Here’s Why Happiness Should Be Your Business Ethos

Julie Starr • May 6, 2024

Building a business can be full of stress, uncertainty and pretty ugly moments whilst you’re in the trenches. Although you can’t avoid some pressured moments, you can choose to take the happy high road when it comes to all aspects of your business. Cultivating an ethos that is based on happiness will help to keep you grounded during those trying times. It will also help to attract the right employees and customers in your business realm so that you are always crossing paths with people who think in the same way as you. When it comes to employee satisfaction, you should always try to keep them as happy as possible, as they are truly what makes your business go round. Happiness isn’t a linear scale, but it can certainly help to give your business the edge over your competitors as it will be a more appealing and positive establishment overall. If you’re unsure how to weave happiness into the ethos of your business, here are a handful of ideas to help you get started.


You’ll Retain Your Team for Longer


When you make a conscious effort to cultivate a happy and positive working environment for your employees, they are much more likely to stick around. Employee retention is vital if you’re hoping to create a happy and cohesive workplace for your team. Moreover, you will also reduce unnecessary costs by having to retrain new employees on a regular basis. It’s important to hold onto the hard-working staff members you have as they will be an asset to your team for many years to come.


Your Employees Will Be More Passionate


When your employees are working in a truly happy and thriving environment they will be much more passionate about what they do. The last thing you want is a team of people who are lackluster about the tasks at hand, and they need a regular shove in order to boost their motivation. Building a positive and supportive environment means that your workers feel more comfortable talking about their issues and sharing their creative ideas. Nurturing your employees and encouraging them to take action in every job role they undertake will help them to carve out their own place in your company so that they can feel as though they’re making a real impact. This is a mindful way to approach the management of your team as it always keeps their emotions and person goals in mind too.


You’ll Be Committed to Continuous Improvement


When you’re striving towards a happy state of mind throughout your business, your work will never truly be done. To some people this may seem like you’re carrying out a thankless task, but it actually means you’re dedicated to continuous improvement for the future. One of the most effective ways you can do this is look into options such as
enterprise service management. With an integrated system which combines digital services and IT systems your employees will have everything they need in a simplified format. Instead of long and complicated processes, you can have smooth and positive automated processes which reduce employee errors and frustration. Having a simple and smooth system for your employees to use will ultimately make them happier and more content as they carry out their daily roles.


Your Clients Will Sense the Positive Ethos


Clients and customers need to be assured that their hard earned money is never going to waste. Buying from an honest, upbeat and positive business is what many people prioritize so this is why you should consider making it part of your business ethos. You would be surprised at how quickly your clients sense this sort of joyful way of approaching a business.


You’ll Start to Think More About the Environment


When you make a conscious effort to bring more happiness and positivity into your workplace, you will start to think more about other things that matter. Whether you’re focusing on the mental health of your employees, or you’re approaching your business in a more sustainable manner, this sort of business ethos is bound to be a healthier place to work all round.


Your Brand Will Build a Good Reputation


Consumers can spot a positive brand from a mile away, which can work wonders for your profits and sales. Although it’s not always about the numbers, it can give you a sense of comfort that your hard work to promote positivity at work isn’t going unrecognized. Not only will people want to buy from you as you have strong ethics and excellent attitudes, but top talent will also want to work for you too. Nowadays, people can be more picky about where they choose to work, especially if a certain workplace isn’t offering the right type of support or positive ethos. Building a good brand reputation is possible as long as you are being authentic throughout the process.


You Will Feel Less Stressed


When you’re a business owner, it can be very difficult to
manage stress, especially when you have so much on your plate at a time. However, if you regularly instill a happy and positive ethos into your business workplace, this is going to have an impact on your mood too. It’s not only your clients and employees who deserve to feel happy and positive; you deserve to reap some of the rewards you have created yourself. Instilling this happy business ethos means that you are much likely to adopt this way of thinking for yourself too.


