas on a London Living Wage, and also provides housing, a bank account and therapy. Currently operating in London, Manchester and Newcastle, and soon New York, Cemal is responsible for lifting eight people per month out of homelessness and into long-term employment. 18/50 18. Sally Field Animal Saviour This dog-mad 97-year-old has volunteered at the RSPCA's Millbrook Animal Centre in Chobham, Surrey for more than 40 years - since the centre first opened it's doors. Sally has done everything from dog walking to cleaning and cooking dinners for the rescue residents. She volunteers twice a week and has walked at least 1,000 dogs during her time, and has adopted a seemingly restrained total of seven hounds in that time. 19/50 19. Peter Finn A hip replacement five years ago hasn’t slowed down marathon runner Pete, from Rothley, Leicestershire, who clocks up the miles in aid of learning disability charity Mencap. Now aged 64. this year’s London Marathon was Pete’s 100th. He has also run around the world, in Singapore, Dublin, Hong Kong and New York, and has raised over £54,000 so far. His sons James and Rory have both taken up running as well, and they both joined Peter to complete their first marathons. 20/50 20. Rev Canon Sally Fogden Loneliness Buster In a bid to foster community spirit and tackle loneliness and isolation in rural communities retired vicar Sally Fogden set up The Rural Coffee Caravan. This mobile community café and information centre offers a place for people of all ages to socialise or access services over a free cup of tea or coffee. It provides everything from blood pressure checks to financial advice, and last year it welcomed over 5,800 Suffolk residents. Sally also volunteers for the Farming Community Network, and set up The Addington Fund to is help farmers financially in times of crisis. 21/50 21. Laura Gleadall Cancer-fighting Hero When Laura's sister Louise, 37, was diagnosed with cervical cancer Laura began an almighty fundraising journey. While juggling two jobs, looking after her son and helping to care for her sister's three children, Laura motivated her whole community to hold events, donate and spread the word to reach her target. She raised over £100,000 using JustGiving Crowdfunding to pay for Louise to have groundbreaking Immunotherapy in Germany, and Louise has now begun the treatment. 22/50 22. Louise Harrison Louise is a dedicated volunteer at Ronald McDonald House Arrowe Park, a charity which provides free ‘home away from home’ accommodation for families while their child is being treated at Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral. From training new volunteers to thinking up innovative ways to fundraise, Louise is an integral part of the team. She even kept volunteering last year whilst receiving a harsh course of radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer. 23/50 23. Brian Heath Community champion Aged 95, Brian still runs a community group called Strictly Tea Dancers at the Allendale Centre in Wimborne, Dorset, which encourages people of any age or ability to come together and learn to dance. This completely volunteer-run initiative helps to address social isolation, which especially affects older members of the local rural community. Brian met his partner Margaret at the Centre, and they now volunteer there together. 24/50 24. Rita Joliffe The Wizzybug Loan Scheme provides free, powered wheelchairs to disabled children across the UK. Rita, who lives near Burnham-on-Sea, travels all over the country to tell people who might benefit from the idea and help raise money for it to continue. In one year alone she raised over £28,000. Designability, the charity behind the scheme, says: “Rita is one in a million. She and her husband even requested people donate to the scheme in lieu of gifts for their golden wedding anniversary, raising £1,200 Every charity needs a Rita.” 25/50 25. Nisha Kotecha Three years ago Nisha, from London, founded Good News Shared, a website celebrating the positive stories that too often the public don’t hear about. Nisha has volunteered for charities for over 10 years, and its her mission to highlight their amazing and diverse work. After experiencing a bereavement last year she went on to create The Moments Journal, a positivity log to help people see and appreciate the good things - big or small - from their day. 26/50 26. Dr Margaret Lobo Since qualifying as a music therapist in 1987, Margaret has dedicated her life to providing therapy for people of all ages with learning disabilities, autism, neurological difficulties or mental health problems. After building a music studio in her back garden, Margaret set up the Otakar Kraus Music Trust, putting together a small team of volunteers. Today the Trust helps over 250 people annually and provides over 3,000 therapy sessions. Now in her 70s, Margaret still works to help the most vulnerable people in her community and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Middlesex. 27/50 27. Hussain Manawer When this Essex performance poet and mental health campaigner won the chance to go into space he decided to use it as a platform to raise awareness of the number of people who live with mental illness. Hussain, from Ilford, says: “I want to dedicate the trip to every single person who has suffered from mental health, every young boy, girl, man, woman who cries and doesn't know why.”. Hussain also speaks out on behalf of the “two billion sane Muslims on the planet”, saying he stands in support of the war on terror. 28/50 28. Jane McHale Jane has been working for charity The Sick Children's Trust for 17 years, starting out as a part time assistant and now running 'Home from Home', which supports families with seriously ill children. Eckersley House, which is located in Leeds General Infirmary, almost always has a waiting list, and staff say Jane goes 'above and beyond' to care for every single person. In Jane's spare time she also fundraises, doing everything from an aeroplane wing walk to knitting Christmas stockings to sell. 29/50 29. Gary McKee A beer-loving 47-year-old from Cleator Moor in Cumbria, had a better idea. He ran 100 marathons – on 100 successive days. Gary's life changed two decades ago when his father was diagnosed with cancer. Nurses from Macmillan Cancer Support became a cherished part of the McKee family during that dark time and now he has run approaching 2,700 miles to support them. What has kept him going, he says, has been the thought of those who need Macmillan’s support. 30/50 30. Helen Missen When her daughter developed anorexia six years ago Helen began working to improve the support available for everyone affected by the illness. She secured £500,000 extra funding for care from the Welsh Government and founded an Eating Disorder Forum for carers and sufferers. Helen, from Llanfyllin in Powys, is also is a Managing Trustee of Charlotte’s Helix, a charity exploring the genetics behind the illness, and despite being diagnosed with Lupus in 2013 she continues to fight for better treatment for eating disorders. 31/50 31. Sianne Morgan As well as being a foster carer of two children, Sianne has been a dedicated youth worker for over 17 years, supporting young people across Gwent who are not in education or employment. Whether it’s being a shoulder to cry on or taking them to job interviews, Sianne helps disadvantaged people achieve their best possible future. One young person said: “She’s helped myself get through some hard times, supporting me to now being in full time employment. Sianne never turns away a young person in need and is an inspiration and role model to many.” 32/50 32. Matthew and Steph Neville This couple from Birmingham had been saving to buy a house for years. However, when they finally had enough money they decided the funds would be better spent providing a home for refugees who had to flee from their own. Matthew works for Catholic aid agency CAFOD and Steph works at St Chad’s Sanctuary, providing practical support and English classes to people seeking sanctuary. They bought a house and gave it to homelessness charity Hope Projects to fill. 33/50 33. Oliver Phillips Tech entrepreneur Oliver built anti-Tinder meet-up app Meet’n’Eat to help people make friends in post-Brexit London. It encourages people who want to get to know others to eat together, matching them using GPS location data alongside filters such as age, food choice, time and date. Oliver, a master’s student at the London School of Economics, thought up the idea while struggling to find English-speaking dining companions in Asia and hopes it will help combat loneliness. 34/50 34. Paul Pulford After beating heroin addiction, Paul built a garden in the concrete courtyard of the hostel he was living in. Determined to help other people whose lives are affected by homelessness, drug and al-cohol addiction, Paul founded Grounded Ecotherapy, a project to help volunteer gardeners learn and work together to create urban sanctuaries. Through Paul’s leadership and enthusiasm mem-bers of Grounded Ecotherapy have worked with The Eden Project, Chelsea Flower Show and cre-ated a rooftop garden at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall. 35/50 35. Leona Rankin After she lost her fiancé to sarcoma, Leona, from Belfast, founded a charity in April 2013 to support people living with the disease. The Boom Foundation (www.theboomfoundation.co.uk) is now the main referral charity supporting people living with sarcoma in Northern Ireland, and runs support groups and patient information days. Leona has raised over £435,000 to raise awareness and fund specialist care, splitting the money across her own initiatives in Northern Ireland and funding vital research projects alongside the charity Sarcoma UK. 36/50 36. Onjali Q Raúf “The most selfless and caring person I know,” is how one person described Onjali. She launched Making Herstory in 2011 to tackle violence against women and girls following the murder of her aunt when she was aged just 28. The organisation works in diverse ways to help society’s most vulnerable females; supporting survivors of violence and abuse; assist-ing refugees; campaigning and lobbying to give voice to disempowered women; and running edu-cation programmes in schools and colleges. 37/50 37. Kim Reuter and Russ Elias Inspirational musicians and self-confessed eccentrics Russ Elias and Kim Reuter run Shabang!, an organisation committed to creating accessible arts for children, young people and adults with additional learning needs in Huddersfield. Russ and Kim combine traditional teaching skills with their own ‘peculiar educational tomfoolery’ to encourage their audience to par-ticipate in a special, unique shared experience. One of the many who nominated them said: “Kim and Russ are absolute stars and make life so much easier for so many families - they live and breathe helping others.” 38/50 38. Sam Rowe Positivity Coach Founder, Director and CEO of The Academy of Hard Knocks, Sam was inspired to set up the initia-tive to break the cycle of youth offending by providing the youth community with guidance or role models. The organisation implements values of respect, safety, confidence, professionalism and the importance of positive community involvement. One person says: “Sam is a genuinely selfless, very inspiring human being. He runs a course for young offenders to help them to never go back, and he pushed me to do my absolute best.” 39/50 39. Mandy Sanghera Mandy is a human rights activist who has spent the last 26 years campaigning locally and nationally to campaign against forced marriages, FGM and honour violence, as well as supporting victims and survivors of violence and cultural abuse. As a motivational speaker Mandy, from Coventry, helps to empower power to rebuild their lives after abuse, and she was also involved in writing the guidelines on disability and HBV for the forced marriages unit. 40/50 40. David Savage As a volunteer for Humanists UK, David helped set up a training programme for non-religious pas-toral carers, changing the way in which care is delivered in hospitals, prisons, and universities. Be-fore this, non-religious people were unable to access like-minded support at times of crisis, meaning many often went without. For over a decade David has worked hard to ensure that this initiative has been accepted as part of chaplaincy teams all over England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The network has grown to over 150 members and has supported tens of thousands of people. David, from Farnham, still volunteers weekly as a non-religious pastoral carer at London’s Guys' and St Thomas hospital. 41/50 41. Gemma and Craig Scott Outstanding Fundraiser After losing seven family members to cancer, this young couple from Scunthorpe decided to devote all their free time to running marathons to raise money for Worldwide Cancer Research. This year sees them running 10 marathons on two continents, and they always train and run side by side. The Scotts even had their wedding themed around the London Marathon, which they ran together in 2012. 42/50 42. Josephine Segal (right) and Vanessa Crocker (left) Josephine and Vanessa, aka the “angels of kindness”, co-founded charity Spread a Smile in 2013 after seeing the positive impact a magician’s visit had on Josephine’s nephew who was receiving cancer treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Spread a Smile now organise over 10 events a month at four London hospitals, including art workshops and VIP trips to concerts. One nominator said: “They make a real difference to the lives of seriously ill children and their families, helping to make wonderful memories during the darkest of days.” 43/50 43. Dial Sharma For the last 50 years, Dial has given up his time to help reduce isolation in the Asian community in North London and members of that community to integrate more with the wider society. As well as organising weekly get-togethers and trips to the seaside or abroad, he also organises practical help with issues such as tax, bills, English speaking, housing and immigration issues. Now aged 85, Dial recently helped Asian women with no voice in the home to gain more independence by attending coffee mornings. 44/50 44. Michelle Smith (photo credit: Ben Orrell Jones) In 2009 Michelle self-funded and set up Mpower People to empower people across Liverpool by helping them live healthier and more independent lives. Today the social enterprise offers a range of sports and healthy living education programmes, as well as training for employment opportunities, enterprise development or personal development. Initially aimed at those from disadvantaged groups, its now open to anyone who might benefit. 45/50 45. Katherine Sparkes Innovative Star Frustrated at the lack of inclusive opportunities for disabled children, Katherine founded Flamingo Chicks, a ballet school where disabled children can explore movement with friends. Over 2000 children take part each year across 14 different cities. Katherine also founded Styleability which provides body confidence workshops for young disabled adults, teaching them how to adapt cloth-ing to suit their needs. One person said: “She mobilises and inspires people to do social good - a passionate volunteer, she coaches others to be the change they want to see.” 46/50 46. Abbi White Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People in the East Midlands helps care for Abbi’s brother Ryan, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy - a condition that causes all muscles to weaken. Determined to fundraise for them Abbi, 14, began creating brightly coloured pictures made from buttons to sell. So far she has raised almost £50,000. Abbi says: “I wanted people to look at my art and think of Rainbows and what an amazing place it is.” 47/50 47. Paddie McGinn Paddie began volunteering as a handyperson with charity Volunteering Matters, visiting vulnerable people where he lives in Alloa, Scotland, to help them with odd jobs around the house that they couldn’t manage. Soon Paddie also took on the responsibility of organising other volunteers - arranging visits to ensure even more people benefit from the service and helping to train new starters. Today he is also part of the befriending project, visiting older, isolated people in the local community. 48/50 48. Cliff Whyte This postman from South London goes out of his way to be friendly and cheer up everyone he meets. One person who nominated Cliff says he knows everyone's name, their children's names and even what football team they support. “He always stops to chat and takes the time to ask how everyone is, and is a very positive influence on us all. He really is part of the community, a real one in a million.” 49/50 49. Steve Wheen Steve makes mini gardens in potholes around cities, to the delight of passers-by. Each miniature creation tells a little story - from picnics to royal weddings - and one fan said; “seeing a little flower bed randomly in the pavement is just amazing, and he puts little props with them depending on the season or event.” Steve’s ‘holes of happiness’ project has taken on a life of its own, with copycat pothole gardeners popping up around the world to create joy. 50/50 50. Ann Medcalf (centre) 50. This 69-year-old volunteer (pictured centre) is described as a 'mainstay' of girl guiding in South Derbyshire. Ann has given almost 50 years of service, giving up her time to work with children of all ages, from Rain-bows, Brownies, Guides and the senior section. One person who nominated her says “Ann has devoted so much of her time to the Guide Association, she does a phenomenal job, has incredible knowledge and is well known and respected throughout the whole of the Midlands.” So the Stoics developed a whole series of practical exercises designed to help train people to incorporate Stoic ideas into their daily lives. Seneca recommended taking stock at the end of each day, noting when you become irritated by something trivial, or act angrily in response to someone who perhaps didn’t deserve it, and so on. By noting his mistakes, he hoped to do better the next day. Marcus Aurelius had another strategy, reminding himself each morning that he was probably going to encounter a lot of angry, stressed, impatient, ungrateful people during the coming day. By reflecting on this in advance, the hope was that he would be less likely to respond in kind. But he also reflected on the fact that none of these people would be like this intentionally. They were the victims of their own mistaken judgements. Here we get another paradox: no one chooses to be unhappy, stressed, angry, miserable, and yet these are in fact all the product of our judgements, the one thing within our control. Read more * On my 58th birthday, I'm questioning what it means to be happy Another Stoic strategy is to remind ourselves of our relative unimportance. The world does not revolve around us. Aurelius regularly reflected in his Meditations on the vastness of the universe and the infinity of time stretching into the past and future, in order to put his own short life into wider context. Our lives are but moments when placed within this cosmic perspective. Given this, why should we expect the universe to deliver whatever it is that we might happen to want? On the contrary, it would be absurd to expect it to conform to our will. As Epictetus put it, if you expect the universe to deliver what you want, you are going to be disappointed, but if you embrace whatever the universe gives, then life will be a whole lot smoother. Again, this is easier said than done, but more and more people are taking note of this Stoic advice and working hard to incorporate it into their daily lives. John Sellars is a lecturer in philosophy at Royal Holloway, University of London. This article originally appeared in The Conversation __________________________________________________________________ The Independent has launched its #FinalSay campaign to demand that voters are given a voice on the final Brexit deal. 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Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout News > People > Profiles Richard Layard: ‘Money is not the only thing affecting people’s happiness’ The Chris Blackhurst Interview: With one in six adults in the UK suffering from mental illness, Professor Lord Richard Layard is convinced it’s time for a serious response from Government – which would save the NHS money too * Chris Blackhurst @c_blackhurst * Sunday 13 July 2014 20:40 * {{#singleComment}}{{total}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{total}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow The Independent Labour economist Professor Lord Richard Layard pictured in London ( Susannah Ireland ) How could we become a happier nation? One pioneering economist has spent the best part of a decade arguing that we simply must find an answer to this question – gaining the support of David Cameron, who backed the notion of happiness as “the new GDP”. That economist won’t let it drop. He wants to reignite the whole debate and go further still. This is why the shocking facts come thick and fast in Professor Lord Richard Layard’s new book, and in conversation when we meet. To give just a few of the many he has stored up: * Treating someone for depression or anxiety disorders costs on average £650. The success rate is 50 per cent. If they then come off Employment Support Allowance as a result, the saving to the taxpayer is £650 a month. So, a single outlay of £650 can save £650 a month. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial * People with mental health problems cost the NHS an extra £2,000 each in their physical healthcare (in trips to A&E, for example), or £10bn in total. Spend more on psychotherapy and the cost would be covered by the saving on physical healthcare. * Mental health issues account for half of all sick days. * In Britain today, one adult in six suffers from depression or a crippling anxiety disorder. A third of families include someone who is mentally ill – yet fewer than one in three people suffering from mental health problems will receive treatment. The argument for change posited by Layard and his co-author, David Clark, professor of psychology at Oxford, in their new book, Thrive, is a strong one. Mental health causes more of the suffering in our society than physical illness, poverty or unemployment – yet we do precious little about it. Comedian Ruby Wax, no stranger to depression, is quoted approvingly by Layard and Clark: “I’m incredulous that it’s 2014 and in this seemingly evolved culture we live in we’re trying to hide the mentally ill elephant in the room, even though it’s draining the economy, and damaging the lives of [one in six] adults and one in 10 of all children.” By stigmatising such a prevalent condition, says Wax, “we all are deranged… The fact that none of this information is discussed on a regular basis, publicised and subsequently dealt with, condemns us all to shame.” I’m sitting with Layard in a coffee bar in west London. He’s best known for his 2005 book, Happiness: Lessons from a New Science. A leading labour economist, based at the London School of Economics, he maintains that government “does not do enough” to ensure the happiness of its citizens, that happiness is a more realistic measure of success than income, and that achieving a work-life balance should be the over-arching goal for public policy. As befits the father of “happiness science”, he’s got one of those kindly faces that are coursed with laughter lines rather than wrinkles. This latest work is an extension of the earlier one, pursuing the claim that if the Government cares for the wellbeing of its people, it should tackle the source of so much unhappiness, namely mental health, and secure a huge economic spin-off. “Ever since I wrote Happiness I’ve been concerned as to what can be done about mental health,” he says. New, evidence-based therapies such as CBT, cognitive behavioural therapy, he maintains, are highly effective, and if the Government fully embraced them and made them freely available, the benefits would be enormous. It would not, he insists, be a case of splashing out on more counsellors and hoping for the best. “The beauty of these treatments is that their success can be measured. It’s possible to measure the behaviour of a person before, during and after receiving treatment.” Around seven million people are afflicted by a mental health condition. But only 15 per cent of that total are being treated. “It’s too low, it’s outrageous,” fumes Layard. Taking a hardline approach, it was reported yesterday that the Government cut benefit payments to people suffering from depression who refuse therapy or counselling, though it is unclear if there will be extra money to pay for more treatment. At present, the funds go to GPs. They’d like to refer more patients for psychotherapy, but there’s a shortage of therapists. Instead, they prescribe anti-depressants – and in record numbers according to figures released last week, with annual NHS spending on the drugs increasing by one third in just a year, rising to £282m. A quarter more prescriptions are being made too, up to 53 million. “We don’t have enough counsellors. We’ve got to train more people, but they can only be trained in-service,” he says. Training is occurring, in about 30 primary care trusts – but, he says, the urgent need is to cover the whole country. “People are crying off sick from work because of mental health; or people are just absent from work, again because of mental health; or if they’re at work, they’re not performing properly, again because of mental health.” In all, reckons Layard, poor mental health or mental illness directly accounts for a loss of 4 per cent of GDP. Then, if you add on crime committed by mentally ill people, that is another 2 per cent of GDP. Then there’s the additional cost of providing physical care to those with mental health issues (not mental health beds or counselling, but other care such as visits to A&E) which is a further 2 per cent. The need for greater therapy provision has coincided with increased autonomy for local NHS commissioners. “The key target has to be for local commissioners to understand there’s a major health need in this area; to ensure they’ve got the tools to address it; and to impress upon them that it’s cost-neutral, that savings will pay for the extra treatment.” His first battle is to raise awareness. “One third of all families, all households, contain someone who is mentally ill, but people simply