For many of us, work is one of the most significant factors in our general health and mood. When it goes well, it can be excellent. Work can be creative, lucrative and sociable. But when it does not, we often feel overloaded and stressed.
Post COVID-19, many companies are making an effort to show they care. They offer better hours, remote work options, and lunchtime yoga classes. Research suggests that employees value these initiatives.
Our Hybrid Talent Magnet study found that 88% of HR executives believed appealing wellness benefits would reduce staff turnover. Even more striking, more than two-thirds or 68%, have seen applicants reject jobs because of a lack of such benefits.
Still, business leaders need to go beyond surface-level perks to create a genuinely healthy environment. A term gaining momentum in corporate language is avoiding “wellbeing washing”. This refers to companies that appear to champion employee wellbeing but fail to deliver substantial and actionable plans.
A survey by Claro Wellbeing found that 38% of employees remain unclear about their employer’s commitment to real wellness. So, what is the best way for businesses to prove they are serious? The answer lies in hybrid working. This is where avoiding “wellbeing washing” becomes essential.
Genuine commitments
Our research adds to a growing body of evidence. It shows that flexible, hybrid work models directly improve employee happiness, productivity and overall wellbeing. Unlike superficial initiatives, hybrid working signals a true shift in work culture.
A report by McKinsey Health found “unprecedented investment” in employee mental health and well-being over the past three years. These efforts include meditation app subscriptions, wellbeing days, and training in time management and productivity. But while these are commendable, even laudable actions, genuine commitment to employee wellbeing involves addressing systemic issues.
Workplace burnout often stems from overload, lack of support and insufficient work-life balance. Hybrid working can address these concerns, ensuring businesses focus on avoiding “wellbeing washing” and instead provide solutions with real impact.
Tangible benefits
According to our Happy and Healthy study, hybrid workers are healthier, happier and more productive. They benefit from working closer to home.
The average hybrid worker now gets 4.7 hours of exercise each week compared to 3.4 hours before the pandemic. They also sleep longer, gaining the equivalent of three extra days of rest annually due to reduced commuting. In addition, they have more time to prepare nutritious meals during the week.
There are other advantages too. Workers can choose office spaces that suit personal preferences, including location, design or meeting room type. They can also collaborate more effectively in flexible, modern environments.
The bottom line
Happy, well-rested, and well-fed employees who enjoy flexible choices will always perform better. According to Stanford professor Nicholas Bloom, productivity can rise by as much as 3-4%. Over time, that increase is substantial.
Global Workplace Analytics shows that hybrid work can save organisations more than R200,000 per employee each year. Choosing this model is not just about avoiding “wellbeing washing”. It is also a smart business move. Deloitte research shows employers can expect a return as high as R92 for every R19 spent on health and wellness initiatives.
The advantages are clear and mutual. Perks like apps, yoga or away days can still play a role. However, they should complement, not replace, structural commitments that define a healthy, productive workplace.
Joanne Bushell | Commercial EVP | Middle East and Africa | IWG plc | mail me |
