Six PROVEN Ways to Improve Employee Happiness

This week in the Benchmark Management Community, we were joined by Lord Mark Price, former MD of Waitrose and author of The Happy Economist. He shared his six core principles for improving employee happiness, backed by years of leadership experience and research into workplace wellbeing.

Here’s a breakdown of each, and what it means for you as a manager:

1. Reward and Recognition

People need to feel their work matters, and that others notice when they’ve done it well.

That doesn’t always mean bonuses or pay rises. Often, a well-timed “thank you” or specific feedback is more meaningful. If your team can’t remember the last time they were praised, it’s time to change that.

2. Information Sharing

Transparency builds trust. When employees feel they’re being kept in the loop, they feel more connected, more valued, and more invested.

Share the “why” behind decisions. Update your team on company performance, even if it’s not all good news. Silence makes people nervous. Communication builds confidence.

3. Empowerment

No one wants to feel like a cog in a machine. When you give people autonomy and ownership over their work, they thrive.

Let them make decisions and let them lead projects. Trust them to figure things out, then support them if they stumble.

4. Wellbeing

This isn’t about offering yoga classes (though, sure, why not?). It’s about creating an environment where people don’t burn out trying to please you.

Check in on how they’re really doing, not just what they’re working on. If your culture rewards overwork, don’t be surprised when people stop enjoying the work.

5. Instilling Pride

People want to feel proud of where they work. That means believing in the mission, liking their team, and knowing their work has purpose.

Celebrate wins. Share stories of impact. Remind people what they’re part of. Happy employees don’t just stay, they spread the word.

6. Job Satisfaction

Are your team using their skills? Do they feel challenged, but not overwhelmed? Are they doing work they enjoy, at least most of the time?

Role clarity, progression opportunities, and variety all play a part in job satisfaction. The goal isn’t to make every task fun, it’s to make the overall experience rewarding.

Final Thoughts

The happiest workplaces aren’t perfect, but they are intentional. They listen, adapt, and lead with empathy.

Ask yourself this week: What’s one small thing I can do to boost happiness on my team?