Wellbeing as the Power Behind Performance: 6 Standout Lessons

As 2024 comes to a close, the spotlight on workplace wellbeing has never been brighter. Across the globe, organisations have been pushing boundaries to empower employees, inspire leaders, and build thriving cultures of wellbeing.

With the overarching theme of Wellbeing as the Power Behind Performance, this year we ran three impactful summits in Singapore, India, and Australia. What we witnessed was incredible progress, innovation, and collaboration.

While it’s easy to focus on the challenges—of which there are many—we can also learn from those organisations actively investing in their cultures, championing sustainable growth, and recognising our interconnectedness. As we celebrate the work being done, here are 6 standout lessons we can all take forward into 2025.

1. Wellbeing is the Power Behind Performance

2024 has proven—once again—that wellbeing is a critical driver of performance. The Oxford University study on workplace wellbeing, drawn from 15 million surveys, clearly showed that happier employees directly contribute to higher productivity, profitability, and shareholder value—as demonstrated by the Wellbeing Top 100.

In Australia, our Melbourne Summit partner Medibank is leading the way, rewriting the rule book to create a culture where wellbeing thrives. During my fireside chat with Chief Customer Officer Milosh Milisavljevic , we heard inspiring examples of their initiatives, including the expansion of the 4-day work week. This approach has significantly improved employee engagement and demonstrated that prioritising wellbeing drives performance without compromise.

The lesson? When wellbeing becomes a core business strategy, both people and organisations win.

2. Leadership is the Catalyst for Wellbeing

Leaders are the heartbeat of workplace culture. Their emotions, behaviours, and priorities ripple across entire organisations. As Gallup 's Claire de Carteret revealed, empathetic leadership fosters happier, more resilient teams.

At the Wellbeing at Work Asia Summit in Singapore, we saw this in action. KPMG Singapore Head of People, Janice Foo , shared how their leadership coaching programs empower managers to model wellbeing behaviours, creating a culture of care and performance. Meanwhile, in the Future of Leadership Seminar, Steve Griffith explained how leaders truly set the tone—when they prioritise wellbeing, their teams follow.

The insight? Leadership is everything. A commitment to wellbeing at the top transforms culture at every level.

3. Flexible Work Models are Reshaping the Workplace

The flexibility debate continues, but one thing is clear: organisations embracing tailored approaches to flexible work are seeing the rewards. Flexibility is no longer a perk—it’s an expectation.

At the Sydney Summit, hosting partners Salesforce shared how they’re redefining hybrid work policies by putting people at the centre. Leaders like Michelle Stalimeros and Nada George emphasised the importance of creating belonging, purpose, and safety as key to integrating flexibility into organisational culture.

The takeaway? Flexibility isn’t just about logistics—it’s about understanding core human needs and enabling people to thrive.

4. Mental Health is Non-Negotiable

This year has seen a profound shift in the conversation about mental health. The recognition that we are whole human beings—with mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health deeply interconnected—has been game-changing.

Our partners CU Health , led by Dr Patrick Aouad , have been addressing this head-on, offering holistic services that focus on prevention and proactive care. Similarly, organisations like 普华永道 have reimagined traditional EAP programs, pivoting to life coaching services that help employees build clarity, resilience, and direction.

The message? Mental health is no longer optional. It’s foundational to a thriving workplace—and it’s everyone’s responsibility.

5. Younger Workers Demand Purpose and Connection

Gen Z is reshaping the workplace as we know it. This group demands purpose, authenticity, and real connection. They’re tomorrow’s leaders, and it’s our job to support them.

In Australia, Salesforce 's reverse mentoring program is a shining example of what’s possible. By giving younger employees a platform to share insights with senior leadership, they’ve built trust, collaboration, and meaningful dialogue.

The insight? To attract and retain young talent, organisations must focus on purpose, connection, and shared values—because for Gen Z, these aren’t negotiable.

6. Partnerships are Key to Scaling Wellbeing

2024 has shown that no organisation can do this alone. Scaling wellbeing requires partnerships—with experts, thought leaders, and wellbeing providers who bring specialised tools, resources, and insights to the table.

This year, we’ve seen incredible innovation from companies like Personify Health , Happy Healthy YOU , CU Health, Givenwell , and Medicine Man Consulting . These partnerships enable organisations to deliver bespoke solutions, scale impact, and create workplaces where people truly flourish.

The takeaway? Collaboration is everything. Partnerships amplify wellbeing efforts, ensuring every employee feels supported.

Looking Ahead to 2025

2024 has been a year of transformation, growth, and connection for workplace wellbeing, and the momentum is only building. At Wellbeing at Work World APAC, we’ve had the privilege of working alongside incredible partners across Australia, Singapore, and India.

We’re excited to continue the conversation, inspire fresh ideas, and drive meaningful change as we prepare for our 2025 Wellbeing at Work World APAC Regional Summits in:

• Singapore (March 26 & 27)
• Mumbai and Bengaluru (April 8-10)
• Sydney and Melbourne (November 11-13)

What was your biggest workplace wellbeing lesson from 2024? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Finally, a huge thank you to our partners, clients, and supporters for being part of this journey. Together, we’re making workplace wellbeing a strategic priority, not just in APAC but across the globe.

Here’s to a thriving, inspiring, and wellbeing-focused 2025!