As businesses adapt to the evolving landscape of hybrid work, the concept of employee wellness and health is evolving.
Not least of which because employee health is inextricably linked to the overall success of a business - in real terms and real figures. When employees are healthy, both physically and mentally, it positively impacts productivity, business performance, and financial growth.
Consider this: Occupational Care South Africa (OCSA) estimates that absenteeism costs the local economy around R12 to R16 billion per year, meanwhile the Human Capital Review places that number even higher at R19.144 billion. Employee wellness, therefore, is no longer a peripheral concern – it is a strategic imperative reflected in tangible economic outcomes.
Globally, the corporate wellness solutions market is poised to reach $94.6 billion by 2026, driven largely by the rising adoption of corporate wellness programmes by employers and the increased uptake of technology-powered corporate wellness solutions, among others.
South Africa’s own high burden of chronic lifestyle diseases and mental health challenges are pivotal to factor in, as these constitute the nub of issues impacting workplace health and wellbeing and demand intentional focus and action.
However, many companies struggle with low employee engagement and participation in corporate wellness programs, and the tendency to limit well-being initiatives to superficial perks rather than a core part of their company culture.
A Defining Moment for Workplace Wellness
Businesses face a defining moment, one that calls for innovation, inclusivity, and a renewed commitment to employee well-being.
According to insights from the Top Employer Institute (TEI), in 2025, the balance between individual and group well-being will evolve, “blending personal empowerment with collective goals.” The focus will be on creating environments where individual contributions enhance the overall strength of teams and organisations, and where traditional boundaries are softened to allow for greater collaboration and inclusion.
For the fourth consecutive year, Absa has been recognised as a Top Employer for 2025 by the prestigious TEI across six key African markets – South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, Ghana, Botswana, and for the first time, Mauritius.
Retaining this certification in all six markets is a testament to the Group’s consistent efforts to elevate its Human Capital practices, including employee health and wellbeing. Top Employer has recognised Absa for its outstanding performance, with notable increases in Leadership (+9.06%), Work Environment (+10.83%), Onboarding (+6.70%), Wellbeing (+7.68%), Employee Listening (+11.32%), and Offboarding (+7.77%) – placing the Group above industry benchmarks. Additionally, Absa’s commitment to improving employee wellbeing and fostering a high-performance culture has been central to its progress, and is directly aligned to the company’s brand promise: Your Story Matters. It’s a commitment that extends far beyond a simple tagline - it is a pledge to place people at the centre of everything Absa does, making it more a deliberately people-centric business.
An Active Approach to Employee Health
A recent Wits study showed that on average, workers in South Africa are sitting 12 hours a day. While hybrid work has resulted in studies showing improved mental health for employees due to more flexibility – the physical health aspect is often found lacking. A lack of physical activity leads to sedentary behavior which is a big contributing factor to obesity, as well as chronic and lifestyle diseases that are on the rise each year.
Recognising that employee wellness is integral to organisational success, Absa has taken on a holistic approach that spans all eight dimensions of wellbeing with a strong focus on physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
In November 2024, the Absa Wellness App was launched – a platform that supports employees in setting and tracking wellness goals, engaging in challenges, and accessing expert resources. Since then, over 5,500 employees have adopted the app, setting more than 10,000 goals across its wellness pillars of body, mind, and money.
The negative impacts of mental health disorders in workplaces across Africa have been widely recognised, with increased awareness around depression, anxiety, and stress. However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa region notes that while there has been significant progress in some countries, overall, strides in mental healthcare are still “inadequate.”
This is particularly worrying as health economists estimate that unaddressed mental health conditions cost the South African economy R161 billion per year as a result of lost days of work.
Through services such as mental health education & awareness, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), mindfulness programmes and People Manager mental wellness trainings, Absa ensures our employees have access to resources that enhance their psychological safety and mental well-being. We have also focused on building a culture of employee accountability for driving own wellbeing, while also ensuring the involvement of leaders to play their critical role in this regard.
Our efforts to create a psychologically safe, diverse, and inclusive work environment have contributed to a notable +10.83% improvement in our Work Environment score. By fostering strategic partnerships, promoting ethical business practices, and encouraging employees to be changemakers, we are building a workplace that prioritises both purpose and performance. We see an opportunity in every story, ensuring that each employee’s journey is valued and supported.
Financial Wellness: Counting the Rands and Cents
In today’s strained economic environment, finances also have significant bearing on employee mental health. The ever-escalating cost of living, job insecurity, cost-cutting measures, and retrenchments all weigh heavily on many employees.
Absa has ensured that employees receive access to personalised guidance on managing spending, saving, and reducing debt, reinforcing financial security as a pillar of overall well-being.
These initiatives, alongside our focus on employee engagement and building an inclusive culture, reinforce our belief that a well-supported workforce drives organisational success. Our enhanced Well-being score (+7.68%) reflects the impact of these efforts, demonstrating our commitment to creating an environment where employees thrive.
Wellness: The Bottom Line
Our progress has been recognised, with Absa’s overall Top Employer score increasing to 90.15%, a notable rise of +3.73 points from 2024’s score of 86.42%. This achievement is a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence in leadership, work environment, well-being, and employee experience.
But this journey is about more than accolades. The future of work is not something we wait for; it is something we build together. By embedding sustainability, inclusivity, and employee wellness into our organisational DNA, we create workplaces that attract top talent, drive innovation, and contribute to a better world. At Absa, we are committed to leading this transformation, ensuring that as the world of work evolves, we remain at the forefront – empowering our people and communities to thrive because their stories matter. DM
Author: Jeanett Modise, Absa Group Chief Human Capital Officer