Is Happiness Profitable? This was the question debated at Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP) in Porto, featuring Isabel Braga da Cruz, Vice-Rector of UCP, Rui Moreira, Mayor of Porto (CMP), Ricardo Costa, Chairman of Grupo Bernardo da Costa, MBA alumnus, member of the Societal Advisory Board of Católica Porto Business School, and author of the book "A Felicidade é lucrativa" (Is Happiness Profitable?), and Sofia Mexia Alves, President of the Board of Associação Unificar.
Isabel Braga da Cruz emphasised that people are "always a concern for universities, and in the specific case of Universidade Católica, people are at the heart of all our actions." The Vice-Rector highlighted various initiatives implemented at the university to enhance community well-being and announced that, as part of UCP’s internal transformation process, a Happiness Office will be created with the central aim of "listening to and engaging with people."
Rui Moreira reminded the audience that "people spend a third of their adult lives working" and that "unhappiness destroys quality of life." The Mayor of Porto stressed that "in public service, there are naturally greater challenges" and that "recognition is crucial" for people to "feel proud of what they do."
"The Happiness Department at Grupo Bernardo da Costa is the result of an organisational culture that values people, a culture I was fortunate to inherit from my grandfather," shared Ricardo Costa. For the Chairman, "listening is crucial," "involving people in decision-making has a huge impact," and "self-care is not selfishness, but the only way to be well enough also to support those around us."
Human-centred leadership, a concept explored in Ricardo Costa’s book, was a key theme of the debate. According to the author, "It is our team, not our job title, that decides whether we are leaders."
Sofia Mexia Alves addressed the challenges within the social sector and shared that human-centred leadership" requires innovation, consistency, creativity, and deep listening, with a non-judgemental approach." The President of Unificar described the book as "an oasis" that highlights essential values such as "compassion, humility, and sharing."
Moderated by Rui Couceiro, editor of "A Felicidade é lucrative", the debate occurred on 30 January at the Carvalho Guerra Auditorium. Drawing on diverse experiences, it illustrated how happiness can be integrated into organisation management practices.
