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Worker recruitment and retention continue to be top of mind for many employers in the new year. Although employees value competitive salaries and benefits, the things that matter most often can't be measured in dollars and cents.
Human connection and physical and emotional wellbeing are top priorities for happiness in 2024, according to a new survey conducted by Wondr Health, which works with health plans and employers to improve clinical outcomes and reduce health care costs. The survey asked nearly 500 people around the world what brings them the most happiness. The top responses are:
- Close relationships and human connection, including spending time with family, 30%;
- Physical and emotional health and wellbeing, 21.5%;
- Engaging in activities that spark joy, 17%;
- Financial freedom, 12%;
- Helping others in need, 11%;
- Career satisfaction and fulfillment, 8%; and
- Other, 0.6%.
The survey findings are consistent with an 85-year-old study from Harvard University that found that close relationships are the key to happiness and health. And when workers are happy, their employers share in the benefits.
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