tigerbond's Chief Happiness Officer, Rebecca Quinlan, explains what she's learned in the role since taking it on last year
Many businesses are acknowledging that they have a duty to support and protect the mental wellbeing of their people, especially in light of the pandemic. This is why during the height of lockdown, and with teams working from home, we decided to appoint one of our most positive colleagues as Chief Happiness Officer to help inject moments of joy into our inboxes every single day.
Although the world is starting to open up again, the role of a Chief Happiness Officer continues to be an important asset as we navigate the new normal and begin to come out at the other side. Here tigerbond’s very own CHO, Rebecca Quinlan, explains more…
Positive mental wellbeing
As Chief Happiness Officer I have the creative licence to inject joy, provide smile-inducing content, support freedom and give a voice to every single team member. It’s vital to me that I encourage people to get involved and realise that they’re not alone, especially when many of us are still working remotely.
I think feeling valued and part of a work family can also improve an employee’s personal life and add to an overall sense of positive mental wellbeing. While I like to send a daily dose of happiness to our whole tigerbond team, of course, it’s not all down to email. Chatting on Teams, and now making the effort to meet colleagues in the office or for a coffee, can make a huge impact on someone’s life.
Team integration – nationally and internationally
Landing a new role during the pandemic is a fantastic achievement, but it can be daunting. Most new starts don’t experience the social elements that are usually come with working in a new office, including the buzz of a busy workspace or the after-work socials.
That’s why social integration is more important right now than ever. As Chief Happiness Officer I can provide the opportunity to bring together a group of busy people who wouldn’t necessarily cross paths. I can help everyone feel they belong and connect on a personal level, wherever in the world they may be – whether that’s down in London, up in Scotland or across the water in Canada.
A daily dose of happiness
A key part of my role as Chief Happiness Officer is to make people smile, lift moods, start team dialogue and spark team positivity. I like to do this through specially curated emails to suit the people I work with. I start by asking them what they want to see – an interesting picture can sometimes be enough when people are busy. Mindfulness apps, virtual experiences, inspiring quotes, music and recipes recommendations are also well received.
Empowering people
Being tigerbond’s Chief Happiness Officer has also given me a golden opportunity to learn about the team and share that information, after all people love to read about what others are up to. I aim to empower our people by profiling them one by one, focusing on their story, not just their work story but what their interests are, any favourite hobbies, film or song recommendations as well as top tips they have to help switch off from work. This then gets shared far and wide within the business.
It’s extremely rewarding and heart-warming to see people connect through mutual interests, especially those who wouldn’t ordinarily cross paths, and watch new relationships form as a result.
A sense of togetherness
If I’ve learned anything by being tigerbond’s Chief Happiness Officer for the past year, it’s realising that we’re all in this together. Sometimes, something as simple as a friendly email, can really brighten up someone’s day.
Has your business appointed a Chief Happiness Officer? If not, why not? Think of someone who is enthusiastic, passionate and has a positive mindset who is keen on connecting with their colleagues. The role could even change from month to month, it’s completely up to you. But having someone leading your team down the road of happiness could make a huge impact on your business and employees.