What Happy Companies Know: How the New Science of Happiness Can Change Your Company for the Better [Paperback]

Penned by three successful psychology and business writers, including the author of the worldwide bestseller, What Happy People Know, this book presents a strong case for introducing the new science of organizational happiness into the workplace.

Because motivated employees are the keystone to business success, companies built around people, positive mindsets and long-term goals consistently out-perform unhappy companies. Illustrated with examples of positive and successful businesses, this book will teach readers how to apply the principles, priorities and motivation of happy companies to their own organizations. Filled with practical ways to master “the softer side” of business, this guide will help employers effectively implement change and produce more cooperative, innovative and dedicated employees. One of the most convincing aspects is the discussion of the evolutionary and behavioral science on which the “science of happiness” premise is based. Thanks to the authors’ thorough research and accessible style, readers will understand not just how to improve their companies, but why it’s necessary.

Original and intelligent–a “complete blueprint” for building a happy and successful organization.

--Kirkus Reports, Vol. 3, Issue 3 (March 31, 2006)

Distinguished by optimism and honesty, a happy company has a "culture in which personal respect, appreciation, and trust become a major reason for its business success." Employees won't need to sing "kumbaya" to accomplish this, assert the authors of this persuasive and encouraging if dense guide. But promoting "happiness" may result in an innovative, collaborative company with employees who are relatively stress-free and attuned to opportunity-plus, happiness will promote the bottom line. Baker (a psychologist and coauthor ofWhat Happy People Know ), Greenberg (a leadership coach) and Hemingway (a business writer and coauthor with Bill Gates ofBusiness @ the Speed of Thought ) investigate the underlying emotional, psychological and even neurological influences on good and bad business practices. Beginning with an examination of fear and aggression as motivators for negative or even passive business decisions, the book later delves into topics including strategies for combating stress both personally and as an organization, employing humility in leadership and developing emotional intelligence. This book is relevant to both the CEO concerned with motivating workers and the employee figuring out how to improve personal coping skills.(June 6)

--Publisher's Weekly (4/17 Issue) 

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Happy companies are winning companies. Well-adjusted, psychologically healthy companies collaborate better. They innovate more effectively. They change faster. They see reality with exceptional clarity, but they know how to address it positively. They uncover opportunities where others fixate on obstacles and blame. What Happy Companies Know reveals the five crucial elements that happy companies share in common... and shows how to lead any company to happiness! This book reflects the experiences of the world's best companies, as well as the latest scientific research. Drawing on case studies from dozens of great businesses and exceptional leaders, this book's authors offer a complete blueprint, practical tools, and proven best practices for achieving organizational happiness and breakthrough performance. This book shows readers how to build a company where individuals at every level can apply their diverse strengths towards shared goals that are meaningful, positive, and profitable.