Robert Waldinger

Happiness and Sustainability: Changing Our Approach to Growth | Global Conference 2024

Maggie Switek, Jen Fisher, Hal Hershfield, Mariano Rojas, Robert Waldinger

This panel highlights a crisis where accelerating economic growth has eroded human well-being, evidenced by a sharp decline in U.S. happiness rankings and a disconnect between national GDP and life satisfaction. Drawing on longitudinal data from the 80-Year Study and corporate research, the discussion establishes that social connection, rather than wealth or status, is the primary driver of health and productivity, necessitating a shift from transactional labor models to value-based relationships. To address these human limits, experts advocate for structural reforms such as Right to Disconnect laws, urban density initiatives, and strategic AI implementation that prioritizes meaningful work over mere cost-cutting.