Our need to feel connected—to bond, belong and befriend—runs deep. And medical evidence shows that human connection is the lynchpin of our wellbeing, while other research shows that workplaces built on harmonious, productive relationships are linked to lower stress, greater happiness and peak performance. This month, The GWI’s Wellness Moonshot Calendar: A Year of Inspiration focuses on new ways to connect with our coworkers, family and friends.…
MONTHLY BAROMETER – WELLNESS EDITION Monthly Barometer No more beating about the bush: Climate change is a risk like no other, and it’s accelerating. (1) A spate of recent research concludes that greater severity and intensity of extreme weather with its second-round effects (such as rising waters) is not only happening but on the increase. (2) Two central bank governors just called on financial regulators,…
The Big Business of Loneliness – Vox, May 6, 2019 Loneliness is pervasive and increasing, particularly in Anglo-Saxon countries—a tragedy and a trap for many people. Not surprisingly, companies and entrepreneurs now make it a business to sell an end to social isolation. From co-living apartments to co-working spaces to apps that help facilitate human connection, there is a lot of investment and infrastructure being…
A large, new study found that people who spend their day sitting may have to move less than was originally thought to eliminate serious health risks. Earlier studies suggested that one hour a day of physical activity was needed, but this new study found that even 20–40 minutes erased most of the risks of a sedentary life. ACCESS THE STUDY
For most metrics measuring human progress (ranging from GDP-per-capita to life expectancy), we’ve never had a better life; yet a surprising number of individuals in high-income countries (most notably in the Anglo-Saxon world) feel miserable at work (where we spend a third of our adult life). The reasons are manifold and hard to address for traditional companies: purposeless jobs, punitive hours, dreadful commutes, “always-on” culture,…
MONTHLY BAROMETER – WELLNESS EDITION “Brexeternity”—At the eleventh hour, all options are back on the table, from May’s deal to a no-deal, from a softer Brexit to a second referendum. But irrespective of the actual outcome, Brexit won’t be over any time soon. For years to come, the British economy, society and politics will be consumed by wrangling and negotiations with the EU (and the…
