Why Investing in Workplace Wellbeing Is No Longer a ‘Nice to Have’

Jun 26, 2025By Nicola Smith
Nicola Smith

At The Calm Collective, we believe that calm is not a luxury — it’s essential. And if you're working in HR or people and culture, you're likely already aware of how vital employee wellbeing is. But it’s not just about being kind — it’s smart business.

Workplace wellbeing has shifted from a soft benefit to a strategic priority, and the data backs it up. According to Deloitte UK’s 2022 Mental Health Report, poor mental health costs UK employers up to £56 billion each year — a significant jump from £45 billion in 2019. That includes absenteeism, presenteeism, and staff turnover. The report also found that for every £1 spent on mental health interventions, businesses see an average return of £5.30.

Calm Minds, Better Work
A calm, focused team is not only happier but more productive. A study by the University of Warwick found that happiness made people around 12% more productive. Employees who feel supported in their wellbeing are more engaged, more creative, and more resilient — all qualities that drive performance and collaboration.

At The Calm Collective, we work with teams to create moments of pause — through workplace sound healing and Reiki sessions — helping employees reduce stress, reset, and return to their work re-energised. These aren’t fluffy extras; they’re structured, science-backed sessions designed to support nervous system regulation, lower cortisol levels, and encourage better focus.

The Human Cost of Doing Nothing
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that stress, depression, and anxiety accounted for over 50% of all work-related ill health cases in 2022/23. And yet, so many wellbeing strategies are reactive, kicking in once burnout has already taken hold. Proactive wellbeing initiatives help prevent this — and show employees they are genuinely valued.

Culture That Cares
Offering wellbeing support — especially in the form of on-site or virtual sessions — also says something about your culture. It shows your team that they’re not expected to constantly ‘power through’ without pause. Instead, it says: “We care about your energy, your focus, and your health.” That message sticks.

Let's Make It Easy
If you're looking for a simple, effective way to bring calm to your team, we're here to help. Whether it's a one-off sound bath session, a series of workplace visits, or part of a wider wellbeing week, we make it easy to prioritise calm.

Because when teams feel better, they perform better.