Deep Shifts in Human Sentiment Are Redefining Economic, Health, and Workplace Norms, Oliver Wyman Forum Report Finds

Core Insights - The report from Oliver Wyman Forum highlights that geoeconomic and technological disruptions are reshaping consumer and workplace sentiment, leading to increased emotional strain and changing behaviors in investment, shopping, work, technology use, and healthcare engagement [1] Financial Independence - Financial independence has become a significant goal and source of anxiety, with the percentage of respondents identifying it as an unmet need rising to 41% from 32% in 2022, and the pressure to earn money for success nearly doubling (+80%) in the same period [2] - Interest in the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement has increased from 24% to 37%, and financial literacy is now the top skill individuals wish they had learned earlier [2] Wellness Trends - The proportion of individuals practicing at least four wellness activities has increased from 22% to 30% since 2021, while the inactive lifestyle group has decreased from 15% to 4%, despite a 7-point drop in self-reported mental health sentiment [3] AI in Healthcare - Over half of respondents (55%) are now comfortable using AI for everyday health inquiries, with 47% using it for specific conditions and 37% for urgent health needs [4] Workplace Expectations - Fulfillment has emerged as a key workplace expectation, ranking as the second most important job quality, while dissatisfaction with leadership has risen, with 51% of respondents viewing current leadership models as outdated and complaints about leadership increasing nearly 60% since 2023 [5] AI Integration in Work - Two-thirds of employees (67%) now interact with AI in conversational ways, and 28% would prefer an AI manager over a human one, although this integration raises concerns about role clarity and performance standards [6] Consumer Behavior - Consumer expectations are rising, leading to fragile brand loyalty; 64% of consumers would abandon a brand after a single poor experience, increasing to 69% among high-income shoppers [7] Research Overview - The report analyzes five-year changes in attitudes, values, and trust among consumers and professionals globally, focusing on how economic uncertainty, leadership behavior, mental wellness, and AI are reshaping decision-making [8]