How Employee Wellbeing Impacts Productivity and Company Culture
Written by Melissa Schoeman, Occupational Therapist
Mondia Corporate Care
July is Corporate Wellness Month — a great time to refocus on employee wellbeing and its impact on your business.
Employee wellbeing is no longer just a ‘nice to have’ for HR. It’s a key driver of business performance and culture. More companies are recognising that when people feel healthy, supported, and motivated — they bring their best to the workplace.
In South Africa, workplace stress is a growing concern. According to the 2023 South African Employee Wellness Survey, 68% of employees report feeling stressed at work. Left unchecked, this can lead to burnout, absenteeism, and turnover.
The Institute for Work and Health found that employees experiencing burnout are up to 3.5 times more likely to miss work and are around 20% less productive.
But the ripple effect goes beyond individuals. In a study of over 2,000 workers, team members who sat near a colleague with disruptive behaviour (who was eventually dismissed) experienced a 30% drop in their own performance.
Negative energy spreads. And so does a healthy, positive culture.
So what’s the solution? Wellbeing webinars alone won’t cut it. A 2023 YuLife and Ipsos study found that while 85% of South African employees feel stressed, only 39% believe their employer’s wellness programmes are effective. One-third say they don’t help at all.
This points to a gap between what’s offered and what’s truly needed.
At Mondia Corporate Care, we approach wellbeing through a broader lens. Our programmes are built around the **Eight Dimensions of Wellness** and focus on practical, personal accountability.
Instead of trying to eliminate all external stressors, we help individuals strengthen what they *can* control — their mindset, choices, and emotional regulation. This mindset shift empowers sustainable change.
When companies invest in genuine wellbeing strategies, they don’t just improve productivity — they build a stronger, more connected culture. Employees feel seen, supported, and valued. They collaborate better, innovate more, and stay longer.
On the other hand, ignoring wellbeing leads to burnout, low morale, and costly staff turnover.
Think of it like a crack in a wall. It might seem small today, but if ignored, it grows — leading to deeper damage. It’s the same with stress and disengagement.
Proactive care now means fewer crises later.
Supporting employee wellbeing isn’t just a compassionate choice — it’s a strategic one. Healthy employees perform better, work smarter together, and help the company thrive.
When your team knows you care, they bring their best to work. And that benefits everyone.
Contact Us
For more information about Employee Wellness Surveys, Wellbeing Interventions, or Leadership Development, reach out to Mondia Corporate Care:
Melissa Schoeman – melissas@mondiahealth.co.za | 083 406 9765
Elizta du Plessis – eliztadp@mondiahealth.co.za | 063 685 5365
References
South African Employee Wellness Survey, 2023 – Findings indicate that 68% of employees in South Africa report feeling stressed at work.
Institute for Work and Health – Research highlights that burned-out employees are 3.5x more likely to miss work and 20% less efficient.
YuLife and Ipsos Workplace Wellness Survey, 2023 – 85% of employees feel stressed; only 39% find current wellness programmes effective.
Source: https://www.yulife.com/blog/yulife-ipsos-wellbeing-survey-2023
Source: https://www.iwh.on.ca/media-room/news-releases
