Employers told to rethink staff wellbeing as Happiness Day is marked

As the world marked the International Day of Happiness on Friday, March 20, 2026, leaders championing wellbeing came together to highlight a growing concern within the country’s workforce, the pursuit of happiness in the workplace.

Speaking during the celebrations in Nairobi, Kiraitu Murungi, the Chief Happiness Officer at the Happiness Society of Kenya, emphasised the need to rethink how organizations approach employee well-being.

“Our objective is to use the science of happiness to promote personal, business and community flourishing in this country,” Mr Murungi, a former Minister and Meru Governor, said.

The event, organised by the Happiness Society of Kenya in collaboration with the Institute of Certified Secretaries brought together corporate leaders, policymakers and human resource professionals to explore the theme of workplace happiness.

Mr Murungi noted that while millions of Kenyans spend most of their lives working in pursuit of financial stability, money alone does not guarantee happiness.

According to 2024 statistics, Mr Murungi cited, about 3.3 million Kenyans are in wage employment, with roughly one million in the public sector. For many, employment is tied to the hope of a better and happier life.

“You don’t work just for nothing. You work so that you get money,’’ Mr Murungi explained, “You hope that when you get the money, you live a better and happier life.”

However, he cautioned that the relentless pursuit of wealth can also become a source of anxiety and dissatisfaction.

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“Money competes with death as one of the greatest sources of anxiety, sadness and unhappiness,” Mr Murungi noted, “While money is important, it must be properly managed to serve as an enabler but not a determinant of happiness.”

He described money as “the oxygen of life,” capable of providing security, freedom and opportunities. However, he warned that both scarcity and excess can fuel stress and unhealthy competition in the workplace.

The discussions highlighted how modern workplace environments are increasingly shaped by competition, social pressure and unrealistic expectations—often amplified by social media.

Employees, Mr Murungi noted, are constantly comparing themselves to others, seeking bigger homes, better cars and more recognition leading to toxic work cultures marked by mistrust and burnout.

“This competition leads to hatred, backstabbing and makes the workplace toxic,” he said.

The pressure extends beyond the office, with family expectations and digital lifestyles further deepening feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction.

Experts at the forum warned that such pressures can lead to mental disengagement, unethical behavior and even corruption, ultimately affecting not just individuals but organizations and society at large.

Despite these challenges, speakers emphasised that happiness is not just a personal pursuit but a strategic business priority.

Mr Murungi argued that organizations that invest in employee wellbeing are more likely to experience improved performance and profitability.

“Happy employees are more committed,” Murungi said, “they work harder, they work better and they give customers better service,” he said.

Nation Media Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Geoffrey Odundo, stressed that workplace happiness is critical in today’s fast-changing work environment.

“If you don’t have that peace in the office, then that is a crisis,” Mr Odundo said. “For you to exist, you need to be happy.”

He pointed out that employees today face a complex mix of pressures, including financial demands, family responsibilities and personal struggles, all of which affect their productivity and well-being.

Mr Odundo also drew a direct link between happiness and health, warning that chronic stress in the workplace can contribute to lifestyle diseases such as diabetes.

“The most important title deed in your life is your health status,” the NMG boss said, “happiness plays a key role in maintaining both physical and mental wellbeing.”

He called for a shift in leadership styles; from control-driven approaches to more empathetic and human-centered leadership.

“Leadership today is not about control,” Odundo said, “It is about how you show up, whether people trust you, whether they feel valued.”

Modern employees, particularly younger generations, are said to be increasingly driven by purpose, recognition and emotional connection rather than rigid hierarchies and pressure.

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“High performing teams are driven by pride, not pressure,” Mr Odundo emphasized, “they are driven by belief, not obligation.”

Leaders were urged to create environments where employees feel seen, respected and valued. Simple actions such as greeting colleagues, recognizing contributions and fostering inclusivity were explained to be able to significantly improve morale and performance, speakers noted.

Mr Murungi noted that even the wealthiest or most powerful individuals are not necessarily the happiest.

“The happiest people are those who, after meeting their basic needs, develop a personal sense of enough,” he said.

This mindset, Mr Murungi argued, is key to reducing stress, improving relationships and fostering healthier workplaces.

As organizations navigate rapid technological and social change, speakers called for a renewed focus on human-centered workplace practices.

Dr Fred Wasike, Director of Human Resource and Corporate Sustainability at ISUZU, emphasized that happiness begins at home and extends into the workplace, influencing productivity and organizational success.

“Happiness starts from home. The quality of relationships in your workplace influences your success and productivity,” he said.

Dr Wasike asked leaders to prioritize empathy, inclusivity and employee well-being in building resilient organizations.

“When we get this right, we do not just build profitable organizations, we build places where people truly thrive,” he urged.

The International Day of Happiness was established by the United Nations General Assembly on 12, July 2012.

It recognizes happiness and wellbeing as universal human aspirations and important goals of public policy.

The day, observed annually on March 20, was created to encourage governments and institutions worldwide to prioritize inclusive, equitable development and people’s overall well-being alongside economic growth.

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