The Global Flourishing Study
Our work is grounded in the Global Flourishing Study (GFS), the most comprehensive cross-cultural research initiative ever conducted on human flourishing. Led by researchers Tyler VanderWeele, Matthew Lee, and Byron Johnson of Harvard University in partnership with Baylor University, Gallup, and the Center for Open Science, the GFS surveyed more than 200,000 people across 22 countries as part of a five-year study.
The initial GFS findings (Wave 1) provide an unprecedented view into what enables individuals and communities to flourish, which the GFS defines as living in a state where all aspects of life are going well. The Flourishing Work Alliance applies these insights to help define and advance flourishing in the workplace.
History of the Scientific Understanding of Human Flourishing
The GFS builds on a rich interdisciplinary tradition of flourishing research, including Martin Seligman’s PERMA model of positive psychology, Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy and emphasis on meaning, Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs, Ed Diener’s foundational work on happiness and subjective well-being, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s flow theory, and Aristotle’s concept of eudaimonia — the good life. More recently, scholars such as Francis Su have extended this tradition by showing how domains like mathematics can support human flourishing through connection, purpose, and beauty.
Definition of Flourishing Today
Both Francis Su and Tyler VanderWeele have definitions of human flourishing that inform our approach to flourishing at work:
“Human flourishing refers to a wholeness of being and doing, of realizing one’s potential and decisions that serve others; helping others do the same, of acting with honor and of living with integrity even in challenging circumstances. It is not the same as happiness, and it is not just a state of mind. A well-lived life is a life of human flourishing.” —Francis Su
“A state in which all aspects of a person’s life are good; involves six domains of life, including happiness and life satisfaction, physical and mental health, meaning and purpose, character and virtue, financial and material stability, and close social relationships.” —Tyler VanderWeele
The Flourishing Work Alliance uses this definition for flourishing at work:
“Flourishing at work means creating environments in which people can find meaning, stability, and satisfaction in their work while sustaining health, relationships, and joy in their lives.” —Eleanor Allen
Flourishing At Work - What It Means
Flourishing at work extends beyond employee well-being or engagement. It is a whole-system condition in which people can perform, grow, connect, and find fulfillment in their workday. This makes cultures that enable workplace flourishing powerful predictors of resilience, innovation, and long-term organizational success.
Central to the FW Alliance’s approach is measuring flourishing at work across seven domains. These domains were adapted from the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University Secure Flourishing Index, the Kern National Network for Flourishing in Health’s Framework, and the FW Alliance’s Flourishing Blueprint Framework. We believe we need all seven, together, to experience a life well lived at work.
The Seven Dimensions of Flourishing At Work
Adapted by the FW Alliance & the WFO from The Global Flourishing Study: What contributes to a life well-lived? p6. and the Kern National Network for Flourishing in Health’s Framework for Flourishing
1. Happiness and Life Satisfaction at Work
Overall sense of happiness and satisfaction with job and professional life.
2. Physical and Mental Health at Work
Well-being of the body and mind, including both physical health and psychological resilience, at work.
3. Meaning and Purpose at Work
The sense that work is meaningful and worthwhile, and role at the organization has a purpose towards fulfilling the mission of the organization.
4. Character and Virtue at Work
Working with integrity to promote positive outcomes at work while keeping a long-view on how to achieve the strategic goals of the organization.
5. Close Social Relationships and Care at Work
Satisfying and positive relationships with supportive and trusting coworkers and supervisors that care for each other.
6. Financial and Material Stability at Work
Having the financial resources and job security needed to do your best work, live an adequate life, and pursue your aspirations.
7. Financial and Material Stability at Work
Having the financial resources and job security needed to do your best work, live an adequate life, and pursue your aspirations.