don’t think about it. There’s never been a study on the effects of mental health on the workplace, on the daily lives of working people. Then, there’s the unquantifiable links between mental health and domestic violence, family conflict, drug and alcohol abuse, and child misbehaviour.” Layard was made a Labour peer in 2001. He’s married to Molly, the ex-wife of Labour MP Michael Meacher. A social worker, she was created a life peer in her own right as Baroness Meacher in 2006. His career, as he puts it, divides into three. “In the 1980s, I worked with Stephen Nickell on employment. There was complete confusion about unemployment, its extent and its effect. My best book was Unemployment, which said you could have lower unemployment if you gave more help to unemployed people to get them into work, and made that help conditional on them trying to get work. That became the basis of the European ‘Welfare to Work’ approach, and Labour’s New Deal.” In the 1990s, he spent a lot of time advising organisations in the newly capitalist Russia, and assisting Labour ministers in opposition, then in government. Then, in 2001, he started work on Happiness. “It was about making governments realise that the happiness of their country was not measured by the wealth of their nation. It was about measuring the quality of life as people experience it.” There are, he says, “many problems with just focusing on national wealth. Money is not the only thing affecting people’s happiness. Money is not the whole story; it’s not remotely the whole story. It’s important we try to get a better balance between income, and human relationships and mental and physical health. People must understand that they would do well to preserve their human relationships; they should give them a higher priority than how much they earn.” Our leaders must pay more attention to this. “It’s very important politicians don’t sacrifice the human side in the name of economic growth.” If he had his way, says Layard, he would like to see “a survey of the well-being of employees put on the first page of every set of company accounts. A lot of managers put the stress on the technical side and don’t look at the human side. There’s a lot of evidence that a better working environment is good for a better home environment.” He’s a leading lights in Action for Happiness, along with thinker Geoff Mulgan and educationalist Anthony Seldon. “We’ve now got 30,000 members and 90,000 followers. It’s about seeing how we can develop real communities and perform some of the functions in their lives that, say, the church, used to perform.” He laughs. “We’re full of high-minded aspirations, and we talk about things that we think really matter. We meet periodically to do that – we’re making real progress on it now.” And once a year, with John Helliwell and Jeffrey Sachs, he produces the World Happiness Report. It’s produced by an offshoot of the United Nations and ranks countries according to happiness. In the last survey, Denmark was top, with the UK 22nd. “The Report’s had a million hits a year for two years,” he says. He’s also involved with the Mindfulness movement, aimed at getting more life skills taught in schools and promoting the teachings of the Dalai Lama in the West. For today, though, his passion is happiness and, in particular, mental health. “I’ve always been interested in happiness. I became aware of evidence-based psychotherapy, which meant that for the first time results could be measured – it was possible for instance to measure happiness of the old people in an old peoples’ home.” He was one of the drivers behind Improving Access to Psychological Therapies, an initiative to widen access to psychological treatments. Layard says: “Real evidence makes a big difference. Psychology is now being done in the same way as physical healthcare, through controlled trials and the resulting knowledge being replicable.” But what about his own work-life balance, does he find any time to relax? His face breaks into a delightful smile. “I’ve always had a rule; I’ve never worked in the evenings. It’s always important to have a happy personal life, and to have other interests beyond work, like sport. And I’ve always made sure to have good holidays, well away from everything – that’s very important. I play a lot of tennis – I’m playing tonight.” He looks at me and grins. He knows what I’m thinking. He’s 80 and he’s playing tennis tonight. The CV: Professor Richard Layard Born: 1934 Educated: Eton College (King’s Scholar), Cambridge University, London School of Economics Made: a life peer, Baron Layard of Highgate He is: a Labour peer but his wife, Baroness Meacher, a peer in her own right, is a crossbencher Career: Senior research officer to Robbins Committee on Higher Education; Labour economist; founder of the Centre for Economic Performance at LSE; developed “happiness economics”, wrote in 2005, Happiness: Lessons from a New Science; in 2014, co-author of Thrive, advocates expansion of treatment of mental health to help individual and national well-being and economy. 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Log in using your social network account OR Log in directly with The Independent {{message}} ____________________ Please enter an email address Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address ____________________ Please enter a valid password [ ] Keep me logged in (BUTTON) Submit Forgotten your password? Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout News > World > Europe 7 reasons Denmark is the happiest country in the world * Thomas Colson , * Business Insider * Monday 26 September 2016 15:49 * {{#singleComment}}{{total}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{total}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow The Independent Happiness expert Meik Wiking hails from Denmark, the happiest country in the world. His newly released book, “The Little Book of Hygge,” explores a word he believes is central to that happiness. As Wiking says, “hygge” (pronounced hoo-gah) has no direct translation: It means cosiness, it means intimacy, and it means warmth — but it means many more things than just these points. We looked at some of the components that make up a Danish lifestyle, as explored in “The Little Book of Hygge.” Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial For references in the piece, hygge is a noun, hyggeligt is a singular adjective, and hyggelige is a plural adjective. 7. Togetherness “In all the work I have done within the field of happiness research. This is the point I am surest about: the best predictor of whether we are happy or not is our social relationships,” Wiking says in his book. Wiking cites the journalist Cathy Strongman, who moved from London to Copenhagen and who wrote in The Guardian: “Work later than 5:30 and the office is a morgue. Work at the weekend and the Danes think you are mad. The idea is that families have time to play and eat together at the end of the day, every day.” 6. Food and drink “Sweets are hyggelige. Cake is hyggeligt. Coffee or hot chocolate are hyggeligt, too. Carrot sticks, not so much,” Wiking says. He believes that the high level of meat, confectionary, and coffee consumption in Denmark is directly linked to hygge. “Hygge is about being kind to yourself — giving yourself a treat, and giving yourself, and each other, a break from the demands of healthy living,” he says. Wiking's compatriots seem to agree: The average Dane eats 3 kilos of bacon a year. 5. The home Pictured here: Queen Margrethe (3rd L), Prince Henrik (5th L), Crown Prince Frederik (L) and Crown Princess Mary (6th R) and their children, Prince Christian (4th L), Princess Isabella (2nd L), Prince Vincent (6th L) and Princess Josephine (5th R). Also pictured: Princess Alexandra (4th R) of Berleburg and Count Jefferson (3rd R) with their children Countess Ingrid (Reuters) The home is “hygge headquarters,” Wiking says. They even have a word for it: hjemmehygge (home hygge). This may explain the Danish obsession with good design. They also have the most living space per capita in Europe. 4. Christmas Christmas, Wiking says, is the most hyggelig part of the year. “Even though it is possible to hygge all year round, only once a year is hygge the ultimate goal of an entire month,” he says. Christmas traditions in Denmark are not wildly different from those in the UK or the US, but the difference is that “a Danish Christmas will always be planned, thought of, and evaluated in relation to the concept of hygge.” There is even a word for it — julehygge (Christmas-hygge). 3. Lighting From its iconic lampshades to the staggeringly widespread use of candles, Denmark is a country obsessed with lighting. The Happiness Research Institute's studies shows that 85% of people associate hygge with candles; 28% of Danes light candles every day. Wiking quotes the American ambassador to Denmark, who says candles create “a kind of emotional happiness, an emotional cosiness.” 2. Copenhagen: The happiest city in the world People fight with pillows during World Pillow Fight Day in front of the City Hall in Copenhagen, Denmark () Appropriately enough, the happiest country in the world has the happiest capital city in the world. And it is full of hygglelig destinations — from restaurants selling pickled herring in the New Harbour to the iconic Tivoli Gardens, which is transformed every Christmas into a spectacular festival of light. 1. The welfare model While hygge clearly plays a major part in Denmark's happiness, Wiking is keen to emphasise that the welfare model is what fundamentally underpins the nation's well-being — they have high taxes but receive social security, universal healthcare, and a universal pension in return. Wiking says there is “wide support for the welfare state.” “The support stems from an awareness of the fact that the welfare model turns our collective wealth into well-being,” he says. Critics often point out that antidepressant consumption is very high in Denmark for a country that claims to be the happiest in the world. According to the OECD, Denmark ranks second in Europe for antidepressant consumption per capita. Wiking told Business Insider in an interview, however, that this supposed “paradox” was nothing of the sort. “The real story is, these countries recognise mental illness and try to treat it in some way,” Wiking told Business Insider. “Being a society that acknowledges that people suffer from mental illnesses, and that we should try and do something about them? I think that's a good thing. A lot of people miss that — they just think it's a paradox.” Read more: • This chart is easy to interpret: It says we're screwed • How Uber became the world's most valuable startup • These 4 things could trigger the next crisis in Europe Read the original article on Business Insider UK. © 2016. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter. 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(BUTTON) About The Independent commenting Independent Minds Comments can be posted by members of our membership scheme, Independent Minds. It allows our most engaged readers to debate the big issues, share their own experiences, discuss real-world solutions, and more. Our journalists will try to respond by joining the threads when they can to create a true meeting of independent minds. The most insightful comments on all subjects will be published daily in dedicated articles. You can also choose to be emailed when someone replies to your comment. The existing Open Comments threads will continue to exist for those who do not subscribe to Independent Minds. Due to the sheer scale of this comment community, we are not able to give each post the same level of attention, but we have preserved this area in the interests of open debate. Please continue to respect all commenters and create constructive debates. (BUTTON) Try for free Already registered? 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Log in using your social network account OR Log in directly with The Independent {{message}} ____________________ Please enter an email address Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address ____________________ Please enter a valid password [ ] Keep me logged in (BUTTON) Submit Forgotten your password? Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout Voices > Commentators Jemima Lewis: Since when did work bring you happiness? * Monday 1 August 2005 00:00 * {{#singleComment}}{{total}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{total}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow The Independent Voices If anything could make one feel a nostalgic fondness for the Yuppy, it is the arrival of the Yeppy. A report published this week by the Social Research Centre has identified a new breed of ambitious twenty-something, dubbed the "Young, Experimenting Perfection Seeker". Whereas Yuppies had rather prosaic, old-fashioned aspirations - lots of money, a big house and an impressive job title - Yeppies aim for altogether loftier heights. They want a job that will bring them everlasting fulfillment. So instead of knuckling down to one profession, they spend their twenties "browsing" through various careers in search of The One. This agony of indecision extends to other areas of their lives, such as where to live and who to love. They "try on" a series of relationships, deferring marriage and babies for as long as possible, and often live with their parents into their late twenties rather than commit to the tyranny of a mortgage. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial "Yeppies are unsure how to achieve their ambitions," says anthropologist Kate Fox, the author of the report, "so they experiment through a shopping-style approach, trying to find the perfect job, the ideal relationship and the most fulfilling lifestyle." They may be, as Fox claims, "less single-mindedly materialistic than their predecessors", but their style is every bit as consumerist. The idea that we ought to be fulfilled by our jobs is comparatively new, and thoroughly unhelpful. For most of human history, work has simply been a necessity. The Dickensian clerk, scratching away at the same ledger in the same office for his entire working life, may have been bored to tears - but at least he was not tormented by grandiose expectations. For most people, a respectable, steady job, rising slowly through the ranks from apprenticeship to retirement, was the best one could hope for. To pursue any kind of creative vocation, you had to be either privately wealthy or content to be poor. John Ruskin summed up the modest hopes of the 19th century worker thus: "In order that people may be happy in their work, these three things are needed: They must be fit for it: They must not do too much of it: And they must have a sense of success in it." Wise words indeed - but much too humble for modern tastes. These days, we expect to actively enjoy our work, and feel that we have failed if enjoyment is not forthcoming. Ever since the Sixties, we have had it drummed into us that we are entitled - even obliged - to seek personal fulfillment in every aspect of our lives. And since capitalism has done away with the job for life, most of us no longer have the option of just stumbling into an office and staying there. Instead, we must seize control of our career trajectories, and stay at the steering wheel for the entirety of our working lives. It is hardly surprising, then, that twenty-somethings sometimes crack under the strain of choosing the right career. I exited my twenties four years ago, when the Yeppie was just a twinkle in Kate Fox's eye - but even then the pressure to find the perfect job was intense. It was all anyone seemed to talk about. I remember sitting on the stairs at a house party, commiserating with a stranger about the demise of conversation. "The only thing people want to know," she grumbled, "is what you do, how much you get paid, and whether you enjoy it. You'd think there was nothing interesting about us apart from our jobs." We stared at our feet for a while, suddenly stumped for small talk. "So ... anyway," she said eventually. "What do you do?" I was luckier than most of my peers, in that I had always known I wanted to be a journalist. This did not protect me from career anxiety (in the two months between leaving university and finding my first job, I developed stress-related excema, asthma and alopecia; it was not a pretty sight), but at least I had some idea what direction I should be pointing in. Most of my friends, however intelligent and well-qualified, didn't have a clue. Everyone they spoke to gave the same advice: "Find something you like doing, and do that." But they had no idea what they liked doing, apart from playing Frisbee and watching old episodes of Dallas; so they drifted into marketing, recruitment or banking, got increasingly anxious and depressed about not being fulfilled, dropped out, dropped back in again, and berated themselves continually for not having found The Right Job. You can call it "browsing" if you like, but to me it looked like mental torment. From the other side of 30, all that angst seems even more unnecessary. Nobody talks about their careers any more - they're too busy trying to sort out marriage and babies. A cheerful resignation has settled over the bankers and marketers: like the Dickensian clerk, they are coming to see work as a means to an end, rather than their only vehicle for self-expression. The Yuppies had the good sense to crave only tangible, measurable wealth. What the Yeppies are after - total spiritual satisfaction - is something that no job can provide. Fulfillment, like love, becomes more elusive the more you search for it. So you might as well stop procrastinating and get on with the job - any job. Or as Edith Wharton put it: "If only we'd stop trying to be happy, we'd have a pretty good time." __________________________________________________________________ The Independent has launched its #FinalSay campaign to demand that voters are given a voice on the final Brexit deal. 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Log in using your social network account OR Log in directly with The Independent {{message}} ____________________ Please enter an email address Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address ____________________ Please enter a valid password [ ] Keep me logged in (BUTTON) Submit Forgotten your password? Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout Created with Sketch. Does the happiness formula really add up? Show all 3 Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. (BUTTON) Created with Sketch. Does the happiness formula really add up? 1/3 SHONAGH RAE 2/3 SHONAGH RAE 3/3 SHONAGH RAE 1/3 SHONAGH RAE 2/3 SHONAGH RAE 3/3 SHONAGH RAE Does the happiness formula really add up? Being happy is as easy as ABC. Well, 'S+C+V', anyway. All you need is a positive outlook (though 60 grand doesn't hurt). And if you can't manage that, you can always turn to cognitive behaviour therapy, with its ideology of focusing on the here and now. But is it really healthy to be relentlessly chipper? Elizabeth Heathcote investigates * Sunday 20 June 2010 00:00 * {{#singleComment}}{{value}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{value}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow Indy/Life The Noughties were never going to be good for pessimists. The tone for the decade was set in 1997. As a grinning Tony Blair romped home to a soundtrack of "Things Can Only Get Better", an American psychologist named Martin Seligman, renowned in his field for his work on "learnt helplessness", was elected president of the American Psychological Association. Within months, he announced that having devoted 35 years to the study of human suffering and mental illness – the standard fare of psychologists – he would use the platform to explore human happiness instead. The idea wasn't new – since the 1950s, voices in the American psychological community had been suggesting that the discipline would benefit from an arm devoted to what makes us feel good rather than bad. But Seligman was the one who did it. In 2000, he set up the Positive Psychology Centre at the University of Pennsylvania and the tentacles of the movement have been spreading ever since. Seligman soon came up with a formula for happiness, H=S+C+V, where happiness (H) is the sum of a person's genetic capacity for happiness (S), their circumstances (C), and factors under their voluntary control (V). Research showed, he said, that circumstance (in particular wealth and health) plays a less important role in our happiness than most of us believe (executives report only slightly higher levels of happiness than people in the post-room); and that people who become paraplegic eventually return to their previous levels of happiness. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial What this means is that voluntary control – the V in his equation – has a high value, which means we can all learn to be happier (not least, Seligman would no doubt say, by using the exercises in books such as his own Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realise Your Potential for Lasting Fulfilment). We should do this not only because happiness is desirable in and of itself, but research shows that happy, optimistic people are healthier, live longer, are more successful and have more fulfilling relationships. To achieve greater happiness, positive-psychology advocates "learnt optimism" exercises, such as sitting down each evening and listing things that went well that day; learning to feel grateful for what we have; and practising random acts of kindness. Seligman also points out that lasting happiness has nothing to do with the hedonistic pleasures – shopping and partying – and more to do with solid values: a sense of community and meaningful work. If it is all starting to sound a bit like self-help, positive psychology has always made much of its academic credentials. Everything it advocates is research-based and proven, it insists. The reach of positive psychology stretches beyond the personal. Seligman's equation has political consequences, because if C is small and V is big, and circumstances play a relatively small part in our happiness, then governments concerned with wellbeing should focus less on increasing wealth. One of the clarion calls for the movement is the Easterlin paradox, an economic concept that shows that while GDP has risen steadily in the West for decades, reported levels of happiness have not changed. Money isn't making us happy, so something else has to. In the US, positive-psychology programmes have been adopted in schools, colleges and even the army. For most of us here in the UK, the biggest visible effect has been a steady stream of headlines and features devoted to the new science of happiness. Positive psychology has proved itself much more media-friendly than the traditional kind and its depressing studies into misery and mental illness. "How to be happy!", "Money doesn't buy you happiness", "Happy people are more successful/have more friends/live longer" make appealing features. The BBC famously attempted "Making Slough Happy" in 2005 using the new techniques. A slew of sunny books have lured us with promises that we, too, can be happier – and here's the science to prove it. The ideas have informed government policy here, too. The LSE economist Professor Richard Layard is the most prominent disciple of happiness science in the UK, and lobbies for a change in emphasis in policy away from increasing GDP and towards improving wellbeing. As Labour's "happiness tsar", he oversaw a big change in the NHS frontline mental-health provision and encouraged "happiness ' skills" teaching in schools. His latest venture is the "Movement for Happiness", which will launch this summer. In an interview about the new venture, he said that "Increasingly people ask, 'What is progress?' For 50 years we have aimed at higher incomes – and got them. Yet over the same period there has been no increase in happiness (in Britain or the US), as measured by surveys. And there has been a shocking rise in the number of unhappy and disturbed children. Clearly we have got our priorities wrong and our society needs a radical change of tack." You can't argue with that. Or can you? For some time, I was a fan of positive psychology. I am a sitting duck for the self-help industry – a bit pessimistic by nature, and dogged by a belief that I should somehow be "doing better". This seemed to me an excitingly scientific development. I studied optimism exercises, put my neighbours' bins out as an act of random kindness, and lapped up research reassuring me that even if I did have a Goldman Sachs salary, it wouldn't make much difference to how I felt. But increasingly, it is all getting on my nerves. I know that being on chatting terms with my neighbours and spending time with my children and doing work I find satisfying is fundamental to my happiness. Don't most of us know that instinctively? But I also know that right now a substantial increase in my income would do more than anything to transform the quality of my life. Not because I want £600 handbags, but because I would like to be able to save for my old age and worry less about paying the mortgage. The concept that beyond a modest level, money does not buy you happiness underpins positive psychology. The reason, it says, is that humans judge affluence by comparing themselves with others. If GDP goes up and we are all a little better off, it has no impact on our individual sense of wellbeing. "Of course people care about the level of their income, but most of all they care about how their income compares with other people's," writes Layard. But at what level does that kick in? Different figures have been bandied about over the years, but in an interview at the end of March, at the launch of the Movement for Happiness, Lord Layard cited "evidence from the US" that showed that beyond an annual salary of £60,000, rises in salary do not lead to significantly greater increases in happiness. According to the statistics I have in front of me from the Inland Revenue, only around one in 16 people in the UK earn more than £60k. So does any of this have any relevance for the rest of us, the vast majority of people grappling with the insecurities and pressures of the recession? "Statements about how money does not bring happiness are more often than not made by well-off, middle-class men, and for that reason I am very cynical," says Richard Tunney, associate professor of psychology at the University