International Day of Happiness: how to celebrate it at work

What makes you happy? Your cocker spaniel overenthusiastically greeting you at the door, sunshine after weeks of rain, a particularly decadent pain au chocolat, a smile from a stranger? What about at work?

Every year on 20th March, the world pauses to recognise something we often take for granted: happiness. International Day of Happiness has been a UN observance since 2013, and it's a perfect moment for workplaces to reflect on what truly makes people feel good at work - and to do something about it.

If you've ever wondered whether a "happiness day" at the office is worth the effort, the short answer is yes - but only if you do it right. Here's how to celebrate International Day of Happiness in a way that feels genuine, reaches everyone, and actually moves the needle on wellbeing.

Why workplace happiness matters

Happy employees are more engaged, more productive, and more likely to stay. Gallup's research consistently shows that engaged teams see lower absenteeism, fewer safety incidents, and better customer outcomes. When people feel valued and connected, they bring their best selves to work.

International Day of Happiness offers a natural focal point to reinforce your culture and show your team they matter. It's not about one-off gimmicks - it's about creating moments that build trust and belonging. The day also aligns with broader wellbeing goals - many organisations use it to kick off or highlight existing mental health and recognition programmes.

What the research says about happiness at work

Before you plan a single activity, it helps to know what actually works. The science of giving is compelling: prosocial spending research shows that spending money on others - rather than on ourselves - reliably boosts happiness. Gifts, treats, and small acts of kindness activate the same reward pathways in the brain that make us feel connected and valued.

That's why thoughtful gifting isn't just nice - it's evidence-based. When you give someone a gift card for their favourite coffee shop or let them choose from a curated selection, you're tapping into something deeper than a freebie. You're signalling that you see them as a person, not just a role. UK employee gifting benchmarks show that organisations that invest in recognition tend to see stronger engagement and retention - so the benefits extend well beyond a single day.

Ideas and activities for 20th March

So how do you mark the day without it feeling forced? Here are some approaches that tend to land well:

Gifting that feels personal

Send Huggg gift cards across categories like coffee shops, retail, dining, takeaway, supermarkets, experiences, and lunch. Values range from £5 to £300, so you can match the gesture to the occasion. No addresses needed - everything is delivered digitally, and Huggg is free to use.

Gift with Choice

Not sure what everyone likes? Gift with Choice lets recipients pick from a curated selection. It takes the guesswork out of gifting and ensures people get something they'll actually enjoy.

Team activities

• A virtual or in-person "gratitude round" where people share one thing they're grateful for at work
• A short wellbeing walk or stretch session
• A shared lunch or coffee break with no agenda except connection

Wellbeing initiatives

• Signpost mental health resources and remind people it's okay to take breaks
• Share tips on sleep, movement, and boundaries - but keep it light, not preachy

The goal is to create moments of connection and appreciation, not to overload the calendar. Pick two or three activities that fit your team's size and style, and give people space to opt in. A low-key approach often feels more sincere than a packed schedule.

Gift ideas that genuinely boost happiness

The best gifts for International Day of Happiness are ones that create positive experiences, not clutter. Material gifts can feel impersonal or add to someone's to-do list (where do I put this?). Experience-based gifts, by contrast, create moments of joy that people remember. Consider:

• Coffee and lunch vouchers - A small treat that says "you deserve a break"
• Experience gifts - Cinema tickets, spa vouchers, or activity passes create memories, not dust
• Retail and supermarket gift cards - Practical and flexible, so people can choose what they need
• Takeaway credits - Perfect for remote teams who might treat themselves to a nice dinner

Huggg gift cards cover all of these in one place. Whether you're recognising a few people or your whole team, you can send something that feels thoughtful without the admin headache. The platform spans eight categories - from coffee and lunch to experiences and retail - so you can tailor each gift to the recipient. Values from £5 to £300 mean you can scale the gesture to fit your budget and the occasion.

Making it inclusive and authentic

The biggest risk with any "happiness day" is that it feels performative. Employees can spot a box-ticking exercise a mile off. Avoid that by:

• Including everyone - Don't limit recognition to top performers. International Day of Happiness is about the whole team.
• Keeping it voluntary - No one should feel pressured to join activities or share personal stories.
• Respecting different preferences - Some people love a big celebration; others prefer a quiet thank-you. Offer options.
• Following through - Use the day as a springboard for ongoing employee recognition, not a one-off event.

Authenticity comes from consistency. If you only talk about happiness on 20th March, it rings hollow. Use the day to reinforce habits you already value. That might mean tying it to your existing employee recognition programme, or simply making sure managers know that a quick, personal thank-you goes a long way. The best celebrations feel like a natural extension of how you already treat people, not a sudden shift in tone.

How to make it work remotely

Remote and hybrid teams can absolutely join in. In fact, distributed teams often benefit most from explicit moments of recognition - they miss the casual "thanks" in the corridor. Digital gifts are ideal - they arrive instantly, require no logistics, and work across time zones. Huggg gift cards are built for this: send a coffee voucher to someone in Edinburgh and a lunch credit to someone in London, all from one place. But thanks to address-free sending, you can send physical gifts too - recipients add their own address when they choose their gift, so everyone can be included.

For activities, keep them async-friendly. A Slack or Teams thread where people share gratitude, a short video message from leadership, or a virtual coffee roulette can create connection without requiring everyone to be online at once. If you do schedule something live, record it for those who can't make it. The aim is to include, not exclude - and digital gifting makes that straightforward. A Gift with Choice sent to every team member, regardless of location, ensures nobody feels left out.

International Day of Happiness is a chance to pause, reflect, and act. Whether you send a few gift cards, run a gratitude session, or simply remind your team that their wellbeing matters - the key is to do something genuine. Small steps add up, and 20th March is as good a day as any to start.

FAQs

When is International Day of Happiness?

International Day of Happiness is observed every year on 20th March. It was established by the United Nations in 2013 to recognise happiness as a universal goal.

How can I celebrate International Day of Happiness at work?

You can celebrate with team activities (gratitude rounds, wellbeing walks, shared breaks), thoughtful gifting (gift cards, treats, experiences), and by signposting wellbeing resources. The key is to keep it genuine and inclusive.

What gifts work best for workplace happiness?

Research suggests that experience-based gifts and treats - such as coffee vouchers, lunch credits, or cinema tickets - tend to boost happiness more than material items. Gift with Choice lets recipients pick what they'd enjoy most.

How do I make International Day of Happiness inclusive for remote teams?

Use digital gifts that can be sent instantly across locations, and choose activities that work asynchronously (e.g. gratitude threads, video messages). Avoid activities that require everyone to be online at the same time unless that's already your norm.

Does workplace gifting actually improve happiness?

Yes. Prosocial spending research shows that giving to others - including colleagues - reliably increases the giver's and recipient's happiness. UK employee gifting benchmarks also show that thoughtful recognition is linked to higher engagement.

What if we have a small budget?

You don't need to spend a lot. A £5 coffee voucher or a heartfelt thank-you note can mean a great deal. Focus on sincerity over scale - small, genuine gestures often land better than lavish but impersonal ones.