All great companies understand they need to take care of their most important asset — their people. A happy, empowered and engaged workforce drives innovation and productivity. There is an ever-increasing understanding of the link between wellbeing and commercial performance.
Industry leader examples:
Salesforce
- Insight: Frequently conducts employee surveys; uses data to understand sentiment, gather feedback and make data-driven decisions
- Wellbeing innovation — Mindfulness Zones: offices equipped with quiet spaces on every floor where employees can meditate, relax, or pray
HubSpot
- Insight: Annual "Happiness Survey" gauging employee satisfaction; results shared internally transparently
- Wellbeing innovation — Mystery dinner: employees from different departments paired and given a gift card for dinner together, promoting cross-departmental friendships and boosting morale
Netflix
- Insight: Values candid feedback; culture built on open communication; known for "360 reviews" where employees receive feedback from peers, subordinates and superiors
- Wellbeing innovation — Unlimited vacation: employees take as much time off as they want as long as they get their work done; promotes focus on results rather than hours worked
PwC
- Insight: Regularly surveys employees on job satisfaction, work-life balance and wellbeing; uses data to improve and adapt workplace policies
- Wellbeing innovation — Digital Detox: in some regions, employees encouraged to step away from screens and emails, especially during non-working hours
Buffer
- Insight: Frequently surveys employees on topics from job satisfaction to mental health; often shares insights internally and within their community
- Wellbeing innovation — Mental health days: "mental health days" offered as part of PTO policy, allowing team members to take a day off when they need to focus on their wellbeing
Key takeaway
You don't need to be a huge corporation to get wellbeing right. Just by fostering open communication, offering flexible work schedules and promoting regular breaks can create a supportive environment. Simple gestures like team-building activities or mental health days can make a significant difference.