Here at Smile Box, we know that a happy team is a productive team. But beyond the good vibes, there’s hard evidence that investing in employee wellbeing leads to measurable business benefits—from increased productivity to higher retention and improved morale.
In this blog, we explore the real-world return on investment (ROI) of workplace wellbeing, backed by statistics and inspiring case studies.
The Link Between Wellbeing and Productivity
A study by the University of Oxford found that happy workers are 13% more productive. When employees feel supported, valued, and mentally well, they perform better, take fewer sick days, and bring more energy to their tasks.
Google’s renowned employee wellbeing programs include onsite fitness centres, free healthy meals, and mental health support. They found that staff engagement and productivity increased significantly after implementing these initiatives, contributing to their long-standing position as a top employer.
Boosting Retention Through Supportive Culture
Replacing an employee can cost between 50% to 200% of their annual salary, according to Gallup. Investing in wellbeing initiatives such as flexible working, mental health days, and recognition programs helps reduce staff turnover and attracts top talent.
PwC UK introduced wellbeing initiatives including mental health champions, resilience workshops, and access to wellbeing apps. As a result, they reported improved retention rates and a more open culture where staff felt valued and supported.
Raising Morale and Fostering Connection
Positive workplace culture isn’t just about ping-pong tables or team lunches. True morale boosts come from feeling heard, respected, and included. The CIPD found that companies focusing on wellbeing saw a 21% increase in employee satisfaction.
At Smile Box, we don’t just deliver wellbeing gifts—we live and breathe them. Our team regularly enjoys curated wellbeing boxes, moments of gratitude, and flexible work hours. The result? A close-knit, motivated team who love what they do and show up every day with purpose.
Wellbeing as a Strategic Investment
Forward-thinking companies treat wellbeing as a core business strategy, not an afterthought. According to Deloitte, for every £1 spent on mental health initiatives, employers get an average return of £5.30 through improved productivity and reduced absenteeism.
Final Thoughts
Investing in employee wellbeing isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart move for your business. Whether it’s through wellbeing boxes, mental health support, or simply creating space for real conversations, the impact is real and lasting.
At Smile Box, we help organisations show they care. Because when your team thrives, so does your business.
Want to boost your team’s wellbeing? Get in touch to explore our tailored wellbeing boxes and employee gifting solutions.



