Libby Gordon and Esther Stevenson explain how they made Christian Aid’s values and principles clear to every member of staff and volunteer, and why you should do this in your organisation.
2016 Happy Workplaces Conference
On the 11th May 2016, we welcomed John Housego of WL Gore (makers of Goretex), who explained how Gore has created an award-winning international company through its trust-based leadership. Simon Perriton of Just IT, Philippa Ward of Global Action Plan and Valentina Culatti of UNIT9 each explained how they had used the principles of the Happy Manifesto to create their happy, successful workplaces, while Shannon Banks spoke about the importance of connection in the workplace. Finally, Tarun and Henry explained how Next Jump operates with a ‘no fire’ policy.
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Watch clips and read excerpts from the conference
On this page, you can view videos of each of the speakers at the 2016 Happy Workplaces Conference with links to related blogs.
Libby and Esther: Creating Clear Principles and Values at Christian Aid
John Housego: On WL Gore and its Trust-Based Leadership
Shannon Banks: Why Friendships in the Workplace are Vital
People with a best friend at work are seven times more likely to be motivated and productive – and yet only 42% of people in the UK say they have a friend at work. Find out the importance of connection in this talk from the 2016 Happy Workplaces Conference by Shannon Banks, coach and consultant at Be Leadership.
Simon Perriton: How Just IT Helps People to Work at Their Best
Simon Perriton is a long-term friend of Happy, and his company Just IT has just ‘done the double’ – it’s just been in the Sunday Times ‘Best Workplace’ list and the Great Place to Work list. Simon explains how he has transformed his organisation by helping his staff to work at their best.
Philippa Ward: Why are Global Action Plan’s Staff So Happy?
Global Action Plan is another top performer in our internal staff surveys – but how do they do it? In this 15 minute talk from the 2016 Happy Workplaces Conference, Philippa Ward explains her top tips for creating a happier workplace – particularly in times of change.
Valentina Culatti: How UNIT9 Use the Principles of the Happy Manifesto
UNIT9 has had the best ever staff survey we’ve ever seen – and Valentina Culatti explained how she achieved it using the principles from the Happy Manifesto in this inspiring talk from the 2016 Happy Workplaces Conference.
Recruit for Attitude, Train for Skill in Practice – Valentina Culatti, UNIT9
Could you be missing out on exciting new talent? Try recruiting for attitude and potential ability. Find out how it works for UNIT9 in this video.
Why You Need to Make Friends at Work – Shannon Banks, Be Leadership Ltd
In 2013, Harvard released a study called The Harvard Grant Study, the results of it. You might have heard about it: it was a 75-year longitudinal study into what makes us happy and satisfied.
‘Name the Niggles’ For a Happier Workplace – Philippa Ward, GAP
Global Action Plan is one of the happiest workplaces we've come across. Find out how they do it in this two minute video with Philippa Ward.
What do David Attenborough and Mindfulness Have in Common?
What do David Attenborough and Mindfulness have in common? Find out in this two minute video with our Senior Facilitator, Paul Gapper.
Talking Partners: A New Kind of Buddy Scheme – Henry Searle and Tarun Gidoomal
Talking Partners is a new kind of buddy scheme, supporting a co-worker to be the best they can be. Find out more in this two minute video.
Are You as Innovative as the Public Sector? – Henry Stewart, Happy Ltd
Find out how GCHQ used pre-approval to encourage innovation and improve their workplace in this two minute video with Henry Stewart.
Next Conference: 2025 Happy Workplaces Conference
Our Happy Workplaces Conference is our biggest event of the year, and we'd love for you to join us on Wednesday 25th June!
Our 2024 event was our first ever hybrid event, and so we hope to run next year's in the same way. We will host up to 50 people face-to-face at Happy's HQ in Aldgate, London, and we can host up to 200 people online via Zoom. However you choose to join, there will be interaction, discussion, space for reflection and opportunities to network with others.
Stay tuned for full details of our speakers for next year's event. As always, our speakers share practical, hands-on ideas that you can implement to create happy and engaged workplaces.
The Happy Conference Methodology
How do we make our conferences great, interactive experiences — where you don’t have to make an effort to meet people and you also get the chance to talk about what you hear?
