Let me start with a quick story. A few years ago, I was hiring for a critical role. The resume in front of me looked perfect—like, “did this person invent marketing or what?” kind of perfect. During the interview, I casually asked, “What makes you happiest at work?” They paused, thought for a moment, and said, “Being treated like a person, not just an employee.”

That hit me hard. I realized that even the best talents won’t thrive unless they feel valued, supported, and happy. And guess what? A happy team doesn’t just work better—they create magic.

So, here are 5 ways I build a happy working team—straight from my own playbook.

1. Communicate Like You’re Human, Not a Robot

Let’s be honest—no one loves those rigid, overly formal emails or the “as per my last email” vibes. I make it a point to communicate clearly, openly, and—most importantly—like a human being.

• Weekly check-ins? Yes.

• Honest feedback? Always.

• Asking, “How’s your mom’s health?” before diving into deadlines? Absolutely.

When people feel like they can talk to you without fear of judgment, they feel valued. And valued employees? They give their 200%.

2. Celebrate Everything—Even Small Wins

Ever seen a team light up because someone brought samosas to the office? That’s the power of small gestures. Celebrating your team’s wins—even the tiniest ones—creates an energy that’s contagious.

At Business Gurukula, I once threw a mini clap session on zoom because a team member designed their first brochure. The joy, the energy, and yes, the chai—it all contributed to a better bond and more motivation.

3. Respect Their Personal Time

If there’s one thing I cannot stand, it’s the workaholic martyr culture. “Working late” isn’t a badge of honor—it’s a red flag. I’ve made it a rule: no one should be working beyond regular hours unless it’s an emergency.

I even encourage people to take proper breaks—go for a walk, binge a series guilt-free, or spend time with family. A well-rested team is a productive team.

4. Empower Them to Make Decisions

Imagine giving someone a task and micromanaging them through every tiny step. Exhausting, right? For both of you. Instead, I let my team own their projects. I guide them, yes, but the final decision is theirs.

Once, we were brainstorming an ad campaign, and one of my juniors suggested an unconventional idea. I could’ve dismissed it, but I didn’t. We went with their idea, and it turned out to be a hit. Moral of the story? Trust your team—they’ll surprise you.

5. Invest in Their Growth

Nothing says “I believe in you” like helping someone grow. At Business Gurukula, I make sure my team gets opportunities to learn—whether it’s a workshop, an online course, or even a random book I think might help them.

One time, I bought a leadership book for a team member who was transitioning into a managerial role. She later told me it boosted her confidence. Investing in their skills isn’t an expense—it’s the best ROI you’ll ever get.

Why a Happy Team Matters

A happy team isn’t just a “feel-good” concept—it’s the foundation of a successful business. They’re more creative, more collaborative, and more committed. And when they know you care about them, they’ll care about your vision like it’s their own.

So, next time you’re wondering how to boost productivity, don’t look for fancy tools or complex strategies. Just ask yourself: Is my team happy? Because happy teams don’t just work—they thrive.

And maybe, just maybe, bring samosas to the next meeting. You’ll thank me later.