National Happiness Awards Winners

A firm of high-kicking lawyers has been named as the UK’s Happiest Workplace. Burges Salmon in Bristol wowed judges at the National Happiness Awards with their commitment to creating a happy workplace and their community fundraising efforts, which have included a Strictly-themed dance contest.

The firm was awarded the title at a ceremony in London on Friday night. Judges commended the company’s staff initiatives, which include an annual wellbeing event and individual development plans for all employees.
The awards, organised by learning and development consultancy, Laughology, are the only one of their kind in Britain and honour businesses and individuals who make a difference through happiness. Winners were picked from over 150 entrants.

A spokesperson for Burges Salmon said: “We work really hard to look after our people and make the office a great place to work. It is great to win.”

The Happiest Employee was named as Debs Gallagher, from Virgin Active in Nottingham. After the tragic death of a team member last year, Debs has ensured the wellbeing of all her team and has been a huge support through a difficult time.
Happiest Team were Inspired To Change, Peterborough and Happiest Future Leader was named as Will Ridley, from Sky Betting & Gaming.

He said: “There is always a positive side to life, if we are all enthusiastic, we can overcome difficult times. Happiness is great for health. Why wouldn’t you want to be happy. I was delighted to be nominated, and it’s great to be appreciated.”

The National Happiness Awards celebrate the happiest people and places in the UK. They recognise the increasing importance that happiness and wellbeing play in education and business. They highlight the importance of positive initiatives and community engagement. The awards are particularly relevant given weak productivity levels in the UK.

Laughology founder and CEO, Stephanie Davies, explains: “We know that happy people are more productive. They are more engaged, are healthier and more resilient. The finalists are all doing ground-breaking things in their businesses, and the results speak for themselves. They are successful. If you are not happy, you will not perform. Happiness isn’t about laughing and joking all the time. It’s about equipping people with the right skills, mindset and behaviours to cope with difficulties, to face challenges and to thrive.”

The awards were sponsored by Simply Better Events and Crown House Publishing and supported and hosted by the Chartered Institute of Professional Development. They were attended by guests from industry and education and raised money for veteran’s mental health charity Combat Stress.

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