Sint-Trudo Hospital

De Werkgeluksbrengers emerged from conversations with management, colleagues and trainees. At Sint-Trudo, job satisfaction is strongly connected to warm, human interactions. Small gestures make the difference and reinforce a sense of belonging. These heartwarming moments were gathered under one key concept: de Werkgeluksbrengers. These cheerful hearts made workplace happiness tangible for the entire organisation.

In September 2021 the concept was internally introduced at the Heartbeat Festival, Sint-Trudo’s yearly staff party. The kick-off also marked the beginning of the internal Week of Workplace Happiness. Colleagues were invited to share their experiences on workplace happiness. The gathered stories, quotes and photos were compiled into a colourful booklet full of hearts: the Workplace Happiness Bible.

Even after the Week of Workplace Happiness, the warm theme remained visible on the work floor. Think of coffee mugs on the wards, personalized calendars, a unique Spotify playlist curated by staff, posters, and a heartfelt New Year’s card to kick off the year with positive energy.

Once the staff of the Sint-Trudo Hospital had completely embraced de Werkgeluksbrengers, it was time to launch the concept externally. Because the narrative was supported internally, we achieved great success externally as well.

Several years after the initial launch, we further developed the concept of de Werkgeluksbrengers. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic was strongly felt in the healthcare sector. Not only in Sint-Trudo, but globally. Everywhere in the world, concerns about engagement, well-being and retention emerged. Sint-Trudo seized the opportunity: not to fundamentally rethink the narrative on workplace happiness, but rather to further develop the concept strategically.

The recognisable hearts continue to exist but now take on a new dimension: Working on Workplace Happiness. Whereas de Werkgeluksbrengers initially served as a platform to gather happy moments, they now encourage conversation and dialogue. We continue to celebrate moments of happiness, but we will also listen to what can be improved. We deepened the concept: keeping the finger on the pulse to address challenges openly and working together to build a stronger workplace culture.

De Werkgeluksbrengers evolved from a communication campaign to an internal platform. One with involved colleagues, with a rock-solid feedback culture and with inspiring initiatives. Job satisfaction became a shared responsibility: going from work floor to management and vice versa.

In spring 2023, we announced an extensive – yet inviting – internal survey. The invitation was positive, visually appealing and featured personalised avatars. The questionnaire was completed by a large portion of the staff, which resulted in valuable insights. The results highlighted strengths but also indicated areas for deeper focus.

We thoroughly analysed the results and provided targeted feedback across multiple levels. First with HR, the communication department and the executive team, then with the entire management. During these workshops, we examined how to expand on the survey insights. This was no mere formality but a shared opportunity for reflection and setting priorities.

After the management workshops we engaged with the colleagues on the work floor. We discovered their experiences, ideas and expectations. These insights were processed in the strategic plans for 2024 and 2025. This vital step ensured that the strategy is
aligned with the experiences of all staff members.

For the Sint-Trudo Hospital workplace happiness remains a work in progress rather than a temporary project or a single campaign. What started out as a recognisable symbol, quickly transformed into a full-fledged strategic process with active staff engagement. De Werkgeluksbrengers are embedded in the hospital’s operations and serve as a guide for all strategic decisions.

Carried by communication. United by a shared narrative. Tangible in both small and significant moments. Every day.