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A recent Deloitte study on workers’ efficiency in the workplace suggests that employees working in a positive environment — one that supports their well-being, belonging and psychological safety — are significantly less likely to experience physical or mental stress. In fact, Deloitte’s 2024 Well-being at Work survey found that just 56% of workers say their overall well-being is “excellent” or “good”.
Further, around 4 in 10 workers say they “always” or “often” feel stressed or exhausted at work.
The research also shows that when organisations increase their commitment to human sustainability (which includes worker well-being, inclusion and meaning at work), about 70% of employees believe this would lead to greater productivity and performance.
Taken together, these findings reinforce the idea that a positive work environment correlates with reduced stress and better work quality and output.
Businesses are well aware of the importance of mental health and well-being, but Deloitte’s research reveals a substantial gap between what employees seek and what organisations provide. For instance, many more employees say they want greater flexibility in location and working-time arrangements, but significantly fewer employers have fully implemented such policies. Similarly, while mental-health support is increasingly demanded, uptake and provision lag.
In one Deloitte survey, 68 % of workers said that even when their organisation offered well-being resources, they didn’t use them because access was too time-consuming, confusing or cumbersome.
These findings suggest that offering programmes is not enough: it’s equally critical that the support is accessible, aligned with employee needs, and embedded into the organisation’s ways of working.
According to the Fellowes Workplace Wellness Trend Report, 87% of workers would like their current employer to offer healthier workspace benefits — such as wellness rooms, company fitness benefits, sit-stand desks, healthy lunch options and ergonomic seating.
The report also found that 93% of workers in the tech industry said they would stay longer at a company that offered such healthier workspace benefits.
According to the IWBITM, the International WELL Building Institute, workplace design that considers air quality, lighting, views onto nature and the general layout of the interior can significantly impact health, satisfaction, wellbeing and staff productivity.
Research suggests that improved fresh air supply, reduced pollutants and better ventilation are strongly associated with measurable gains in cognitive function and productivity — in some scenarios, improvements of 10-20% have been modelled when indoor air quality is optimised.
Drinking water helps improve sleep quality and energy levels, as well as our ability to concentrate and focus. This keeps us alert and far more productive. So, provide drinking water and then remind everyone to drink it regularly.
What your employees eat fuels and powers their days. A healthy diet will keep employees focused and energetic. So, provide fresh fruit and ditch the Friday doughnut treat. Make sure that employees have access to healthy options on breaks, during meetings and at events. Ensure there is somewhere for them to sit and eat, too.
According to research, employees in well-lit workspaces reported up to an 84 % reduction in symptoms such as eyestrain, headaches and blurred vision when compared with more poorly lit offices. So, maximise natural light by making sure windows aren’t blocked — consider rearranging seating plans or replacing lighting.
Exercise increases the blood flow to the brain, keeping employees more alert and productive. Encourage exercise by offering a bike-to-work scheme, providing shower facilities, creating a dedicated space to exercise or offering exercise classes. Other ideas could be ‘walking meetings’ or setting up standing desks.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the biggest cause of lost work time. The use of correct ergonomics can help to reduce this. It’s a good idea to provide employees with different areas to work so they can switch from sitting to standing throughout the day. Make sure there are breakout areas, areas to chat or recharge, as well as quiet spaces.
Offer flexibility. The easiest way to boost employee well-being is to offer to telecommute. Being able to juggle a work life with home reduces stress levels and gives employees renewed energy to focus on the job at the time and place that suits them best. Regular breaks and holidays are also important – employees will be generally less stressed and happier with a good work-life balance.
Allowing employees the time to exercise during the day can also really help to reduce stress. Yoga or meditation classes are particularly beneficial. So are chill-out areas – create a space just for chilling with plenty of plants and comfy seating. Or create a staff garden.
Wellness programs should take a holistic approach and offer activities, resources and education that cover all aspects of health: stress management, financial wellness, social well-being, mental health, physical health, preventative care, physical activity, nutrition and professional development.
According to a recent survey of over 1,000 HR leaders, workplace culture is the biggest roadblock to improving employee well-being and engagement. A company with a strong culture of wellness will inspire and support employees to adopt healthy habits and offer them a better work-life balance. Businesses that invest time and money into developing a culture of wellness will create a healthier, happier and far more productive workforce.