International Day of Happiness
How are you feeling today? Happy, hopes the United Nations, whose 2012 resolution proclaiming March 20th as “International Day of Happiness” recognises the role that happiness and well-being play in achieving global goals and aspirations.
The Dalai Lama is a key supporter, and it’s his philosophy which has inspired award winning business leader David Pollock to personally develop and lead “Happiness Training” at his 550-strong technology solutions organisation.
The approach has helped earn the company an enviable reputation. Chess recently attained the much-coveted top spot in The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For list 2018, having been in the top 100 for the last nine years; 3rd in 2015, 2nd in 2016 and 2017.
David is also this year’s 'Best Leader' by The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For – retaining the award for the second year running, with his unique Happiness Training winning him the 'Innovation in Business' award in 2016.
Happiness Training is an integral part of Chess culture, and as applicable - and relevant- to Pollock’s work at the Prince’s Trust as it is to the people he leads at Chess.
“Just thinking of three things, every day, which have made you happy, fosters a positive outlook – and can make you a better person, a better partner, a better friend” explains Pollock.
“Attitude is key”, he continues. “How you’re visualising an outcome really matters – and that can make good things happen – or be a significant barrier.”
Responsibility for personal happiness cannot be delegated – instead the business is committed to equipping their people with the tools needed to increase their energy and confidence, with as much emphasis placed on mental well-being as physical health. Living in the moment, embracing change and challenge and being open to new ideas are all themes explored in the sessions.
Integrating the lessons learned into daily working life is also a focus.
“The idea of writing down my goals for the year seemed a bit daunting at first” admits Jay Munson, recently named “New Starter of the Year”. “However, being very clear and accountable for the goals we all set ourselves, and knowing that the support is there to ensure we’re achieving every day, is highly motivating.”
With access to activities such as weekly yoga and meditation and support for weary mums and dads from “Parent Champions”, it’s clear that for at least one company, focus on happiness is not just a once-in-a-year event.
And that’s definitely something worth smiling about.
-ENDS-
Notes to editors:
To arrange an interview with David Pollock, or for additional photographs, please contact me at: nikitamurray@Chessict.co.uk
David Pollock established Chess in 1993. Chess is one of the UK’s leading technology solutions providers, helping over 40,000 businesses grow through innovative technology and expert advice.
Chess was voted No1 in ‘The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work for’ list 2018 after 9 consecutive years in the top 100, including 3rd in 2015 and 2nd in 2016 and 2017.
Awards:
2018 'Best Leader' by The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For
2017 'Best Leader' by The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For
2016 'Innovation in Business' for his unique happiness training in
2009 'Cheshire Director of the Year' The Institute of Directors
2008 ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ Telecoms Industry
2008 ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ EY's UK Technology
2007 ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ EY's UK Technology
In his charitable work David is an active supporter of the Prince's Trust and has been Chairman of the North West Development Committee since 2010.
He's a Vice President of East Cheshire Hospice and was a Trustee of Active Cheshire a charity that encourages health and wellbeing from 2012 to 2017. He was made a Deputy Lieutenant of Cheshire in 2012.
David also enjoys taking on physical challenges. In 2008 he led a team that won the Prince's Trust Costa Rica Challenge, and in 2009 his team came 2nd out of 42 teams in the Prince's Trust Wild UK Challenge. In 2011 and 2012 his team won The Prince's Trust Mersey to Tyne Challenge. In 2012 he summited Mont Blanc and Kilimanjaro in 2013.
Media contact: Nikita Murray
Tel. 0845 612 3427
Email: nikitamurray@chessICT.co.uk