How to promote happiness in education institutions?

Worldwide, there is an increasing trend towards understanding, appreciating and applying research from the field of positive psychology and subjected well-being.

In a challenging business environment which offers plenty of scope for depression, worries and anxiety, the study of the science of happiness has helped organisations and people to refocus and reenergise their priorities.
Worldwide, there is an increasing trend towards understanding, appreciating and applying research from the field of positive psychology and subjected well-being.
Many countries across the world including Denmark, OECD and Bhutan, among others are moving from Gross National Product (GNP) to Gross Happiness Index (GHI).
The latest exciting news comes from His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who recently announced a Minister of Happiness, which has brought many a cheer among expats and locals.
Many organisations in the region are taking the lead to promote happiness and well-being as part of their business excellence model.
While the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has become a role model in the government sector, the S.P. Jain School of Global Management had announced in January that 2016 would be the Year of Happiness.
Based on the latest cutting-edge research in positive psychology, a full-fledged structured roll-out of this initiative was kick-started in January with intensive workshops followed by experiential learning and appreciation.
While the broad theme would focus on happiness, every month has been identified with a particular theme related to happiness. These include the month of forgiveness, month of gratitude, month of health and well-being, month of relationships, month of love and compassion, months of empathy and altruism and the month of mindfulness and joy.
Each month there would be continuous interventions around these specific themes allowing staff to practise and experience happiness in all its various ramifications. These would be augmented by positive communication messages, experiential sessions, changes in workplace environments, and enhancing social and personal relationships.
The anticipated outcomes are increased engagement, increased empathy, increased effort and increased performance.
The school intends to set a trend in culture building the science of happiness with a dedicated focus to put a smile on all its stakeholders including staff, students, faculty members, corporate partners and others.
Christopher Abraham, Head - Dubai Campus and SVP - Institutional Development at S P JaIn School of Global Management