Nigel Paine, head of people development at the BBC, discusses the evolution of workplace learning, the creation of the BBC's iPlayer, and the importance of fostering a true learning culture in organisations.

Nigel emphasizes the need for trust, autonomy, competence, and connectedness toward creating an effective learning environment and shares with us examples from Danone and WD-40 to illustrate successful learning practices

Nigel also highlights the significance of leadership qualities like courage and humility underscoring the critical role of continuous improvement and open communication in building a happy workplace culture.

Nigel’s tips for a happy workplace:

1. Make people feel part of the team and organisation.
2. Constantly work on what is stopping good things from happening.
3. Have an index: some measure of how well you are getting there

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

Nigel's book The Great Reset

Harvard Business Review

Did you know that there's a strong link between happiness and success?

In today's episode, we explore the surprising connection between happiness, productivity, and workplace culture.

Nic Marks, a happiness expert and founder of the Centre for Wellbeing at the New Economics Foundation, and CEO of Friday Pulse, sheds light on this fascinating relationship and dives deep into the Happy Planet Index.

We discuss the impact of happiness on productivity and how a positive workplace environment can boost creativity and efficiency. Nic also reveals the important role of social networks and how the power of strong relationships contributes to fostering happiness and well-being.

Discover how a happier workforce can lead to a more successful business and hear some practical advice for leaders to enhance employee happiness and productivity.

Nic’s tips for a happy workplace:

1. Connect (develop relationships)
2. Be active
3. Take notice (be mindful)
4. Keep learning
5. Give

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

https://wellbeing.hmc.ox.ac.uk/publications/does-employee-happiness-have-an-impact-on-productivity/

Many businesses still focus solely on financial metrics to understand why they are underperforming. However, one crucial factor is often overlooked—the well-being and happiness of employees who contribute to those results.

Mark Price, former Marketing Director of Waitrose and founder of WorkL, discusses the critical role of employee happiness in driving business success. Drawing from his 32-year career at the John Lewis Partnership, Mark shares valuable insights into the direct impact of a positive work environment on productivity, employee retention, reduced absenteeism, and overall business growth. He also reflects on his experience turning around Somerfield stores by prioritising staff happiness; leading to remarkable improvements in performance.

Mark introduces a six-step framework for cultivating a happy workplace, providing actionable strategies for measuring and improving employee satisfaction, as well as the pivotal role leadership plays in fostering a thriving workplace culture. Whether you're a business owner, manager, or employee, this episode reveals why happiness at work is not just a "nice-to-have" but a key driver of long-term, sustainable success.

Mark’s tips for a happy workplace:

1. Understanding the six-step framework: Reward and recognition. information sharing, empowerment, instilling pride, well-being, and career development
2. It’s all about leadership: know where we’re going and why
3. Good leaders need to be relentlessly optimistic

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

WorkL

Happy Economics Book

Connect with Mark on LinkedIn