Happy employees: a strategic asset in the war for talent
April 2025 - The war for talent has long since ceased to be a buzzword, but is a rock-solid reality. Companies are fishing in the same pond and candidates are pickier than ever. Entrepreneurs who want to make a difference are therefore increasingly betting on sustainable HR - with work happiness at its core.
What is work happiness?
Work happiness goes beyond a ping-pong table or Friday afternoon drink. It is about meaning, autonomy, recognition and connection. Employees who feel valued, who know why they do what they do and who are given space to do their jobs are not only happier - they are also more productive and loyal.
The numbers don't lie:
· Companies with engaged employees are 21% more profitable (Gallup).
· Happy employees are on average 12% more productive (Oxford University).
· High levels of job happiness significantly reduce absenteeism and turnover.
As an entrepreneur, what can you do concretely?
1. Listen actively. Regularly organise short check-ins or pulse surveys. No endless questioning, but targeted questions: how do you feel? What is going well, what could be better?
2. Invest in growth. Offer training, give people responsibility and room to experiment.
3. Create a culture of appreciation. A simple “merci” or a pat on the back works wonders. Make successes visible, however small.
4. Encourage flexibility. Not every talent thrives in a 9-to-5 structure. Dare to look at what works for your people and your organisation.
Finally, work happiness works both ways.
Happy employees make for happy customers. And happy customers ensure a healthy business. So no, investing in hr and work happiness is not a cost - it is a lever for growth.
