The new report, “Thriving Workplaces: How Employers Can Improve Productivity and Change Lives” from the McKinsey Health Institute, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, highlights the critical importance of workplace wellness. Published for Davos 2025, it emphasizes investing in employee health could generate US$11.7 trillion in global economic value.
Employee health and organizational success
Organizations prioritizing employee health and wellbeing experience improved productivity, reduced absenteeism, lower healthcare costs, and increased employee engagement and retention.
Research from the University of Oxford shows a direct correlation between employee wellbeing and financial success, with a one-point increase in employee happiness scores associated with a US$1.39-2.29 billion increase in annual profits.
Current state of workplace health
Only 57% of over 30,000 surveyed employees worldwide reported good holistic health (mental, physical, spiritual, and social).
Certain groups, including women, LGBTQI+, younger employees, neurodivergent individuals, and those with lower education or poor financial status, tend to report poorer health outcomes.
Economic impact of health issues
In the US, cardiovascular disease leads to a US$156 billion loss in productivity annually. Employees with untreated insomnia cost employers approximately US$2,280 more per year than those without sleep issues.
Recommendations: the tailored approach
The report emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to address diverse employee needs. The scope of the research supports activities companies or health and wellbeing companies in the sector who want to provide more holistic service to support adults, parents and, in some cases, their children.
Suggested interventions include psychological support, wellbeing workshops, movement breaks, yoga classes, wellness days, and access to meditation apps.
To find out more, see here.
