Workplace Wellbeing: Costs, Advantages and What’s at Stake

We all know what a good day at work feels like.
You’re focused. Energised. Connected.
You get things done, and you finish work knowing your time meant something.

But what happens when those days aren’t the exception — they’re the norm?

At Robertson Cooper, we’ve been asking that question for over 25 years.

Now, for the first time, we’ve analysed tens of thousands of data points from organisations across the globe, so you too can answer this question.

Our upcoming Good Day at Work Insights Report proves what many leaders instinctively believe: when wellbeing is working, everything else works better. And, we’ll be sharing what you can do in order to tackle the wellbeing challenges which are most prevalent through insight from our business psychologists.

What the data tells us

The report reveals just how much of a difference wellbeing makes to how people perform in their jobs.

We’ve compared the people in the top 20% of wellbeing with those in the bottom 20%, and the results are staggering. We see dramatic increases in productivity and good days at work, with significant decreases in absence, presenteeism, and those who are thinking about leaving their job. These numbers are not small gains. They’re the kind of shifts that drive performance, retention and culture from the inside out.

Ahead of the release of the full report, here is a snapshot of the four biggest trends we have identified across health, wellbeing and engagement.

Lack of trust and recognition​

• While many employees feel positively about their roles, 1 in 4 workers (26%) don’t feel fully valued or trusted by their organisation.

Lack of energy

• 61% of workers report experiencing constant tiredness, with 1 in 4 experiencing this often. ​
• Only 42% of workers are experiencing high levels of positive emotions at work, with energising emotions (such as excitement) particularly low.

Lack of direction​

• Almost all workers are committed to achieving their job goals, but 1 in 5 feel that their goals are not clear, specific or motivating​

Lack of balanced workload and control

• Around 1 in 3 workers are reporting challenges with their workload and level of control at work, with 44% not having enough time to do their job properly

What else is inside the Report?

The Good Day at Work Insights Report is built on data collected via our assessments, which are grounded in organisational psychology. Analysed by specialist data analysts with key commentary from our organisational psychologists.

The report offers:

• A breakdown of how wellbeing links to key business outcomes like productivity, absence, presenteeism and turnover
• Evidence to help make the business case for deeper, more strategic investment in wellbeing
• Commentary from our expert psychologists
• Insight into what separates thriving organisations from those struggling to engage and retain their people
• Key recommendations to realise business benefits​

Coming soon: The full picture

The Good Day At Work Insights Report is designed to equip leaders with the insight they need to build stronger, healthier workplaces.

We’re proud to share the story behind the data – and even more excited to help organisations act on it.

📩 Want to be the first to read it?
Yes, please!