What the World Happiness Report Just Revealed
The World Happiness Report 2025 dropped.
And while the findings are sobering—especially for the U.S.—they also give us a clear opportunity to reset. To recommit. To reimagine what it means to lead and live with happiness at the center.
What We Learned
The U.S. hit its lowest ranking ever, with declining happiness scores across nearly every demographic—but especially among young adults and those experiencing increased loneliness and disconnection.
In fact, 1 in 5 young adults globally now say they have no one they can count on for social support. That’s a 39% increase since 2006.
Meanwhile, benevolent actions like helping strangers, volunteering, and donating remain 10% higher than pre-pandemic levels—a hopeful sign that people are still choosing care and connection, even when systems fall short.
So what’s driving the divide?
We know that happiness is deeply tied to social trust, strong relationships and a sense of shared well-being. And while individuals are still showing up for each other, our institutions, policies and workplaces often aren’t keeping up.
We’re asking individuals to thrive in systems that prioritize productivity over people, and profit over purpose. That disconnect is at the heart of our well-being crisis.
The U.S. Context
In the U.S., the data reflects a troubling combination:
More people eating alone
Rising deaths of despair
Increased loneliness among young people
Lower trust in others and institutions
And while other nations are using public policy to support well-being—investing in social trust, family support and community infrastructure—we continue to see rollbacks in mental health funding, paid leave and DEI initiatives that protect marginalized groups.
It’s no surprise we’re struggling.
But here’s the good news: change starts where we are. And Happy Leaders are already building something better.
What Happy Leaders Can Do
We can’t wait for national policy to catch up. But we can start creating the conditions for well-being in the spaces we influence every day—our workplaces, classrooms, communities and homes.
Here’s what that looks like:
Build Social Trust
Encourage openness, authenticity and shared values in your teams. Create a culture where people know they’re seen, supported and respected.
Design for Connection
Build in space for real conversations, shared meals and collaborative work. Loneliness is a systemic problem—and you have the power to shift it.
Prioritize Purpose
Help your team connect their work to a bigger mission. Make space for curiosity, meaning and growth—especially for younger generations who are craving it.
Push Back on Burnout Culture
Model rest. Encourage balance. Celebrate progress, not just output.
Lead With Empathy
Especially when policies fall short, leaders have an even greater responsibility to create inclusive, compassionate spaces where everyone can thrive.
Happiness is a Collective Practice
The World Happiness Report reminds us that happiness isn’t a luxury—it’s a reflection of how we treat each other, what we prioritize and the systems we design.
We don’t need to wait for institutions to get it right. We can start building better right now.
Let’s be the leaders who choose happiness. Not the fleeting kind, but the kind rooted in purpose, equity and shared humanity.
👉 Want a simple place to start? Join the next Happy Leader Power Hour for a free monthly gathering of purpose-driven leaders focused on building workplaces (and lives) where people truly thrive.
Because the future of happiness? It’s ours to design.
