Why Workplace Wellbeing Matters

Most of us spend a third of our waking lives at work. Work sets our schedules, influences our relationships, shapes our identities, and drives our economies. But is it actually making us happy?

This is a deep and profoundly important question, and now leading Oxford researchers Jan-Emmanuel De Neve and George Ward provide the richest, most comprehensive picture yet of workplace wellbeing. In Why Workplace Wellbeing Matters, the authors provide clarity on what workplace wellbeing is (and is not), and how to think about and approach it as a business.

Mining a variety of the largest and most in-depth data sources—including a unique, massive dataset gathered in partnership with the jobs platform Indeed—the book illustrates the remarkable ways in which wellbeing at work varies across workers, companies, industries, and geographies. It also provides new, data-driven insights into the origins of workplace happiness and how to effectively move the needle on improving our working lives.

Drawing on work in economics, psychology, sociology, management, and other disciplines, the authors explain that workplace wellbeing includes both how we think about our work as a whole and how we feel while we’re at work. They show, using innovative new data and empirical methods, that improving wellbeing can help raise productivity as well as aid in the retention and recruitment of talent—ultimately leading to companies’ better financial performance.

With keen insight and nuanced analysis, Why Workplace Wellbeing Matters dispels myths and tests assumptions that have arisen amidst an often-confusing cacophony of voices on wellbeing at work. It also provides a firm foundation and indispensable resource for leaders as they shape the future of work.

Pre-order your copy now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, or at your local book store.

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Endorsements

“As this brilliant book shows, wellbeing at work really matters – not just to workers but to productivity and profit. A must read for any course on management, occupational psychology or labour economics.”
Professor Lord Richard Layard
Author of bestseller Happiness: Lessons from a New Science

“Workplace wellbeing has become a strategic imperative for many organizations. Why Workplace Wellbeing Matters is an outstanding book which highlights the evidence-base on how workplace wellbeing has a positive Impact on employee health, productivity and talent retention. This is a MUST read for HR professionals, senior executives and chief medical officers.”
Professor Sir Cary Cooper, CBE
University of Manchester and Chair for the National Forum for Health & Wellbeing at Work

“Well-being is good for us: it makes us happier, healthier, and more resilient. Finally, De Neve and Ward in this splendid book, also give us compelling evidence that well-being is measurable and profitable.”
Professor Martin Seligman
Founder of Positive Psychology and author of New York Times bestsellers including Authentic Happiness

“De Neve and Ward revolutionize our understanding of workplace wellbeing with an unprecedented analysis of data from over 20 million workers. Their rigorous research demonstrates that employee happiness is not just a feel-good factor—it’s a critical driver of business success. This book is an absolute game-changer for any leader aiming to create a thriving, high-performing organization in today’s competitive landscape.”
Professor Ashley Whillans
Volpert Family Associate Professor, Harvard Business School, and author of Time Smart

“Why Workplace Wellbeing Matters is a data-driven yet very readable guide for both managers and employees about the importance of measuring and increasing well-being in the workplace, from two of the top experts in the field.”
Professor Michael Norton
Harvard Business School

“Authored by two leading researchers on workplace well-being, this superb and fact-packed book unpacks the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind the hottest yet often misunderstood trend in managing companies. You’ll never think about fostering well-being at work the same way again.”
Professor Stephan Meier
James P. Gorman Professor of Business and Chair, Management Division, Columbia Business School, and author of The Employee Advantage

“‘Workplace Wellbeing Matters.’ Everyone says this, but what is workplace wellbeing and how to improve it? This excellent, evidence-rich book opens the black box, drawing on new data from the world’s largest job search website and the best insights from a community of wellbeing researchers. It identifies the specific features of workplace wellbeing that are linked to improved performance, and provides practical steps for managers to enhance them.”
Professor Alex Edmans FBA FAcSS
London Business School