Observations from the field: Workplace Wellbeing Trends from a Global Tour

Author: Rachael Riggs, CMP, DES, SEPC; General Manager – Environmental Strategy & Wellbeing SME, Maritz

In a November LinkedIn post, I shared my experiences from a whirlwind global tour, highlighting key observations and trends in workplace wellbeing. This journey, spanning five cities across two continents over six weeks, provided me with a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of workplace wellbeing. Here are some key takeaways and trends I observed during my time.

The Power of Face-to-Face Interactions

My first stop was in St. Louis at Maritz headquarters. It underscored the importance of in-person interactions. The energy in the office was electric, emphasizing how face-to-face meetings can invigorate and inspire teams. This aligns with a broader trend where companies are recognizing the value of bringing employees together physically, even in an increasingly remote work environment. Additionally, we hosted the St. Louis Green Business Challenge’s monthly event talking about corporate sustainability strategy and how to implement green events.

Sustainability as a Core Focus

Sustainability emerged as a recurring theme throughout my tour. In Barcelona, the PCMA EMEA Convening and Convene4Climate events showcased the integration of sustainability into the events industry. The presence of speakers like Paul Dickinson, founder of Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) emphasized the growing importance of environmental responsibility in corporate strategies. This trend was further reinforced in Milan, where discussions at the Informa CHPI event centered on sustainability in the pharma industry. Companies are increasingly prioritizing sustainable practices, not just as a compliance measure but as a core component of their corporate identity.

The Role of Family and Personal Connections

In Rome, my meeting with Mastercard’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Ellen Jackowski, was a highlight. However, a personal moment stood out—celebrating a birthday with my daughter. This underscores a significant trend in workplace wellbeing: the integration of personal and professional lives. Companies are recognizing the importance of supporting employees’ personal lives, understanding that a happy and fulfilled personal life contributes to professional productivity and satisfaction.

Wellbeing in the Pharma Industry

My keynote address in Milan focused on wellbeing within the pharma industry, highlighting the sector’s unique challenges and opportunities. The emphasis on wellbeing in such a high-stress industry reflects a broader trend of prioritizing mental and physical health in the workplace. This is particularly relevant in industries where the stakes are high, and the pressure can be intense. Companies are increasingly investing in programs and initiatives that support employee wellbeing, recognizing that a healthy workforce is a productive workforce.

Community and Collaboration

The Persefoni Users Group meeting in Philadelphia showcased the power of community and collaboration. I was truly impressed with Persefoni’s efforts in addressing the climate crisis, highlighting the importance of collective action. This reflects a trend where companies are fostering communities of practice, bringing together like-minded individuals to share knowledge and drive collective progress. Such initiatives not only advance corporate goals but also create a sense of belonging and purpose among employees.

Local Engagement and Networking

My final stop in my hometown for an EcoVadis client dinner highlighted the value of local engagement and networking. These smaller, more intimate gatherings provided opportunities for deeper connections and meaningful conversations. This trend towards local engagement is particularly important in a globalized world, where maintaining local roots and connections can provide stability and a sense of community.

Conclusion

The observations from my global travels provide valuable insights into the current trends in workplace wellbeing. From the power of face-to-face interactions and the integration of sustainability to the importance of personal connections and community collaboration, these trends highlight the evolving nature of workplace wellbeing. Companies that embrace these trends are likely to see not only improved employee satisfaction and productivity but also a stronger, more resilient corporate culture. As we move forward, it will be essential for organizations to continue prioritizing these aspects to foster a healthy, engaged, and motivated workforce.

About the Author

Rachael’s passion is to lead and motivate people by creating experiences and environments that cultivate success while caring about their well-being and our impact on the environment. As General Manager of Environmental Strategy and a subject matter expert on Wellbeing Design at Maritz, she oversees corporate sustainability (ESG) strategy, carbon accounting, reporting, and compliance. She leads the corporate responses to all sustainable rating agencies including Ecovadis, CDP and several other industry specific rating agencies. Rachael co-created a carbon footprint measurement tool to help clients reduce the environmental impact of their events. An award-winning professional, she serves on several industry committees, including the Events Industry Council (EIC)’s Sustainability and Social Impact Committee, the Global Wellness Institute’s Workplace Wellbeing Working Group, and the Net Zero Carbon Events Standards of Measurement and Travel/Accommodations Working Groups Rachael resides in Chicago, Illinois, and is recognized as a higher-level leader driving change,

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