A smile is one of the simplest yet most impactful expressions—a small, effortless gesture that crosses all language barriers, lifts spirits, and brings people closer. It’s a universal way to connect.
In 1999, the first World Smile Day® was held to encourage acts of kindness and spread joy around the world. Ever since, the first Friday in October has been reserved for celebrating smiles and all the good they can do. We are looking forward to celebrating this year on Friday 3 October 2025.
The Story Behind World Smile Day®
In 1961, a company in Massachusetts faced a common challenge: bringing together two different organizations and cultures after a merger. State Mutual Life Assurance Company had acquired Guarantee Mutual Company, and morale was low. Understanding that people are at the heart of any business, the leadership launched a friendship campaign to promote unity and positivity among employees.
In 1963, they hired Harvey Ball, a freelance artist, to create a symbol for this campaign. His creation? The now-iconic smiley face 😊. Originally designed as a friendly reminder for employees to smile when interacting with customers and one another, this bright yellow circle with a simple smile soon became a global symbol of goodwill and positivity.
The Smile Company and World Smile Day®
At The Smile Company, we believe in the transformative power of a smile. It’s not just about lifting the corners of your mouth—it’s about fostering connection, creating positivity, and nurturing collaboration. We’ve seen the incredible effect that smiles can have on teams, boosting creativity, engagement, and a sense of belonging.
Today, many teams face challenges much like those from the 1960s. Whether you are part of a newly formed team, managing a merger, or looking to enhance collaboration across virtual spaces, our Smile Workshop is designed to help. Through fun, interactive sessions, we’ll work with your team to unlock a more positive and connected work environment.
As we enter 2025, it’s the perfect time to re-energise your team. Join us in celebrating smiles not just on World Smile Day®, but every day. Share your smile - and your team’s smiles - with us!
Ready to bring more smiles to your workplace?
Contact us to learn more about our Smile Workshop and how we can help you create a world class customer service culture.
Email: us@thesmilecompany.co.nz
