If you ask five people how their year went, you’d likely hear five different answers. This year has brought its share of challenges for some and opportunities for growth for others. But one thread ties all these stories together: the importance of finding balance, connection, and moments of happiness in our daily lives.
In workplaces that can often feel weighed down by stress or uncertainty, embracing a positive and supportive approach can transform the way teams thrive.
It doesn’t always have to be complicated. That’s why shows like Ted Lasso resonate so strongly. Its sincere portrayal of leadership and teamwork is paired with a refreshing lack of negativity and sarcasm. Together, these qualities offer a new perspective on what workplace dynamics can be.
At the start of the year, we asked our network to share their biggest challenges, and team happiness stood out. Happiness, as it turns out, is not just a “nice-to-have.” It’s an ongoing commitment to creating a culture that keeps people engaged and motivated. It’s the cornerstone of resilience, collaboration, and success.
One of the standout trends we’ve observed this year is the growing alignment between fun team-building activities and Learning & Development (L&D) programs. Our clients are increasingly embracing this “perfect pairing” approach, combining bonding experiences with hands-on, experiential learning to reinforce key concepts.
The results speak volumes: teams that feel more connected to their work and their colleagues are happier, more productive, and more likely to stay. Happiness fuels connectedness, retention, innovation, and productivity – a powerful formula for success.
We see how people thrive when they learn and grow together. Another critical piece of the team happiness puzzle is trust. While hybrid programs and collaborative efforts are driving positive action, the emotional and psychological aspects deserve just as much focus.
We understand the goal (team happiness), we see the steps being taken (hybrid programs), but what about your role as a leader?
As we’ve explored in previous articles, trust in leadership is non-negotiable across all generations. Leaders who build psychological safety, embrace diverse perspectives, and celebrate individual contributions create meaningful work and authentic workplaces.
When leaders prioritise trust, engagement, and growth, silos disappear, collaboration grows, and teams thrive. Investing in your people doesn’t just build happiness, it strengthens the organisation.
So, as we close out 2024, we invite you to reflect on your journey. Did you make progress in creating a happier environment for your team, or did new challenges emerge? What lessons, big or small, did you learn about team happiness this year?
Share your insights with us in under 100 words, and you’ll go into the draw to win a bespoke series of happiness programs for you and your team in 2025, valued at $10,000. Enter here to share your story and find out more.
Let’s make 2025 a year where happiness guides every team, every day.
Thanks for reading,
Oliver Sheer
Be Challenged | Managing Director