Happiness at Work: The Data Leaders Can’t Ignore

In this episode, Bob ’n Joyce explore key findings from Gallup’s 2025 World Happiness Report. The United States experienced a notable decline, ranking 24th — its lowest position ever. The report highlights how social connection, financial wellbeing, emotional health, and physical wellness all play a critical role in overall happiness.

While these findings may not come as a surprise, they should serve as a wake-up call for business leaders and OD practitioners. Unhappy employees don’t just affect morale — they impact business results and workplace culture in very real ways.

In the spirit of the season, we focus on what we can do to address chronic unhappiness, drawing directly from insights in the Gallup poll. What emerges are solutions that don’t require big budgets or more time. In fact, small, subtle shifts by leaders — being fully present, asking thoughtful questions, and helping people feel seen and validated — can make a meaningful difference.

On a personal level, we invite you, our listeners, to use this holiday season as a moment to pause, look around, and make someone’s day. Kindness is contagious — and when it spreads, it lifts all of us.

No better time to begin than now.

Come on in, grab a snack. Welcome!