For many years, social scientists have tried to quantify the underlying causes of happiness. In the workplace, the topic is relevant because there is a lot of research linking employee happiness to positive business outcomes and retention. So, what causes employees to experience happiness in the workplace? From the agent/employee perspective, here are four of the drivers researchers have identified that lead to happiness in the workplace: 1. An agent’s trust in their company’s leadership: Is my manager really looking out for my success? 2. A culture where agents are encouraged to share ideas and individual opinions: Are my ideas valued by those around me? 3. A workplace where co-workers feel like family or friends: Do I have friends at work I can trust and reach out to for support? 4. Benefits customized to meet an agent’s needs: Does my manager understand and flex to meet my needs? Take a quick inventory. Would your agents say these characteristics are well-represented in your company or team? If not, start thinking through some changes necessary to make these traits part of your identity. Retention starts with creating a place where agents experience happiness in their day-to-day work. These are the places where high performing agents want to land and stay.