The Happiness Index

Learn to reconnect your brain and heart to find happiness and engagement at work and in life In The Happiness Index: Why Today's Emotions Equal Tomorrow's Business Success, cofounder and CEO of The Happiness Index Matthew Phelan delivers a fascinating dive into data from over 100 countries and 2 million human beings that helps us understand what really drives our engagement and happiness at work. Grounded in an evidence-based and neuroscientific approach, the book skips the memes and inspirational quotes in favor of data and insights based on real-time information from real people. In the book, you’ll learn that “engagement” is what our brains need, and “happiness” is what our hearts need. You’ll discover what we need to thrive and succeed in work and life, as well as: A step-by-step approach to learning from real-world data about happiness Practical lessons applicable to any organization that will help both individuals and groups succeed Case studies from recognizable firms around the world and interviews with executives to help bring the data to life A simultaneously inspirational and hands-on treatment of a subject of singular importance to everyone in the working world, The Happiness Index will benefit executives, managers, and other business leaders, as well as founders, business owners, and anyone else interested in helping the people around them flourish.

Acknowledgments ix Foreword xiii Chapter 1 Introduction 1 Chapter 2 The Crossroads of Change 17 Chapter 3 Employee Engagement and Happiness 35 Chapter 4 Emotions as Data Points 49 Chapter 5 Psychological Safety 73 Chapter 6 Freedom 87 Chapter 7 Feelings of Acknowledgment 97 Chapter 8 Positive Relationships 109 Chapter 9 Aligned Meaning and Purpose 125 Chapter 10 Opportunities for Growth 137 Chapter 11 Clarity 147 Chapter 12 Enablement to Succeed 159 Chapter 13 Humanity and a Thriving Culture 171 Chapter 14 Freedom to Be Human 189 About the Author 199 Index 201