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on Economics of Happiness |
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Issue of 2026–04–20
four papers chosen by Viviana Di Giovinazzo, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca |
| By: | Richiardi, Matteo; Vittal Katikireddi, S.; Daniel, N; Agneta, Cederstrom; David, Sonnewald; Leszek, Morawski; Michal, Brzezinski; Mikael, Rostila; Claire, L |
| Abstract: | This report presents the construction and analysis of a Multidimensional Index (MDI) of Well-Being across four European countries ─ Sweden, Germany, Spain, and Poland ─ using EU-SILC cross-sectional survey data spanning 2004–2024. Based on the OECD well-being framework, the analysis covers ten (out of eleven) key dimensions, including income and wealth, housing, health, safety, environment, life satisfaction, social connections, as well as jobs and earnings, education, and work–life for the working-age population (25─64). Standardized well-being scores (0─1) were constructed for each dimension, with composite indices derived using principal component analysis (PCA) where multiple indicators were available. The MDI was computed as the average of the available dimension scores. The findings reveal notable cross-country variation in both individual dimensions and overall well-being. Sweden consistently ranks highest, followed by Germany, while Spain shows comparatively lower levels. Poland demonstrates the strongest improvement over time. Trends indicate overall progress between 2004 and 2019, a decline during the COVID-19 period, and partial recovery thereafter. Age-related disparities are evident, with older individuals more likely to experience lower well-being. These findings underscore the role of multidimensional approaches in capturing inequalities in well-being across populations and contexts. |
| Date: | 2026–04–13 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ese:cempwp:cempa7-26 |
| By: | David G. Blanchflower; Alex Bryson |
| Abstract: | Although there is growing evidence that the subjective wellbeing among the young declined in recent years, the evidence is not consistent across surveys. We examine the relationship between age and various measures of wellbeing and illbeing across three major surveys – the Gallup World Poll (GWP, Global Minds (GM) and the Global Flourishing Survey (GFS). The GWP is conducted via face-to-face and telephone surveys; GM surveys are web-based; and GFS uses both telephone and web-based surveys. We focus on 23 countries appearing in all three surveys. The clearest evidence that wellbeing rises with age and illbeing declines with age comes from the web-based surveys in both GM and GFS. The age profiles look very different when surveys are conducted by telephone: the higher rates of illbeing among the young are far less apparent in these surveys. Because survey mode is not randomly assigned, we cannot be sure differences in age profiles of wellbeing and illbeing are causally affected by survey mode. Selection into survey mode, both across and within country, plus differential non-response by survey across the age range, may be playing a role. However, the evidence indicates very different age patterns in wellbeing and illbeing emerge across different survey modes. |
| JEL: | I31 |
| Date: | 2026–04 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:35058 |
| By: | Kauhanen, Antti; Rouvinen, Petri |
| Abstract: | Abstract Based on Statistics Finland’s Quality of Work Life Survey, we find that AI use, or its intensity, is not systematically associated with lower job satisfaction in Finland. By contrast, work engagement is higher among wage earners who use AI themselves in their own work, and the association is strongest among those for whom AI is an essential part of the job. In contrast to the international literature, we do not find broad-based evidence in Finland that AI use is associated with the technology-related fears we examine. In addition, fear that one’s own work contribution may be replaced by technology remained virtually unchanged between 2018 and 2023. Our interpretation is that Finland’s high-trust institutional environment and strong safety nets may help dampen the psychological and economic pressures that have elsewhere been linked to rapid technological change. Finland’s distinctive pattern may be explained in part by the Nordic model: high levels of interpersonal trust and strong safety nets act as buffers that mitigate the pressures created by technological disruption. Although the use of AI remains relatively limited in Finland, our findings suggest that it should not be viewed solely as a threat to worker well-being. At the same time, it is important to emphasize that these patterns may change as AI use becomes more widespread. |
| Keywords: | Artificial intelligence, Job satisfaction, Work engagement, Technology-related fears, Labor market transitions |
| JEL: | J28 J81 O33 |
| Date: | 2026–04–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rif:briefs:178 |
| By: | Alessandra Fenizia; Christos Makridis |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the effects of the 2025 U.S. federal personnel reforms. Using a difference-in-differences design, we document a persistent decline in federal employment, employee engagement, and job satisfaction, alongside a temporary increase in burnout and job search activity. Subjective well-being also declines and remains depressed, indicating spillovers beyond the workplace. Effects are heterogeneous by political affiliation, with large responses among Democrats and Independents and muted responses among Republicans. We find no evidence of partisan differences in attrition, suggesting that deteriorating attitudes did not translate into sustained labor market exits or changes in workforce composition. |
| Keywords: | federal workforce; civil service reform; employee engagement; job satisfaction; public sector; Gallup Workforce Panel. |
| JEL: | J45 J28 H83 J24 |
| Date: | 2026–04 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:gwc:wpaper:2026-006 |