I got an unexpected parcel at home today, which was a nice surprise.
I’d already had a couple of intriguing notifications from Royal Mail saying that my package was on the way, but I was pretty sure I hadn’t ordered anything, and my Birthday isn’t for some time yet, so I really had no idea what it was.
When I heard the letterbox go mid-morning, something heavier than a letter dropped onto the doormat and, lo and behold, there was a small box.
Inside, (once I’d managed to work out how to open it!) was a raisin snack, a flapjack bar, a packet of sweets, and some coffee – Something that all my colleagues also received from Mitsubishi Electric to help celebrate ‘Happiness at Work’ week.
Little things matter
In case you weren’t aware, today marks the start of this year’s ‘Happiness at work week’ with everyone being encouraged to take a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the everyday things that bring us joy in our working lives.
This year’s theme is “It’s the Little Things” – those small, often unnoticed moments that lift our spirits: a kind word from a teammate, a shared laugh, a sunny lunch break, or a job well done. Whether you're based in the office or out in the field, these little things matter – and they add up to something powerful.
Most of us spend a lot of time working, whether physically in the office, out and about, or via video calls, so it is really important to take time to look for the positives that can help to boost your spirit and realise what you like about being at work.
And there is more to this idea of finding small positives than might seem apparent at first glance, with science proving that small moments of positivity and joy actually activate the brain's reward system.
This in turn releases neurochemicals like serotonin and dopamine that can enhance and boost your mood, reduce stress, and build up your emotional resilience.
The power of positivity
The Guardian’s Emma Beddington wrote about the power of Joy last year and found that after just seven days, her wellbeing had improved.
She also noticed that what made her happiest were the tasks involving other people, with happiness research suggesting that kind acts for others are a powerful way to increase the subtle but lasting feelings of happiness for yourself.
Not only that but noticing these small positive experiences can literally rewire the brain to increase greater positivity over time. This practice, which is often linked with mindfulness, can help to create a "success spiral" by promoting a more positive outlook.
So, whether it is something as simple as a smile, a thank-you, or giving colleagues words of encouragement, random acts of kindness like making someone a coffee, sharing snacks or offers of help to a busy colleague, all these things can improve your connectivity and boost both your own and your colleagues’ levels of happiness.
The role of connection
This is certainly something that our colleagues in the Wellbeing Team are actively encouraging, with group discussions and webinars to help colleagues share the ‘little things’ that make them smile.
In addition to the nice little parcel, my colleagues in our Wellbeing Team have also arranged other activities throughout the week including a quite challenging Happiness Quiz, with ‘guess the film’ emoji movie titles; questions about Culture, and ones on TV, books and films. I managed 92% but, whether I win or not, it was great to hear that just by taking part, I’ve helped raise funds for Macmillan Cancer.
There’s also a photo competition with prizes for the anyone who can capture a moment that makes them smile at work – big or small. I haven’t found the image for me yet, but I am looking forward to the showcase of entries at the end of the week!
The Team have also arranged webinars and mindful sessions to help make work a happier place, including a ‘Mastering Your Money Mindset webinar’; coffee mornings for Macmillan at a variety of our offices nationwide; and a webinar looking at how to develop your own ‘Happiness Blueprint’.
Who knows, just by taking part and starting to turn small actions into habits that sustain workplace happiness year-round, you might help to build a culture where noticing and appreciating the little things has just become second nature.
Janvi Patel is Product Marketing Manager and a Mental Health First Aider
