The link between work and employee health has evolved significantly, especially in the wake of global events, hybrid work trends, and a growing awareness of the importance of mental wellbeing.
In today’s knowledge-driven economy, many employees spend long hours seated, often in poorly optimised home workspaces. This sedentary lifestyle, compounded by blurred work-life boundaries and digital fatigue, can lead to both physical and psychological health issues.
Meanwhile, rising productivity expectations and global competition have increased the risk of stress and burnout across industries.
The TELUS Mental Health Index indicates a decline in the mental health of New Zealand employees, with 40% of workers reported to have a high mental health risk, up from 36% a year prior.
Additionally, the State of a Thriving Nation report by the Business Leaders’ Health & Safety Forum highlights rising psychosocial risks, noting that wellbeing initiatives are not yet keeping pace with modern workforce needs.
However, businesses that proactively prioritise employee wellbeing are seeing benefits in retention and productivity. Although often seen as a nice-to-have, now more than ever, creating a healthy work environment needs to become a priority for businesses looking to stay competitive.
What Is a Healthy Workplace?
The World Health Organisation defines a healthy workplace as “one where employers and employees collaborate to continually protect and promote people’s health, safety, and wellbeing and workplace sustainability.”
A healthy workplace goes beyond physical safety; it includes:
- • Physical environment: Ergonomics, lighting, ventilation
- • Psychosocial environment: Culture, workload, relationships, and psychological safety
- • Personal health resources: Access to mental health tools, fitness programs, and lifestyle support
- • Community involvement: Contribution to external and societal wellbeing
The Business Benefits of a Healthy Workforce
Employee wellbeing is a key driver of job satisfaction and performance. Here’s how health, happiness, and performance are linked:
1. Employees Feel Valued
Employees appreciate a workplace that prioritises their overall wellbeing. They are more likely to be satisfied with their job when they feel valued and cared for by their employer.
2. Increased Retention, Reduced Absenteeism
When individuals recognise their employer’s commitment to their wellbeing, they’re more inclined to stay with the company long term.
They’re also less likely to experience absenteeism due to health-related issues.
3. Higher Productivity
When physical health is prioritised, individuals have the energy and focus to tackle tasks efficiently. According to Gallagher’s 2024 report, employees with high wellbeing are more than twice as likely to be productive at work.
4. Positive Culture
Healthy employees feel supported, motivated, and happy. This creates a work environment where people are capable and inspired to show the same care for their colleagues.
Organisations that care for their people attract and retain top talent, especially younger generations who prioritise values and culture.
How to Support Health at Work in 2025
Whether your team is in-person, hybrid, or remote, here are evidence-backed strategies to create a healthy work culture:
Provide Ergonomic Workspaces: In the office or at home, ergonomic workspaces are essential. Provide employees with ergonomic chairs, adjustable desks, and proper lighting. Encourage regular breaks to stretch and avoid prolonged periods of sitting.
Encourage Movement: Incorporate physical activity into the workday. This can be as simple as organizing walking meetings, offering gym memberships, or encouraging employees to take short breaks for stretching and movement.
Promote Healthy Eating: Offer healthy food choices in the workplace, whether through a cafeteria or vending machines. Encourage employees to bring nutritious meals from home and avoid excessive consumption of sugary snacks.
Support Mental Health: Promote mental health initiatives, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and stress management workshops. Make sure employees are aware of these resources and feel comfortable using them.
Welcome Employee Feedback: Relying solely on insights from senior management, or from one segment of employees, can give a distorted view of genuine employee experience. Creating an environment where all employees feel safe and empowered to provide feedback will give you invaluable direction on how you can help build stronger teams and a healthier work environment.
Earn employee trust: Managers need buy-in from the team to drive culture change and foster a positive climate of wellbeing. This requires first developing trust and the confidence of your workforce.
Promoting health at work means ensuring the overall wellbeing of the employees. This relates to the physical, mental, psychological, and social health of each person.
By implementing healthy work habits and practices, employers can reap the benefits of having a happy, productive, and loyal staff—ultimately leading to the success and growth of their businesses. Prioritising the health of employees is an investment with long-lasting, positive effects on both individuals and the organisation as a whole.
Culturally Grounded Wellbeing in NZ
In Aotearoa, incorporating Māori worldviews in wellbeing initiatives is not just inclusive, it’s impactful.
- • Taha tinana (physical health)
- • Taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing)
- • Taha hinengaro (mental/emotional wellbeing)
- • Taha whānau (family/social relationships)
Organisations applying these frameworks create work environments where not just Māori but all employees feel seen, safe, and supported.
A Healthy Workplace Means Everyone Wins
Supporting employee wellbeing is a foundation for commercial success and competitive advantage. When people are physically healthy, mentally resilient, and socially connected, they perform at their best, and so does your business.
Interested in learning more? Partnering with a Culture Consultant can help you build a company culture that fosters employee engagement, satisfaction, and performance.
