The 2025 World Happiness Report, a global publication on wellbeing, highlights key trends that influence global happiness.
One of the central themes of this year’s report is the profound impact of caring and sharing on our happiness. The report demonstrates that acts of kindness not only benefit the recipients but also bring joy to the givers. This concept of “twice-blessed” benevolence—where both the giver and receiver experience happiness—has strong backing from global data.
The report combines wellbeing data from over 140 countries with high-quality analysis by world-leading researchers from a wide range of academic disciplines.
In the context of maritime life, where crews live and work together for extended periods in close quarters, acts of kindness can make a profound difference. Whether it’s sharing limited personal resources, supporting a colleague during a difficult watch, or simply offering a listening ear, these gestures foster a more resilient and harmonious onboard culture.
This concept of “twice-blessed” kindness—where both parties benefit emotionally—has strong backing from global data.
On ships, where isolation and fatigue can take a toll, fostering a culture of mutual care can directly improve morale, reduce conflict, and boost mental well-being.
The “Benevolence Gap”
The Gallup World Poll reveals that people tend to underestimate the kindness of others in their communities. A striking example is the higher-than-expected return rate of lost wallets dropped in the street, proving that people are far more generous and willing to help than we often perceive. This “benevolence gap” between perception and reality significantly impacts our well-being. When we are informed about the kindness around us, our happiness levels improve.
This “benevolence gap” is also evident in maritime life, where seafarers may assume their shipmates are indifferent or self-focused due to the stresses of the job. However, real-world examples—like crewmates stepping up to cover shifts for one another or officers mentoring junior crew—prove that generosity is more common than perceived. Raising awareness of these everyday acts can help combat cynicism and strengthen social cohesion on board.
The pandemic’s lasting impact on kindness
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a noticeable increase in benevolent acts worldwide. People became more willing to help others, and this “benevolence bump” has continued into 2025, with acts of kindness remaining about 10% above pre-pandemic levels.
Despite a slight decline in 2025, benevolence is still higher than it was in 2017–2019, suggesting that the pandemic sparked a lasting shift in how people interact and support each other.
Motivation matters: Why we help
The happiness derived from helping shipmates is greatest when it’s driven by genuine care, not obligation or personal gain. Whether it’s volunteering to lead onboard activities, checking in on someone struggling emotionally, or assisting a new crew member in adjusting to life at sea, the most meaningful support is given freely. Maritime companies can foster this culture by encouraging peer support initiatives and recognizing informal acts of leadership and kindness.
The report also shows that benevolent behavior doesn’t just make the recipient happy—it enhances the well-being of the giver as well.
However, this benefit is most profound when the motivation behind the act is to genuinely help others, rather than to seek personal rewards. Additionally, voluntary actions that clearly benefit others yield the greatest happiness for both parties involved.
Social connections are vital for well-being
The report flags rising loneliness globally—especially among young adults. In the maritime industry, this is a longstanding issue. Long contracts, limited communication with home, and hierarchical ship structures can lead to intense feelings of isolation. Nearly 1 in 5 young people globally report having no one to turn to—and for junior crew members on their first voyages, this may hit even harder.
Creating onboard mentorship programs, promoting open dialogue, and improving connectivity can help seafarers build stronger social support networks, making their time at sea more fulfilling and less isolating.
Benevolence and mental health
Mental health is another area where benevolence plays a vital role. The report emphasizes that in low-income countries, mental health treatments have a particularly strong impact on happiness. Donations, volunteering, and helping strangers are all linked to better mental health outcomes, both for the givers and the recipients.
In developing nations where many seafarers come from, access to mental health care is limited. Yet, the report shows that simple acts of kindness—like volunteering, donating, or supporting others—are strongly linked to better mental health. Port-based welfare organizations, seafarers’ missions, and unions that provide these opportunities and services play a crucial role in maintaining the mental health of maritime workers.
Companies that prioritize crew welfare and encourage volunteerism—such as participating in coastal cleanups during port calls or supporting local maritime communities—often report higher satisfaction among their personnel.
A more compassionate industry
The maritime industry is increasingly recognizing that success isn’t just about efficiency or profit, but also about the well-being of its people. The World Happiness Report reinforces that happiness stems from strong human connections, empathy, and shared purpose. For an industry built on international cooperation, long voyages, and trust among crew, these values are not just ideals—they’re essential.
As Sandra Welch, CEO at Seafarers Hospital Society (SHS) highlighted in a past interview to SAFETY4SEA, a culture of care for seafarers and their families is the number one priority for the maritime industry. By embracing a culture of caring and sharing, the maritime world can sail toward a more compassionate, connected, and resilient future.
