Understanding Yellow Day and Its Significance
Yellow Day, celebrated on June 20th each year, is recognized as the happiest day of the year. This celebration serves as a counter to Blue Monday, known as the saddest day of the year. Yellow Day presents an opportunity for leaders to harness optimism as a tool to inspire their teams, fostering productivity and resilience.
The State of Happiness in Mexico
In Mexico, the population’s happiness levels are low, with only two out of ten Mexicans reporting feeling very happy. According to the 2025 Happiness Index by Ipsos, 61% of Mexicans are neutral, and 18% report not feeling well.
The Power of Optimism
Optimism extends beyond constant smiling; it involves maintaining hope amidst challenges. A leader with this perspective can guide their team through difficult times, explains Melhina Magaña, CEO of Daucon.
The Importance of Happiness in Organizations
Maintaining happiness within organizations is crucial, as research from the University of Oxford shows that a happy employee can boost productivity by up to 13%.
Moreover, leaders who embrace happiness tend to produce better results. However, Melhina Magaña cautions that emotional openness is equally important, including less pleasant emotions like sadness.
How Leaders Can Spread Optimism
When leaders prioritize their team’s well-being, it enhances a sense of belonging. Unfortunately, 22% of Mexicans believe their leaders rarely or never concern themselves with their emotional well-being, according to Kelly.
To keep employees happy, leaders must consider the motivations of all generations, especially younger ones. Melhina Magaña highlights the ARCA method for connecting with Millennials (born 1981-1996) and Generation Z (born 1997-2010):
- Autonomy: Empower employees by granting them decision-making freedom and professional growth opportunities.
- Recognition: Immediate recognition maintains happiness within teams, thanks to the instantaneous nature of internet communication.
- Cocreation: Participate in the development of ideas, strategies, and solutions, fostering innovation.
- Afiliación: Feeling part of the team and organization boosts commitment and job satisfaction.
Ipsos reports that feeling appreciated is one of the primary reasons to improve mood, with 35% of respondents citing this factor. Fifteen percent attribute their job satisfaction to feeling appreciated.
