Over the past month, there has been one topic that we have been unable to escape and it has seemed almost impossible to switch off from the reality of what is going on in the world. However, with the 20th March being International Day of Happiness we wanted to take a step back from that and reflect on what has brought us happiness in the past few months and what is still bringing us happiness today, from both our work and personal lives.
We caught up with our people this week to find out what it is that brings them happiness:
‘What makes me happy in the world is people being kind in moments that matter the most and seeing this continued at work by my colleagues, so it doesn’t feel ‘just like business’’, Ashleigh Crowley – Assistant Project Surveyor, London
‘Working for a great company who look after you and have your best interests at heart.’, Ken Miller – Construction Manager, Midlands
‘Rather than entertaining in Cannes, we hosted our No Passport Required drinks on the banks of the Thames. We also asked our guests to strike a pose to support gender parity. When in the office, the view of the beach and a good cup of tea’, Bev Williams – Sales and Marketing Director, London
‘My main source of happiness is having lots of amazing people in my life: family, partner, friends and my cat. It also makes me happy to see people doing good in the world and to know that I can contribute to that both in my personal life and through work, such as by random acts of kindness and volunteering’, Hayley Newman – Trainee Sustainability Manager, London
‘Living in a world of freedom where I can travel, run and cycle as the world is my oyster. I also love trying new things and challenging myself and spending time around people who are fun to be around. In these uncertain times, I am worried that I won’t be able to live and enjoy my life like I am used to although knowing there are kind people and the fact that we have the internet to connect with friends and family and virtually visit museums brings me happiness. It makes me realize how fortunate I am, knowing I have such great connections of friends, and the community around me’ Rachel Wootliff – Sustainability Manager, London
‘Great bunch of people I get to work with’, Chris Lawrence – Preconstruction Manager, Midlands
‘It made me smile adapting to working remotely and skype calling into the community forum to discuss ways we could all support each other during Covid-19’ Anna Koukoullis – Head of Social Value, London
‘Attending construction Rocks and seeing our business raise such an amazing amount of money for charities such as BOSP’, Roma Saini – Marketing Manager, London
‘The great relationship that the WDI Midlands team have with each other! The excitement of being part of a growing business!’ Jayne Anderson – Social Value Assistant, Midlands
‘My two cats and dog, Dexter. They have no idea what is going on during this virus, they’re just happy to have their humans home for extra cuddles.’ Connie RV – Principal Sales and Marketing Manager, London
‘Working with a great team of people who make every day a pleasure!’ Louise Davenport – Administrator, Midlands
‘Working for a team where everyone strives to achieve their best.’, Edwards McDonald – Operations Manager, Midlands
With our people remote working, we are ensuring that we are keeping face to face contact through video calling (with no judgment for those who have gone for a comfier outfit choice than usual) and encouraging our colleagues to go for a walk or get moving in their lunch break. With studies showing that physical activity helps to improve mental health and wellbeing, it is now more important than ever to get moving, whether it is via a free online workout or a brisk walk around the local park. Businesses such as The National Trust are opening their gardens free of charge and gyms going virtual with their classes, providing us with a variety of ways to stay active and improve our health and wellbeing over the coming months.
In line with the International Day of Happiness, the organization behind the day, Action for Happiness have created 10 keys to happier living.
They have also created a coping calendar with the 20th encouraging us to make time for self-care and do something kind for ourselves. Before recent events, many of us struggled to find the time to look out for ourselves, yet now it is more important than ever that we practice self-care.
As a business, we are committed to ensuring the safety of our people and subcontractors and helping to ensure everyone’s health and wellbeing is not compromised. We are hoping that by celebrating today we can be reminded of all the amazing people we have surrounding us and of all the little things life that bring us happiness.
