Is Happiness a Measurable Metric?

As a consultant, strategic advisor, and mentor to social entrepreneurs, board members, and staff of startups, social enterprises and community organisations, I have had the privilege of witnessing their unwavering commitment to creating social impact.?

I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such inspiring individuals and organisations that are making a difference in the lives of marginalised communities. Their determination and passion for social impact continues to inspire me to advance social economic participation of the marginalised.?

Recently, I visited One&All Hub, a disability-focused social enterprise client, and was blown away by their innovative approach to promoting therapeutic outcomes. At One&All, individuals with mixed abilities and mental challenges receive tailored programs to support individuals in education and training, employment, independent living, as well as advocacy and support pathways. These tailored programs are designed to foster a resilient and vibrant community.

?This experience has led me to reflect on measuring happiness and mental wellbeing as social outcomes for both public and private sector services.?

Happiness and Urban Planning

Urban planners and researchers use a variety of metrics to assess the well-being of cities, including quality of life surveys (incl. safety, access to healthcare, education, transportation, and recreational opportunities), well-being indices (incl. income, health, education, environmental quality, and social connections), urban planning indicators (incl. urban design, accessibility, green spaces, public transportation, and community engagement), and social media analysis (social media data to gauge the sentiment and mood of residents). By combining these metrics, policymakers can gain valuable insights into the factors that contribute to happiness in cities. Happiness is more than just a feeling - it is a measurable metric.

Happiness at the Work

Happiness at work is crucial for a productive and motivated workforce. But how can we measure it? Regular 1:1 meetings (typically a manager and an employee meeting to keep each other in the loop, provide feedback, resolve issues, set goals, and celebrate accomplishments), satisfaction surveys, and engagement surveys are common metrics used to gauge happiness and well-being in the workplace. Absenteeism, productivity, and collaboration are also indirect reflections of employee happiness. Building a positive work environment and promoting a culture of well-being can contribute to higher levels of happiness and productivity among employees.?

Happiness as a Social Outcome

Happiness is a universal goal, and measuring it as a social outcome has been a subject of much debate. The World Happiness Report is one such attempt that uses factors like GDP per capita, social support, life expectancy, freedom of choice, generosity, and perceptions of corruption to assess happiness globally. The report's findings show that nations ranking high on the happiness index, such as Finland, Denmark, Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway, often show lower crime rates, pointing to a correlation between happiness and reduced crime. Surveys and data collected from citizens worldwide help determine subjective well-being and life satisfaction.?

Crime Rates and Mental Health

Mental health is a key component of overall health and wellbeing (WHO 2021). A mental illness can be defined as a clinically diagnosable disorder that significantly interferes with a person’s cognitive, emotional or social abilities’ (COAG Health Council 2017).

Mental illness is a significant issue in Australia, with conditions like anxiety, depression, and substance abuse affecting many individuals. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 1 in 5 Australians? (aged 16-85) (22% or 4.3 million) experienced a mental disorder.?

The recent Bondi Junction stabbing has raised concerns about the state of mental health support in Australia. The tragedy has sparked conversations about the support available to those dealing with mental health issues and their families.?

In a recent interview with ABC, Philip Morris, President of the National Association of Practising Psychiatrists, shed light on the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals since the closure of mental health institutions 30 years ago. Dr Morris emphasised the negative impact the closure had on people with mental illness, as many were left without proper care and support.

As a result, these individuals were forced to live on the streets, in homeless shelters or be picked up by police. Dr Morris points out that "Treatments were not followed up and they became a very disadvantaged group of people who should have been properly cared for."

This situation has led to marginalisation and highlights the need for societal support for those with mental illness. It is crucial that we provide adequate care and support for individuals with mental illness to ensure they receive the treatment they need and deserve.

Australia has various support services and initiatives in place, but there are still key challenges related to access to care, stigma, and awareness. Integrating community happiness, mental health, and overall well-being into public and private sector services outcomes is crucial.

Mental Health and Marginalised Communities

Marginalised communities often face additional challenges that can impact their access to resources, opportunities, and overall well-being. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, statistics show that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) people, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities are more likely to experience mental health issues than the general population.

In 2018-19, an estimated 24% of First Nations people reported a mental illness, while in 2020, an estimated 61% of LGBTQ+ people reported having been diagnosed with depression and 47% reported having been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Additionally, according to the 2020–21 National Health Survey,? adults with disabilities generally experience higher psychological distress than people without disabilities. An estimated 33% of adults with disability experienced high or very high psychological distress, compared to 12% of the population without disability. These statistics highlight the importance of prioritising the mental health and well-being of marginalised communities, and working towards creating a more inclusive and supportive society.?

Happiness is a Measurable Metrics

To promote happiness and well-being, the public and private sectors play key roles to contribute to the development of social support and networks for the marginalised. Active involvement of the marginalised in community life enhances a sense of purpose, belonging, and social connectedness.

It is time to include happiness as a social outcome in the development of inclusive ESG (Environment Social and Governance) or Impact strategies and services in the public or private sector. Partnerships with the public and private sector can further advance social economic participation of the marginalised in education and training, employment, independent living, as well as advocacy and support pathways.

What are your thoughts on happiness as a measurable metric? Share your thoughts in the comments below.