Mikael Romert, County Manager Handelsbanken Stockholm, Micael Dahlen, Professor Stockholm School of Economics, Malin Cederlund, Branch Manager Handelsbanken Högalid. Photo: Christian Carvajal Johansson.

Handelsbanken was named the winner of the Happiness Impact Award in the Finance category-an accolade given by Stockholm School of Economics.

The Happiness Impact Award is presented to companies that have measurably contributed to improving well-being across society. The prize is the result of an empirical study looking at the extent to which a range of companies influence people's perceived happiness and security. The survey had 6,000 respondents, who answered questions about 57 of Sweden's most prominent companies. Micael Dahlen at the Stockholm School of Economics led the study.

It produced metrics of exactly how much the companies in the survey affect people's happiness and well-being, considering the categories "a better life, happiness, meaning and a rich life". Handelsbanken was the top-ranked company in the Finance sector.

"We are proud to have received this recognition in Stockholm School of Economics' study. In my opinion, it derives from our somewhat unique way of running our bank. We believe strongly in personal meetings, and that people thrive when they are trusted and given responsibility," says Mikael Romert.

Handelsbanken's business model is centred on decentralised responsibility, a local presence and genuine trust in employees' capacity to make the right decisions, close to the customer.

"By making sure we are available to our customers where they are and understanding their day-to-day needs, we are in a better position to help them achieve their life goals, take advantage of opportunities that come their way, and create financial security for themselves and their loved ones. Or, to put it another way-help them to life a happy life," says Mikael Romert.

For further information regarding the Happiness Impact Award, please see here.

For further information, please contact:
Handelsbanken's press office, +46 (0)8 701 80 18

More information on Handelsbanken: www.handelsbanken.com