The business world is evolving, and wellness is becoming an increasingly important factor for achieving and sustaining success. This shift has been spurred by the rise of ethical businesses with “good” values, as well as the knowledge that promoting employee well-being can lead to greater productivity and higher retention rates. From multinational companies such as Weight Watchers to startups like Thrive Global, a growing number of companies are recognizing the benefits of integrating wellness into their operations.
Recently, there have been some positive trends in terms of health. For example, smoking rates are down while exercise levels are up – but other worrying indicators remain. Mental health issues such as depression are increasing, with one in five adults experiencing a mental illness in any given year according to the National Institutes of Health; opioid addiction remains a major problem that is disproportionately affecting certain communities; and stress levels continue to rise as technology advances.
For entrepreneurs looking to build their businesses around wellness, there are a variety of opportunities available. For instance, elder care is an increasingly important field due to the aging population; mindfulness-based therapy is gaining traction as well; apps and websites offering services such as meditation could prove lucrative; and nutrition services could help address the obesity epidemic. No matter which area you decide to focus on, the key thing is that you create something that will help people live healthier lives and reduce stress levels—both at work and at home.
It’s clear that investing in employee well-being should be a top priority for any business owner or CEO today: not only can it reduce burnout and improve productivity; but it also shows employees that their well-being is valued each day when they come to work. So if you want your company to become truly successful – both from an ethical standpoint and from an economic perspective – think about how you can make wellness part of your company culture today.
