Happiness at Work in the Age of Intelligent Technology

According to PwC’s 2025 Global AI Jobs Barometer, AI is associated with a near-fourfold increase in productivity growth in exposed sectors. But it’s not just technology which can improve productivity. A field study by Oxford University’s Saïd Business School found that happier workers were 13 per cent more productive.

In recent years there has been a lot of discussion around workplace wellbeing in terms of what organizations ‘should do’, such as the provision of wellness programmes. However, there is little discussion on what employees can do for themselves. A compelling body of research shows that when people take active roles in shaping their own wellbeing, they tend to report higher engagement, greater satisfaction and improved performance.

A Shared Model of Happiness

The business case is clear for employers. Happy people do better work and stay longer. The most resilient workplaces see employees as partners: people who bring agency and purpose, not passive recipients of ‘wellness’. This also aligns with the case for authenticity – a happy and inspired person feels free to be themselves.

Humanness and Happiness

Mark Price, founder of global employee experience platform WorkL, captures this notion perfectly in his latest book Work Happier. In it, he discusses how personal happiness at work stems from understanding our own needs and actively managing our wellbeing. The framework he uses highlights resilience, emotional intelligence, and agency, which are all qualities that cannot be replicated by AI.

The Human Edge in an Automated World

Human traits such as empathy, curiosity, adaptability, and a sense of humour all help to build wellbeing and provide a foundation for happiness. More good news is that demand for these softer, human-centric skills continues to rise. This is confirmed by studies which show that the demand for skills that complement AI (such as collaboration and emotional intelligence) is growing.

Additionally, research confirms that people who see their daily tasks aligned with personal values and feel empowered to influence their workflows report higher wellbeing, sustained performance, and greater loyalty.

Looking Ahead: Agency, Not Fear

Whilst the rapidly shifting landscape of AI can cause concern, there are also opportunities to seize. Workers have already shown that they can take ownership of their work-life balance by insisting on flexible working options. As a result, employers have had to listen, and flexible working is now an expectation and not a perk. It’s also routinely seen as a top driver of retention and satisfaction.

By up-holding our personal values and taking ownership of our agency – what we want and don’t want – we can really thrive at work and be happy. Whilst AI, automation, and more dynamic work models can ramp-up productivity, the path forward isn’t just about using intelligent tools better, it’s also about choosing how we show up for ourselves and others.

If you would like to discuss how we can help your company with wellness support, such as strategies on how to build a mindset of resilience and agency that encourages employees to nurture their happiness at work, please get in touch with us today!