Freedom To Be Happy: The Business Case for Happiness

by Matthew Phelan

Freedom To Be Happy explores the association between individual happiness and group performance at work. The book introduces happiness philosophers, reviews the evidence and interviews practitioners on the front line that are building thriving work cultures.

The book uses data, neuroscience, quantum physics, academic research in a really accessible, unique, fun, and human way.

Subjects include money & happiness, motivation, happiness, HR, marketing, employee happiness, happiness philosophy, the Stoics, the history of happiness, employee engagement, diversity & inclusion, equality and the future of work.

Research interviews for this book are live on The Happiness and Humans podcast.

The objective of this book is to empower the reader to make a very strong case that the happiness of human beings is a very serious business metric.

167 pages, Paperback

First published October 30, 2020

Reviews

[Christoph Monschein · Rating 5 out of 5]

great overview of happiness and how to get there - personally and at work. not too much I haven't read about yet but very concise and efficiently structured

what I cannot recommend: the audiobook! the speaker rattles through the content in a rush that makes following very hard and little inspiring

[C J Alegre · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author takes us on an engaging journey from the origins of happiness with Confucius and the Stoics through to the latest cutting edge neuroscience and biophilia research. His passion for and interest in his subject is abundantly apparent and infectious.

For anyone interested in how to understand more about how humans behave and what makes us happy this is a must read. I particularly resonated with the need for sustained change in how organisations are structured and how we must bring emotion into the business world as a key data source if we are to succeed in the future. If the pandemic has taught us anything it is that we all seek and need positive human interaction.

The robust evidence supplied finally puts paid to the suggestion that happiness is only a fluffy metric. A must read for all leaders.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful, funny & necessary in these times of uncertainty! Freedom to be happy provides actionable insight for business leaders and hope, humour and happiness for everyone else. The insight and research are fascinating, and it's written in a way that is easy to understand for all - you don't need to be a business leader, psychologist or data scientist to fully absorb everything. Can't recommend this enough!
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[Andi Varga · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can highly recommend this book, very insightful and helpful in any employee engagement initiative. I read it over a weekend as could not put it down. Reminded me of a lot of my learning as an L&D professional and the importance of HAPPINESS in all areas of life. I will definitely reference it a lot!

[Fiona McDonnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a real journey through the many ways we look at happiness, from historical, geographical and gender view points and what we can ultimately do with it. The author also takes a brave look at how we can re-shape organisations in the pursuit of engagement. An eye opening and enjoyable read.

[Susan Furber · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, clear and precise book for business leaders. This book makes an important case for why happiness needs to lie at the heart of every business. Matt Phelan has created a world of research that goes beyond just the book itself!

[Minter Dial · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very fine read... lots of good research and some different angles on happiness, including quantum mechanics and the international nature (and cultural differences) of happiness.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to help employees make a business case for happiness and improve the culture of where they work.