The recent tragic death of an employee at EY Pune has brought to light the serious mental-health challenges many people face in today’s fast-paced work environments. It’s a harsh reminder that the traditional focus on productivity and profits isn’t enough—companies need to prioritise the well-being of their employees. This is where the idea of happiness at work comes in. It is becoming increasingly clear that fostering happiness isn’t just good for people, but good for business too.
Research, by the Happiness Research Academy, shows that a staggering 70 per cent of the Indian workforce is unhappy at work. That means, the majority of employees are spending most of their time in environments that don’t make them feel valued or fulfilled. Interestingly, the research also highlights that people of the same age experience very different levels of happiness, which shows that it’s not just about how old you are or how long you’ve been in the workforce—other factors are at play, such as the workplace culture and how supported employees feel there.
One of the most striking findings is the difference in happiness levels between men and women across various regions in India. In the East and Central zones, women report being happier at work, while in the North, it’s the men who are more content. These insights clearly indicate that a one-size-fits-all approach to happiness at work simply won’t work. Employers need to consider regional, cultural and industry-specific factors when thinking about how to create a happier workplace.
What’s even more alarming is that 54 per cent of employees are considering leaving their organisations, and for Millennials, that number rises to 59 per cent. These statistics show just how critical it is for businesses to create environments where employees feel happy and supported, or else risk losing them. The cost of high turnover is significant—replacing employees, especially skilled ones, is expensive and time-consuming. However, what’s even more concerning is the emotional and psychological toll it takes on the employees who remain, especially if they too are unhappy.
On the flip side, the research shows that employees who work in supportive environments where they can pursue their personal interests are 60 per cent less likely to leave. This suggests that when employees feel their overall well-being is being looked after, they are more loyal and likely to stay with the company for the long haul. This not only saves companies money on recruitment and training but also helps them maintain a stable and engaged workforce.
Another critical issue the research highlights is the struggle employees face with collaboration and communication. A whopping 63 per cent of employees say they have trouble collaborating because of conflicts, and 62 per cent feel they can’t openly express their views at work. These are huge barriers to building a positive, productive work culture. If employees don’t feel safe speaking up or working together, it stifles creativity and innovation, which are key to any company’s success.
All these point to one undeniable conclusion: happiness needs to be a core focus for businesses. Companies that prioritise employee happiness not only see improvements in productivity but also foster innovation. Happy employees are more engaged, more creative and more likely to go above and beyond their basic job duties. They are motivated to contribute ideas, take on new challenges, and help the company grow.
Becoming certified as one of the ‘Happiest Places to Work’ offers businesses a meaningful way to demonstrate their commitment to employee well-being. It’s not just about earning a title; it signals that a company genuinely values its people and is serious about creating a supportive and positive work environment. This kind of recognition can also help attract talent in a competitive market, where employees are increasingly looking for workplaces that are concerned about their overall happiness, not just their output. While certification alone isn’t a solution, it reflects a deeper commitment to fostering a culture where employees can thrive.
At the end of the day, focusing on employee happiness is about more than just keeping people around. It’s about creating a culture where people feel safe, respected and empowered to do their best work. When companies make happiness a priority, everyone wins—the employees, the business and even the customers. This shift towards happiness as a core business strategy is not just the future of work—it’s the future of business success.