Turning your business into a happy, centered and calm place to be won’t happen overnight, but it is possible when you have the future in mind. When your brand chooses happiness over conflict, stress and upset you will have a happier set of customers and employees altogether. It’s clear to see why your business might improve when you adopt the ethos of happiness, from more passionate employees to a better brand reputation. As you start to implement these culture changes in your workplace, hopefully all of your hard work starts to shine through in multiple ways.

By Julie Starr June 5, 2025
If you're lucky enough to have a garden as part of your business, taking some time to set it up for summer is a great investment of your energy. Not only will it be ready for your customers to spend time in, but you can also incorporate some eco-friendly elements into it. Many people just think about the property and what eco-friendly updates they can make , but there are plenty that you can implement in your garden. This gives you the best of both worlds. You own a sacred and beautiful place for your customers to spend their summer, and at the same time, you can do your part for a better planet. If this is the route you want to take, then you also need to consider how to do this with the different seasons. To help you on your journey, here are some top tips for preparing your garden for summer. Plant trees and flowers Planting trees and flowers in your garden is a must. It will make a beautiful scene of nature for everyone to enjoy. Trees will provide people and animals with shade, as well as provide a habitat for wildlife. More trees are needed in the world because they purify the air that we breathe. Flowers, especially if you plant with pollinators in mind, can be an excellent way to attract bees and butterflies, which contribute largely to the earth. Use natural pest control When preparing your garden for summer, you can do this more sustainably and kindly by using natural pest control. Simply by planting trees and flowers, you are likely to attract lots of different wildlife, some of which may destroy your efforts. While all wildlife should be considered, you may need to take measures. Some better and more eco-friendly ways you can do this, as opposed to spraying toxic chemicals onto your plants and into the air, you can implement companion planting, using protective nets over your crops, choosing resilient plants, using natural repellents, and encouraging natural predators so nature can do its thing. Maintain your garden Maintaining your garden in itself can make it more eco-friendly. Composting your garden waste regularly, and kitchen waste can help you to reduce overall waste and create nutrient-rich soil. This is a great cycle of sustainability. You can also keep on top of things that need cleaning and replacing, so you can recycle the materials for other garden structures and projects, and repurpose things around your garden before they become waste. If you have features in your garden like a swimming pool, then a regular pool maintenance service is going to be vital in keeping your water consumption to a minimum, as when it is cleaned and maintained, it will need to be drained and refilled less as well as using less energy. You could also consider how you can use natural purification methods to reduce chemical usage and support biodiversity right in your backyard. Your garden is just an eco-friendly project waiting to be built. Use these top tips to help you get started.
By Julie Starr June 3, 2025
Sustainability is no longer something that can be considered optional in many businesses, including the food industry. From fast casual to fine dining, businesses face pressure to reduce waste, cut emissions, and use resources responsibly. Customers noticed, so too did regulators. This shift isn't about trends; it's about long-term business health. Operators now rethink everything: ingredients, packaging, equipment, and even furniture. The choices that they make affect cost, reputation, and the environment. Forward-thinking brands see sustainability as a chance to stand out, align with customer values, save money, and future-proof their business. Let's look at how sustainable practices are shaping the future of food service and why furniture choices matter more than ever. Sustainable Sourcing and Supply Chains Restaurants are choosing local, seasonal, and organic ingredients. More often, this reduces transportation emissions and supports nearby farms. It also appeals to customers who want food with a story. Sourcing matters; a restaurant that serves organic produce imported from thousands of miles away loses credibility. Local sourcing, when possible, keeps the supply chain shorter and more resilient. They also build community relationships. Sustainable seafood, fair trade coffee, and certified humane meat are becoming menu standards. But it's not just food; suppliers that use low-impact materials, avoid single-use plastics, or operate zero-waste facilities are getting more attention. Working with responsible vendors reduces environmental impact and strengthens the restaurant's reputation. It also makes it easier to meet sustainability benchmarks and certifications. Reducing Food Waste and Single-Use Plastics Food waste is expensive. Restaurants are responding with better forecasting, smaller portions, and creative ways to repurpose ingredients. Many now donate leftovers or compost scraps. Smart kitchen systems have reduced waste by tracking usage and spoilage. Front of house, more places encourage guests to take home leftovers or offer flexible portion sizes. Single-use plastics are also being phased out; straws, cutlery, and containers are switching to compostable or reusable versions. Many cities now require this, but even without mandates, customers expect it. Small changes make a big difference, such as swapping plastic lids for fiber-based ones or using reusable containers for takeout. In the long run, it also sends a clear message about your brand Energy Efficiency and Equipment Choices Energy use is a major cost for food service businesses. