Employee health and well-being, lessons from a tech leader and how countries are adapting to an ageing workforce – these are the stories covered in this issue of the World Economic Forum’s 3 Work Trends newsletter, your guide to the future of work and education in an ever-changing world.

1. How can we turn the tide on employee #burnout and poor #wellbeing?

The average person spends roughly one-third of their life at work. With this amounting to around 90,000 hours, it’s no surprise that the environment, stress levels and interpersonal dynamics in the workplace can majorly impact our mental health and well-being.

Globally, an estimated 12 billion working days are lost annually to depression and anxiety, costing $1 trillion in lost productivity. The economic impacts of poor mental well-being in the workplace are glaring.

From leadership committed to fostering a mental health-friendly workplace to training programmes, such as the World Health Organization (WHO)‘s ASCEND, bold action can equip managers with the skills to support their employees’ mental health and well-being.

2. The power of #storytelling and other key lessons from Microsoft‘s Brad Smith

Microsoft’s Vice Chair and President, Brad Smith, joined us at #Davos this year, sharing how the organization’s mission to tackle the intersecting issues between technology and society has shaped his understanding of innovation.

Dive into this wide-ranging discussion where the 30-year Microsoft veteran shares the career lessons that have built his resilience, how he leverages AI and why leaders need to become better storytellers.

3. How are countries adapting to #ageing #workforces?

Dutch workers are retiring 5 years later than they were in 2006. This is a trend we are seeing across the globe. By 2040, 4 in every 10 workers in the G20 will be aged 50 or over.

In a move to adapt to a changing future, the Dutch government passed the Future Pensions Act in 2023 to fundamentally change the way the Dutch pension system works. The new law aims to dismantle the barriers that prevent older people from rejoining the workforce in the country.

Source: GWFM Research & Study