of Nottingham. "Yes, once you achieve a certain lifestyle and security, each additional increment is going to bring fewer benefits. But most people aren't at that top end. In fact, most people aren't even in the middle, with a decent lifestyle with a secure job. The average wage in the UK is less than £25,000. I live in a very ordinary part of a very ordinary city, and £25,000 is not going to buy you a house and you would be lucky if you could rent a flat. For most of us, if we want to earn a sufficient amount of money to provide a good lifestyle for our families, we don't see our families, and that has serious psychological consequences in the long term. Any additional money for most people is seriously going to affect their quality of life." Prof Tunney has studied Lottery winners and confirms that they are "measurably happier". The idea that happiness in the West has not increased for 50 years despite consistent increases in GDP is itself open to dispute. In 2008, two economists at the University of Pennsylvania, Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers, questioned the Easterlin paradox when they reviewed EC statistics since 1973 from the Eurobarometer survey and found that life satisfaction had increased modestly but consistently alongside GDP in eight of the nine European countries, including the UK. In America, they found that while happiness overall has not increased, it has for some people (men, non-whites, college graduates). The big losers are women and the less educated. Broad brushstrokes, as always, make good headlines – but underneath there lurk more complex truths. One thing is for sure: if GDP declines – the measure of recession – happiness levels fall; a phenomenon that many of us are experiencing first-hand. The fear of losing your job, the stress of debt, the spectre of huge cuts to schools and services – these are basic things that undermine wellbeing. (The NHS last week revealed that it issued 39m prescriptions for drugs to treat depression in 2009 – a 95 per cent jump over 1999, part of which has been ascribed by commentators to stresses triggered by the economic downturn.) That C in the happiness equation has become more and more prominent for more and more of us. And statements about how happiness is within our voluntary control whatever our circumstances just start to sound glib and irritating, and like some modern-day opium for the masses. "Don't bother asking for a pay rise – it won't make you any happier anyway." Lord Layard is genuine and evangelical about the possibilities of the new science of happiness and its ability to transform poor people's lives. In 2005 he argued to the Number 10 strategy unity that unemployment had been replaced by depression as the scourge of the poor. Since fewer people were claiming unemployment benefits than incapacity benefits for mental illness, tackling this would help the economy as well as the wellbeing of the poorest in society. He argued passionately for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – a short-term therapy that focuses on thinking and behaviour – to tackle this. The result, and his biggest legacy, is the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) initiative, based on a massive expansion in CBT as the NHS's primary treatment for depression. CBT is different to positive-psychology exercises. It is an established clinical treatment for mild and moderate depression and disorders such as phobias, and unlike psychotherapeutic and analytical therapies which focus on the past and the deep causes of problems, CBT focuses on the here and now. It teaches people to recognize the links between thoughts and feelings and mood and to alter these. It is usually a short-term (and therefore inexpensive) therapy. Much of the new NHS provision is based on an eight- session computer course that patients can follow at home, with the guidance of a trained practitioner. Practitioners generally respect the evidence supporting CBT as an effective treatment, yet there is criticism of IAPT from within the therapy community, mostly focused on the way in which other therapies are being pushed out. "CBT is effective on mild to moderate anxiety and depression, and a simple diagnosis," says Phillip Hodson, spokesman for the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. "But the diagnosis may not be simple. There may be lots of other aspects and what we are seeing is that some of these are not being treated or managed. Some primary care trusts are completely cutting the old programme, yet the evidence on CBT is that it won't work for everyone, and that for those people, other therapies can work." Another question is whether CBT is enough to make a lasting change to people's lives, especially those at the bottom of the social scale who most need it. "The notion that a few weeks of CBT will transform miserable people languishing in idleness and dependency into happy shiny productive workers is embarrassing in its absurdity," wrote a GP, Mike Fitzpatrick, in the British Journal of General Practice, as the initiative was launched. Where CBT and positive psychology do share air space is that they focus on the here and now. But while CBT is a structured therapy aimed at helping depressed people, positive-psychology techniques aim to make well people happier. Where Freud defined successful therapy as turning "hysterical misery into common unhappiness" – a negative into a smaller negative – positive psychology works on a positive scale, aiming to transform wellbeing from, say, a two to a six. Professor Tunney, who is respectful of CBT, is a bit sniffy about positive psychology. "Martin Seligman did some really good work in the 1970s and 1980s on depression but the stuff he is doing now doesn't really hit the academic radar here." Psychology in Europe has followed a different path, he says. So are these optimism exercises and mindfulness techniques just a jumped-up form of self-help? I have one of the books in front of me, The How of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky, professor of psychology at the University of California. As I said, I am not unfamiliar with the genre and this certainly looks like a self-help book, with its happy sunny yellow cover and its aspirational tagline "A Practical Guide to Getting the Life You Want". And it reads like a self-help book, with lots of personal anecdotes and exercises and inspirational case studies of people who are happy despite terrible circumstances and, of course, the reverse – people who have everything yet still can't seem to feel good. Lyubomirsky insists that everything written here is backed up by science. But she loses my confidence early on when discussing her version of Seligman's happiness equation – the extent that happiness is within our voluntary control. For Lyubomirsky, circumstance accounts for just 10 per cent of happiness, our genetic set point for 50 per cent and "intentional activity" – what we make of our lives – for a whopping 40 per cent. She insists that "a great deal of science backs up this conclusion" and lists a couple of studies, but for me it is not enough to be what I would call compelling. The exercises in Lyubomirsky's book are similar to Seligman's. A list of the chapter headings sums it up. "Practising gratitude and positive thinking", "Investing in social connections", "Managing stress, hardship and trauma", "Living in the present", "Committing to your goals", "Taking care of your body and your soul". I have tried some positive-psychology techniques in the past. Some of it was helpful and some has even stayed with me. I think the idea that, since humans can't resist comparing, it is better to compare your situation with people who have less than you rather than more is invaluable, and I still give myself that reality check when I find myself envying someone's holiday home. And Seligman's ideas on focusing your energies on what comes naturally, rather than fighting to be good at things that don't, sticks too. But I am starting to believe that what makes me happier than trying to improve my mildly depressed, less-than-shiny self is to spend time with like-minded people with whom I can be honest about who I am and how I feel. "I know what you mean" is one of the most beautiful phrases in the language. So, my beef is less with the details of positive psychology and more with the way it functions. By lending academic credence to the idea that we can be better, shinier and happier if we just try, it has turned happiness into not only something we should expect, but yet another must-have commodity that you are failing if you don't achieve. The stream of studies showing that happy people have more friends and are more successful implies that we should all aspire to these things, even though they may be wrong for a lot of people. What if you are the sort of person who flourishes best in the slow lane? Or with a few close friends? At the risk of sounding incredibly homespun myself, isn't it better to know and accept yourself the way you are? I suspect that Eric G Wilson, professor of English at Wake Forest University, would agree with me. In his book Against Happiness, he espouses the creative aspects of melancholy (how much great literature would have been written without it?) and explains how, after years of trying every self-help technique going, he has given it up. "I realise somewhere in the core of my bones that I was born to the blues," he writes. "If I don't adhere to this birthright, I would feel fake. My summons is to the mixed-up earth." Phillip Hodson can see the benefit of encouraging a more optimistic perspective – "Life is a series of problems and you may as well enjoy it," he says, even if, as he points out, a pessimistic view is usually more accurate. His biggest concern is that this sort of approach could tip over into a fear of feeling. "Positive and negative emotions come in the same box," he says. How can you feel joy if you deny your anger? What happens, in this new world, to the dark side? It is a question we need to ask, says the psychoanalyst Darian Leader. "We are living in a time when there is huge pressure to look happy whether you feel it or not," he says. "Despair, fracture and frustration – the only place for these emotions now is within the arts. Even in psychology, no one wants to know. But basic unhappiness and malaise are part of human life. If you can't express these emotions, they will resurface as new symptoms or as physical illness. It is important to have a society that recognises and acknowledges the darker side." Indeed, in his new book The Uses of Pessimism and the Danger of False Hope (Atlantic, £15.99), Roger Scruton presents a robust case for optimists and idealists being responsible for some of history's worst harm and chaos. He believes there is more use for "humane pessimism". Barbara Ehrenreich, the American campaigning journalist, blames American positive thinking for nothing less than the global economic crisis. Too much optimism can be a dangerous thing, she warns in her book Smile or Die. But there is a much more personal dimension to her exploration of this subject. Ehrenreich's experience of cancer made her examine more closely the reported links between happiness and health. This works on two levels: health, like money, is part of the big C for circumstances, and according to positive psychology has much less impact on our happiness than we would imagine. Then there is the idea that happy people are healthier. Ehrenreich agrees that there are scores of studies linking happiness to good health, but points out that these are rarely causal. It is almost impossible to establish which comes first – health or happiness. She also digs out alternative research that seems to show that mild pessimism can lead to greater longevity, and that optimism can be dangerous to life and limb. The evidence, she says, just isn't cut and dried. It may be that more advanced research refines positive psychology. Ehrenreich interviewed Martin Seligman for her book, and he told her that, "New evidence shows that paraplegics and the unemployed 'do not go back to where they were'" in terms of happiness after they adjust to their lives being shattered. In other words, the big C for circumstance in his equation comes in higher than was originally thought. Well, what a surprise. Next they'll be admitting that millionaires are happier than the rest of us. For me, happiness theory belonged to the boom years when people were bilious with consumption and needed some sort of moral supernanny to reset the compass. But that's all over now and, like the proud pessimist I am, I can confidently predict that it is all going to get a lot worse. Now there's a thought to perk you up. 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Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout News > Business > Business News Yorkshire is the best region in the UK for workplace happiness London only managed to make it to number five for happiness and came bottom for work satisfaction * Ben Chapman @b_c_chapman * Tuesday 16 May 2017 14:40 * {{#singleComment}}{{total}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{total}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow The Independent The Yorkshire Dales National Park ( ) The best region in Britain for workplace happiness and satisfaction is Yorkshire and the Humber, according to new research. London only managed to make it to number five for happiness and came bottom for work satisfaction, according to research commissioned by recruitment agency Robert Half. The findings may give pause for thought to many workers in the capital putting up with sky-high property prices in the hope of landing their dream job. Seventy-seven per cent of people in Yorkshire and the Humber said they were happy at work - well above the national average of 63 per cent. Almost nine in ten said they get on with everyone in their team, in keeping with the traditional image of Yorkshire residents as affable types. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Read more * The best place to live in the UK has been revealed The research also found that people from the region find their work more interesting, have good friends in the office and suffer lower levels of stress than the average British worker. Scotland and the South of England are home to Britain’s most unsatisfied employees, with 17 per cent saying they are unhappy at work and one in six saying their work is not interesting. Over a quarter of those in the South don’t have good friends in the office or don’t get on with their teams and one in seven in Scotland feel the same. Londoners get the most sense of accomplishment from their work - 71 per cent of respondents compared to a national average of 63 per cent. However they also reported the highest levels of stress. Read more * Five tangible benefits of being single, according to science * Job satisfaction and career progression – social care is a great profe * UK workers' job satisfaction at two-year low Northerners feel most appreciated, with over half of those in Manchester, Liverpool and Lancaster saying they are valued by their employers. Those in the East of England feel under-appreciated with 28 per cent of employees in cities like Peterborough, Cambridge and Norwich not feeling recognised for their efforts. Yorkshire and the Humber employees think their work is the most worthwhile - 73 per cent described their job as "meaningful". At the other end of the spectrum, one in seven southerners surveyed claim they do nothing significant at work. East of England comes bottom for fairness and respect – only 59 per cent of employees in the East feel they are treated fairly, below the national average of 67 per cent. Phil Sheridan, senior managing director of Robert Half UK, said that the research had discovered six “universal” factors that directly affect employee happiness. The six factors the create workplace happiness are: 1. Right fit for the job and company 2. A sense of empowerment 3. Feeling appreciated 4. Interesting and meaningful work 5. A sense of fairness 6. Positive workplace relationships Mr Sheridan said: “Happy employees are more engaged, interested and committed. All organisations that want to be successful must make it a priority to introduce policies and initiatives that improve team rapport, make employees feel fulfilled and improve how happy workers feel in their job on a day-to-day basis.” More about happiest workers workplace happiness Yorkshire Reuse content Comments Share your thoughts and debate the big issues Learn more (BUTTON) {{value_p}} Independent Minds comments (BUTTON) {{value}} open comments Open Comments Join the discussion (BUTTON) Please be respectful when making a comment and adhere to our Community Guidelines. * You may not agree with our views, or other users’, but please respond to them respectfully * Swearing, personal abuse, racism, sexism, homophobia and other discriminatory or inciteful language is not acceptable * Do not impersonate other users or reveal private information about third parties * We reserve the right to delete inappropriate posts and ban offending users without notification You can find our Community Guidelines in full here. {{^nickname}} Create a commenting name to join the debate ____________________ (BUTTON) Submit Please try again, the name must be unique {{/nickname}} {{^nickname}} ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ {{/nickname}} {{#nickname}} ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ {{/nickname}} {{^nickname}} (BUTTON) Post {{/nickname}} {{#nickname}} (BUTTON) Post {{/nickname}} (BUTTON) Posting... * Newest first * Oldest first * Most liked * Least liked Loading comments... {{^comments}} There are no comments yet - be the first to add your thoughts {{/comments}} {{#comments}} {{sender.name}} {{dateTime}} {{{commentText}}} Reply {{#sender.isSelf}} Delete {{/sender.isSelf}} {{posVotes}} {{negVotes}} {{#replies}} {{sender.name}} {{dateTime}} {{{commentText}}} Reply {{#sender.isSelf}} Delete {{/sender.isSelf}} {{posVotes}} {{negVotes}} {{#replies}} {{sender.name}} {{dateTime}} {{{commentText}}} {{#sender.isSelf}} Delete {{/sender.isSelf}} {{posVotes}} {{negVotes}} {{/replies}} {{/replies}} {{/comments}} {{#showMore}} (BUTTON) Load all comments {{/showMore}} Minds Comments Join the discussion (BUTTON) Please be respectful when making a comment and adhere to our Community Guidelines. 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Log in using your social network account OR Log in directly with The Independent {{message}} ____________________ Please enter an email address Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address ____________________ Please enter a valid password [ ] Keep me logged in (BUTTON) Submit Forgotten your password? Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout News > UK > Home News Working makes British people unhappy, new study finds 'Engaging in paid work comes at a significant psychological cost' * Serina Sandhu * Wednesday 3 February 2016 12:50 * {{#singleComment}}{{total}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{total}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow The Independent Rex People in Britain are unhappiest when they are ill and confined to bed followed by being at work, according to a new study. Being sick reduces a person's level of happiness by around 20 per cent and being at work, compared with not being there, reduces it by up to eight per cent. It comes after researchers from the University of Sussex and the London School of Economics analysed more than one million responses uploaded to Mappiness. The phone app asks users at random times of the day how they are feeling, where they are and what they are doing. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial The study, published in The Economic Journal, also found that people who worked anti-social hours - before 6am, after 6pm, or on the weekend – were even less happy. Read more * 3 lessons about how to be happy according to a Harvard study * These are the 10 countries with the happiest workers * Why Korean children rank below England as the worst nation for child happiness Dr George MacKerron, an economist at the University of Sussex who created the app, said it quizzed people about their feelings before they had “a chance to reach for their rose-tinted glasses”. “Although we may be positive about our jobs when reflecting on the meaning and purpose they give us, and the money they provide, actually engaging in paid work comes at a significant psychological cost.” In the study, Dr MacKerron and co-author Alex Bryson said the reason work had such an adverse effect on well-being was partly because it made people feel anxious or stressed. However the authors added: “It appears that work per se is negatively associated with hedonic well-being, such that we would rather be doing other things. That is to say, work really is disutility.” Other activities that reduced happiness among Britons was caring for adults, queuing, doing admin, going to meetings, commuting and housework. According to the study people in Britain are happiest during sex or intimacy, which raises happiness levels by 14 per cent. Gardening, singing and socialising also ranked highly on the list. Being on social media, browsing the internet and smoking only raised happiness by less than one per cent. 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Log in using your social network account OR Log in directly with The Independent {{message}} ____________________ Please enter an email address Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address ____________________ Please enter a valid password [ ] Keep me logged in (BUTTON) Submit Forgotten your password? Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout Excessive levels of job related stress can lead to mental health problems ( Shutterstock ) Twenty-two signs your co-workers secretly hate you 'Most co-workers won’t overtly show their disdain for you so as not to cause trouble or jeopardise their own careers' * Aine Cain * Business Insider * Friday 13 April 2018 17:39 * {{#singleComment}}{{value}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{value}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow Indy/Life Haters are going to hate, right? In our personal lives, it is easier to dismiss people who don’t like us. But at work, being widely disliked can pose a larger problem. Lynn Taylor, a national workplace expert and the author of Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job, said: Read more * Employers relabelling low paid jobs as apprenticeships, report says * Bosses should let workers have lie-ins to stop early death, study says * UK employers failing to prepare staff for automation, new study shows “Most co-workers won’t overtly show their disdain for you so as not to cause trouble or jeopardise their own careers. They may make life difficult for you, but they’ll probably try to stay under the radar. Still, there are subtle red flags that they’re not out for your best interests.” Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial You’ll want to know those signs, says Ms Taylor, so you can spot them when they’re present and turn things around before it’s too late. “Of course, it is impossible to be liked by everyone in the office,” she said. But you should always strive to be sensitive to the needs of your fellow co-workers, remain upbeat and friendly, communicate openly and give colleagues the benefit of the doubt. Employers should let workers have lie-ins to stop them dying early, research has found “Those who do this have a far brighter career future,” she said. “Plus, when [we] have strong, healthy workplace relationships, you will be more effective and accomplished in your job.” Michael Kerr, an international business speaker and author of The Humor Advantage, agreed. “When your co-workers like you, everything becomes easier,” he said. “People have your back when you need it the most, you can ask for and get favours more easily, people will volunteer to help in times of need and you can get far better cooperation even across departments.” Being well-liked will boost your morale, which in turn will make you more productive, focused, creative and successful in everything you do, he said. Here are 22 subtle signs that your co-workers secretly hate you. But keep in mind that you may just be misreading their body language or tone – the workplace is certainly not immune to human misunderstanding and no one’s a mind reader. Created with Sketch. Tomorrow's workplace: How the world will look like in 2030 Show all 6 Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. (BUTTON) Created with Sketch. Tomorrow's workplace: How the world will look like in 2030 1/6 Superstructure printer Inspired by Disrupt to Stabilize: How Youth are Shaping a Fractured World Florian de Gesincourt /AKQA 2/6 Remote robotic surgeon Inspired by Transforming Healthcare in the 4th Industrial Revolution Florian de Gesincourt /AKQA 3/6 Public Technology Ethicist Inspired by in Technology We Trust? Florian de Gesincourt /AKQA 4/6 Landfill Recycler Inspired by From Linear to Expotential Value Chains Florian de Gesincourt /AKQA 5/6 Blockchain Banking Engineer Inspired by the Remaking of Global Finance Florian de Gesincourt /AKQA 6/6 National identify conservationist Inspired by WPP Best Countries Breakfast Florian de Gesincourt /AKQA 1/6 Superstructure printer Inspired by Disrupt to Stabilize: How Youth are Shaping a Fractured World Florian de Gesincourt /AKQA 2/6 Remote robotic surgeon Inspired by Transforming Healthcare in the 4th Industrial Revolution Florian de Gesincourt /AKQA 3/6 Public Technology Ethicist Inspired by in Technology We Trust? Florian de Gesincourt /AKQA 4/6 Landfill Recycler Inspired by From Linear to Expotential Value Chains Florian de Gesincourt /AKQA 5/6 Blockchain Banking Engineer Inspired by the Remaking of Global Finance Florian de Gesincourt /AKQA 6/6 National identify conservationist Inspired by WPP Best Countries Breakfast Florian de Gesincourt /AKQA Your gut tells you they don’t like you If you feel like your co-workers don’t like you, then it could just be in your head, but it could also be true. If they treat you differently than everyone else, then you’re probably not their favourite person. Trust your gut and continue looking for other signs if you have a strong feeling about this. They don’t smile when you’re around We’re not talking about the occasional bad day or mood swing. If your co-workers make a conscious effort not to smile when you’re in the room, then something isn’t right. They cannot maintain eye contact with you It is difficult to look someone straight in the eye when you do not like or respect them, says Ms Taylor. If you notice that your colleagues avoid eye contact while speaking with you, then those are probably the reasons. “They’re afraid that you may be able to detect hostility, so the path of least resistance is for them to look away or avoid being around you wherever possible,” Ms Taylor said. They constantly stare at you Alternatively, a prolonged, intense stare can also be a sign of rudeness, aggression or hostility, CNN reported. Whether or not someone avoids your gaze or gives you a hostile glare depends on their personality and whether or not they’re comfortable with coming across as aggressive. Then again, it’s possible that the starer is just awkward or zoning out. They avoid you Writing for the Muse, Kat Boogard gave a striking example of the lengths someone might go to in order to escape the presence of a disliked co-worker: “When it’s just the two of you waiting for an elevator, he decides to walk down the stairs – all 14 flights.” If you notice that your co-workers take the stairs when they see you waiting for the elevator or they wait until you return from the break room before they head in, then those are good signs that they’re avoiding you. They don’t acknowledge your presence If your colleagues don’t say “good morning” when you arrive or “have a great night” on their way out, they may be telling you they don’t like you, said Ms Taylor. They feed the rumour mill Concerns about colleagues bickering about you can lower your morale (Shutterstock) This is childish and unprofessional behaviour, but it happens in workplaces all the time: someone doesn’t like you, so they spread rumours. They’re short with you If you ask “how’s it going?” and they always respond with “OK” or “fine” – or if their emails always get straight to the point and never begin with a friendly “hello” or “good afternoon” – then this may be a sign that they’re not a huge fan of yours. “If they sound like a moody teenager, then that’s a pretty big red flag,” said Mr Kerr. They give off negative body language Whether it’s a subtle eye roll or constantly assuming a closed-off position with arms folded across their chest, or they don’t look up from their computer screen when you enter their office, your co-workers’ body language will often reveal their true feelings toward you, Mr Kerr said. They communicate with you primarily via email, even though you sit close by If your co-workers don’t like you, they’ll probably try to limit their in-person communication with you. If you notice a shift toward more digital correspondence, that’s a sign. They never ask about your personal life If you notice that your colleagues speak with each other about their kids or hobbies, but never bring up these topics with you, they’re probably just not interested in hearing about your life, says Mr Kerr. They never invite you to social events If you never make the cut for lunch, happy hour or project meetings over coffee, your co-workers may be trying to send you a message. They constantly disagree with you Bad relations at work can damage the gratification you get from your employment (Shutterstock) Continuously gunning down your ideas is a sign they don’t like you. “If it feels like someone shoots down every thought before you’ve even finished a sentence, then it’s often because their dislike is so strong that they are biased against anything you suggest, even when it’s a great idea,” said Mr Kerr. They don’t ever include you in their office bantering or humour “Joking around is a key way that relationships become cemented in any workplace and not inviting you into the inner circle of bantering is a sign your co-workers may not feel comfortable around you enough to think of you as one of ‘the team,’” said Mr Kerr. They steal credit for your ideas Not being credited properly for your work can decrease your productivity (Shutterstock) These co-workers could just be “glory hogs,” said Ms Taylor. But if they go out of their way to steal the limelight from you and only you, they may be trying to drive you out. They assume unauthorised power Sometimes co-workers who want to muscle in on your position will play boss even when they have no authority, said Ms Taylor. They create cliques that are reminiscent of high school If you feel like you’re in a scene from the movie Mean Girls and you’re not invited to hang out or sit with any of the office cliques, your colleagues probably don’t like you very much. There’s a fundamental lack of trust If you’re questioned excessively about your motives or your co-workers only dole out information on a need-to-know basis, they may be trying to sabotage your career, said Ms Taylor. They try to encourage you to leave the company If throwing you under the bus doesn’t do the trick, then your co-workers may try other tactics for getting rid of you. If they start sending you job postings at other companies, offer to put you in touch with contacts elsewhere or tell you that they think you’d be “happier” or “more successful” in another environment – when you’re perfectly happy and thriving where you are – then it’s probably not because they’re concerned about your well-being. Chances are, they just don’t like you and want you gone. They throw you under the bus Do your co-workers throw you under the bus when something goes wrong? Do they tattle on you for saying or doing something against company policy? Do they run to tell your boss any time you make a mistake? Then they’re probably trying to get you fired. They never make you or your work a priority Another big sign your co-workers despise you: “They never make your concerns or problems a priority and they don’t treat your work with the same level of urgency that they do your colleagues”, Kerr said. They get defensive around you “If they often and immediately get defensive around you, it could indicate that there’s a lack of trust, and possibly deeper dislike,” said Ms Kerr. Read more: • Barnier: Britain has to follow EU regulations forever if it wants a Brexit trade deal • Trump is weighing a massive strike on Syria – and it could bring all-out war with Russia • Mark Zuckerberg gave his grueling testimony to Congress from a 4-inch booster seat Read the original article on Business Insider UK. © 2018. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter. 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Twenty-two signs your co-workers secretly hate you 1/4 Excessive levels of job related stress can lead to mental health problems Shutterstock 2/4 Concerns about colleagues bickering about you can lower your morale Shutterstock 3/4 Bad relations at work can damage the gratification you get from your employment Shutterstock / fizkes 4/4 Not being credited properly for your work can decrease your productivity Shutterstock / fizkes #publisher alternate Skip to main content The Guardian - Back to home Support The Guardian Contribute Subscribe Contribute Search jobs Sign in (BUTTON) My account * Comments & replies * Public profile * Account details * Emails & marketing ______________________________________________________________ * Membership * Contributions * Digital Pack ______________________________________________________________ * Sign out Search [ ] * switch to the International edition * switch to the UK edition * switch to the US edition * switch to the Australia edition current edition: International edition * News * Opinion * Sport * Culture * Lifestyle [ ] Show More * (BUTTON) News + World news + UK news + Science + Cities + Global development + Football + Tech + Business + Environment + Obituaries * (BUTTON) Opinion + The Guardian view + Columnists + Cartoons + Opinion videos + Letters * (BUTTON) Sport + Football + Rugby union + Cricket + Tennis + Cycling + F1 + Golf + US sports * (BUTTON) Culture + Books + Music + TV & radio + Art & design + Film + Games + Classical + Stage * (BUTTON) Lifestyle + Fashion + Food + Recipes + Love & sex + Health & fitness + Home & garden + Women + Family + Travel + Money ____________________ What term do you want to search? (BUTTON) Search with google * Make a contribution * Subscribe * (BUTTON) International edition + switch to the UK edition + switch to the US edition + switch to the Australia edition * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive * The Guardian app * Video * Podcasts * Pictures * Newsletters * Today's paper * Inside the Guardian * The Observer * Guardian Weekly * Crosswords * Facebook * Twitter * Search jobs * Dating * Holidays * Digital Archive Women in Leadership Happiness at work: what we can learn from the Swiss Harriet Minter Switzerland's citizens regularly rank among the world's happiest, so what makes them so cheerful during their working hours? Contact author @harrietminter Fri 11 Oct 2013 08.00 BST First published on Fri 11 Oct 2013 08.00 BST * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email Box of chocolates [ ] Swiss people are some of the happiest around – maybe it's something to do with chocolate? Photograph: Graham Turner for the Guardian It's Friday morning and the weekend is just a few hours away. So are you feeling happy? Probably not. The Fulfilment@Work report from Randstad says that while women enjoy their jobs a tiny bit more than men, only 17% would say they were very fulfilled. But fear not, there might be a way to make your working week better. Reports from the OECD and the UN suggest that Switzerland's citizens regularly rank amongst some of the happiest in the world. So could we all be happier at work if we were a bit more Swiss? According to the OECD world happiness rankings, the average Swiss citizen works 1,632 hours a year, 144 less than the world average. Add to this an average wage $7,000 more than the world average (although a complicated tax system and very expensive Starbucks might mean you don't end up better off) and it seems the first rule of working more Swiss is do less for more. Which sounds good to me. Nicola Mendelsohn famously became Facebook vice-president for EMEA on a four-day week, but can it work for the rest of us? In a recent article, Andrew Simms argued that a four-day week increases happiness and could cut carbon emissions. But apart from the banker Simms found, who does 50% less work for just 20% less pay, the dream of a better work-life balance looks unlikely. Especially when you discover that part-time workers earn less and the UK has some of the longest hours in Europe. So given that our first option is as likely as being able to find a tuneful cuckoo clock, we need to turn to another Swiss staple, neutrality. Could adopting a neutral approach to office politics help you get ahead? It would certainly be more peaceful and give you more time to actually get on with your job. Win/win, right? Wrong. In an article for the Harvard Business Review, the authors of Break Your Own Rules are clear: "The bottom line is that it's just not possible to opt out of the political game at work and still win in your career." So far being Switzerland isn't really working out as a career strategy. But there is hope. As well as earning more and working less, the OECD also ranks Switzerland highly for the connectivity of its citizens, with 94% of them stating that they know someone they could rely on in a time of crisis. Feeling connected to each other doesn't just bring happiness in our social lives, but in our working lives too. In his book, The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work, author Alain de Botton explains that a job feels meaningful "whenever it allows us to generate delight or alleviate suffering in others." Unless you're working in healthcare or as Lindt chocolatier, this might not seem like a daily occurrence, but by bringing a little joy to your colleagues you could also push your own happiness level up to Swiss proportions. Consulting firm DHW (Delivering Happiness at Work) claims you can bring a smile to your team's faces by making sure that everyone knows your company's core values, having an open and accessible CEO and by making sure you tell people when they're doing a good job. While shorter hours and a politics-free world might be the dream, if you're looking to find a little more fulfilment in your workplace you could do worse than just handing out a compliment or two, noticing when a colleague is having a bad day, or simply putting the Swiss into chocolate and sharing it round the office. Who knew being happy was so easy? Sign up to become a member of the Women in Leadership community here for more comment, analysis and best practice direct to your inbox Topics * Women in Leadership * Women in business * Staff retention * Management * Policy * Work/life * comment * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email * Share on LinkedIn * Share on Pinterest * Share on Google+ * Share on WhatsApp * Share on Messenger * Reuse this content View all comments > (BUTTON) Order by * (BUTTON) newest * (BUTTON) oldest * (BUTTON) recommendations (BUTTON) Show 25 * (BUTTON) 25 * (BUTTON) 50 * (BUTTON) 100 * (BUTTON) All (BUTTON) Threads * (BUTTON) collapsed * (BUTTON) expanded * (BUTTON) unthreaded Loading comments… Trouble loading? 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Log in using your social network account OR Log in directly with The Independent {{message}} ____________________ Please enter an email address Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address ____________________ Please enter a valid password [ ] Keep me logged in (BUTTON) Submit Forgotten your password? Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout photolibrary.com The secret of happiness: Family, friends and your environment How do you find contentment in an acquisitive society? By changing the things you spend your money on, says a US academic * By Rachel Shields * Sunday 15 August 2010 00:00 * {{#singleComment}}{{value}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{value}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow Indy/Life We've suffered horrendous job cuts and plummeting investment values, and watched the high streets grow increasingly pockmarked by empty shopfronts, even as we face public sector job losses and the possibility of a double-dip recession. We might be forgiven for allowing ourselves a moment of misery. And yet, a growing school of thought believes that we have actually gained something from the last few years of economic gloom; that we are starting to value the things that matter: our friends, homes and the world we live in. Even more remarkably, they suggest that these things are making us happier than the conspicuous consumption and hedonism of the boom years. While, arguably, everyone could be forgiven for battening down the hatches and looking after number one, it seems that across the UK people are becoming less materialistic and more outward-facing: volunteering, joining clubs and caring for the environment in record numbers. From more Brits spending their weekends involved in wholesome outdoor pursuits instead of scouring the high street for the latest must-have item, to the growth in household savings – which rose to 6.9 per cent of disposable income in the first quarter of 2010, up from less than zero in the first quarter of 2008 – experts believe there is evidence that people have realised that happiness may not lie in the relentless pursuit of more, and better, "stuff". Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial The latest figures from the British Retail Consortium show that retailers selling big-ticket items such as flat-screen TVs, carpets and kitchens are reporting negative like-for-like sales when compared with last year, while the number of people who walk for leisure increased by almost a million, rising 10 per cent between 2006 and 2008, and the number of recreational cyclists rose by 6.4 per cent between 2008 and 2009. Although we may be on the cusp of a "new" happiness movement, the quest for it is as old as mankind, and has preoccupied some of the finest minds in history, all of whom have had differing theories. While a definitive answer to the question of what makes us happy might have eluded everyone from Socrates to Thomas Aquinas, a US academic now believes she has the answer. In a new paper, If Money Doesn't Make You Happy Then You Probably Aren't Spending it Right, Elizabeth Dunn argues that spending money wisely is a sure-fire route to happiness. Dunn lays out eight ways to use money to make you happy: buy experiences instead of things; lots of small treats instead of a few big ones; give money to others; pay now and consume later; think about the negatives of what you want to buy; don't use price comparison sites as they distract from other attributes a product has; follow other people when choosing what to buy, as they are a better predictor of how happy a purchase will make us than our own judgement. "The situation hopefully encourages people to focus on the key things in life which, the research says – and, to a large extent, they intuitively know – really make them happy: relationships with family, friends, contact with the natural environment, and so on," said George MacKerron, a researcher at the London School of Economics who specialises in well-being. "On the other hand, I think there's a slight risk that those who were sceptical in the first place start decrying well-being/happiness research as somehow unserious or childish in the face of the 'important business' of growing GDP and creating jobs." The evidence, however, suggests the subject is being taken ever more seriously. Liverpool declared 2010 its year of "health and well-being". Next January, meanwhile, the "Movement for Happiness", which aims to increase happiness and decrease misery, will be launched by no lesser mortals than Anthony Seldon, master of Wellington School, Lord Layard, dubbed the Government's "Happiness Tsar", and Geoff Mulgan, a former Downing Street policy head. The idea that happiness lies not in flashing the cash, but in modest living and giving something back to society has also been identified as an emerging trend by The Boston Consulting Group, management consultants, in a recent report entitled New World Order. An increased desire to connect with a community is also part of the new movement, with growing numbers keen to join clubs and churches, or get involved in volunteer work. These activities are thought to offer a stable network which in turn promotes happiness. The charity Community Service Volunteers has reported a rise in all types of volunteering: the number of people mentoring young people in care doubled from 2007 to 2009, while the number of people taking part in environmental volunteering through the charity rose from 17,195 in 2008 to 20,333 in 2009. However, while people may be keen to give their time to charity they are less keen to part with their cash. Charitable giving declined in the recession, from £10.6bn in 2007-08 to £9.9bn in 2008-09. However, a recent report from Merrill Lynch Capgemini's World Wealth Report showed that 41 per cent of Europeans planned to increase their charitable giving in 2010. Increased interest in caring for the environment and spending more time outside are also an important part of the "new happiness". "As a society, we hugely underplay the importance of natural environments on happiness. Not just the awe at a beautiful view, but the de-stressing effects," said Jody Aked, a researcher at the New Economics Foundation's Centre for Well-being. In an attempt to better understand how people's feelings are affected by their immediate environment researchers from the London School of Economics will tomorrow launch a "mappiness" project, which aims to track British happiness. Using a free iPhone app, researchers will ask users how they feel at regular intervals, using GPS to pinpoint their location. Although experts in the new science seem unified on the subject of what can help boost happiness – spending more time with friends and family, in pleasant natural environments, for example – some believe this change has yet to hit Britain. "I don't think this has happened here yet," said Alexandra Watson, a happiness coach. "The culture of money and fame is still peaking here. There is evidence of people wanting it to change, but we are usually behind the US by a year or so in terms of trends." Others argue that Brits are just as preoccupied with spending money in 2010 as we were before the recession, but that changing fashions mean that the appeal of status symbols such as sports cars and yachts is waning. Global yacht sales fell 45 per cent in 2009, while Bentley sales were down 57.2 per year on year for the first six months of 2010. Additional reporting by Pavan Amara and James Burton Back to nature: 'Money can't buy that feeling of reward' Yasco Takahashi, 42, Scotland "My life was full of material stuff. I lived and worked in financial services. I had lots of friends, but no deep connection to any. I could spend £2,000 on clothes in one go. I went on holiday to Hawaii and Fiji. It all sounds great but I just felt lonely. I bought things to stop depression creeping in, and focused on the new bag or new dress. But that meant I couldn't focus on who I really was. I stuffed my feelings with rich food or by getting drunk. But, at 35, I started experiencing severe migraines; they wouldn't go away no matter what I did. I felt I was half-dead. I realised I was living for what my friends thought of my outfit, or how much pension money I had. It made no sense, and I came to the Findhorn community in Scotland to escape. I started growing my own vegetables, appreciating nature and myself. Before I used money to change myself – how I looked and felt – and to control my feelings. Now I control my feelings without money, and that makes you mature and deepen. Money can't buy that feeling of reward. I live on £200 a month, but I feel better. I wake when I naturally feel like it, and I do graphic design, which I enjoy. I'm no longer doing something I don't like. I express myself and can laugh, instead of burying my feelings. I sleep better than I did when I spent a fortune on clothes to make me happy." What makes celebrities happy? Michael Palin, comedian "All sorts of things make me happy: getting up in the morning and not falling over for one. Sitting in a café with a cup of coffee, good company with friends. It sounds terribly pretentious but it is true." Jasmine Harman, TV presenter "The happiest moment in my day is walking my dog. We both enjoy it, and I'll use any excuse to go. I get out, I get active, and the endorphins get going which is great because that's the happy hormone." Sarah Beeny, TV presenter "The thing that makes me happy is spending time with my husband, four children, and entire extended family and good friends. Memories will stay with you for ever." Antony Worrall-Thompson, chef "For me, money is not relevant. It's about good friends, good family and health. It's being grateful and content with your lot. Happiness is more a frame of mind, I think." Stuart Semple, artist "My son makes me truly happy. He's 13 months, and the happiness he brings me is different from anything else I've ever known. Happiness from real things and from flash things are worlds apart." Katharine Hamnett, designer "Happiness to me is family, good close friends, being in control of my life, laughter and love. All those are real, and give me a lasting happiness that handbags don't – and can't – give." Glenda Jackson, politician "You are kidding me, aren't you? Happiness? I can't think of anything that makes me happy. I can't think of anyone or anything. Nothing. Nothing comes to my mind." Bill Oddie, comedian "To be happy you need enough money. Happiness to me would be being able to help all my kids financially. It's a very strange person... no, actually... it's a hermit who can live that abstemiously that they don't need money." John Humphrys, broadcaster "You're a bit odd if your family doesn't make you happy, aren't you? So yes, my family make me happy, but that's about it, and that's because it's a requirement." 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Log in using your social network account OR Log in directly with The Independent {{message}} ____________________ Please enter an email address Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address ____________________ Please enter a valid password [ ] Keep me logged in (BUTTON) Submit Forgotten your password? Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout Mo Gawdat One man's mathematical formula for happiness Mo Gawdat talks to The Independent about how his expertise as an engineer led him to find an equation for guaranteed happiness * Olivia Blair * @livblair * Monday 10 April 2017 11:01 * {{#singleComment}}{{value}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{value}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow Indy/Life How do you rediscover happiness when a tragic event has happened in your life? It's a question that would probably be met with the suggestion of therapy, or allowing for the passage of time. However, one man says he has come up with a mathematical solution. Mo Gawdat was miserable for several years in his twenties and thirties despite his high-flying job, income and happy family unit. Determined to turn this around Gawdat, an engineer by trade who is now an executive at Google, formulated an equation for happiness. A couple of years later, he put this to the test when his 21-year-old son Ali died unexpectedly in what should have been a routine operation. