A new survey commissioned by Sodexo Canada suggests employee health and happiness are closely tied to productivity at a time when businesses are contending with years of sluggish growth.
The company recently released results of its Workplace Wellness survey conducted by Leger, alongside a global white paper titled Healthy Places + Happy People. The research examines what Sodexo describes as a decade-long stagnation in productivity growth across advanced economies and calls on organizations to rethink how workplace design, services and culture influence performance.
The findings point to high levels of burnout and low engagement globally, with implications for employers’ bottom lines.
Globally, nearly half — 48 per cent — of employees report grappling with burnout, while only 21 per cent say they feel engaged, costing an estimated US$438 billion in 2024, according to the study. The white paper says that integrating supportive workplace culture, health-focused spaces and data-driven insights can help reduce absenteeism and strengthen engagement.
It also found that employees who describe themselves as happy are 13 per cent more productive.
Photo: Fox
Canadian snapshot
Among 891 employed Canadians surveyed online between Oct. 10 and 12, 2025, 58 per cent rated their overall physical and mental health as good or excellent. However, three in 10 described their overall well-being as only fair, and one in 10 reported it as poor or very poor.
Regional differences were also noted. In Quebec, 21 per cent of respondents rated their health and happiness at work as excellent, compared with 14 per cent in the rest of Canada.
A majority — 84 per cent — said they feel their employer supports their health and happiness through workplace design, services or culture. Respondents under 55 were more likely to report strong support, at 44 per cent, compared with 33 per cent among those over 55.
When asked what most positively affects their health and productivity, 48 per cent cited job security and stability. Flexible work arrangements were identified by 37 per cent, while 26 per cent pointed to a supportive work culture. Social interaction with colleagues was cited by 24 per cent, and 22 per cent highlighted opportunities for growth and learning.
Globally, 42 per cent of employees surveyed said they want to return to the office to spend more time with colleagues.
Workplace design and performance
The white paper highlights environmental factors such as low-noise settings, clean air, comfortable temperatures, natural lighting, appropriate workspace equipment and seating, opportunities for movement and access to nutritious food as contributors to well-being at work.
Supported by the International WELL Building Institute and its WELL Building Standard, case studies referenced in the report show higher reported productivity, reduced sick leave and improved satisfaction, according to Sodexo.
To measure workplace well-being, the company has developed what it calls a Workplace Experience Index. The tool combines environmental criteria from the International WELL Building Institute with SHAPE’s well-being science and assesses 41 drivers of well-being across two dimensions — Healthy Workplaces and Happy People — and three tiers of impact: personalized employee support, practical team insights and strategic guidance for employers.
Sodexo said the index is designed to help organizations measure and improve employee resilience and productivity.
Johanne R. Bélanger
Executive perspective
Johanne R. Bélanger, CEO of Sodexo Canada, said employers must adapt as workforce expectations evolve.
“We know that healthy places and happy people drive employee productivity and business growth. Well-being must be at the centre of workplace design and management. Workplaces must evolve. As a leader in designing dynamic workplace experiences that adapt in real time, Sodexo is creating conditions where people thrive, businesses grow, and communities benefit,” she said.
Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada’s Entrepreneur. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 and 2024 as one of the top business journalists in the world by PR News. He was also named by RETHINK to its global list of Top Retail Experts 2024, 2025 and 2026.
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