We talk a lot about work/life balance, burnout and quality of life at work. However, one lever remains largely underestimated: cultivating joy at work every day. Not forced joy, but sincere moments that restore energy, even in the midst of goals and urgent emails. Companies are starting to treat joy as a real management subject, with rituals, dedicated spaces and even specific budgets.
In an article for Psychology Todaypsychologist Robin Stern and business manager Ilma Tiki, for example, describe an annual Joy Budget implemented in Ilma’s team. Each employee receives an amount for something that makes them happy: dance lessons, jewelry workshops, travel, whatever. “There is only one rule,” said Ilma, “You must share a story, photos and videos of how you spent it with the team. This means that the whole team will witness your joy.”
Micro-joys and Joy Budget: when joy at work unites a team
A customer education manager used this budget for dance lessons for her wedding. Ilma Tiki says she shared two videos with her colleagues: the very first lesson with her future husband, and then the big day. “She posted two videos: one of the first dance lesson with her future husband and the other of the wedding day,” says Ilma, “Witnessing that magical day was so special. That’s how dance became our team memory.” These shared memories create a much more vivid team story than a simple seminar.
Not everyone has a dedicated budget, but the key idea remains accessible: multiply visible micro-joys. Some teams open an online channel or a wall in the open space for their “Moments of Joy”: adoption of a cat, first public speech, small customer victory. Sharing these moments requires a little vulnerability, and this is precisely what reinforces the feeling of security and connection.
Why cultivating joy at work also strengthens the brain and health
Researchers cited by HuffPost remind us that joy is not a naive luxury. A positive mood broadens the field of vision, which helps with creative or strategic tasks, while a negative mood focuses on details and threats. Pleasant emotions tend to slow down the heart rate, while chronic hostility increases the risk of cardiovascular problems. Another key effect: emotional contagion circulates happiness up to three degrees in a network of colleagues.
To benefit from these effects without denying the difficulties, a routine is enough. At the end of the day, writing down three things that went well trains the brain to spot the positive. Regular “check-ins” in a notebook or an emotional tracking app also help to see what nourishes or depletes.
Managers and employees: where to start to cultivate joy at work?
A manager can launch a small Joy Budget and set up a pleasant break area. Each employee can note three micro-joys of the day and thank at least one colleague.