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial He has now shared the secrets to his formula for being happy – no matter what life throws at you – in his new book Solve For Happy. “My theory was I was born happy and the more I engaged in life the more unhappy I became,” he told The Independent. "I was very unhappy, I was complaining about everything and I was constantly trying to control the world down to a tee,” he says. “I bought cars, spent money and tried to fill the gap in my soul in any way and it was just not working.” A trader in the stock market in Dubai where he made a “ton of money” and became the owner of a “huge house and a big car”, whatever Gawdat bought was never enough. He later became an engineer, he was also married to his college sweetheart Nibet (from whom he has since divorced but calls her his best friend in the world) and with two adult children, still he was miserable. Created with Sketch. Health news in pictures Show all 40 Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. (BUTTON) Created with Sketch. Health news in pictures 1/40 Breeding with neanderthals helped humans fight diseases On migrating from Africa around 70,000 years ago, humans bumped into the neanderthals of Eurasia. While humans were weak to the diseases of the new lands, breeding with the resident neanderthals made for a better equipped immune system PA 2/40 Daily aspirin is unnecessary for older people in good health, study finds A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that many elderly people are taking daily aspirin to little or no avail Getty 3/40 Vaping could lead to cancer, US study finds A study by the University of Minnesota's Masonic Cancer Centre has found that the carcinogenic chemicals formaldehyde, acrolein, and methylglyoxal are present in the saliva of E-cigarette users Reuters 4/40 More children are obese and diabetic There has been a 41% increase in children with type 2 diabetes since 2014, the National Paediatric Diabetes Audit has found. Obesity is a leading cause Reuters 5/40 Most child antidepressants are ineffective and can lead to suicidal thoughts The majority of antidepressants are ineffective and may be unsafe, for children and teenager with major depression, experts have warned. In what is the most comprehensive comparison of 14 commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs to date, researchers found that only one brand was more effective at relieving symptoms of depression than a placebo. Another popular drug, venlafaxine, was shown increase the risk users engaging in suicidal thoughts and attempts at suicide Getty 6/40 Gay, lesbian and bisexual adults at higher risk of heart disease, study claims Researchers at the Baptist Health South Florida Clinic in Miami focused on seven areas of controllable heart health and found these minority groups were particularly likely to be smokers and to have poorly controlled blood sugar iStock 7/40 Breakfast cereals targeted at children contain 'steadily high' sugar levels since 1992 despite producer claims A major pressure group has issued a fresh warning about perilously high amounts of sugar in breakfast cereals, specifically those designed for children, and has said that levels have barely been cut at all in the last two and a half decades Getty 8/40 Potholes are making us fat, NHS watchdog warns New guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the body which determines what treatment the NHS should fund, said lax road repairs and car-dominated streets were contributing to the obesity epidemic by preventing members of the public from keeping active PA 9/40 New menopause drugs offer women relief from 'debilitating' hot flushes A new class of treatments for women going through the menopause is able to reduce numbers of debilitating hot flushes by as much as three quarters in a matter of days, a trial has found. The drug used in the trial belongs to a group known as NKB antagonists (blockers), which were developed as a treatment for schizophrenia but have been “sitting on a shelf unused”, according to Professor Waljit Dhillo, a professor of endocrinology and metabolism REX 10/40 Doctors should prescribe more antidepressants for people with mental health problems, study finds Research from Oxford University found that more than one million extra people suffering from mental health problems would benefit from being prescribed drugs and criticised “ideological” reasons doctors use to avoid doing so. Getty 11/40 Student dies of flu after NHS advice to stay at home and avoid A&E The family of a teenager who died from flu has urged people not to delay going to A&E if they are worried about their symptoms. Melissa Whiteley, an 18-year-old engineering student from Hanford in Stoke-on-Trent, fell ill at Christmas and died in hospital a month later. Just Giving 12/40 Government to review thousands of harmful vaginal mesh implants The Government has pledged to review tens of thousands of cases where women have been given harmful vaginal mesh implants. Getty 13/40 Jeremy Hunt announces 'zero suicides ambition' for the NHS The NHS will be asked to go further to prevent the deaths of patients in its care as part of a “zero suicide ambition” being launched today. Getty 14/40 Human trials start with cancer treatment that primes immune system to kill off tumours Human trials have begun with a new cancer therapy that can prime the immune system to eradicate tumours. The treatment, that works similarly to a vaccine, is a combination of two existing drugs, of which tiny amounts are injected into the solid bulk of a tumour. Wikimedia Commons / Nephron 15/40 Babies' health suffers from being born near fracking sites, finds major study Mothers living within a kilometre of a fracking site were 25 per cent more likely to have a child born at low birth weight, which increase their chances of asthma, ADHD and other issues Getty 16/40 NHS reviewing thousands of cervical cancer smear tests after women wrongly given all-clear Thousands of cervical cancer screening results are under review after failings at a laboratory meant some women were incorrectly given the all-clear. A number of women have already been told to contact their doctors following the identification of “procedural issues” in the service provided by Pathology First Laboratory. REX 17/40 Potential key to halting breast cancer's spread discovered by scientists Most breast cancer patients do not die from their initial tumour, but from secondary malignant growths (metastases), where cancer cells are able to enter the blood and survive to invade new sites. Asparagine, a molecule named after asparagus where it was first identified in high quantities, has now been shown to be an essential ingredient for tumour cells to gain these migratory properties. Getty 18/40 NHS nursing vacancies at record high with more than 34,000 roles advertised A record number of nursing and midwifery positions are currently being advertised by the NHS, with more than 34,000 positions currently vacant, according to the latest data. Demand for nurses was 19 per cent higher between July and September 2017 than the same period two years ago. REX 19/40 Cannabis extract could provide ‘new class of treatment’ for psychosis CBD has a broadly opposite effect to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active component in cannabis and the substance that causes paranoia and anxiety. Getty 20/40 Over 75,000 sign petition calling for Richard Branson's Virgin Care to hand settlement money back to NHS Mr Branson’s company sued the NHS last year after it lost out on an £82m contract to provide children’s health services across Surrey, citing concerns over “serious flaws” in the way the contract was awarded PA 21/40 More than 700 fewer nurses training in England in first year after NHS bursary scrapped The numbers of people accepted to study nursing in England fell 3 per cent in 2017, while the numbers accepted in Wales and Scotland, where the bursaries were kept, increased 8.4 per cent and 8 per cent respectively Getty 22/40 Landmark study links Tory austerity to 120,000 deaths The paper found that there were 45,000 more deaths in the first four years of Tory-led efficiencies than would have been expected if funding had stayed at pre-election levels. On this trajectory that could rise to nearly 200,000 excess deaths by the end of 2020, even with the extra funding that has been earmarked for public sector services this year. Reuters 23/40 Long commutes carry health risks Hours of commuting may be mind-numbingly dull, but new research shows that it might also be having an adverse effect on both your health and performance at work. Longer commutes also appear to have a significant impact on mental wellbeing, with those commuting longer 33 per cent more likely to suffer from depression Shutterstock 24/40 You cannot be fit and fat It is not possible to be overweight and healthy, a major new study has concluded. The study of 3.5 million Britons found that even “metabolically healthy” obese people are still at a higher risk of heart disease or a stroke than those with a normal weight range Getty 25/40 Sleep deprivation When you feel particularly exhausted, it can definitely feel like you are also lacking in brain capacity. Now, a new study has suggested this could be because chronic sleep deprivation can actually cause the brain to eat itself Shutterstock 26/40 Exercise classes offering 45 minute naps launch David Lloyd Gyms have launched a new health and fitness class which is essentially a bunch of people taking a nap for 45 minutes. The fitness group was spurred to launch the ‘napercise’ class after research revealed 86 per cent of parents said they were fatigued. The class is therefore predominantly aimed at parents but you actually do not have to have children to take part Getty 27/40 'Fundamental right to health' to be axed after Brexit, lawyers warn Tobacco and alcohol companies could win more easily in court cases such as the recent battle over plain cigarette packaging if the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights is abandoned, a barrister and public health professor have said. Getty 28/40 'Thousands dying' due to fear over non-existent statin side-effects A major new study into the side effects of the cholesterol-lowering medicine suggests common symptoms such as muscle pain and weakness are not caused by the drugs themselves Getty 29/40 Babies born to fathers aged under 25 have higher risk of autism New research has found that babies born to fathers under the age of 25 or over 51 are at higher risk of developing autism and other social disorders. The study, conducted by the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at Mount Sinai, found that these children are actually more advanced than their peers as infants, but then fall behind by the time they hit their teenage years. Getty 30/40 Cycling to work ‘could halve risk of cancer and heart disease’ Commuters who swap their car or bus pass for a bike could cut their risk of developing heart disease and cancer by almost half, new research suggests – but campaigners have warned there is still an “urgent need” to improve road conditions for cyclists. Cycling to work is linked to a lower risk of developing cancer by 45 per cent and cardiovascular disease by 46 per cent, according to a study of a quarter of a million people. Walking to work also brought health benefits, the University of Glasgow researchers found, but not to the same degree as cycling. Getty 31/40 Playing Tetris in hospital after a traumatic incident could prevent PTSD Scientists conducted the research on 71 car crash victims as they were waiting for treatment at one hospital’s accident and emergency department. They asked half of the patients to briefly recall the incident and then play the classic computer game, the others were given a written activity to complete. The researchers, from Karolinska Institute in Sweden and the University of Oxford, found that the patients who had played Tetris reported fewer intrusive memories, commonly known as flashbacks, in the week that followed Rex 32/40 Vaping backed as healthier nicotine alternative to cigarettes after latest study Vaping has been given an emphatic thumbs up by health experts after the first long-term study of its effects in ex-smokers. After six months, people who switched from real to e-cigarettes had far fewer toxins and cancer-causing substances in their bodies than continual smokers, scientists found Getty 33/40 Common method of cooking rice can leave traces of arsenic in food, scientists warn Millions of people are putting themselves at risk by cooking their rice incorrectly, scientists have warned. Recent experiments show a common method of cooking rice — simply boiling it in a pan until the water has steamed out — can expose those who eat it to traces of the poison arsenic, which contaminates rice while it is growing as a result of industrial toxins and pesticides Getty 34/40 Contraceptive gel that creates ‘reversible vasectomy’ shown to be effective in monkeys An injectable contraceptive gel that acts as a ‘reversible vasectomy’ is a step closer to being offered to men following successful trials on monkeys. Vasalgel is injected into the vas deferens, the small duct between the testicles and the urethra. It has so far been found to prevent 100 per cent of conceptions Vasalgel 35/40 Shift work and heavy lifting may reduce women’s fertility, study finds Women who work at night or do irregular shifts may experience a decline in fertility, a new study has found. Shift and night workers had fewer eggs capable of developing into healthy embryos than those who work regular daytime hours, according to researchers at Harvard University Getty 36/40 Japanese government tells people to stop overworking The Japanese government has announced measures to limit the amount of overtime employees can do – in an attempt to stop people literally working themselves to death. A fifth of Japan’s workforce are at risk of death by overwork, known as karoshi, as they work more than 80 hours of overtime each month, according to a government survey. Getty 37/40 High blood pressure may protect over 80s from dementia It is well known that high blood pressure is a risk factor for dementia, so the results of a new study from the University of California, Irvine, are quite surprising. The researchers found that people who developed high blood pressure between the ages of 80-89 are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease (the most common form of dementia) over the next three years than people of the same age with normal blood pressure. Getty 38/40 'Universal cancer vaccine’ breakthrough claimed by experts Scientists have taken a “very positive step” towards creating a universal vaccine against cancer that makes the body’s immune system attack tumours as if they were a virus, experts have said. Writing in Nature, an international team of researchers described how they had taken pieces of cancer’s genetic RNA code, put them into tiny nanoparticles of fat and then injected the mixture into the bloodstreams of three patients in the advanced stages of the disease. The patients' immune systems responded by producing "killer" T-cells designed to attack cancer. The vaccine was also found to be effective in fighting “aggressively growing” tumours in mice, according to researchers, who were led by Professor Ugur Sahin from Johannes Gutenberg University in Germany Rex 39/40 Research shows that diabetes drug can be used to stop first signs of Parkinson’s Scientists in a new study show that the first signs of Parkinson’s can be stopped. The UCL study is still in its research period but the team are ‘excited’. Today’s Parkinson’s drugs manage the symptoms of the disease but ultimately do not stop its progression in the brain. PA 40/40 Drinking alcohol could reduce risk of diabetes A new study shows that drinking alcohol three to four days a week could reduce the risk of diabetes. Wine was found to be most effective in reducing the risk due to the chemical compounds that balance blood sugar levels. Getty 1/40 Breeding with neanderthals helped humans fight diseases On migrating from Africa around 70,000 years ago, humans bumped into the neanderthals of Eurasia. While humans were weak to the diseases of the new lands, breeding with the resident neanderthals made for a better equipped immune system PA 2/40 Daily aspirin is unnecessary for older people in good health, study finds A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that many elderly people are taking daily aspirin to little or no avail Getty 3/40 Vaping could lead to cancer, US study finds A study by the University of Minnesota's Masonic Cancer Centre has found that the carcinogenic chemicals formaldehyde, acrolein, and methylglyoxal are present in the saliva of E-cigarette users Reuters 4/40 More children are obese and diabetic There has been a 41% increase in children with type 2 diabetes since 2014, the National Paediatric Diabetes Audit has found. Obesity is a leading cause Reuters 5/40 Most child antidepressants are ineffective and can lead to suicidal thoughts The majority of antidepressants are ineffective and may be unsafe, for children and teenager with major depression, experts have warned. In what is the most comprehensive comparison of 14 commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs to date, researchers found that only one brand was more effective at relieving symptoms of depression than a placebo. Another popular drug, venlafaxine, was shown increase the risk users engaging in suicidal thoughts and attempts at suicide Getty 6/40 Gay, lesbian and bisexual adults at higher risk of heart disease, study claims Researchers at the Baptist Health South Florida Clinic in Miami focused on seven areas of controllable heart health and found these minority groups were particularly likely to be smokers and to have poorly controlled blood sugar iStock 7/40 Breakfast cereals targeted at children contain 'steadily high' sugar levels since 1992 despite producer claims A major pressure group has issued a fresh warning about perilously high amounts of sugar in breakfast cereals, specifically those designed for children, and has said that levels have barely been cut at all in the last two and a half decades Getty 8/40 Potholes are making us fat, NHS watchdog warns New guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the body which determines what treatment the NHS should fund, said lax road repairs and car-dominated streets were contributing to the obesity epidemic by preventing members of the public from keeping active PA 9/40 New menopause drugs offer women relief from 'debilitating' hot flushes A new class of treatments for women going through the menopause is able to reduce numbers of debilitating hot flushes by as much as three quarters in a matter of days, a trial has found. The drug used in the trial belongs to a group known as NKB antagonists (blockers), which were developed as a treatment for schizophrenia but have been “sitting on a shelf unused”, according to Professor Waljit Dhillo, a professor of endocrinology and metabolism REX 10/40 Doctors should prescribe more antidepressants for people with mental health problems, study finds Research from Oxford University found that more than one million extra people suffering from mental health problems would benefit from being prescribed drugs and criticised “ideological” reasons doctors use to avoid doing so. Getty 11/40 Student dies of flu after NHS advice to stay at home and avoid A&E The family of a teenager who died from flu has urged people not to delay going to A&E if they are worried about their symptoms. Melissa Whiteley, an 18-year-old engineering student from Hanford in Stoke-on-Trent, fell ill at Christmas and died in hospital a month later. Just Giving 12/40 Government to review thousands of harmful vaginal mesh implants The Government has pledged to review tens of thousands of cases where women have been given harmful vaginal mesh implants. Getty 13/40 Jeremy Hunt announces 'zero suicides ambition' for the NHS The NHS will be asked to go further to prevent the deaths of patients in its care as part of a “zero suicide ambition” being launched today. Getty 14/40 Human trials start with cancer treatment that primes immune system to kill off tumours Human trials have begun with a new cancer therapy that can prime the immune system to eradicate tumours. The treatment, that works similarly to a vaccine, is a combination of two existing drugs, of which tiny amounts are injected into the solid bulk of a tumour. Wikimedia Commons / Nephron 15/40 Babies' health suffers from being born near fracking sites, finds major study Mothers living within a kilometre of a fracking site were 25 per cent more likely to have a child born at low birth weight, which increase their chances of asthma, ADHD and other issues Getty 16/40 NHS reviewing thousands of cervical cancer smear tests after women wrongly given all-clear Thousands of cervical cancer screening results are under review after failings at a laboratory meant some women were incorrectly given the all-clear. A number of women have already been told to contact their doctors following the identification of “procedural issues” in the service provided by Pathology First Laboratory. REX 17/40 Potential key to halting breast cancer's spread discovered by scientists Most breast cancer patients do not die from their initial tumour, but from secondary malignant growths (metastases), where cancer cells are able to enter the blood and survive to invade new sites. Asparagine, a molecule named after asparagus where it was first identified in high quantities, has now been shown to be an essential ingredient for tumour cells to gain these migratory properties. Getty 18/40 NHS nursing vacancies at record high with more than 34,000 roles advertised A record number of nursing and midwifery positions are currently being advertised by the NHS, with more than 34,000 positions currently vacant, according to the latest data. Demand for nurses was 19 per cent higher between July and September 2017 than the same period two years ago. REX 19/40 Cannabis extract could provide ‘new class of treatment’ for psychosis CBD has a broadly opposite effect to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active component in cannabis and the substance that causes paranoia and anxiety. Getty 20/40 Over 75,000 sign petition calling for Richard Branson's Virgin Care to hand settlement money back to NHS Mr Branson’s company sued the NHS last year after it lost out on an £82m contract to provide children’s health services across Surrey, citing concerns over “serious flaws” in the way the contract was awarded PA 21/40 More than 700 fewer nurses training in England in first year after NHS bursary scrapped The numbers of people accepted to study nursing in England fell 3 per cent in 2017, while the numbers accepted in Wales and Scotland, where the bursaries were kept, increased 8.4 per cent and 8 per cent respectively Getty 22/40 Landmark study links Tory austerity to 120,000 deaths The paper found that there were 45,000 more deaths in the first four years of Tory-led efficiencies than would have been expected if funding had stayed at pre-election levels. On this trajectory that could rise to nearly 200,000 excess deaths by the end of 2020, even with the extra funding that has been earmarked for public sector services this year. Reuters 23/40 Long commutes carry health risks Hours of commuting may be mind-numbingly dull, but new research shows that it might also be having an adverse effect on both your health and performance at work. Longer commutes also appear to have a significant impact on mental wellbeing, with those commuting longer 33 per cent more likely to suffer from depression Shutterstock 24/40 You cannot be fit and fat It is not possible to be overweight and healthy, a major new study has concluded. The study of 3.5 million Britons found that even “metabolically healthy” obese people are still at a higher risk of heart disease or a stroke than those with a normal weight range Getty 25/40 Sleep deprivation When you feel particularly exhausted, it can definitely feel like you are also lacking in brain capacity. Now, a new study has suggested this could be because chronic sleep deprivation can actually cause the brain to eat itself Shutterstock 26/40 Exercise classes offering 45 minute naps launch David Lloyd Gyms have launched a new health and fitness class which is essentially a bunch of people taking a nap for 45 minutes. The fitness group was spurred to launch the ‘napercise’ class after research revealed 86 per cent of parents said they were fatigued. The class is therefore predominantly aimed at parents but you actually do not have to have children to take part Getty 27/40 'Fundamental right to health' to be axed after Brexit, lawyers warn Tobacco and alcohol companies could win more easily in court cases such as the recent battle over plain cigarette packaging if the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights is abandoned, a barrister and public health professor have said. Getty 28/40 'Thousands dying' due to fear over non-existent statin side-effects A major new study into the side effects of the cholesterol-lowering medicine suggests common symptoms such as muscle pain and weakness are not caused by the drugs themselves Getty 29/40 Babies born to fathers aged under 25 have higher risk of autism New research has found that babies born to fathers under the age of 25 or over 51 are at higher risk of developing autism and other social disorders. The study, conducted by the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at Mount Sinai, found that these children are actually more advanced than their peers as infants, but then fall behind by the time they hit their teenage years. Getty 30/40 Cycling to work ‘could halve risk of cancer and heart disease’ Commuters who swap their car or bus pass for a bike could cut their risk of developing heart disease and cancer by almost half, new research suggests – but campaigners have warned there is still an “urgent need” to improve road conditions for cyclists. Cycling to work is linked to a lower risk of developing cancer by 45 per cent and cardiovascular disease by 46 per cent, according to a study of a quarter of a million people. Walking to work also brought health benefits, the University of Glasgow researchers found, but not to the same degree as cycling. Getty 31/40 Playing Tetris in hospital after a traumatic incident could prevent PTSD Scientists conducted the research on 71 car crash victims as they were waiting for treatment at one hospital’s accident and emergency department. They asked half of the patients to briefly recall the incident and then play the classic computer game, the others were given a written activity to complete. The researchers, from Karolinska Institute in Sweden and the University of Oxford, found that the patients who had played Tetris reported fewer intrusive memories, commonly known as flashbacks, in the week that followed Rex 32/40 Vaping backed as healthier nicotine alternative to cigarettes after latest study Vaping has been given an emphatic thumbs up by health experts after the first long-term study of its effects in ex-smokers. After six months, people who switched from real to e-cigarettes had far fewer toxins and cancer-causing substances in their bodies than continual smokers, scientists found Getty 33/40 Common method of cooking rice can