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The Economy of Wellbeing: going beyond GDP

Representing the Economics of Wellbeing, a four leaf shaped with symbols for social protection, gender equality, health care, education and training

People's wellbeing and economic growth are interdependent and mutually reinforcing.

  • Wellbeing
  • Economic growth

The Economics of Wellbeing

Sustainable long-term economic growth

Social protection

More productivity

  • promote social protection

  • reduce inequality

Gender equality

By 2050 increase in GDP by up to +9,6%

  • better work-life balance

  • flexible working arrangements

  • more care support

Health care

+€58 billion in health care savings by 2050

  • ensure high quality health care

  • invest in preventive measures

Education and training

6 years longer life for better educated people

  • more access to education for all

  • promote adult and lifelong learning

Possible future actions for the EU and its member states

  • establish a new strategy to make the EU the most competitive and socially cohesive economy

  • assess the impact on wellbeing of policy measures in all fields with a long term perspective
  • reprioritise investment by taking into account the link between wellbeing outcomes and economic growth
  • address inequalities in wellbeing outcomes

 

Source OECD

For more information on the Economy of Wellbeing, see:

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Last review: 4 February 2025