Employee wellbeing in Switzerland is increasingly recognized as a critical issue, reflecting broader trends that impact individuals, society, and businesses alike. The mental health of employees, in particular, has become a growing concern, with far-reaching implications for organizational success.
Our insights from the Global Benefits Attitudes Survey and the Wellbeing Diagnostic Survey provide a comprehensive view of the state of employee wellbeing in Switzerland. Over half of surveyed employees report challenges spanning physical health, mental health, financial stress, and social disconnection, indicating struggles on multiple fronts rather than isolated issues. Even more alarming, around 1 in 10 employees fall into the "high-risk" category, facing significant difficulties across all dimensions of wellbeing.
Specifically, nearly half of employees are grappling with health issues:
Addressing employee wellbeing is not merely a corporate responsibility; it is a strategic necessity that directly impacts organizational success. In a climate of geopolitical and economic uncertainty, coupled with a growing talent shortage, prioritizing workforce health is essential for maintaining competitiveness and ensuring operational resilience.
The good news is that investments in employee wellbeing are yielding positive results. Employee appreciation for wellbeing programs has significantly increased, as evidenced by the improvement in Net Promoter Score (NPS) from -58 in 2019 to -14 in 2024. This upward trend indicates that companies' investments in wellbeing programs are making a difference. However, despite this progress, the score remains negative, with about 75% of employees still passive or dissatisfied.
Employers think their wellbeing programs help much more than employees think they do. A notable gap exists between employer and employee perceptions of wellbeing program effectiveness. While 61% of employers believe their programs significantly contribute to employee health, only 40% of employees agree (figure 1). This discrepancy highlights the need for companies to better align their support with employee needs.
The link between employee wellbeing and business performance is undeniable, and our data confirms its significance (figure 2). Healthier and happier employees are more engaged, motivated, and productive, directly benefiting organizational outcomes. Thriving employees take fewer sick days, experience less burnout, and are more focused when at work.
Better wellbeing also strengthens retention, with engaged employees far less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere. Additionally, thriving employees face fewer financial struggles, contributing to long-term stability, including the ability to retire at typical retirement ages. Prioritizing employee wellbeing is not just beneficial—it’s essential for driving sustainable business success.
To address these challenges, companies are increasingly aligning their wellbeing strategies with their corporate culture, creating environments that promote healthy living.
Key strategic initiatives include:
The future of workplace wellbeing in Switzerland looks promising, with companies increasingly recognizing the importance of a holistic approach. The shift towards comprehensive, multi-pillar wellbeing strategies is becoming more prevalent, with many companies aspiring to fully integrate these programs into their human capital strategies. This integration aims to differentiate companies in the competitive talent market, highlighting their commitment to employee health and wellbeing.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace, the importance of employee wellbeing can’t be overstated. By placing the employee at the center of strategic planning and adopting a comprehensive framework for health and wellbeing, companies can ensure their workforce remains physically thriving, emotionally balanced, socially connected and financially secure. This holistic approach not only enhances individual employee health but also drives organizational success and sustainability.
