* A well-being manifesto for a flourishing society1

Abstract

This chapter presents the key points of the well-being manifesto developed by the new economics foundation, a think tank in London, to provide a guide for ‘well-being politics’ that may help governments in addressing flat life-satisfaction levels among its populace. Findings on well-being research have identied the components of well being as people's satisfaction with their lives, their personal development, and their social well-being. Factors of genetics, life circumstances, and intentional activities have been found to have the greatest impact on well-being. The latter sections define the role of the government in promoting well-being and provide eight interrelated areas of action. These are: to measure what matters; to create a well-being economy; to reclaim time through work–life balance improvement; to create an education system promoting flourishing; to refocus health services on complete health; to invest in early years and parenting; to discourage materialism; and finally, to strengthen civil society and social well-being.