Tesco Mobile are a growing, fast-paced business and Laughology were invited to deliver a keynote on the Science of Happiness and how this can help the business and its people to grow.

Pressures come from the competitive nature and the fast pace of technological change in the telecoms industry. Staff experience constant change which could understandably create unhappiness, staff churn and dips in morale and productivity.

Kerry won over the large audience immediately with comical tales from her comedy roots followed by an unplanned exit from the stage (she fell off it). This was a beautifully-timed coincidence coming as it did straight after she uttered the sentence: ‘Comedy is not a choice for me.’

Comedy may not be a choice for Kerry, but happiness is a choice for many of us (if we have a roof over our heads and food on the table). The way we respond to challenges at work is a choice and has a direct impact on our happiness and the happiness of those around us. We can influence this when we know how happiness works and learn ways to increase it.

Here are some simple top tips from Laughology:

• Have meetings out of the office – take a walk if its only two or three of you or meet in a local café. A change of environment helps people to think and behave differently, avoiding old habits and tired responses. Walking gets those endorphins and conversation flowing.
• Embrace the use of humour and storytelling. This helps embed a culture of happiness. We spend a lot of time at work and a happy company gets a reputation as a good place to work, which can be just as attractive as an impressive salary.
• Thank people authentically. A box of Ferrero Rocher is lovely, unless you’re allergic to nuts. A bottle of wine is fun, unless you’re teetotal. Reward individuals with something you have actually taken the time to find out you know they will enjoy. Celebrate successes publicly and let people know the details so that staff can feel valued and learn from each other.