The Six Seconds Model of emotional intelligence is a framework for measuring and improving emotional intelligence. Based on 30 years of practice & research, Six Seconds created this model to provide an actionable process for learning and growing these essential skills.
Each year, tens of thousands of people all over the world take the Six Seconds Emotional Intelligence assessment (SEI) to measure and improve emotional intelligence, wellbeing and relationships. The State of the Heart report analyzes this dataset to provide essential insights on global trends in emotional health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, this year's report reveals some massive challenges.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Global emotional intelligence scores have declined for four consecutive years. From 2019 to 2023, global average emotional intelligence scores declined 5.54%; scores on every individual competency also dropped.
The world has entered an “emotional recession” - characterized by low wellbeing and high burnout. Wellbeing scores declined for the past four years, dropping 5.3%.
Gen Z faces a mental and emotional health crisis fueled by loneliness and social isolation. In the workplace, 53.7% of Gen Z scored in the low satisfaction category - signaling especially high risk for disengagement and burnout for younger workers.
A striking gender divide has emerged in the post-pandemic era. Starting in 2021, women’s emotional intelligence and 75% of women’s life success factor scores rebounded, even as men’s scores continued multi-year declines. While lagging wellbeing is a cause for concern, the overall trend for women is positive.
Workplaces across industries face rapid change in the post-pandemic era, due to a range of challenges including the transition to hybrid work and the rise of AI. From 2021 to 2023, burnout increased in 65% of workplace sectors in the study.
Emotional intelligence scores are not evenly distributed throughout the world. Oceania has the highest average emotional intelligence, and Asia the lowest. All seven global regions, however, have unique strengths and opportunities.
Six Seconds is the world’s leading provider of emotional intelligence assessments, training, certification, and coaching. Our mission is growing the world’s emotional intelligence. Our vision is that by 2039, one billion people will be practicing the skills of emotional intelligence. Working toward that vision, we research and develop transformational, globally relevant, and scientifically validated tools and methods to measure and strengthen the key competencies to increase productivity and effectiveness in the workplace The methodology applies to business, education, government and other organizations to create an optimal context for people to be and do their best. For additional State of the Heart Reports 6sec.org/soh