The Happy Index
A People-First Approach to Leadership
Published on 28. August 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
320 pages
978-0-00-865478-8 (ISBN)
Description
Discover the key to positive workplaces and better results from one of Britain's most successful leaders.
A Waterstones Book of the Month and Paperback of the Year 2025
'Mr Timpson is a role model as an employer. Other businesses could learn from his approach.' The Guardian
The Happy Index: a tool designed to measure and enhance workplace satisfaction, boost morale and empower teams.
______________________________
James Timpson is renowned for leading with empathy and understanding, often by example. His acclaimed people-first approach to management empowers colleagues, putting measurable job satisfaction at the heart of corporate strategy.
The Happy Index invites readers into a world where employee happiness isn't just a buzzword - it's a powerful catalyst for success that should be at the core of any successful organisation. Drawing on his decades of experience leading one of Britain's best-loved high-street brands, Timpson shares the secrets behind his unique approach to 'upside-down' management. His infectious passion for people shines through every page and in the very real measures he has introduced - from days off for birthdays to free-to-use luxury holiday homes. And with a workforce comprised of at least 10 per cent ex-offenders at any one time, Timpson shows the value of an imaginative approach to hiring, with a staff retention rate to be proud of.
From a leader who knows what it takes to build thriving organisations, The Happy Index gives companies, start-ups and leaders the tools they need to bring Timpson's revolutionary approach to their working lives.
A Waterstones Book of the Month and Paperback of the Year 2025
'Mr Timpson is a role model as an employer. Other businesses could learn from his approach.' The Guardian
The Happy Index: a tool designed to measure and enhance workplace satisfaction, boost morale and empower teams.
______________________________
James Timpson is renowned for leading with empathy and understanding, often by example. His acclaimed people-first approach to management empowers colleagues, putting measurable job satisfaction at the heart of corporate strategy.
The Happy Index invites readers into a world where employee happiness isn't just a buzzword - it's a powerful catalyst for success that should be at the core of any successful organisation. Drawing on his decades of experience leading one of Britain's best-loved high-street brands, Timpson shares the secrets behind his unique approach to 'upside-down' management. His infectious passion for people shines through every page and in the very real measures he has introduced - from days off for birthdays to free-to-use luxury holiday homes. And with a workforce comprised of at least 10 per cent ex-offenders at any one time, Timpson shows the value of an imaginative approach to hiring, with a staff retention rate to be proud of.
From a leader who knows what it takes to build thriving organisations, The Happy Index gives companies, start-ups and leaders the tools they need to bring Timpson's revolutionary approach to their working lives.
Reviews / Votes
'The way that he operates is the way I'd like the whole world to operate.' Jake Humphrey, host of The High Performance Podcast'A must-read for anyone who cares about better ways of doing business.' Sunday Times
'James Timpson's a man who gets things done ... He makes profits, values his employees and fixes things.' The Times
'Mr Timpson is a role model as an employer. Other businesses could learn from his approach.' Guardian
'James Timpson knows the secret to making money.' Telegraph
'Timpson [has] developed a reputation for being humane.' Financial Times
'These lessons give you the tools to a brighter, happier workplace.' Roisin Currie, CEO of Greggs
'The Happy Index is a beacon of hope for businesses everywhere.' Julian Richer, author of The Ethical Capitalist
'Proves that businesses can be a force for positive change in our communities.' Pia Sinha, CEO of Prison Reform Trust
'Timpson has much to teach all of us about building a welcoming and winning culture that always puts people first.' Richard Walker OBE, Executive Chairman of Iceland Supermarkets
'The more I learn about the Timpson family and how they run their companies, the more impressed I am.' James O'Brien
'The most interesting and unexpected appointment in Keir Starmer's government. ... He's respected across the political spectrum for his work.' Fraser Nelson, The Spectator
'Not only do Timpson look after their own people, but they also genuinely care about helping others in need.' Sir Tom Hunter, philanthropist and entrepreneur
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
HarperCollins Publishers
Product notice
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 195 mm
Width: 130 mm
Thickness: 27 mm
Weight
283 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-00-865478-8 (9780008654788)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
02/2024
HarperCollins
€6.99
Available for download
Book
02/2024
HarperNorth
€28.50
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
James Timpson OBE is a British businessman and politician who is currently Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending. From 2002 until 2024 he was the CEO of the five-generation, family-owned company Timpson, which includes many of the UK's best-known high street retailers. In addition to leading an organisation of 5,600 staff across 2,000 locations, James was Chair of the Prison Reform Trust and regularly advised figures across the private and public sectors. He is the father to three adult children and lives in Cheshire with his wife, Roisin. The Happy Index is his first book and all of his earnings will be given to the Prison Reform Trust.