leave traces of arsenic in food, scientists warn Millions of people are putting themselves at risk by cooking their rice incorrectly, scientists have warned. Recent experiments show a common method of cooking rice — simply boiling it in a pan until the water has steamed out — can expose those who eat it to traces of the poison arsenic, which contaminates rice while it is growing as a result of industrial toxins and pesticides Getty 34/40 Contraceptive gel that creates ‘reversible vasectomy’ shown to be effective in monkeys An injectable contraceptive gel that acts as a ‘reversible vasectomy’ is a step closer to being offered to men following successful trials on monkeys. Vasalgel is injected into the vas deferens, the small duct between the testicles and the urethra. It has so far been found to prevent 100 per cent of conceptions Vasalgel 35/40 Shift work and heavy lifting may reduce women’s fertility, study finds Women who work at night or do irregular shifts may experience a decline in fertility, a new study has found. Shift and night workers had fewer eggs capable of developing into healthy embryos than those who work regular daytime hours, according to researchers at Harvard University Getty 36/40 Japanese government tells people to stop overworking The Japanese government has announced measures to limit the amount of overtime employees can do – in an attempt to stop people literally working themselves to death. A fifth of Japan’s workforce are at risk of death by overwork, known as karoshi, as they work more than 80 hours of overtime each month, according to a government survey. Getty 37/40 High blood pressure may protect over 80s from dementia It is well known that high blood pressure is a risk factor for dementia, so the results of a new study from the University of California, Irvine, are quite surprising. The researchers found that people who developed high blood pressure between the ages of 80-89 are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease (the most common form of dementia) over the next three years than people of the same age with normal blood pressure. Getty 38/40 'Universal cancer vaccine’ breakthrough claimed by experts Scientists have taken a “very positive step” towards creating a universal vaccine against cancer that makes the body’s immune system attack tumours as if they were a virus, experts have said. Writing in Nature, an international team of researchers described how they had taken pieces of cancer’s genetic RNA code, put them into tiny nanoparticles of fat and then injected the mixture into the bloodstreams of three patients in the advanced stages of the disease. The patients' immune systems responded by producing "killer" T-cells designed to attack cancer. The vaccine was also found to be effective in fighting “aggressively growing” tumours in mice, according to researchers, who were led by Professor Ugur Sahin from Johannes Gutenberg University in Germany Rex 39/40 Research shows that diabetes drug can be used to stop first signs of Parkinson’s Scientists in a new study show that the first signs of Parkinson’s can be stopped. The UCL study is still in its research period but the team are ‘excited’. Today’s Parkinson’s drugs manage the symptoms of the disease but ultimately do not stop its progression in the brain. PA 40/40 Drinking alcohol could reduce risk of diabetes A new study shows that drinking alcohol three to four days a week could reduce the risk of diabetes. Wine was found to be most effective in reducing the risk due to the chemical compounds that balance blood sugar levels. Getty Deciding to read his way out of the mental rut he was in, this did not work despite the fact he was an avid reader. As an engineer, Gawdat prefers to be pragmatic in his approach to finding solutions so he found it difficult to relate to wellness and self-care manuals. From this epiphany moment, Gawdat says it took him roughly seven and a half years before he formulated his solution. The first step was to define the problem and figure out what happiness was. He firstly listed “data points” of absolutely everything in life – no matter how big or small – that makes him happy and then attempted to find a common trend between them, this could range from a good cup of coffee to your children smiling to your boss being nice to you at work. “The one thing that is common across all those moments, put simply, is that we are happy when life seems to be going our way,” he explains. Then came the equation: Happiness is equal to or greater than the events of your life minus your expectation of how life should be. Despite acknowledging your happy list, the reason we are then often unhappy is because we are trained to look at the events of our life in a way that is not truthful leading Gawdat to determine the '675 model'. The model states that there are six illusions that blur our view of the real world: thought (believing you are your thoughts), self (believing you are your body, emotions, beliefs, name, achievements, family or possessions), knowledge, time (thinking too much about the past or future), control and fear. Next, there are seven blind spots that make us miss the truth when we look at life: filtering, assuming, hunting, memories, labels, emotion and exaggerating. When we factor this into the equation, this is often how we see life events therefore blurring what those events actually mean. “Fixing the six and the seven gets you to remove the reasons for your unhappiness,” he explains. “When you do that long enough, you start to realise it is silly because life mostly meets our expectations.” Finally, there are five truths which we must accept: that now , change, love and death are all real as is the last truth: grand design, the belief that nothing is random and life generally follows patterns, laws, rules or science. By considering the five truths, even if life events are harsh, they are not unexpected because they are simply the truths of life. “When you focus on these five truths, you feel happy most of the time,” Gawdat says. Death was the fifth truth Gawdat added to his equation after losing Ali when he experienced a turning point in processing his death. Due to the circumstances of Ali’s death, senior officials in Dubai that Gawdat knew asked if he would mind them requesting an autopsy. Read more * How to be happy in your home: 5 simple but effective ways “Nibet said in her own very wise way, as always, ‘Will it bring Ali back?’’ This question came four hours later [after Ali’s death] and we were completely anchored in reality. The question made it so clear that Ali is gone and never coming back, even if we close our doors down and cry for the rest of our lives Ali is still never coming back. “That realisation is truly at the core of every happy person you have ever come across. That, sometimes, life is harsh but in those times there is nothing you can do to reverse the harshness. The only value that your incessant value brings is it makes you suffer.” Gawdat says there is a difference between pain and suffering (and “losing a child is incredibly painful”). Pain is what protects you from further suffering and is the “body’s mechanism to keep us alive”. Suffering, on the other hand, is not useful, instead, it is a cycle where a thought just causes further suffering by feelings of guilt. It is not useful thinking. Pain should be enough of a motivation to change and improve your happiness rather than the endless cycle of suffering, Gawdat says. “The minute I feel the pain of Ali’s death, which I feel every time I miss him, I think what can I do about it? How can I make the world slightly better even though Ali is not in it?” Gawdat says everyone can take on this approach, however, acknowledges for people with depression and mental health problems it is definitely not that simple. “Depression and mental health problems are beyond my skill set. We have to acknowledge that mental health is very real. I don’t think of it as a defect: It is just a different wiring. If you take a piece of code written for your iPhone and put it on your Android it will not work.” For everyone else, part of the problem with achieving happiness comes down to the fact we spend too much time hung up on the future so we almost create unhappiness for ourselves. “If you have the brain power to worry about the future, by definition that means nothing is bad now and that everything is okay. Most of the cycles that make us sad are focused on the past and the future.” One thing to bear in mind when following Gawdat’s formula is that you have to want to become happier: “If you’re cool with being unhappy there is nothing I can do for you. You have to make the choice.” It might be difficult at first but in Gawdat’s optimistic manner he explains it becomes easier likening it to going to the gym for the first time in a bid to get fitter. After the muscle pain of the first few days, you become used to it and soon enough it might just become part of your daily routine. Solve for Happy by Mo Gawdat is out now, published by Bluebird. 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Log in using your social network account OR Log in directly with The Independent {{message}} ____________________ Please enter an email address Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address ____________________ Please enter a valid password [ ] Keep me logged in (BUTTON) Submit Forgotten your password? Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout Getty Images/iStockphoto Is ikigai the new hygge? The Japanese concept of finding purpose in our lives You've tried hygge and lagom - but it turns out ikigai is the key to happiness * Kashmira Gander * @kashmiragander * Tuesday 19 September 2017 16:30 * {{#singleComment}}{{value}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{value}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow Indy/Life We’ve snuggled up in knitted sweaters and filled our rooms with wood-scented candles in the pursuit of hygge - the Danish concept of finding contentment in cosiness. When that didn't work, we turned to the Swedish idea of lagom, or moderate living, and it turns out we’re still not happy. So maybe it’s ikigai, the lifestyle concept from Japan, that will help us live our best lives. In some ways, Ikigai is the antithesis of hygge. Instead of encouraging us to slow down, it’s about find striving to find purpose in life, or raison d’etre to use a French equivalent. As such, it is a notion often adopted by those unhappy at work or who have retired. The word is composed in Japanese using the characters iki, or life, and kai, meaning the result of a certain action," explains Hector Garcia, the co-author of Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life. Read more * The age adults are at their happiest, revealed This all sounds rather fluffy. But studies show that losing one's purpose can have a detrimental effect. For instance, those who lose their raison d'etre when they retire become more prone to contracting illnesses. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial But Ikigai isn’t an individualistic concept either focused on self-preservation. The social connections that we form are as important as any sense of inner peace, according Ken dos Remedios of the Hyper Japan cultural festival. Created with Sketch. The top 10 happiest places to live in Britain Show all 10 Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. (BUTTON) Created with Sketch. The top 10 happiest places to live in Britain 1/10 Outer Hebrides The happiest places to live in Britain according to the latest well-being analysis released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Rex/Patrick Dieudonne / Robert Harding 2/10 Mid and East Antrim 3/10 Newark and Sherwood 4/10 Purbeck 5/10 Orkney Islands Chmee2/Creative Commons 6/10 Winchester Wikipedia 7/10 Fylde 8/10 Antrim and Newtownabbey 9/10 Lichfield 10/10 Fermanagh Rex 1/10 Outer Hebrides The happiest places to live in Britain according to the latest well-being analysis released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Rex/Patrick Dieudonne / Robert Harding 2/10 Mid and East Antrim 3/10 Newark and Sherwood 4/10 Purbeck 5/10 Orkney Islands Chmee2/Creative Commons 6/10 Winchester Wikipedia 7/10 Fylde 8/10 Antrim and Newtownabbey 9/10 Lichfield 10/10 Fermanagh Rex "Although it is not impossible to have ‘ikigai’ without social connections, it is easier to feel ‘ikigai’ by creating social connections, perhaps because of the ingrained social connections Japanese society promotes and Japanese individuals are conditioned to seek," the Remedios says. Now we're convinced to try it, how does one go about finding their ikigai? "Flow" is the first step, says Garcia. "When we enter a state of 'flow' we lose the sense of time passing. Have you ever been so absorbed in a task that you forget to drink and eat? What type of task was it? Notice those moments when you enter flow, and your ikigai might be embeded in those moments. If you increase the daily time at flow you will increase your connection with your ikigai. Read more * The world's happiest man says one thing is making him unhappy "Your Ikigai is at the intersection of what you are good at and what you love doing." Since incorporating the ideas of ikigai into his life, Garcia says he has become better at appreciating and understanding what he finds joy in. “I stop several times through the day and I ask myself: why am I doing this?” Which, frankly, sounds exhausting. But Garcia stresses that “noticing is only the first step.” The next is implementing changes - and this is where most of us trip up. “Then I have to learn how to make changes in my lifestyle to tilt towards more and more meaning. For example I've become stronger at my daily job when it comes to saying ‘no’ to things I know dislike and I'm not good at, and putting myself into situations where I'm doing things that I love and I'm good at. “I've also put more time and dedication into my hobbies: yoga and photography, and I'm enjoying them more than ever.” Still, it's hard not to feel that ikigai - like hygge and lagom - is another sticking plaster we've reached for to help patch over the problems in our lives that run deeper than any buzzword word can solve. “Although the words might be new, I think all the concepts are not really new," says the spokesperson for HyperJapan. "Just as humans have lusted after objects and money since the dawn of time, other humans have felt dissatisfaction at the relentless pursuit of money and fame and have instead focused on something bigger than their own material wealth. This has over the years been described using many different words and practices, but always hearkening back to the central core of meaningfulness in life.” More about Happiness lifestyle well-being Ikigai Hygge Lagom Japan Raison d'etre Reuse content Comments Share your thoughts and debate the big issues Learn more (BUTTON) {{value_p}} Independent Minds comments (BUTTON) {{value}} open comments Open Comments Join the discussion (BUTTON) Please be respectful when making a comment and adhere to our Community Guidelines. * You may not agree with our views, or other users’, but please respond to them respectfully * Swearing, personal abuse, racism, sexism, homophobia and other discriminatory or inciteful language is not acceptable * Do not impersonate other users or reveal private information about third parties * We reserve the right to delete inappropriate posts and ban offending users without notification You can find our Community Guidelines in full here. {{^nickname}} Create a commenting name to join the debate ____________________ (BUTTON) Submit Please try again, the name must be unique {{/nickname}} {{^nickname}} ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ {{/nickname}} {{#nickname}} ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ {{/nickname}} {{^nickname}} (BUTTON) Post {{/nickname}} {{#nickname}} (BUTTON) Post {{/nickname}} (BUTTON) Posting... * Newest first * Oldest first * Most liked * Least liked Loading comments... {{^comments}} There are no comments yet - be the first to add your thoughts {{/comments}} {{#comments}} {{sender.name}} {{dateTime}} {{{commentText}}} Reply {{#sender.isSelf}} Delete {{/sender.isSelf}} {{posVotes}} {{negVotes}} {{#replies}} {{sender.name}} {{dateTime}} {{{commentText}}} Reply {{#sender.isSelf}} Delete {{/sender.isSelf}} {{posVotes}} {{negVotes}} {{#replies}} {{sender.name}} {{dateTime}} {{{commentText}}} {{#sender.isSelf}} Delete {{/sender.isSelf}} {{posVotes}} {{negVotes}} {{/replies}} {{/replies}} {{/comments}} {{#showMore}} (BUTTON) Load all comments {{/showMore}} Minds Comments Join the discussion (BUTTON) Please be respectful when making a comment and adhere to our Community Guidelines. 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Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout News > UK > Home News Happiest moment in a Briton's day is the minute they get home from work, survey claims An impossible workload and sleeping through an alarm were surveyed as the unhappiest * Emma Elsworthy * Wednesday 27 June 2018 11:34 * {{#singleComment}}{{total}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{total}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow The Independent The moment Briton's sit down for the evening is in the list of happiest moments, the survey claims ( Getty Images/Caiaimage ) It’s official – workers are at their happiest at 3:25pm, a survey has revealed. Researchers looking into the peaks and troughs of the working population’s mood found the average day will see eight happy moments – but five low points. Employees are likely to experience highs when waking after a brilliant night’s sleep, receiving appreciation from the boss, and getting a complement from a client or customer. Watch more * Half of Britons ‘would not walk more than a mile’ to get somewhere But “daily downers” include having to attend a particularly long and arduous work meeting, over-eating and then regretting it afterwards, and getting stuck in traffic on the way home. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial The results emerged in a survey by British Cherries, as experts also claim the food we eat has a direct effect on happiness levels during the day – with people more likely to hit a slump if they snack on sugary or fatty treats. High sugar treats like chocolate and sweets have been identified as the foods most likely to contribute to a bad mood, but the anthocyanin in cherries, or the folic acid in spinach can help to combat unhappiness. Registered nutritionist, Anita Bean says: “We all have times when we feel down in the dumps, but lifestyle factors such as eating a healthy diet containing lots of fruit and vegetables, being active, getting outside in the fresh air as much as possible and spending time with loved ones can really help to lift our moods. “Interestingly, cherries help your brain produce the mood-enhancing hormone serotonin and are also a rich food source of the hormone melatonin which promotes healthy sleep patterns. “Half of those surveyed said they feel happier after a good night’s sleep and so cherries are a great food to eat to make sure we wake up feeling rested and happy.” Researchers who polled 2,000 workers found they are at their happiest when walking through the door after work, kicking off their shoes and removing their attire. Created with Sketch. Britons top 10 sources of worry Show all 19 Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. (BUTTON) Created with Sketch. Britons top 10 sources of worry 1/19 1. Getting old in general Getty 2/19 2. Worried about my savings/ financial future Rex 3/19 3. Low energy levels Rex 4/19 4. My diet Creative Commons 5/19 5. Financial/credit card debts Peter Macdiarmid | Getty Images 6/19 6. Job security Corbis 7/19 7. Wrinkles or ageing appearance Getty 8/19 8. Worried about my physique Getty 9/19 9. Paying rent/mortgage Getty Images 10/19 10. I seem to be generally unhappy Angelika Schwarz/Getty Creative 11/19 11. I need to find a new job Corbis 12/19 12. Whether or not I am attractive Getty 13/19 13. Whether my partner still loves me AFP/Getty Images 14/19 14. Whether I'll find the right partner/ whether my current partner is right (Image from Jennifer Aniston film 'The Break-Up') REX/Moviestore Collection 15/19 15. A friend or family member I've fallen out with 16/19 16. Whether I'm a good parent/ raising kids right 17/19 18. If my dress sense is good Getty 18/19 19. Pet's health BBC 19/19 20. Worried about the area I live in/ crime levels Getty 1/19 1. Getting old in general Getty 2/19 2. Worried about my savings/ financial future Rex 3/19 3. Low energy levels Rex 4/19 4. My diet Creative Commons 5/19 5. Financial/credit card debts Peter Macdiarmid | Getty Images 6/19 6. Job security Corbis 7/19 7. Wrinkles or ageing appearance Getty 8/19 8. Worried about my physique Getty 9/19 9. Paying rent/mortgage Getty Images 10/19 10. I seem to be generally unhappy Angelika Schwarz/Getty Creative 11/19 11. I need to find a new job Corbis 12/19 12. Whether or not I am attractive Getty 13/19 13. Whether my partner still loves me AFP/Getty Images 14/19 14. Whether I'll find the right partner/ whether my current partner is right (Image from Jennifer Aniston film 'The Break-Up') REX/Moviestore Collection 15/19 15. A friend or family member I've fallen out with 16/19 16. Whether I'm a good parent/ raising kids right 17/19 18. If my dress sense is good Getty 18/19 19. Pet's health BBC 19/19 20. Worried about the area I live in/ crime levels Getty Getting a hug from a child, and sitting down in front of the TV for the evening are also identified among the positive peaks experienced during the day. But realising there is no feasible way you can get through your mounting workload, having a client complain about something and sleeping through an alarm are the points at which the bad mood starts to creep in. The study also found the food consumed during the day can have a direct effect on overall happiness levels. Seven in 10 workers are generally in a better mood if they opt for healthier foods, and 35 per cent have noticed a correlation between eating particularly sugary or fatty foods and their glumness. More than half of those polled say if they overindulge in too much food, or in unhealthy food, they will feel down in the dumps a few hours later. In contrast, a 25 per cent firmly believe they are happier half an hour after eating fruit such as cherries or berries, than they are after eating a chocolate bar. But despite knowing unhealthy foods can be the cause of further bad moods, four in 10 adults will still reach for crisps or chocolate when they are feeling hungry. Top 10 happiest moments 1. Waking up after a brilliant night’s sleep 2. While eating a delicious evening meal 3. The moment you sit down in front of the TV for the evening 4. Your boss showing you appreciation from something you have done 5. Walking through the door after work 6. Receiving a complement from a client or customer 7. Getting a hug from your child 8. After an evening treat, such as something sweet 9. The moment you take off your work wear 10. The moment you kick your shoes off after a busy day Top 10 unhappiest moments 1. Getting stuck in traffic on the way to work 2. Not having any time to yourself 3. A disagreement with a client, customer or colleague 4. Getting stuck in traffic on the way home from work 5. Sleeping through an alarm 6. Over-eating, and regretting it afterwards 7. Your children misbehaving 8. Having a particularly long meeting at work 9. An impossible workload 10. 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Log in using your social network account OR Log in directly with The Independent {{message}} ____________________ Please enter an email address Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address ____________________ Please enter a valid password [ ] Keep me logged in (BUTTON) Submit Forgotten your password? Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout To help you reach the seven-figure mark, we rounded up nine pieces of advice from people who became millionaires at a young age. ( Monkey Business Images/REX Shutterstock ) The science of happiness: Everything you need to know about the feeling we all crave * Jodie Tyley * Thursday 31 December 2015 16:12 * {{#singleComment}}{{value}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{value}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow Indy/Life The prospect of a new year inspires many people to make resolutions and transform their lives. In doing so, we are all essentially chasing happiness. But what causes this emotion, and others, and could this help us capture the emotion we all crave? Human emotions are governed by a complex mixture of chemicals and electricity. The human brain weighs over a kilogram (2.2 pounds) and has an estimated 86 billion neurons. Signals are transmitted along each nerve electrically, by gradients of charged ions, and each neuron makes hundreds of connections to those around it. At each of the 300 trillion synapses in the human brain, chemicals known as neurotransmitters relay messages from one nerve to another. Each neurotransmitter has a set of corresponding receptors, which can be activatory or inhibitory, helping nerves to fire, or preventing them from working. This enormous chemical and electrical network provides the complexity that enables us to feel emotion, from the all-consuming addiction of love, to the raw devastation of grief. