Much more than a 'faster-horse', this is how we future-proof business.

Whether you're a fledgling startup, a rapidly scaling business, or a large established enterprise, you need high-performing employees, a strong and loyal client base, and possibly investment. These are the three critical reasons why wellbeing is fast transitioning away from HR as an operational nice-to-have, and towards the C-Suite as a strategic imperative for future-proofing, with board level oversight. You can read more about this in our article of 28/01/2025.

C-Suite leaders are starting to catch on; especially those who've realised that wellbeing is the bedrock upon which resilient, successful businesses are built. They now understand that ignoring or paying lip service to wellbeing leaves their outer flank exposed which simply places their business on the backfoot and gives their competitors an easy route to outperform them. It is becoming clear that a faster version of the same approach is not going to cut it when it comes to getting this right.

The world is changing – is your outer flank at risk of attack?

The world has changed. Are your business culture, policies, and people management techniques keeping up? Employees, especially younger generations, aren't just looking for a salary; they're seeking purpose, flexibility, and a workplace that values their holistic wellbeing. A recent study by Deloitte found that;

millennials and Gen Zs, who will make up a significant portion of the workforce, prioritize mental health and wellbeing above other benefits.

Ignoring this shift is a recipe for talent drain and decreased productivity. Furthermore, the lingering effects of global events have amplified stress and burnout amongst ALL employees, making a proactive approach to wellbeing more critical than ever. But wellbeing isn't just about keeping employees happy; it's about building a stronger, more resilient business, protected on all sides, and able to defend itself from incoming threats and challenges.

Wellbeing as a competitive advantage

Beyond internal benefits, a strong commitment to wellbeing is becoming a key differentiator in the eyes of investors and potential clients. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations are increasingly influencing investment decisions, and the "S" in ESG, which encompasses social factors like employee wellbeing, is gaining prominence. Investors are recognizing that companies that prioritize their employees are better positioned for long-term success. Similarly, businesses are increasingly choosing to trade with organizations that align with their values, including a commitment to employee wellbeing. Demonstrating a genuine commitment to wellbeing is no longer a nice-to-have; it's becoming a must-have for securing new business and attracting investment, with the previous 'tick-box' approach proving woefully short of the mark.

The business case for leaders to start owning wellbeing

The evidence is clear: organisations that prioritise wellbeing are stronger, more resilient, and more attractive not just to talent, but to potential clients and investors as well.

? Resilience and productivity: a study by Deloitte found that companies with a strong wellbeing culture experience 56% lower absenteeism and 50% lower turnover rates.

? Competitive advantage in investment & sales: investors and clients are increasingly evaluating organisations based on their social impact, including employee wellbeing. Research from McKinsey reveals that over 70% of investors consider esg (environmental, social, and governance) factors, with employee wellbeing being a key measure of sustainable business strength.

? Financial performance: the world economic forum found that companies investing in wellbeing see an average return of $4 for every $1 spent (where else can a business expect 300% returns?), demonstrating a tangible link between a thriving workforce and business growth.

Here’s how

So, how can businesses at different stages of development make wellbeing a strategic pillar?

Startups:

? Build it into your DNA: From the very beginning, define your company culture around wellbeing. Make it a core value and communicate it clearly to potential hires.

? Flexible work arrangements: Offer flexible hours and remote work options where possible. This can be a significant draw for early employees.

? Open communication: Foster a culture of open communication where employees feel comfortable discussing their concerns, including their wellbeing.

? Early investment: Even with limited resources, small investments in wellbeing can go a long way. Consider offering subsidized gym memberships or mental health resources.

Scale-ups:

? Formalize your wellbeing strategy: As your company grows, formalize your wellbeing initiatives. Develop clear policies and programs that address different aspects of wellbeing, including physical, mental, and financial health.

? Training and development: Invest in training for managers on how to support employee wellbeing. Equip them with the skills to identify and address potential issues.

? Data-driven approach: Track key metrics related to employee wellbeing, such as engagement, turnover, and absenteeism. Use this data to inform your strategy and measure the impact of your initiatives.

? Ensure psychological safety: research by google found that psychological safety is the #1 predictor of high-performing teams. Creating open, inclusive environments fosters trust and collaboration.

Large, Established Businesses:

? Review and refresh: Regularly review your existing wellbeing programs to ensure they are still relevant and effective. Conduct employee surveys and focus groups to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement.

? Leadership from the top: Ensure all leaders and persons of influence in your business are bought in. Wellbeing is more likely to improve if it is championed by top executives.

? Integrate wellbeing into performance management: Connect wellbeing to performance expectations. Recognize and reward employees who prioritize their wellbeing and support the wellbeing of their colleagues.

? Holistic approach: Adopt a holistic approach to wellbeing that addresses all aspects of an employee's life, including their work, family, and personal needs.

In 2025 and beyond, wellbeing will be the cornerstone of successful businesses. By making it a strategic priority from the start, organizations can build a stronger, more resilient workforce, attract top talent, win new business, secure investment, and ultimately thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Ready to get future-proofing? We're here to help...for free!

WellWise offers some free, simple, but useful tools to get a quick assessment of your organisation's current approach to wellbeing, and how well it's stacking up against the leaders. CEOs, request a colleague to complete the audit, and put some numbers into the ROI calculator, and come back to you with some thoughts on where your business is now.

Free tools: https://bewellwise.app/tools

Join an International WhatsApp community for leaders who are serious about tackling workplace wellbeing—not as a compliance exercise, but as a real business priority.

https://chat.whatsapp.com/C1YHTfETQfF0rN1Xf2lm4r

There is a dedicated group for C-Suite professionals who are curious and interested in learning more about the role of wellbeing in strategic business. There will be no sales pitches here, just networking and discussion flowing organically. Only verified CEOs and other C-Suite professionals may join this sub-network. You’ll find support, expertise, resources, and a welcoming community to help you navigate the journey.

C-Suite WhatsApp Wellbeing Network - C-Suite professionals only - verification required for access: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GHsAWIz7VBnHuCnlyLuxu5