To the brink and back: How near-death experiences can change how people work

To the brink and back: How near-death experiences can change how people work 
The Conversation; by Adauri.AI; 5/5/25 
What happens when someone comes close to death and then returns to everyday life, including work? For some, the experience can be transformative. ... Although near-death experiences (NDEs) have been studied since the 1970s, we know relatively little about how they affect people after the event. Research suggests people who have near-death experiences may feel increased empathy, spiritual growth, a sense of purpose and even change how they approach their jobs. Our recent study explored how near-death experiences impact people’s return to work. We interviewed 14 working adults who had a near-death experience as a result of medical crises such as a heart attack or accidents such as a car crash. What we found challenges conventional ideas about success, motivation and workplace culture.

• Doing meaningful work ...
• Rethinking motivation ...
• Relational transformations ...
• Lessons for the rest of us ...