Continuing my series on common objections to workplace wellbeing programmes, today I’m tackling the statement “I don’t see the value.”
When businesses think about wellbeing investments, they often focus solely on Return on Investment (ROI)—the direct financial return. However, focusing only on monetary gains can overlook the broader, transformative impact that wellbeing initiatives can have. This is where Value of Investment (VOI) comes in.
VOI
It’s easy to measure ROI in terms of numbers—absenteeism decreases or turnover drops—but what about the intangible benefits that don’t immediately show up in financial reports? These are often harder to quantify, but they can have a profound long-term effect on a company’s success, culture, and employee satisfaction. Many leaders miss the bigger picture by focusing only on direct returns.
Take a London-based consultancy firm that implemented a wellbeing programme. Initially, the ROI seemed modest—only a slight reduction in absenteeism and turnover. However, over the next year, there was a marked improvement in employee engagement, job satisfaction, and retention of top talent. Although these benefits didn’t show up immediately on the balance sheet, they created a more positive workplace culture, reducing future recruitment costs and increasing team cohesion.
Is there anything to back this up?
VOI might seem more subjective, but it’s supported by strong evidence. Research from Gallup reveals that companies with high employee engagement see 21% higher profitability and 41% lower absenteeism. These aren’t benefits that show up in the short term but manifest over time through increased loyalty, productivity, and reduced staff turnover. Additionally, a report from the Mental Health Foundation found that businesses investing in employee wellbeing often see higher job satisfaction and lower burnout rates, creating a more resilient workforce. Deloitte United States Fair Play Talks
How this applies to you
To see how VOI applies to your business, consider the following:
- Reflect on your current company culture. Are your employees engaged? Do they feel a sense of belonging?
- Estimate how much turnover and recruitment cost your company last year. How would a 10% improvement in retention affect those costs?
- Think about long-term success—what would higher engagement and job satisfaction mean for your company’s innovation and competitiveness?
These reflections will help you start seeing the intangible but powerful value that a wellbeing programme can deliver over time.
Let’s talk about it
If you’re still unsure about the value of investing in employee wellbeing, let’s have a conversation. At Feel Good Works, we don’t just look at ROI—we help you understand the long-term value of creating a thriving workplace. Reach out today for a consultation, and let’s explore how a focus on Value of Investment could transform your organisation.
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