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Read more * Harvard psychiatrist says three things are secret to real happiness * These are the 10 countries with the happiest workers * Neurologists have worked out the key to finding happiness * Happiness is fulfilling your career goals by 27, suggests new study Imaging techniques have helped to reveal the areas of the brain involved in processing different emotional responses. This data, in combination with case studies of patients with damage to certain areas of their brains, and information gathered from investigations in animals, has enabled us to draw up a rough map of the emotional connections in the brain. A notable area of the brain when it comes to our mood is the limbic system, a small cluster of interconnected regions involved in memory processing and decision-making. It also has a role in motivation and the processing of emotion. The limbic system is directly connected to the olfactory bulb, which processes incoming smell signals from the nose, providing the biological link that allows smells to bring back a memory. Recent research at the Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience in Norway suggests smell-based memories are triggered with corresponding brain waves. The nucleus accumbens links the limbic system to other areas of the brain also known to have an involvement in the processing of emotion. For instance, the basal ganglia, at the base of the forebrain, has been well studied for its role in the planning and co-ordination of movement, but certain areas also light up in response to positive emotional stimuli, and are thought to be involved in reward and reinforcement. Damage to part of the basal ganglia, known as the ventral pallidum, causes anhedonia – the inability to experience pleasure. The orbitofrontal cortex, meanwhile, located just above the eyes, also lights up in response to positive experiences, and is thought to play a role in evaluating reward versus punishment. Created with Sketch. Happiest places in the UK - in pictures Show all 10 Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. (BUTTON) Created with Sketch. Happiest places in the UK - in pictures 1/10 Harrogate The north Yorkshire spa town has topped the list Christopher Furlong/Getty Images 2/10 Shrewsbury Shrewsbury in Shropshire is the second happiest place to live Creative Commons/Gnesener1900 3/10 Ipswich Ipswich in Suffolk, one of England's oldest towns, came in third Mkonikkara / Creative Commons 4/10 York York, with its stunning cathedral, came fourth andyspicturesurl/Creative Commons 5/10 Chester A view of the Eastgate clock in Chester. The Cheshire city is the fifth happiest place to live Neil Kennedy/Creative Commons 6/10 Inverness A woman stretches over a fruit stall at Inverness market. The Scottish town came in sixth Dan Kitwood/Getty Images 7/10 Llandrindod Wells The lake at Llandrindod Wells - the Welsh town voted seventh happiest in the UK Andrew Hill/Creative Commons 8/10 Hemel Hempstead Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire came eighth Creative Commons 9/10 Watford The second Hertfordshire town on the list, Watford came ninth Creative Commons 10/10 Blackpool The Lancashire town of Blackpool - famous for its tower and beach donkey rides - was number 10 Creative Commons 1/10 Harrogate The north Yorkshire spa town has topped the list Christopher Furlong/Getty Images 2/10 Shrewsbury Shrewsbury in Shropshire is the second happiest place to live Creative Commons/Gnesener1900 3/10 Ipswich Ipswich in Suffolk, one of England's oldest towns, came in third Mkonikkara / Creative Commons 4/10 York York, with its stunning cathedral, came fourth andyspicturesurl/Creative Commons 5/10 Chester A view of the Eastgate clock in Chester. The Cheshire city is the fifth happiest place to live Neil Kennedy/Creative Commons 6/10 Inverness A woman stretches over a fruit stall at Inverness market. The Scottish town came in sixth Dan Kitwood/Getty Images 7/10 Llandrindod Wells The lake at Llandrindod Wells - the Welsh town voted seventh happiest in the UK Andrew Hill/Creative Commons 8/10 Hemel Hempstead Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire came eighth Creative Commons 9/10 Watford The second Hertfordshire town on the list, Watford came ninth Creative Commons 10/10 Blackpool The Lancashire town of Blackpool - famous for its tower and beach donkey rides - was number 10 Creative Commons Another approach to the study of complex emotions, like happiness, is to break them down into smaller parts. Pleasure is evolutionarily ancient and is based on a chemical reward system that acts as a biological incentive to repeat beneficial behaviour. There are several ‘reward pathways’ in the brain, but the best studied is the mesolimbic pathway. The pathway transmits dopamine signals from nerves in the middle of the brain, upward and forward, to the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex, both of which are involved in emotional processing. Under normal conditions, this pathway serves as a motivator for positive actions, producing pleasurable feelings that reinforce evolutionarily beneficial behaviour like eating high-calorie food, social interaction and reproduction. Activation of the pathway also aids in memory storage, increasing the likelihood that the action will be repeated in the future. It’s not all about the brain though. The feelings associated with emotions are the result of a complex mixture of incoming sensory messages from all over the body. A natural high - Six major hormones and chemicals associated with emotion • Dopamine This neurotransmitter feeds the reward pathway in the brain, and is involved in motivation, drive, pleasure and addiction. Abnormally high levels of dopamine are linked to loss of contact with reality, delusions and lack of emotion, while low levels have been associated with addictive behaviour and risk taking. • Noradrenaline Chemically related to adrenaline, this neurotransmitter is a stress hormone that co-ordinates the fight-or-flight response. It mediates many of the physical components of emotion, including raised heart rate, and also acts in the brain enhancing alertness, cognition and decision-making behaviour. • GABA Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain – it decreases nerve transmission, allowing neurons time to recover. Increased GABA activity in the brain relieves anxiety and reduces stress. • Serotonin First recognised for its ability to constrict blood vessels, serotonin has become widely known as the "happiness hormone." Chemically known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), increasing the available serotonin level in the brain is the main target of the most commonly used antidepressants. • Beta-endorphin Endorphins are natural opioids, produced by the body in response to pain, excitement and even exercise. Beta-endorphin binds to the same mu receptors as the pain-relieving drug morphine. These receptors, present on nerves in the brain and spinal cord, modulate the activity of nerves, causing mild sedation, relieving pain and giving a sense of wellbeing. • Oxytocin Often described as the "bonding hormone", the "trust hormone", or sometimes even the "love hormone", oxytocin is unique to mammals. Although research is still in its infancy, oxytocin is thought to play an important role in human intimacy, childbirth, sexual arousal, trust and pair bonding. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is the subconscious arm of the peripheral nervous system, and controls bodily functions that are not under voluntary control, such as heart rate, digestion and sweating, and it is connected to the limbic system. The ANS has two distinct components with opposing functions. The sympathetic nervous system uses the neurotransmitters adrenaline and noradrenaline to prepare the body for "fight or flight", raising the heart rate and mobilising resources to fuel the muscles. The parasympathetic nervous system uses acetylcholine to allow the body to rest and digest, slowing the heart and breathing, and diverting the blood supply to the gut. Sensory feedback produced by the effects of the ANS contribute to many of the familiar feelings associated with emotions. Stimulation of the heart by adrenaline and noradrenaline as part of the fight-or-flight response produces the rapid palpitations associated with anger, fear and embarrassment. Its actions on the digestive system cause "butterflies in the stomach", and activity at the glands on the hands, feet and in the armpits, leads to nervous sweating. More passive emotions, like sadness or contentment, on the other hand, require little physical response, and the parasympathetic nervous system takes control of the heart, decreasing its rate. Feelings of contentment and relief are often accompanied by deep, slow breathing – another indicator of parasympathetic activity. The limbic system is also connected to the body via the hypothalamus. This small region, located on the underside of the brain, links the nervous system to the endocrine system – which produces hormones, some of which are key mediators of mood and emotion. For example, corticotropin-releasing hormone is produced in response to stress, and leads to the release of the stress-hormone cortisol from the adrenal glands above the kidneys. The regulation of emotion is not just restricted to one area of the brain – it involves almost the entire body. Reducing the bewildering complexity of human emotion down to anatomy, physiology, and ultimately, brain chemistry, might seem cold and clinical, but in reality, the fact that humans are capable of experiencing such an extraordinary range of abstract feelings is one of the greatest wonders of biology, with many chemical puzzles waiting to be solved. Jodie Tyley is the Editor of How It Works Magazine. Issue 79 out now, RRP £4.25. 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Log in using your social network account OR Log in directly with The Independent {{message}} ____________________ Please enter an email address Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address ____________________ Please enter a valid password [ ] Keep me logged in (BUTTON) Submit Forgotten your password? Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout Voices > Comment David Cameron wasted money on his well-being programme – we already know what makes us happy Research in happiness economics now increasingly looks like medicine, where policy impacts are measured * David Blanchflower @D_Blanchflower * Sunday 2 March 2014 17:20 * {{#singleComment}}{{total}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{total}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow The Independent Voices Getty Images It hasn’t been a great week for my personal well-being. Lots of snow and ice and cabin fever was taking hold so the wife and I decided it was time to take our two dogs for a walk. Big mistake: I went flying on the ice and heard that terrible crack and immediately knew what had happened as my foot stuck out sideways. My volunteer neighbours from the local fire department showed up in the town’s old ambulance and drove me to the Dartmouth Hitchcock where I stayed for four days. I now know the inside workings of an X-ray machine really well. To cut a long story short I have a cast on my ankle the size of a coconut along with a full collection of bolts and plates attached variously to my leg, which is going to take some explaining at airports. I am supposed to be non-weight bearing for ten weeks, that is 70 days or 1,680 hours or 100,800 minutes but who is counting. Not me, well not much. Only 107,543 minutes left now. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial All of that set me thinking about well-being and despite the fact that we get horrid injuries like broken legs, we do get over them. People are very adaptable. The truth is if you asked me last week how happy my life is on a scale of 1 through 10 as many happiness surveys do, I would have said 7. Today I am probably also a seven despite being on crutches and in some pain. Some surveys ask for responses in a very narrow time window, which make little sense. If you asked me in the 15-minute period when I was lying on the ground waiting for the ambulance to come the answer was zero. Similarly, the answer would be 10 one minute after a respondent had an orgasm. But they aren’t representative moments and are broadly worthless in working out the big picture. I will get over this. It turns out that the determinants of happiness are basically the same everywhere, no matter which question is asked or when. The Swedes and Danes are happy while the Bulgarians and Romanians are unhappy. I am still pretty happy despite the change in my middle name to Hopalong as in Cassidy. David Cameron’s Big Society idea was to set up a well-being programme at the Office for National Statistics. This has been a total waste of money as it really hasn’t taught us happiness researchers much of anything we didn’t already know. Here are the basic facts. Women are happier than men. Unemployment makes people unhappy while work makes them happy. Happiness is U-shaped in age and there is a mid-life crisis. Depression is highest in mid-life and people disproportionately take anti-depressants and pain medication in their forties and fifties. Marriage makes people happy. Second marriages are less happy than first marriages and there is adaptation. People get over divorce. Separated people are least happy. Happiness tends to be broadly flat over time. The educated are happier than the least educated. Money does buy happiness and relative things matter a lot. My Dartmouth colleague Erzo Luttmer has shown people care about their relative position and lagging behind the Joneses the McTavishes or the Cameroons, depending on where you live, diminishes well-being. He finds that an increase in neighbour’s earnings and a similarly sized decrease in one’s own income each have roughly the same negative effects on well-being. Behavioural economics has taught us a lot about patterns in well-being data, not least that people adapt and we get over broken legs and child birth. Worries that answers to happiness questions differ by culture and language have slipped away given the large literature that is now emerging that subjective happiness measures are well correlated with objective measures. These include heart rate and blood-pressure measures of response to stress. They include the risk of coronary heart disease and the duration of authentic or so-called “Duchenne” smiles. A Duchenne smile occurs when both the zygomatic major and obicularus orus facial muscles fire, and human beings identify these as “genuine” smiles, so happy people smile more. Other objective measures include skin-resistance measures of response to stress and electroencephelogram measures of prefrontal brain activity. Happy people live longer and heal faster ( I am hoping this really is true). Research in happiness economics now increasingly looks like medicine, where the impacts of treatments are measured in controlled lab settings with treatment and placebo and the results seem to go through. A new experimental paper by MIT Graduate students Johannes Haushofer and Jeremy Shapiro studied the response of poor rural households in rural Kenya to large temporary income changes and they found money buys happiness. What they also found was that the results were essentially the same whether they used subjective measures of well-being or an objective measure of stress such as the level of cortisol. Using a controlled trial, Haushofer and Shapiro randomly assigned households to receive unconditional cash transfers of at least $404. This is a large amount of money in Kenya – enough to help build a roof. The authors designed the experiment to address examine the effects of transfers on psychological well-being and levels of the stress hormone cortisol. They randomised at both the village and household levels. Further, within the treatment group, they randomised recipient gender (wife vs. husband), and transfer magnitude ($404 vs. $1,520). Interestingly, they found a strong consumption response to transfers, with an increase in monthly consumption from $157 to $194 four months after the transfer ended. Intriguingly, recipient gender did not affect the household response to the program. Transfer recipients experience large increases in psychological well-being, and several types of transfers resulted in reductions in the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Together, these results suggest that unconditional cash transfers have significant impacts on consumption and psychological well-being. Good stuff. Only 107,443 minutes left until I can stand on my own two feet. I just hope I don’t get hit by lightning when I am next out on the golf course. __________________________________________________________________ The Independent has launched its #FinalSay campaign to demand that voters are given a voice on the final Brexit deal. 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Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout Employees at the Innocent headquarters in west London ( Kalpesh Lathigra ) British workers want friends not money, according to new study Workplace happiness is more about the people you work with than the amount you earn — also a convenient commute * Zachary Davies Boren * @zdboren * Monday 22 December 2014 16:38 * {{#singleComment}}{{value}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{value}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow Indy/Life Britons consider working with people they like to be more important than the amount they earn, a new study on workplace happiness has revealed. According to a survey of 2,000 people by the Association of Accounting Technicians, eight in ten Brits would choose a job which they enjoy over one for which they would receive better pay. Respondents ranked job responsibility, recognition and companionship above a sizeable salary, and said there are five better reasons to stay in a job than money — including a more manageable commute. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial In fact, a third of those polled said they had already left a job despite good pay, because the stress wasn't worth it; three quarters claimed they wouldn't accept a more stressful job for more money. Created with Sketch. What Brits want in a job Show all 10 Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. (BUTTON) Created with Sketch. What Brits want in a job 1/10 1. Responsibility PA 2/10 2. Recognition Getty 3/10 3. My colleagues Getty Images 4/10 4. Pay GETTY IMAGES 5/10 5. Making a difference Aliya Gulamani (left) and Disability worker Sophie Goddard Micha Theiner 6/10 6. Achievement Rex 7/10 7. The job itself Rex 8/10 8. Learning new things Getty 9/10 9. Being challenged Dave Willis / www.golakes.co.uk 10/10 10. The work environment REUTERS 1/10 1. Responsibility PA 2/10 2. Recognition Getty 3/10 3. My colleagues Getty Images 4/10 4. Pay GETTY IMAGES 5/10 5. Making a difference Aliya Gulamani (left) and Disability worker Sophie Goddard Micha Theiner 6/10 6. Achievement Rex 7/10 7. The job itself Rex 8/10 8. Learning new things Getty 9/10 9. Being challenged Dave Willis / www.golakes.co.uk 10/10 10. The work environment REUTERS A pay-review scheme came in at number 11 for what Britons want from their place of work. The poll also found that most Britons actually like their job, with only 15 percent saying they were unhappy. AAT Chief Executive Mark Farrar said: "The results show that, when it comes to working happiness, money is far from the driving factor for most of us. "Of course, life dictates that we earn as much as we can to maintain or improve our circumstances, but most deemed working with good people or in a role they feel valued in as more important than the salary." Read more: Brits happier than they've been in years, finds ONS He added: "It’s interesting how much status and recognition play a big part in happiness at work alongside the promise of progression and building towards something more." Why Brits stay at their current job 1. I have a good relationship with my colleagues 2. I enjoy the job role 3. I have a good relationship with my boss 4. I don't have another job to go to 5. The commute is manageable 6. The pay 7. I have a good relationship with my clients 8. I feel I have the chance to develop my career 9. I'm good at the job 10. 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Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout News > Business > Business News One third of UK employees are miserable at work Better salaries and a good relationship with management are key to happiness in the workplace * Zlata Rodionova * Friday 20 November 2015 10:45 * {{#singleComment}}{{total}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{total}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow The Independent Some 28 per cent of people in management positions said they are stressed all the time while at the office ( John Moore/Getty Images ) A third of employees in the UK have admitted to being miserable at work, according to a new survey. Nearly 40 per cent of the UK workforce feels unhappy in their workplace , in a survey of over 1,020 UK employees by Workwear Express. While only 22 per cent declared never feeling miserable in the office. “It’s come as a surprise to find out that only a third of the UK feel happy with their career choice,” said Simon Maw, sales and marketing director of workwearexpress.com. “From the findings we believe this is down to poor management and a lack of pay rises.” Better salaries and a good relationship with management are key to happiness in the workplace, according to the results. Over half of UK workers say support from management is important to them, while 55 per cent of employees said pay rises keep them motivated in their roles. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Read more * The 30 best and worst paid jobs in the UK * 29 words you should never say in a job interview * One chart that shows UK jobs pay less than they did a decade ago * The 13 best jobs for people who hate people Ironically, while employers rank poor management as the most important issue in their work place, managers rank stress as the biggest factors that’s affecting their mood in the workplace. Some 28 per cent of people in management positions said they are stressed all the time while at the office. While nearly 25 per cent confessed that this could also affect their mood. Therapists, on the other hand are the happiest employees in the UK, with over half of therapists saying they are very happy with their career choice. Miserable employees are also less likely to stay in their jobs very long, with 14 per cent of UK workers planning to stay in their current job for a year if they feel unhappy. 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Log in using your social network account OR Log in directly with The Independent {{message}} ____________________ Please enter an email address Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address ____________________ Please enter a valid password [ ] Keep me logged in (BUTTON) Submit Forgotten your password? Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout 40 signs you're part of the furniture at work * Emma Elsworthy * Monday 26 February 2018 14:49 * {{#singleComment}}{{value}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{value}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow Indy/Life Realising most other employees are younger than you, being able to poke fun at your boss and having your own mug are all signs you’ve become ‘part of the furniture’ at work. A study of 2,000 office workers has revealed the top 40 indicators that you’ve been in your job too long, including being able to tell if someone has fiddled with your chair settings and colleagues knowing exactly how you like your tea. For a third of employees, being the one new people come to with questions is the point at which you know you’re in a job for life. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial It also emerged it takes an average of four and a half years to become 'part of the furniture', with 56 per cent of those polled believing they have achieved that status. Geoffrey Dennis, Chief Executive of international animal charity SPANA, which provides free veterinary treatment to working animals in developing countries, said: “The days of a job for life may increasingly be a thing of the past in this country, but it’s clear many British workers feel comfortable and secure in their roles and will stay with the right company for a number of years. “Sadly, it’s a very different situation for working animals in developing countries. "These horses, donkeys and camels often carry out the same gruelling work, day-in, day-out, for their entire lives. "Far from feeling in a comfort zone, they haul back-breaking loads in dangerous conditions, with little rest and no holidays or retirement at the end of it. "That’s why this forgotten workforce urgently needs our help.” Other signs you’ve been in the job for too long include repeating the same phrases day after day and not making as much effort with your workplace attire. And one in five people can remember their office going through several redesigns and redecorations during the years they have been in post. Fifteen per cent of respondents believe being older than your boss is a sure-fire sign you’re a fixture in the workplace. And the same number do their best to dodge company nights out, having been on dozens of them already. A tenth of employees also reckon they’ve been working in the same place for such a long time, they don’t feel like they could ever work anywhere else – even if they don’t get the respect they deserve. Certainly not all inclusions in the list are positive – as feeling a sense of dread on a Sunday night, everyone ‘assuming’ you are happy in your work and feeling disillusioned with changes in the workplace also feature in the list. Half of British office workers admit they struggle with change, and two thirds don’t think they’ll ever have another job apart from the one they’re doing now. But for 81 per cent of respondents, there was no specific moment that made them feel like they’d become a workplace institution, with the feeling creeping up gradually. Eight in 10 office workers also say that, despite everything, they enjoy feeling like part of the furniture at work, although 68 per cent believe their working conditions – including pay, their job description and job title – should be updated. Geoffrey Dennis, Chief Executive for SPANA, added: “Many workers in the UK might start to feel like part of the furniture after several years in the same workplace – with a favourite mug and their own daily routines and rituals. “Thankfully, long service at a company is, in most cases, a choice and a sign that employees are content in their roles and have job security. "However, many people in the UK aren’t aware about the relentlessly tough working lives endured by working animals around the world. “These animals play a vital role in supporting the livelihoods of the world’s poorest families. "Yet, despite their importance, they often lead short, painful lives and their welfare is neglected. SPANA is working to ensure that working animals have access to veterinary care when they are sick or injured, as well as educating owners about how to best care for their animals.” THE TOP 40 SIGNS YOU’RE ‘PART OF THE FURNITURE’ AT WORK 1. New people come to you with questions 2. Noticing that most other employees are younger than you 3. People value your opinion 4. You can 'banter' with the boss 5. You have your own mug 6. Everyone knows how you like your tea/coffee 7. You can remember the office going through several redesigns and redecorations 8. You find yourself repeating the same phrases 9. You can tell immediately if someone has messed with your chair settings 10. Not being asked where you’ve been if you’re a few minutes late in the morning 11. You don't want to attend work nights out 12. You’re older than your boss 13. Clients ask you how your family is doing 14. You don't make as much effort with your fashion choices 15. You don't feel able to look for another job 16. Everyone assumes you are happy in your work 17. You are territorial about your desk and workspace 18. You know every single company procedure inside out 19. A desk fully decorated with pictures of friends and family 20. You are pigeon-holed in your position 21. Panicking when the company introduces new technology 22. You feel a sense of dread on a Sunday night 23. You haven’t had a pay rise in years 24. You feel disillusioned by changes at work 25. You don’t feel like you could ever work anywhere else 26. You race through tasks 27. People always come to you when they want to identify someone in the office 28. Colleagues refer to you as the "mum" or "dad" of the office 29. You feel like you don’t get the respect you deserve 30. You have reached your full holiday allowance, having accumulated extra days due to long service 31. Having a nickname 32. You have a favourite toilet 33. You have your own parking space 34. You look ahead at projects and realise you've done them all before 35. You had babies who have now left school, all in the time you’ve worked in the same place 36. Offering to get people lunch when you’re out 37. You have a fully stacked 'snack drawer' 38. None on the colleagues are still at the company from when you started 39. You can’t remember the names of many colleagues as you’ve seen so many comings and goings 40. 