B&Q workers are among the happiest in the world, according to a new survey.

The Chandler's Ford-based DIY giant landed a Gallup Great Workplace Award after an Employee Engagement Survey showed that staff happiness at work had more than tripled in 18 months.

The rise follows a management push to involve staff in the business.

Currently almost two-thirds of B&Q's 38,000 UK staff, including 3,000 in Hampshire, are officially happy, compared with a UK average of just 16 per cent. The result puts B&Q's workforce, familiar from their distinctive orange aprons, among the happiest 25 per cent in the world, it is claimed.

Martyn Phillips, human resources director at B&Q, said: "We are delighted to receive this award as it really recognises the huge strides we have taken to put employee engagement at the heart of our business. The most pleasing aspect is that we know that these levels of engagement provide the foundation for a dramatically improved service to our customers."

Peter Flade, managing partner of Gallup UK, said: "After 40 years, our research and analysis continually proves how employee engagement directly impacts profitability, productivity and customer service."