Leadership and wellbeing: How leaders can shape the future of work

Written by: Sophie Smalley, WorkPlace Wellbeing Specialist

Leaders, you already know your role is crucial, but perhaps it holds even more significance than you realise. You have the power not only to drive business success but also to profoundly impact humanity. Sounds inspiring, right? The key to unlocking this potential lies in one fundamental area: workplace wellbeing.

Workplace wellbeing is no longer a luxury or a “nice-to-have”. It’s a non-negotiable aspect of running a successful business that yields tangible results. Just as we meticulously plan for sales or marketing, we must give equal care and attention to the wellbeing of our people. Here’s why.

Healthy Employees = Healthy Business

If your employees are constantly running on empty—stressed, exhausted, and relying on caffeine and junk food—how can we possibly expect them to be creative, innovative, or provide outstanding customer service? On the other hand, prioritising wellbeing cultivates a resilient, engaged, and motivated workforce. When employees feel supported in their physical and mental health, they’re not just more productive—they thrive. They’re equipped to handle challenges, provide exceptional service, and contribute meaningfully to your business.

So, how can leaders foster wellbeing?

As leaders, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information about workplace wellbeing. There’s an abundance of strategies, tips, and programmes, but navigating this maze can feel daunting. What works? What doesn’t? And, perhaps most importantly, who is responsible for ensuring that wellbeing initiatives are effective and sustained over time?

The answer may be simpler than you think: you, as a leader, have a pivotal role in this. The good news? Creating a culture of wellbeing doesn’t require an enormous budget. In fact, many of the most impactful elements are entirely free. Inspirational leadership, empathetic management, flexible working arrangements, a supportive and inclusive environment, meaningful work, opportunities for learning, and open communication—these are the real drivers of wellbeing. Most organisations already possess the seeds of wellbeing within them. They just need the right leadership to nurture those seeds and help them flourish.

Beyond perks: Culture first

While wellbeing initiatives such as wellbeing workshops, classes, vouchers, and similar perks certainly add value, they’re only effective if the right wellbeing culture is in place. Offering employees a one-off yoga session or spa voucher might create a temporary sense of relief, but without a supportive, trust-based environment, these initiatives will only scratch the surface. Wellbeing isn’t about quick fixes or tick-box exercises—it’s about creating a sustainable culture where employees feel valued and supported every single day.

A strong wellbeing culture makes these initiatives more impactful because it reinforces the idea that the organisation genuinely cares about its people. Without this foundation, even the best programmes may fall flat. This is why building a wellbeing culture must come before offering perks. It’s not about what you offer—it’s about how consistently you foster a supportive and engaging environment.

The power of trust

One of the most critical—and often overlooked—components of wellbeing is trust. When employees feel trusted, they feel valued. They gain confidence, experience less stress, and are motivated to deliver their best work. On the flip side, micromanagement fosters anxiety and disengagement, undermining any wellbeing initiatives you put in place. Building trust means leading with empathy, listening, and giving your people the freedom to work in a way that suits them. Trust fosters autonomy, which in turn fuels creativity and productivity.

Leading by example

To create a culture of wellbeing, leaders must set the tone. It’s not enough to write company values on the wall—those values must be embodied. Be the leader who lives them. Talk to your people. Get to know what motivates them, what stresses them, what inspires them. Listen deeply. Foster a culture where people feel safe to express themselves, and where they know they’ll be supported in both their professional and personal lives.

Flexibility and understanding are key. Life happens, and people face challenges outside of work. When your employees know they work for a company that has their back during tough times, that loyalty is immeasurable.

Sometimes, business tasks need to be paused for a human-to-human conversation. One of the most valuable gifts you can give your team is your time and genuine attention. We often have no idea what burdens people are carrying, but being available to listen and support can make all the difference.

Communication is key

Wellbeing is not a one-time initiative. For it to truly take root in an organisation, regular communication is essential. Wellbeing must be kept at the forefront of every conversation and embedded into the daily rhythms of work. Whether through newsletters, meetings, or ongoing engagement activities, employees need to hear the message that their wellbeing is a priority—again and again.

Leaders should communicate openly about the importance of mental and physical health, regularly check in with their teams, and ensure that wellbeing isn’t relegated to a one-off initiative but rather a continuous dialogue. Engagement in these conversations is vital—without it, even the most thoughtful initiatives may lose their impact.

The ROI of wellbeing

Yes, as a leader, you have a business to run, and time is always in short supply. But here’s the secret: if you invest wisely in your people’s wellbeing, your people will take care of the business for you. A culture of wellbeing translates into a thriving organisation. You’ll attract top talent, retain your best employees, and build a stellar reputation as an employer who truly cares.

Many employees now value a workplace that contributes to their wellbeing more than a high salary or flashy perks. For them, feeling healthy, supported, and engaged at work is priceless.

Wellbeing as a ripple effect

Let’s not forget the broader impact. Wellbeing doesn’t stop at the office door—it has a ripple effect. When you take care of your employees, they’re more likely to take care of others—whether that’s customers, colleagues, or people in their personal lives. In this way, the simple act of prioritising workplace wellbeing can help change the world, one person at a time.

As leaders, you’re not just shaping the future of your business—you’re shaping the future of work itself. Embrace your role as a catalyst for wellbeing.

Call to action

Leaders, now is the time to act. Start by assessing the wellbeing culture in your organisation today. Ask yourself: Am I leading by example? Do my people feel trusted and supported? What changes can I make that will have a lasting impact? Your actions today will drive meaningful change tomorrow.

About the author

Sophie’s passion for wellbeing and nutritious food began in her parents’ garden in the French Alps where she enjoyed a bountiful supply of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables all year round.

She studied nutrition in the UK, at the College of Naturopathic Medicine and further expanded her expertise by training as a Wellness Coach. She is also a certified corporate stress management trainer.

Dedicated to helping others succeed, she brings a unique blend of expertise, developed in large multinational organisations and across multiple industries. With a passion for enhancing both individual and organisational health, Sophie offers tailored wellbeing services to businesses keen to invest in their best asset – employees.