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Using Subjective Well-Being as a Headline Indicator in Dashboards to Track Human Progress

Author

Listed:
  • Burger, Martijn

    (Erasmus Happiness Economics Research Organization, Erasmus University Rotterdam)

  • Courchesne, Sarah

    (Open Universiteit)

  • Greyling, Talita

    (University of Johannesburg)

  • O'Connor, Kelsey

    (STATEC Research – National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies)

  • Rossouw, Stephanie

    (Auckland University of Technology)

  • Sarracino, Francesco

    (STATEC Research – National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies)

  • Veenhoven, Ruut

    (Erasmus Happiness Economics Research Organization, Erasmus University Rotterdam)

Abstract

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has long been used as a proxy for human progress, despite growing recognition of its limitations. Recently, numerous "beyond GDP" initiatives have emerged, promoting multidimensional dashboards to assess quality of life. However, these often lack a clear headline indicator, limiting their usefulness for policymaking and public communication. This paper argues for placing subjective well-being (SWB) at the center of progress measurement in dashboards. SWB captures the overall impact of life conditions on people's lived experiences and offers a clear, outcome-oriented metric aligned with what truly matters: a good life. We explore how SWB can serve as a headline indicator, complemented by measures of the conditions that support it, to improve policy relevance, accountability, and legitimacy. We also address key measurement challenges and propose ways to overcome them for more effective integration into decision-making frameworks.

Suggested Citation

  • Burger, Martijn & Courchesne, Sarah & Greyling, Talita & O'Connor, Kelsey & Rossouw, Stephanie & Sarracino, Francesco & Veenhoven, Ruut, 2026. "Using Subjective Well-Being as a Headline Indicator in Dashboards to Track Human Progress," IZA Discussion Papers 18383, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18383
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • D60 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - General
    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General

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