What if the real secret to a meaningful, high-performing workplace is not just happiness or engagement, but hope?
A new study from the University of Missouri (read the full article here) reveals that hope is more than wishful thinking. It is a powerful emotional force that gives our lives and our work meaning. In fact, the research found that hope may be even more essential to wellbeing than happiness or gratitude.
Why Hope Matters at Work
The study, led by Megan Edwards and Laura King, analysed over 2,300 people and found that hope was the only positive emotion that consistently predicted a stronger sense of meaning in life. Meaning, in turn, is linked to better relationships, higher resilience, improved health, and even greater income.
At Future of the Office, this resonates deeply with our ethos. We believe hope is the thread that connects culture, environment, and wellness, helping people and organisations thrive, even in uncertain times.
How We Cultivate Hope in the Workplace
Culture: Trust and transparency are the foundation. We help organisations build cultures of psychological safety, where people feel safe to speak up, share ideas, and ask for support, knowing they will be heard and valued. Hope grows when people believe their voice matters and that positive change is possible.
Environment: We design spaces that inspire optimism and possibility, such as natural light, biophilic elements, flexible layouts, and places for both focus and connection. When people feel their environment supports them, hope and creativity flourish.
Wellness: We take a holistic approach, from regular wellbeing check-ins and access to mental health resources, to workshops on resilience, stress, and neuroinclusion. We also encourage practices that nurture hope, like celebrating small wins and recognising growth. Supporting mental health is just as important as the physical space.
Practical Ways to Build Hope at Work
Inspired by the research, here are a few ways to foster hope in your team:
- Celebrate small wins and positive moments, even on tough days
- Encourage growth and learning, especially when things feel uncertain
- Create space for people to nurture their own and each other’s potential
- Remind teams that change is possible, even in hard times
- Engage in caring, nurturing activities, such as mentoring, team volunteering, or simply supporting each other’s progress
Why This Matters Now
In a world where uncertainty is the new normal, hope is not just a nice-to-have, it is a strategy for resilience, innovation, and meaning. As the research shows, hope is available to all of us, every day, and it can transform not just our outlook, but our outcomes.
Read the full research summary here:
Hope is the key to a meaningful life, according to new research (University of Missouri, June 2025)
Ready to Cultivate Hope in Your Workplace?
If you would like to explore how hope can become part of your workplace culture, or want practical ideas for building a more resilient and meaningful environment, get in touch with us today. Let’s create a future where hope, wellbeing, and performance go hand in hand.