92 countries, one finding:
young adults are running out of energy.

A major Columbia University survey shows that mental health is declining everywhere, even in rich countries. And that work can help, if it is well organised.

The study, published on 30 October 2026 in Social Indicators Research, surveyed 50,000 people in 92 countries. Young adults report the lowest wellbeing: less vitality, less emotional stability, less resilience.

What protects

Having a job, an income, a good level of education and not living alone. One detail will interest HR directors: hybrid work gives better results than 100% remote work. The bond with colleagues matters.

Another surprise: respondents rate themselves rather well. They cite their relationships, their sense of purpose and their feeling of competence as strengths. What wears them down comes from outside: economic and political instability.

The message to leaders

The lead author, Kai Ruggeri, calls for action now: securing incomes against job losses linked to new technologies, fighting burnout and easing access to care. For a company, the energy of its young talent becomes an indicator to track, just like revenue.

Sources: Pourquoi Docteur, 3 November 2026, based on Social Indicators Research (Columbia University).