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Our neuroscience
methodology
Proving culture
drives performance

Intuition doesn’t change culture. Evidence does.

Our methodology bridges the gap between science and business results, powered by three core pillars:

  • Neuroscience. Understanding the deep-seated drivers of how your people think, feel and behave.
  • Massive scale. Insights fuelled by our proprietary database of 250 million data points.
  • Academic rigour. Validated by leading scientists, researchers and peer-reviewed experts.

Our science-led methodology impacts everything we do.

Why neuroscience
matters

Neuroscience shows us that the brain and body are intricately connected. It reveals the brain’s structures, reactions and patterns, providing actionable insights on what truly drives culture and performance. We apply this thinking to the workplace, looking at how culture and our 8 neuroscience themes drive wellbeing and performance.

Diagram of The Happiness Index neuroscience methodology pyramid showing how Happiness (Heart) and Engagement (Head) combine across four brain systems and eight neuroscience themes to create a thriving workplace culture.

To build a sustainable high-performance culture, you must measure both sides of the human experience in the workplace: how your people feel (Happiness) and how they think (Engagement)

We focus on eight core neuroscience themes.

Four themes connect to the head, revealing insights into employee engagement.

→ Clarity
→ Enablement
→ Meaning & purpose
→ Growth

Four themes connect to the heart, unlocking the secrets to employee happiness.

→ Safety
→ Relationships
→ Freedom
→ Acknowledgement

Each theme links to one of four brain systems representing a fundamental need at work.

To ensure complete accuracy, each of the 4 brain systems breaks down into 2 core themes, which are further measured across 3 distinct sub-themes. Such as trust, autonomy, team dynamics, workload, and values.

We unite them across all our services and products. This prevents data silos and provides a holistic view of your culture.

Enabling you to take action and drive productivity, wellbeing and growth.

A methodology honed on data for over a decade

The scientific approach to releasing human potential. Underpinned by neuroscience, validated by experts, and powered by real-world data, our methodology bridges the gap between human emotion and bottom-line business results.


170

countries tested


250

Million+, data points, collected and analysed


50

Million+, survey responses


5

Million+, employees empowered

Built on Science.
Proven by Experts.

Our platform and methodology aren’t built on passing HR trends. They’re backed by combining rigorous scientific study with deep organisational experience.

The core of our methodology is our 24-question survey, The Happiness Index. Built on neuroscience and academic expertise, it gives you a complete picture of how your people actually think and feel. 

It’s not just internally rigorous; it’s independently checked. In April 2025, our approach was externally validated by:

  • Professor Jeremy Dawson
  • Professor Sarah Pass
  • Dr David Batman MSc. MB. ChB. FFOM

From methodology to results

One science-led framework. Every solution. This same neuroscience model underpins our global benchmark, engagement platform, bespoke reports and performance-culture consultancy. Whatever you’re using The Happiness Index for, it’s built on the same evidence base.

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Ready for a thriving culture?


Book a demo and we’ll show you exactly what your culture data reveals. No hard sell. Just clarity.

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The Little Book of Happiness.


Everything you need to understand what drives your people. And what it means for your bottom line.

Download free guide