Why is the brain economy important for organizations concerned about their workforce?

Organization leaders today face a complex and evolving landscape that demands strategic foresight and adaptability. Achieving workforce resilience amidst political, technological, and environmental transitions has become critical. Workforce “wellbeing” is no longer a nice-to-have – human capital, particularly brain capital, has emerged as a strategic imperative, one that impacts the workplace and beyond.

In the workplaces of the future, the World Economic Forum ranks cognitive skills at the top of most in-demand skills for workers. Yet, mental and neurological conditions pose significant barriers, representing a greater global burden than cardiovascular disease or cancer.

Organizations that prioritize holistic brain health initiatives can unlock transformative social and economic outcomes including enhanced productivity, greater innovation, more adaptable workforces, and reduced healthcare costs. Investing in employee brain health can also yield substantial economic benefits – up to $11.7 trillion in global gains – while addressing costly issues like the $1 trillion in productivity lost annually due to mental health challenges.??

But with a crowded marketplace of fragmented solutions, how can employers effectively invest in brain health for their companies? The Business Collaborative for Brain Health is leading in helping managers to understand this complex landscape. Below is a recent piece of work they published with the McKinsey Health Institute titled, “Unifying mental health, neurological health, and performance drivers to achieve better business outcomes”.

If you are interested in exploring the latest advances in workplace brain health, take a look at our upcoming James A. Baker III Policy Leadership Program, April 7 to 10, 2025, in Paris, France.

The Brain Economy Seminar is appropriate for mid- to senior-level professionals from academia, the private sector, the nonprofit sector, philanthropy, and the public sector who aspire to lead the integration of brain health and skills into economic strategy. This immersive program provides a deep dive into the emerging brain economy, equipping participants with the knowledge and tools to drive transformative change within their organizations and regions.

Through lectures, workshops, and collaborative group activities, participants will gain practical expertise in shaping brain-based economic initiatives. The program culminates in the creation of a comprehensive strategy portfolio, featuring actionable deliverables such as stakeholder analyses, policy frameworks, and investment plans—all tailored to their unique contexts and goals.