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and HVAC systems can contribute significantly. Induction cooktops, LED lighting , low-flow faucets, and energy-saving refrigeration reduce the environmental footprint. Some kitchens are even going all-electric to reduce reliance on gas. Smart energy monitoring systems provide real-time insights; this helps operators find waste, track trends, and make better decisions. Beyond the kitchen, some restaurants invest in solar panels or purchase renewable energy. It shows leadership and appeals to customers who care about climate action. Designing with Sustainability in Mind Interior design now plays a role in sustainability. Choosing eco-friendly materials and modular furniture reduces waste and supports the circular economy. Furniture companies that sell food service furniture offer tables, chairs, and booths made from recycled or responsibly sourced wood, metal, and plastics. Their products are durable, stylish, and built to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Long-lasting furniture means fewer items in landfills. Plus, some suppliers offer take-back programs or extended product life. The right furniture also supports flexible layouts, which is important for adapting to changing service models like outdoor dining or shared spaces. Aligning with Customer Expectations More diners care about sustainability than ever before. It’s something that is extremely prominent in today’s dining experience. They want to support places that reflect their values. Transparency matters too , diners want to know exactly what businesses are doing to be more sustainable. Posting sourcing details, using certifications, and showing behind-the-scenes efforts builds trust. Sustainability isn't just a back-of-house concern; it should be visible throughout the customer journey. Guests notice packaging, signage, cleaning products, and even furniture. If your chairs are made from reclaimed wood or your tables are built from recycled metal, it becomes part of the story you tell. Employees also want to work for businesses that care; sustainability efforts can boost morale, improve retention, and create a strong workplace culture. Being consistent across all touchpoints helps turn sustainability from a checklist into a core part of your brand identity. Tracking Progress and Measuring Impact To stay on track, businesses need to measure what matters. Sustainability isn't guesswork; it's data-driven. Many restaurants now set goals for waste reduction, water usage, and carbon emissions. Digital dashboards, smart meters, and waste tracking apps provide clear feedback. Certifications like LEED , Green Restaurant Association, or B Corp can help validate progress, but the real value comes from aligning with goals and quickly reporting results. This transparency involves sharing results with staff and customers. This builds trust and shows accountability. Food service brands that track their impact tend to improve faster; they spot problems early and share wins more confidently. A culture of measurement helps maintain steady progress and keeps sustainability top of mind. Collaborating Across the Industry No restaurant can do it alone. Real change happens through partnerships. Food services need ot consider teaming up with local farms, recycling programs, and talking to local councils about any green schemes . This collaboration speeds up progress and helps avoid mistakes. Industry groups and supply networks now host workshops and certifications focused on sustainability. These shared resources help smaller businesses catch up and stay competitive. Technology platforms also make collaboration easier. Apps that connect surplus food with charities or tools for joint purchasing of sustainable goods are helping restaurants work smarter together. By building strong networks, the industry strengthens itself. Working together, sustainability leads to better outcomes and stronger communities. Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Future in Food Service Sustainability touches every part of the food service industry, from menus to materials. The shift toward responsible choices is clear. Restaurants that act now gain a competitive edge; they reduce costs, attract loyal customers, and stay ahead of regulations. The transition doesn't have to be all or nothing; small steps lead to big changes. Choosing eco-friendly furniture, like the options from food service furniture, is one of the smart steps. It shows commitment, supports long-term value, and elevates the dining experience. Sustainability is no longer an add-on; it’s a business essential. For those who embrace it, it can be a source of growth, loyalty, and resilience.