Chapter 6: Mindfulness in Practice: Biti’s Journey to GNH-Certified Corporate Happiness and Sustainable Well-being in Business

This chapter explores the transformative journey of Biti’s, a leading Vietnamese footwear company, following the ‘Happy Biti’s’ project from 2018 to 2022. Grounded in gross national happiness (GNH) principles, the project aligns with the sustainable development goals (SDGs), emphasising mindfulness training to foster stronger relationships with oneself, colleagues, and the environment. Led by a team trained by the Eurasia Learning Institute for Happiness and Wellbeing, the initiative led to significant changes in organisational policies. As a family-owned business, Biti’s benefitted from strong leadership support, enabling resilience, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. A longitudinal study using qualitative data from individual and focus group interviews revealed key themes supporting the project’s success. Biti’s became the first GNH-certified company in Vietnam, with employees experiencing personal transformations through mindfulness, improved relationships, and increased environmental awareness. Organisationally, Biti’s adopted a happiness-centred vision, incorporating sustainable practices and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. This case study highlights the importance of leadership, mindful adaptation, and effective communication for integrating GNH principles into corporate culture, offering valuable insights into sustainable business practices.