Aristotle’s timeless observation, “Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work” (1999) is vividly illustrated in the story of Zappos, the online shoe and clothing retailer. Under the leadership of Tony Hsieh, Zappos became renowned for a culture built on employee happiness, customer service, and the belief that when people enjoy what they do, excellence naturally follows.
Building a Culture of Happiness
Tony Hsieh believed that a thriving workplace culture drives both employee and customer satisfaction. His philosophy centered on the idea that when people find joy in their roles, they are more creative, engaged, and committed to delivering high-quality work (Hsieh, 2010). At Zappos, this meant fostering an environment where employees felt empowered, valued, and encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work.
Empowerment and Engagement
Instead of focusing solely on profit, Zappos emphasized ten core values, including “Creative fun and a little weirdness” and “Build a positive team and family spirit” (Zappos, 2025). These principles encouraged employees to find pleasure in their daily responsibilities, whether through creative problem-solving, personal growth opportunities, or strong team bonds. This culture of empowerment transformed work into a source of pride and satisfaction rather than obligation.
Evidence of Success
The results were tangible. Zappos consistently achieved high levels of employee engagement and customer loyalty, with the company being recognized on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list multiple times (Great Place to Work, 2019). This success reinforces Aristotle’s wisdom: when employees take pleasure in their work, it leads not only to personal fulfillment but also to organizational excellence.
Conclusion
Zappos demonstrates that cultivating pleasure in the job is more than an abstract ideal; it is a practical strategy that yields measurable success. By fostering happiness, purpose, and authenticity, Zappos achieved both employee satisfaction and business growth. In this way, the company exemplifies Aristotle’s claim that pleasure is the path the perfection in work.
References
Aristotle. (1999). Nicomechean Ethics (W.D. Ross, Trans.). Batch Books. (Original works published ca. 350 B.C.E.)
Great Place to Work. (2019). 100 best companies to work for 2019.
Hsieh, T. (2010). Delivering happiness: A path to profits, passion, and purpose. Business Plus.
Zappos. (2025). Our core values. Zappos. https://www.zappos.com/c/about
Image Credits
Ordonez, L. (2018). Zappos logo. Oleoshop. Retrieved 2025, from https://www.oleoshop.com/en/blog/succcessful-ecommerce-case-the-history-of-zappos.