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Log in using your social network account OR Log in directly with The Independent {{message}} ____________________ Please enter an email address Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address ____________________ Please enter a valid password [ ] Keep me logged in (BUTTON) Submit Forgotten your password? Try Independent Minds free for 14 days See the options Hi {{fullName}} * My Independent Minds * Account details * Help centre * Logout News > UK > Home News Why we should get three-day weekends all the time The idea of working less is feasible and the basis for a better standard of life * David Spencer * Sunday 30 August 2015 12:38 * {{#singleComment}}{{total}} comment{{/singleComment}}{{^singleComment}}{{total}} comments{{/singleComment}} * Click to follow The Independent What if the majority of the week could be given over to activities other than work? ( Getty Images ) As we enjoy the August bank holiday and a three-day weekend, it is worth reassessing the amount of time we devote to work. What if all weekends could last for three or even four days? What if the majority of the week could be given over to activities other than work? What if most of our time could be devoted to non-work activities of our own choosing? To even pose these questions is to invite the criticism of Utopian thinking. While a fine idea in principle, working fewer hours is not feasible in practice. Indeed, its achievement would come at the expense of lower consumption and increased economic hardship. For some advocates of the work ethic, the route to health and happiness lies with the perpetuation of work, not with its reduction. Work makes us healthier and happier. Such pro-work ideology is used to legitimate welfare reforms that seek to coerce the non-employed into work, whatever its rates of pay and qualitative features. It also offers an ideological barrier to the case for spending less time at work. Working less is presented as a threat to our health and happiness, not a means to improve it. Join Indpendent Minds For exclusive articles, events and an advertising-free read for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent With an Independent Minds subscription for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Get the best of The Independent Without the ads – for just £5.99 €6.99 $9.99 a month (BUTTON) Start your free trial Read more * Bank holiday days out: Cornwall to the Clyde * Hotels fear for 2016 bookings after washout summer * Thundery downpours, wind and lightning will blight events Yet, the idea of working less is not only feasible, it is also the basis for a better standard of life. It is a mark of how we have come to accept work and its dominant influence in our lives that we do not grasp this idea more readily. The costs of working more A growing number of studies show the human costs of longer working hours. These include lower physical and mental health. Working long hours can add to the risk of having a stroke, coronary heart disease and developing type 2 diabetes. By working most of the time, we also lose time with family and friends. And more than this we lose the ability to be and do things that make life valuable and worth living. Our lives are often too much tied up in the work we do that we have little time and energy to find alternative ways of living – in short, our capacity to realise our talents and potential is curtailed by the work we do. Work does not set us free, rather it hems us in and makes it more difficult to realise ourselves. All this speaks to the need to work less. We should challenge the work ethic and promote alternative ways of living that are less work centred. And, if this reduction of time spent at work is focused on eliminating drudge work then we can also better realise the internal benefits of work itself. Working less may be a means not only to work better but also to enjoy life more. Barriers to less work Technological progress has advanced continuously over the past century, pushing up productivity. But not all the gains in productivity have fed through to shorter work hours. At least in modern times, these gains have been used to increase the returns of the owners of capital, often at the cost of flatlining pay for workers. The lack of progress in reducing time spent at work in modern capitalist economies reflects instead the influence of ideology as well as of power. On the one hand, the effects of consumerism have created powerful forces in favour of longer working hours. Workers are constantly persuaded to buy more and in turn are drawn into working more, to keep up with the latest fad or fashion and to stay ahead of their peers. Created with Sketch. Cheapest UK cities for a short break Show all 20 Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. (BUTTON) Created with Sketch. Cheapest UK cities for a short break 1/20 1. Sheffield (£154) Bs0u10e01/Wiki Commons 2/20 2. Birmingham (£166) Getty 3/20 3. Cardiff (£173) Getty 4/20 4. Newcastle upon Tyne (£176) 5/20 5. Bristol (£180) Adrian Pingstone/Wikicommon 6/20 6. Leeds (£184) Jungpionier/Wikimedia Creative Commons 7/20 7. Liverpool (£190) PA 8/20 8. Nottingham (£199) PA 9/20 9. Manchester (£200) 10/20 10. Belfast (£204) Chris Downer/Geograph 11/20 11. Southampton (£205) 12/20 12. Chester (£205) 13/20 13. Glasgow (£218) 14/20 14. Brighton (£237) 15/20 15. York (£238) 16/20 16. Bath (£256) 17/20 17. Oxford (£256) 18/20 18. London (£267) Diliff/Wiki Commons 19/20 19. Cambridge (£277) 20/20 20. Edinburgh (£331) Kim Traynor/Wiki Commons 1/20 1. Sheffield (£154) Bs0u10e01/Wiki Commons 2/20 2. Birmingham (£166) Getty 3/20 3. Cardiff (£173) Getty 4/20 4. Newcastle upon Tyne (£176) 5/20 5. Bristol (£180) Adrian Pingstone/Wikicommon 6/20 6. Leeds (£184) Jungpionier/Wikimedia Creative Commons 7/20 7. Liverpool (£190) PA 8/20 8. Nottingham (£199) PA 9/20 9. Manchester (£200) 10/20 10. Belfast (£204) Chris Downer/Geograph 11/20 11. Southampton (£205) 12/20 12. Chester (£205) 13/20 13. Glasgow (£218) 14/20 14. Brighton (£237) 15/20 15. York (£238) 16/20 16. Bath (£256) 17/20 17. Oxford (£256) 18/20 18. London (£267) Diliff/Wiki Commons 19/20 19. Cambridge (£277) 20/20 20. Edinburgh (£331) Kim Traynor/Wiki Commons On the other hand, the weakened power of labour relative to capital has created an environment that has suited the extension of work time. The recent exposé of work practices at Amazon speaks to the power of capital in imposing poor working conditions, including excessive work hours, on workers. The effects of rising inequality has also fed a long work hours culture by increasing the economic necessity to work more. David Graeber makes the provocative claim that technology has advanced at the same time as what he calls “bullshit” or pointless jobs have multiplied. This is why we have not realised Keynes' prediction that we’d all be working 15-hour weeks in the 21st century, as a result of technological progress. Instead, we are living in a society where work gets created that is of no social value. The reason for this, according to Graeber, is the need of the ruling class to keep workers in work. While technology with the potential to reduce work time exists, the political challenge of a working population with time on its hands makes the ruling class unwilling to realise this potential. Working less, while feasible and desirable, is blocked by political factors. Working for change The costs of long work hours, as mentioned above, are poorer health and lower well-being for workers. But for employers too there are costs in terms of lower productivity and lower profitability. Yet these costs seem to go unnoticed despite evidence pointing to their existence. Here again politics may explain why shorter work time has not been embraced by many employers. Experiments in shorter working exist, to be sure. Uniqlo, a Japanese clothing retailer, is to allow its employees to work a four day week. This has been widely reported in a positive way. Workers will benefit from a better work-life balance, while the firm will reap the benefits of lower labour costs due to lower turnover costs. Yet, on closer inspection, the new scheme to be introduced by Uniqlo has its downsides. In return for a four-day working week, workers will be expected to work ten-hour shifts during the days they work (a 40-hour working week will be squeezed into four days). Read more * Bank holiday in Berlin * HSBC customers hit with payday delays ahead of holiday * Road works, train delays and rain expected during Carnival This is not only an extension to the normal length of the working day; it also puts at risk the potential rewards of working four days in the week. Workers may be so exhausted after working a four-day work week they need a full day to recover from their previous exertions. In this case, their quality of work and life may not be enhanced at all; indeed it may be diminished, if they suffer the ill-effects of overwork. Ironically, schemes such as the one to be introduced by Uniqlo illustrate the obstacles that remain in achieving less work. Only a reduction in the working week to 30 hours or less can be seen as genuine progress in the achievement of shorter work time. For us to reach – and enjoy – a three or ideally a four-day weekend, we need to reimagine society in ways that subvert the prevailing work ethic. We need to embrace the idea of working less as a means to a life well lived. We need to reject the way of living that sees work as the be all and end all of life. So enjoy the bank holiday while you can. See it as a reminder of a life that could be – a life that we should seek to achieve, by resolving to overcome the barriers, economic as well as ideological and political, to working less. David Spencer is Professor of Economics and Political Economy at University of Leeds This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. 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Oliver Burkeman @oliverburkeman Sat 8 May 2010 00.05 BST First published on Sat 8 May 2010 00.05 BST * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share via Email Stone cutting: Oliver Burkeman [ ] 'I thought I'd have to hammer with all my strength to make the tiniest indentation; instead, great slices of stone are flaking off, threatening to ruin all hopes of the flat surface I'm aiming for.' Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian Until I spent a day learning stonemasonry (or, to be more accurate, failing to learn stonemasonry), I'd never given much thought to the fact that walls are flat. But after a few hours in a boiler suit and safety goggles, hacking incompetently at a block of Portland limestone, the flatness of walls – especially stone ones, in churches and stately homes and suchlike – suddenly struck me as completely astonishing. Consider three facts: first, stone comes out of the ground in massive, irregular, knobbly hunks. Second, by the time it ends up as part of a wall, it's almost perfectly flat. And third: most of those walls were built long before the invention of enormous motorised buzz saws that slice cleanly through stone in minutes. Instead, that flatness was achieved by masons chipping away, precisely and patiently, with chisels and mallets. If you ever think about the art of stonemasonry at all, you probably think of intricate carvings, or elegant columns, or gargoyles. Yet those vast expanses of flatness are actually pretty amazing. You don't tend to notice them – but to make them unnoticeable takes a great deal of skill. Which, as it turns out, I don't have. "This is the first thing you do on your masonry apprenticeship – they give you a big rough block of stone and say, right, make it into a square block," says Oli Clack, the frighteningly accomplished 21-year-old who has been assigned as my tutor at CWO Stonemasons in Chichester. There's one such block on a table before us; the floor is deep in stone dust. Clack, demonstrating the task, does it without really concentrating: light taps of his mallet on the chisel cause large chunks of soft stone to fall away in exactly the right places, leaving a flat surface that looks like it's been there all along, waiting for someone to reveal it. CWO's stonecarvers are some of the most talented in the country, which is why, when I arrive at their 100-person headquarters, they're midway through a multimillion-pound project to replace decaying windowsills at Buckingham Palace. "You just have to forget it's the Queen's house and get on with it," says Bernard Burns, the managing director. Even so, I can't help noticing that a certain amount of effort is expended to make sure my erratically wielded chisel never gets anywhere near stone destined for the monarch's windows. I've travelled to Chichester to test the argument made by the American philosopher Matthew Crawford in his book, The Case For Working With Your Hands: Or Why Office Work Is Bad For Us And Fixing Things Feels Good. Crawford has a doctorate in political philosophy and used to work for a thinktank; now he runs a motorbike repair shop in Richmond, Virginia, and he knows which life he prefers. His short, passionate book is an effort to show that this doesn't just apply to him: the way we've come to devalue manual competence, he argues, explains why so much modern work feels empty and unfulfilling. He's not really suggesting that we white-collar workers should all abandon our desk jobs in favour of rolling up our sleeves and getting our hands dirty. But his firm conviction is that the skilled trades – car repair, plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, stonemasonry – offer a way of thinking about life, and relating to the world, that we could all do with adopting. "The important thing," he says, "is whether a job entails using your own judgment or not." Proudly clutching his new PhD, Crawford's first job was for an outfit called the Information Access Company, where his task was to condense academic papers into short summaries at the rate of 28 a day. It left him feeling exhausted, and weirdly detached: the 28-per-day quota made it impossible really to engage with anything he was reading. Later, he became director of a rightwing Washington thinktank — where, he writes, "I was always tired, and honestly could not see the rationale for my being paid at all – what tangible goods or useful services was I providing to anyone? This sense of uselessness was dispiriting." After all that, turning his motorbike hobby into a job felt like a rebirth. It was physical and concrete, with clear criteria of success and failure: the bike was there in front of him, successfully fixed or not. It was more intellectually challenging than the thinktank, too, and the overall effect was energising: "Seeing a motorcycle about to leave my shop under its own power, several days after arriving in the back of a pickup truck, I suddenly don't feel tired, even though I've been standing on a concrete floor all day," the now 44-year-old Crawford writes. As the owner drives the bike away, "I can hear his salute in the exuberant 'bwaaAAAAP! blum-blum' of a crisp throttle, gratuitously revved. That sound pleases me, as I know it does him." Matthew Crawford Manual competence makes you feel better, and behave better, argues Matthew Crawford. Electricians are not your equals, they are your superiors Photograph: Robert Adamo Conventional wisdom, of course, usually frowns on career transitions like this, or dismisses them as self-indulgent, middle-class romanticism. The ethos of the new economy is "upskilling", pushing more and more people to get university degrees and become "knowledge workers" as manufacturing jobs disappear, or are outsourced to China. Web programming skills might save you; joinery skills probably won't. Yet, as Crawford notes, "blue-collar" and "white-collar" no longer mean much. Assembly-line workers and car mechanics are both blue-collar, while call-centre workers are white-collar, but it's arguably the mechanic who has the most job security: when your car breaks down, you need him here. You can't fix cars over the internet. Crawford's main perspective isn't economic, though: it's that manual competence makes you feel better, and behave better. It gives you a sense of autonomy, a feeling of responsibility for your work and for the material world, and ultimately makes for better citizens. This is, he admits, an "aristocratic" vision. If you're a manager who spends all day manipulating spreadsheets, or a marketing executive who toils in the intangible world of brands, Crawford's point isn't that you should try to think of an electrician as your equal. His point is that the electrician is a better person than you. The first thing I learn, as I touch the chisel to the block and take an initial, tentative swing with the mallet, is that stone – especially limestone – isn't the impenetrable material I'd imagined. I thought I'd have to hammer with all my strength to make the tiniest indentation; instead, great slices of stone are flaking off, threatening to ruin all hopes of the flat surface I'm aiming for. Apprentice masons soon learn, Clack explains, that stone is a temperamental substance that needs to be coaxed and cajoled into the right shape, not dominated with brute force. It has its eccentricities. It can fall apart under its own weight while you're carrying it. Or water can seep in, freezing and leaving air-pockets, so that you'll be chiselling away when suddenly you hit one, and the delicate patterns you've spent the last week carving fracture into pieces and fall to the floor. What emerges from my chiselling isn't what most people would call flat. But for someone who's famous among friends for a lack of hand-eye coordination, it's surprisingly non-terrible: you could certainly tell, by looking at it, that flatness was what I was aiming for. "That's not too bad, actually," is Clack's verdict, and though I know he's being polite, this makes me feel great. Unlike an office performance review, where nothing's really measurable, and where blandly content-free praise is the norm, there's a clear, indisputable goal here. I haven't met it, but that's the curious thing: it feels better to know exactly what you're aiming for, even if you miss. Crawford sees the dwindling of manual skills as part of something bigger and more alarming: a fundamental change in how we relate to our physical stuff. As consumers, most of us no longer make things, but buy them instead; we no longer fix things, but replace them. Appliances used to be manufactured in the expectation that customers might want to tinker with them – detailed parts diagrams were often included – but these days designers try to "hide the works". Gadgets feature strange screws that can't be unscrewed using normal screwdrivers. Some cars are designed so that all you can see once you lift the bonnet is a smooth, impenetrable surface: effectively, another bonnet. We become passive and dependent, and more easily manipulable. Our physical surroundings no longer hold our attention, and we start to succumb to what Crawford calls "virtualism" – "a vision of the future in which we somehow take leave of material reality and glide about in a pure information economy." This is the vision peddled by numerous commentators on the future of the internet: an ethereal, anchorless world in which all we do is exchange ideas, where everything is funded by advertisements for everything else, and in which all that matters is the production of knowledge – not the sewers and electricity networks and kitchen tables and washing machines on which the knowledge-producers will still presumably rely. This is turning us into narcissists, Crawford claims: we believe that reality is what we make it. Marketers and advertisers focus on building brands, and "telling compelling stories". Managers, lacking clear yardsticks to assess the work of their subordinates or themselves, turn into therapists, concerning themselves with boosting morale or unleashing "creativity", which is spoken of like some mystical force, waiting to be tapped by brainstorming sessions and bonding weekends. Confronting the material world brings us back to the realisation that there is an undeniable reality, and grappling with it requires us to get over our self-absorption. What you need instead is honesty and humility, and even a kind of submission. "Getting it right demands that you be attentive in the way of a conversation, rather than assertive in the way of a demonstration," is how Crawford puts it. Instead of imagining ourselves to be all-powerful, yet all the while feeling strangely powerless, making and fixing things instils both a sense of power over what you can control and honesty about what you can't. Crucial to all this is actually experiencing failure, something white-collar workers are often buffered from. "There are people who'll say, 'Oh, I'm not mechanical,' " Crawford says, "but often much of what distinguishes people who are is that they're willing to undergo the experience of unambiguous failure." "Unambiguous failure" is a pretty good way to describe what happens when Oli Clack introduces me to the next stage of my masonry training, which involves an electrically powered chisel that causes my entire body to vibrate painfully, yet somehow fails to remove any stone whatsoever. As I should have guessed, the reason is that brute force isn't the answer: clutching the chisel with both hands and driving it into the stone just drives its vibrations back into your bones; the trick is barely to hold it at all. I never quite get the hang of this – but even so, a few hours in, I can begin to appreciate something of the pleasing exhaustion that's characteristic of the work. As early as lunchtime, a deep sense of peacefulness has settled over the workshop. Oliver Burkeman cutting stone 'What emerges from my chiselling isn’t what most people would call flat, but it’s surprisingly non-terrible,' says Oliver Burkeman Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian "You do feel good at the end of the day, because you're knackered," says Clack, whose own current project is an elaborate restoration of the St Lawrence Jewry Fountain near St Paul's Cathedral in London, part of which sits on the table in front of him. "You've been concentrating, but you've probably also been doing a lot of heavy lifting, and also, you know, you've done your work, and you're like, yeah, I did that. It's done. Proud of that." There is, of course, a simpler way to explain the thrill Crawford felt when he set up in business as a motorcycle mechanic: that he just really, really likes bikes. And tinkering in workshops. And vehicles with roaring engines that travel at terrific speeds – that he is, in other words, a fairly stereotypical youngish American male. (There's plenty of shopfloor horseplay in the book: "I smelled something burning, and discovered my pants were on fire...") There's nothing wrong with that, of course, a theory that, perhaps reflecting Crawford's thinktank days, has a certain conservative flavour. After a while, wrote the New York Times reviewer Dwight Garner, The Case For Working With Your Hands "begins to read like a long, self-satisfied defence of the life choices Mr Crawford has made – quitting the dreary thinktank where the girly men are, and working on bikes. The book suddenly has a small but detectable chip on its shoulder." Crawford makes some effort to defend his ideas as universal, but he also concedes that he's preoccupied with "a kind of discontent that is perhaps peculiarly male. I think young men, when they look at the palette of possibilities presented to them... there's something missing from the official picture of what they're supposed to want." Office work, he comes very close to saying, is effeminising, with its focus on teamwork and groups. Real men want to be independent and self-directed, preferably with a wrench in their hand. There's an additional risk of wallowing in nostalgia for some golden age of artisans, or of idolising those with dangerous or poorly paid jobs who themselves might far rather the comforts of desk work. By the end of my time at CWO Stonemasons in Chichester, though, I confess I wasn't thinking much about these criticisms. I was getting better – just very slightly – at chiselling a flat surface from a block of Portland limestone. I'd been deeply absorbed, I was happily tired and, if the stone I'd been working on had been destined for some real-life monument or building, I'd have been able to say: look, there, that's what I did, and it's going to last. 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