Exago is once again one of the TOP 15 companies of the Happiness Works initiative, after first being recognised in 2016. The ranking Exame – Happiness Works 2018 assesses the overall well-being and happiness levels of workers in firms operating in Portugal.

The Exago innovation software house ranks 11th in this year’s edition, with over 4000 respondents. Key study indicators include a positive work environment, personal life/work balance, trust and collaboration, stability and safety, individual contributions to the company’s path, leadership and management support and autonomy, proactivity and entrepreneurship.

Happiness is a serious business

With the expansion of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and academic and organisational interest in the subject booming in recent years, “it’s more important than ever to find and retain talent, and that means keeping employees happy”, says Georg Dutschke, the professor who leads the research. As he explains, Happiness Works is not just a ranking, “it’s about creating a culture of happiness”.

According to the survey, the internal environment, recognition, and personal confidence and development represent more than 50% of happiness in organisations, with salary representing just 10% of the overall results.

A commitment to happiness seems to pay off, as organisations that invest in employee experience multiply their revenue fourfold. High employee engagement can also result in a 19.2% increase in revenue in just one year, the study concluded.

Launched in 2012, the Happiness Works survey is promoted by Lukkap Portugal, Atlântica University and the leading business magazine Exame. The 2019 rankings will take into account additional stress and burnout factors.