What the best workplaces for health and wellbeing have in common

Fania Stoney

Business Development Strategist, Great Place to Work Ireland

Rachel McLoughlin

Content Marketing Executive, Great Place to Work Ireland

Organisations with a strong commitment to employee wellbeing are the ones that can consistently succeed and build trust-driven cultures that empower their people to thrive.

At Great Place to Work, we are committed to helping organisations build high-trust cultures that drive success. One constant that stands out time and time again for us: no workplace can thrive without a strong, authentic commitment to employee wellbeing.

Employers of all sizes can help employees succeed

Earlier this year, we announced the Best Workplaces for Health and Wellbeing, recognising organisations from a wide variety of sizes and industries, from small engineering firms to large retailers. Despite their differences, these workplaces share key qualities that consistently contribute to employee success.

Key patterns across sectors

Organisations are often tempted to address wellbeing solely at a tactical level, such as offering healthy eating options or gym memberships. However, employers who focus only on surface-level incentives can fall short of creating meaningful impact long-term.

The Best Workplaces for Health and Wellbeing have cultivated high-trust work environments by establishing a foundation which prioritises people at its core, allowing employees to feel secure in their roles and able to express themselves freely. These organisations recognise the strong link between employee wellbeing and performance, understanding that when people are supported, they can thrive both professionally and personally.

This balance takes a commitment to ongoing communication and understanding from both employees and employers. Those who have gotten it right are the ones consistently leading the way in their industry. 

Those who have gotten it right
are the ones consistently leading
the way in their industry.

Shifting from standard solutions

We are past the point of one-size-fits-all approaches; there is now an increasing need for organisations to truly understand the unique needs of their workforce. This requires a data-driven, empathetic approach where leaders listen to employee feedback and take action. Organisations might experiment with new work methods to find the best fit for their teams or offer opportunities for employees to pursue their passions.

Different life cycles require different modes to underpin performance. From what we have seen, the best organisations are listening and responding. The best workplaces don’t just offer perks — they foster trust, understanding and performance. At Great Place to Work, we celebrate those who prioritise employee wellbeing, creating environments where people and organisations can truly flourish.