Mental Health, Income, and the Living Wage: Evidence from 91 Countries - 2026

Join our session to engage with research on mental health and Living Wages across countries

About the session

In a global study involving more than 50,000 people from greater than 90 countries, we evaluated mental well-being across many dimensions. While global mental health is generally moderate, which is a concern, we also found significant patterns linking individual and national well-being to income relative to the living wage. These patterns reveal a significant message to employers and policymakers as costs of living rise: mental health is at risk globally if individuals and families do not see increases to their incomes and wealth that exceed the costs of survival. These findings are especially true for younger generations entering the workforce; even those from higher-income backgrounds are at risk as labor markets tighten, while others may face additional headwinds as they seek to advance their mental and financial well-being.

24 September 2026 | 3 pm - 4 pm CEST

Register here to attend our session

This session's expert

Dr. Kai Ruggeri
Dr. Kai Ruggeri
Professor in the Department of Health Policy & Management Columbia University

In conversation with:

Leena Bhattacharya
Leena Bhattacharya
Lead Research & Communication, WageIndicator

Join our session

Be part of the conversation: mental health, living wages, and what the data says globally.

Join us!
arrow

View all events

Events