Chief happiness officer, the newest profession that has been born in international companies
A new professional figure has emerged in large companies around the world: that of the Chief Happiness Officer. What is its role and why is it so important?
In this new world of work we find ourselves in, in which competition is intense and employee well-being is increasingly important, one figure has emerged as a catalyst of sorts for corporate change: the Chief Happiness Officer (CHO) of organizational well-being.
The role of the CHO is very versatile. It is not only about ensuring that employees are happy and satisfied in the workplace, but also about creating an environment that promotes productivity, motivation and engagement. Ultimately, CHO is charged with cultivating a company culture where employee well-being is at the center of everything.
This new profession is a clear response to growing concerns about burnout, stress and employee turnover in companies around the world (especially American ones). With increasing attention being paid to the link between employee happiness and company performance, the role of the CHO is becoming increasingly crucial.
The CHO's responsibilities may vary depending on the organization, but generally include:
1 – Develops Wellness Programs: CHOs are responsible for designing and implementing wellness programs that go beyond simple office fitness initiatives. These programs can include mindfulness courses, personal training sessions, employee assistance programs and much more.
2 – Fostering a positive culture: CHO works to promote a positive and inclusive corporate culture. This can mean encouraging recognition, collaboration and transparency among employees, as well as celebrating individual and team successes.
3 – Monitoring the organizational climate: CHO regularly collects feedback from employees to assess the organizational climate and identify problems or potential areas for improvement. This may include anonymous surveys, active listening sessions and other forms of feedback.
4 – Promoting happiness at work: CHO works to create a work environment that is rewarding and stimulating for employees. This can include creating welcoming workspaces, promoting a healthy work-life balance, and organizing social events and team-building activities.
5 – Support for personal and professional development: CHO is committed to supporting the personal and professional development of employees by providing training and development opportunities and promoting a culture of continuous learning.
Becoming a CHO requires a combination of experience, skills and a deep understanding of organizational wellness. There is no standard path to becoming a CHO, but a background in human resources, psychology, business management or a related field is usually required.
Salary depends on various factors, including experience, role-specific responsibilities, size and industry. According to Glassdoor data, the average annual salary for a CHO in Italy ranges from €42,770 to €47,029/year.