Why Acts of Kindness Can Make You Happier Than a Pay Raise

Kindness Brings More Happiness Than a Higher Salary, Study Finds

The Power of Kindness in a Challenging World

Despite the world often feeling cold and uncertain, kindness is still widespread, according to the latest World Happiness Report. Released annually on the International Day of Happiness, the report is a collaboration between Gallup, the University of Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. This year, it highlights the role of benevolence and how people perceive kindness in their communities.

Acts of Benevolence: How Common Are They?

The report categorizes acts of kindness into three main areas:

• Donating money
• Volunteering
• Helping a stranger

Data reveals that 70% of the global population engaged in at least one of these acts in the past month. “That’s an incredibly high number,” notes Dr. Felix Cheung, coauthor of the report. While this figure has declined from the peak seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, it still surpasses pre-pandemic levels.

Dr. Lara Aknin, professor of social psychology at Simon Fraser University, points out that even though the world faces many difficulties, people continue to engage in generous acts. This trend is significant, especially as the United States has dropped in happiness rankings, now sitting at No. 24.

Kindness vs. Wealth: Which Makes You Happier?

Many assume that financial success leads to happiness, but data suggests otherwise. “Acts of generosity predict happiness even more than earning a higher salary,” explains Ilana Ron-Levey, managing director of the public sector at Gallup.

A study by Dr. Aknin supports this claim. Participants were given small amounts of money and asked to either spend it on themselves or someone else. Those who spent it on others reported higher levels of happiness. This pattern was consistent across different countries, including South Africa, Uganda, and India.

“We are a social species,” Aknin explains. “Acts of generosity help build and sustain our connections with others.”

The Empathy Gap: Why We Underestimate Kindness

Despite widespread acts of kindness, many people have low expectations of others’ benevolence. Researchers examined this phenomenon by asking individuals if they believed a lost wallet would be returned by a neighbor, the police, or a stranger.

• The U.S. ranked 17th in trusting a neighbor to return a wallet.
• It ranked 25th in believing the police would return it.
• It ranked 52nd in believing a stranger would return it.

This skepticism contrasts sharply with reality. Studies show that while only one-third of Americans believe a lost wallet would be returned, in reality, two-thirds of such wallets are recovered. This disconnect, known as the empathy gap, influences happiness levels. “If we expect the worst of others, we walk through life fearful, and that affects our well-being,” says Aknin.

How to Build Stronger Communities and Increase Happiness

The good news is that perceptions can change. Dr. Cheung emphasizes that developing trust in kindness leads to greater happiness.

Dr. Aknin offers a simple guide to maximizing the benefits of benevolence—called the Three C’s:

1. Connection – Engaging with people directly enhances happiness. Taking someone out for coffee, rather than simply sending them money, has a stronger emotional impact.
2. Choice – Giving voluntarily feels more rewarding than giving out of obligation.
3. Clear Impact – Seeing the results of your kindness increases fulfillment.

The Link Between Social Interaction and Happiness

Another key factor in happiness is social engagement, including shared meals.

• 1 in 4 Americans eat all their meals alone, a 53% increase since 2003.
• Studies link frequent solo dining to lower life satisfaction.

Countries like Finland and other Nordic nations, which consistently top happiness rankings, emphasize strong community connections. Ron-Levey explains, “A sense of community and trust in institutions leads to more benevolent acts, which in turn boosts happiness.”

Final Thoughts

Kindness is more than just a moral virtue—it’s a key to personal and societal happiness. Acts of generosity not only improve the lives of others but also create a ripple effect that enhances well-being for everyone. As the World Happiness Report suggests, embracing kindness and fostering trust in humanity can make the world a happier place for all.