World Happiness Report 2025: how to improve well-being in a team

How to become happier? Why are some people more satisfied with life than others? What steps will help strengthen the well-being of the team? To find answers, we turned to data from the Oxford University Well-Being Research Center, compiled with the support of Gallup and the United Nations Network on Sustainable Development.

Faith in good deeds

What the research says. People tend to underestimate the kindness of others, which negatively affects their own well-being. A striking example is the experiment with "lost" wallets: researchers left them in public places to compare people's expectations of a refund with real results. It turned out that wallets were returned many times more often than the respondents expected.

Conclusion. Informing about the real level of goodwill increases well-being.

How to apply it in life and work. Actively share positive examples: stories about mutual help, inspiring films, and the experiences of colleagues. Create a culture of gratitude in the team: for example, introduce weekly "minutes of appreciation" for support or initiative.

The benefits of good deeds

What the research says. In societies with high benevolence, happiness is distributed more evenly, especially among vulnerable groups. During the COVID-19 pandemic, such a "surge of goodwill" was observed globally. By 2024, its level remained 10% higher than before 2020.

Conclusion. Good deeds benefit those who help themselves, provided they are sincerely motivated, voluntary, and have a visible positive effect.

How to use it in life and at work. Celebrate even small achievements of colleagues: for example, thank them in writing for their timely help. Simplify the adaptation of newcomers: appoint a mentor, organize a welcome lunch.

Shared lunches

What the research says. People who often eat in company are happier than those who eat alone. This is true even considering the size of the household. The growing number of lonely meals is one of the reasons for the decline in well—being in the United States.

Conclusion. Eating together is not just a ritual, but a powerful tool for strengthening bonds and increasing life satisfaction.

How to use it in life and at work. In the office: arrange themed business lunches (for example, discussing non-work topics). Remotely: introduce "virtual coffee breaks" with colleagues — 15 minutes of informal communication over a cup of tea.

So, the data from the World Happiness Report confirms that the well-being of a team depends on trust, mutual support, and simple rituals like dining together. Implement these practices gradually and observe how the engagement and mood in the team grows.