Adopting hygge in 2022 and making community positivity a part of your brand’s DNA
In the new year, it can be cliché, and even frustrating when seeing guides and pieces on how to adopt happiness and positivity in the workplace – especially as a new year’s resolution. That’s why, as opposed to listening to reworked information on ‘fighting the new years’ blues’ or ‘how to maintain a positive outlook throughout 2022’, Code Ninjas, a coding franchise for kids, believes it’s important to look at what the winning formula for a happier working environment is. And where’s better to look than the countries that consistently score highest on the World Happiness Report?
Scandinavian countries have, arguably, unlocked the key to maintaining happiness. Not just in the workplace, but in every walk of life, it is often these countries that set the standards for employing a positive mindset, no matter how mundane or insignificant the task or activity presents itself as. One such concept that is exercised in order to achieve this is called ‘Hygge’. Defined by Denmark’s tourism sector as “Hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. The warm glow of candlelight is hygge. Cosying up with a loved one for a movie – that’s hygge, too.”1
This highlights the fact that there is no definitive way to achieve happiness. But through knowing what creates positive, content atmospheres, these countries employ the same mindset in other situations as well. Justin Nihiser, the CEO of Code Ninjas, is the expert voice in employing the right mindset across an international network. Through using concepts introduced by these countries, Justin has managed to maintain consistency across his network for franchisee and staff satisfaction, where they are recognised for being a valued member of a community, and not just a number.
“One of our main goals this year is ensuring we are constantly revisiting the idea of ‘togetherness’,” explained Justin. “After nearly two years of restrictions and limitations to children’s development all over the world, Code Ninjas is using its inspiring, inclusive and, most importantly, fun learning environment to bring children together - to ensure they’re working towards a collective goal as well as exploring who they are as individuals in today’s technologically advanced society. While we encourage all children to take advantage of what we offer on a vocational level in 2022, it’s the pursuit of happiness across our whole network, from our Ninjas all the way up to head office, that truly motivates us a brand.
“Hygge shows us that there is no one ‘right’ way to achieve happiness, but through offering those involved with our brand an environment to express themselves and to use their imaginations, that ‘warm glow’ within our inclusive and safe community flourishes. In a time that has been so heavily defined by the actions, beliefs and instructions of others, we believe that applying hygge to a kid’s educational franchise, that encourages personal development and growth, is the ideal place to instil happiness from a young age.”
It is impossible to ignore the stats that gives Code Ninjas its foundations to improving its environments and the services that it delivers. 71% of people reported that having an approachable manager helped them to feel comfortable enough to raise their own wellbeing issues. More than 6 in 10 employees value the wellbeing services offered by their employer. And that’s why, along with hygge, there is an additional Scandinavian concept that is becoming a prominent part of a successful company’s DNA, called ‘Janteloven’.
Janteloven is a concept that encourages harmony and unity. Focusing on the collective community and its goals through working together, while employing hygge alongside, offers the perfect balance to move forward as a community, while giving those involved the chances they deserve to grow and flourish. It’s imperative that, as we continue to move forward from a testing two years, companies embrace new opportunities to operate as a community and learn together.
“As businesses that strive to maximise the development of young children through fun, safe and creative outputs, we have a responsibility to not just put revised company policies in place but continue take the right steps in making ‘hygge’ and ‘Janteloven’ synonymous with our identities.” Added Justin.
For more information about Code Ninjas and their franchising opportunities, visit www.codeninjasfranchise.co.uk
1VisitDenmark, n.d., What is hygge?
2Bupa, 2021, Workplace Wellbeing Census