Latest news with #SustainableDevelopmentSolutionsNetwork
Sydney Morning Herald
24-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Sydney Morning Herald
Can this ‘boring' country teach us how to be happier at work?
Finland is a country that bats well above its weight. The northern European nation is less than half the size of New South Wales, has a population of just 5.6 million people, and surprised the world – including many of its citizens – when it was first named the happiest country on Earth in 2019. Last month, Finland held onto the title for an unprecedented eighth year in a row, according to the World Happiness Report – a list published annually by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, an initiative of the United Nations and Gallup research. Every year, 100,000 people are asked how satisfied they are with their lives to compare differences in personal and national happiness. This year, Australia fell one place to be ranked 11th in the world. As part of research for my latest book, Work Backwards, I spent almost a month travelling around Finland to try to get to the bottom of why they've risen to the top of the happiness charts and stayed there. I discovered that one of the main reasons is how they think about their jobs and what they do. A lecturer at Helsinki's Aalto University, Frank Martela, an expert on the intersection between Finnish culture and happiness, helped me understand this better. Sitting in his office, surrounded by folders of his own research on the topic, Martela explains that many of his compatriots have 'a bit of a melancholic self-image' and view themselves as introverted and quiet. Another word to describe this that I kept hearing repeated around Finland? It's easy to get caught up in a culture that always pushes for more, which is why the Finnish approach to satisfaction is so refreshing. Many of them openly describe themselves as being a little bit boring, and they are perfectly OK with that. I wrote recently in defence of 'boring' jobs, and the underrated value that can bring to how you approach work. In a similar vein, living a simple life where you know what's important to you, and have regularly access to that, can help increase your satisfaction levels.
The Age
24-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Age
Can this ‘boring' country teach us how to be happier at work?
Finland is a country that bats well above its weight. The northern European nation is less than half the size of New South Wales, has a population of just 5.6 million people, and surprised the world – including many of its citizens – when it was first named the happiest country on Earth in 2019. Last month, Finland held onto the title for an unprecedented eighth year in a row, according to the World Happiness Report – a list published annually by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, an initiative of the United Nations and Gallup research. Every year, 100,000 people are asked how satisfied they are with their lives to compare differences in personal and national happiness. This year, Australia fell one place to be ranked 11th in the world. As part of research for my latest book, Work Backwards, I spent almost a month travelling around Finland to try to get to the bottom of why they've risen to the top of the happiness charts and stayed there. I discovered that one of the main reasons is how they think about their jobs and what they do. A lecturer at Helsinki's Aalto University, Frank Martela, an expert on the intersection between Finnish culture and happiness, helped me understand this better. Sitting in his office, surrounded by folders of his own research on the topic, Martela explains that many of his compatriots have 'a bit of a melancholic self-image' and view themselves as introverted and quiet. Another word to describe this that I kept hearing repeated around Finland? It's easy to get caught up in a culture that always pushes for more, which is why the Finnish approach to satisfaction is so refreshing. Many of them openly describe themselves as being a little bit boring, and they are perfectly OK with that. I wrote recently in defence of 'boring' jobs, and the underrated value that can bring to how you approach work. In a similar vein, living a simple life where you know what's important to you, and have regularly access to that, can help increase your satisfaction levels.
Hi Dubai
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Hi Dubai
UAE Marks International Day of Happiness with Renewed Commitment to Well-being
The UAE joins the global celebration of the International Day of Happiness on March 20 each year, reaffirming its dedication to promoting the well-being and quality of life of all citizens and residents. As one of the pioneering nations that embed happiness as a core metric in policymaking, the UAE views happiness as a key indicator of national success and progress. This forward-thinking approach has helped the country maintain a high ranking in the annual World Happiness Report, issued by the UN's Sustainable Development Solutions Network. The report assesses countries based on several criteria including income, economic output, social support, life expectancy, freedom, absence of corruption, and generosity. This year's observance holds special meaning as it aligns with the "Year of Community", a national initiative focused on fostering happiness, cohesion, and stability across society, and strengthening collaboration and solidarity among individuals and communities. Over the years, the UAE has launched various initiatives aimed at enhancing community happiness. In 2016, the government introduced the Minister of State for Happiness—a first in the region. In October 2017, the portfolio expanded to include well-being, and by July 2020, the responsibility for Quality of Life and Happiness was assigned to the Ministry of Community Development. These initiatives underscore the UAE's long-standing belief that happiness is not just a goal but a shared responsibility, embedded in governance, policy, and daily life. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Al Etihad
20-03-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
UAE marks International Day of Happiness
20 Mar 2025 16:29 ABU DHABI (WAM)The UAE celebrates "International Day of Happiness" on 20th March each year, reaffirming its commitment to enhancing the well-being and quality of life of all residents and one of the first countries to integrate happiness as a key metric in government policies, the UAE considers it a fundamental indicator of progress and country consistently ranks among the top nations in the annual World Happiness Report published by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network under the UN. The report evaluates nations based on indicators such as income, economic production, social support, life expectancy, freedom, absence of corruption, and year's celebration is particularly significant as it aligns with the "Year of Community," a national initiative aimed at fostering happiness, stability, and well-being for all society members, fostering cooperation and solidarity among the years, the UAE has launched several government initiatives and events to enhance community happiness. In 2016, the country introduced the role of Minister of State for Happiness. Following a cabinet reshuffle in October 2017, the role was expanded to include the "well-being" portfolio, while in July 2020, the portfolio for Quality of Life and Happiness was transferred to the Ministry of Community Development. Related News UAE tops Arab world in 2024 Human Progress Index
