The Future of Work Is Human: How the SPIRE Model Is Redefining Organizational Success
The Happiness Studies Academy is transforming workplaces by integrating the science of flourishing into the foundation of organizational life.
By
Dec 11, 2025
The future of work will belong to the organizations that prioritize wellbeing—not as a benefit, but as a business strategy. In today’s rapidly evolving world, organizations are increasingly recognizing that the key to sustainable success lies not just in systems and strategies, but in the wellbeing of their people. That’s where the Happiness Studies Academy (HSA) comes in, led by renowned scholar Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, whose groundbreaking work in positive psychology and human flourishing has revolutionized the way we think about happiness, work, and life itself.
Founded by Dr. Ben-Shahar, HSA is a global leader in the study and application of happiness and wellbeing, providing interdisciplinary programs designed to make flourishing a real and actionable goal in both personal and professional settings. Through the SPIRE model, a wholistic framework developed by Dr. Ben-Shahar, HSA is shaping the future of work by showing that a focus on happiness is not only beneficial but essential for organizational success.
Introducing the SPIRE Model: The Future of Wellbeing in the Workplace
At the heart of HSA’s mission is the SPIRE model, a revolutionary approach to wellbeing that integrates five essential dimensions of flourishing: Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Relational, and Emotional wellbeing. Unlike traditional models that focus on one or two aspects of wellbeing, the SPIRE model offers a wholistic and evidence-based framework to help individuals and organizations thrive in all areas of life.
As Dr. Ben-Shahar explains, "Happiness is not just a state of mind; it’s a multifaceted skill, a science, and a human right. By cultivating wellbeing in all areas of life, individuals and organizations can unlock their full potential, creating more productive, engaged, and innovative teams.”
How the SPIRE Model Transforms Organizations
The implications of the SPIRE model extend beyond personal wellbeing; it has the power to transform entire organizations. Here’s how each dimension of SPIRE can be applied in the workplace to foster a flourishing culture:
Spiritual Wellbeing: The Power of Purpose in Organizational Life
Spiritual wellbeing is about meaning and purpose—feeling that your work matters. When employees understand how their roles contribute to a larger mission, they become more resilient, loyal, and collaborative. Cultivating purpose in the workplace ensures that everyone feels connected to the organization’s broader vision. This sense of purpose is a key driver of performance and engagement.Physical Wellbeing: The Foundation of High Performance
Physical wellbeing sustains energy, focus, and creativity. Encouraging employees to prioritize their health through movement, rest, and recovery can significantly impact performance. Simple actions like walking meetings, stretch breaks, and on-site wellness programs can create a more energized and productive workforce.Intellectual Wellbeing: Lifelong Learning and Organizational Growth
Intellectual wellbeing fosters curiosity, innovation, and adaptability. Organizations that embrace intellectual wellbeing encourage continuous learning and evolution. Professional development programs, team brainstorming sessions, and learning rituals help organizations stay agile and forward-thinking.Relational Wellbeing: Relationships as the Heart of a Thriving Culture
Strong, healthy relationships are critical to workplace success. Fostering relational wellbeing involves creating an environment where trust, appreciation, and open communication thrive. Leaders who practice empathy, encourage feedback, and show gratitude help build psychological safety and a collaborative atmosphere. These practices foster belonging and improve teamwork.Emotional Wellbeing: Mastering Emotional Agility
Emotional wellbeing is not about constant happiness; it’s about managing emotions effectively. In the workplace, emotional wellbeing means creating an environment where employees can be emotionally agile—acknowledging stress and uncertainty without judgment. Normalizing a wide range of emotions and fostering gratitude and mindfulness practices can create an emotionally resilient workforce.
From Research to Practice: HSA’s Impact on Workplaces
The impact of the Happiness Studies Academy extends far beyond individual happiness; its programs are reshaping entire industries. The Certificate in Happiness Studies, the MA in Happiness Studies, and the PhD in Happiness Studies equip students with the tools to bring the science of happiness into the workplace, where they can cultivate wellbeing across organizations, teams, and communities.
Graduates of HSA have gone on to implement SPIRE in a wide range of settings, from corporations and nonprofits to schools, healthcare systems, and government agencies. These graduates are not only transforming the way work is done; they are helping to create a future where happiness is not a luxury but a necessity.
A Global Movement: SPIRE and the World’s Wellbeing Revolution
With students in over 100 countries, HSA is leading a global movement toward a world where wellbeing is prioritized at all levels of society. Through collaborations with universities, corporations, and global partners, HSA continues to spread its vision of flourishing at scale, helping leaders, organizations, and communities embed the science of happiness into their daily practices.
As more and more leaders recognize the profound impact that wellbeing has on organizational success, the demand for HSA’s evidence-based, interdisciplinary approach to happiness studies is growing. The SPIRE model is being recognized as a powerful framework that not only enhances employee wellbeing but also drives organizational success, innovation, and sustainability.
The Future of Work: Happiness as the New Competitive Advantage
The Happiness Studies Academy’s work is more important than ever. In today’s world, where burnout, stress, and disconnection are on the rise, organizations that prioritize employee wellbeing have a distinct competitive advantage. By applying the SPIRE model to leadership, organizational culture, and team dynamics, companies can create a flourishing workplace where both employees and organizations thrive.
“Happiness is a skill. It’s a science,” says Dr. Ben-Shahar. “And when we make happiness the foundation of our work and our relationships, everything else follows. The organizations that embrace this truth will not only thrive in the future; they will lead it.”
Visit the Happiness Studies Academy to learn more about the SPIRE model and how our programs are helping organizations around the world build cultures of wellbeing that lead to lasting success.
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