At HiBob, we believe that a thriving work environment stems from prioritizing the wellbeing of our people. This year marks our third annual Wellness Week, an initiative close to my heart as it embodies our commitment to supporting every Bobber in living a balanced, fulfilled life. As we prepare for this week of rejuvenation, connection, and growth, I want to take a moment to reflect on why this initiative is so crucial—not just for us at HiBob, but for organizations everywhere.
Why life-work balance matters more than ever
The concept of work-life balance has long been discussed, but we believe it’s time to flip the script. At HiBob, we focus on life-work balance, putting life at the forefront of our priorities. This subtle shift in language represents a significant change in mindset, emphasizing that work should support life, not the other way around.
Recent studies underscore the importance of this balance. According to a 2023 survey by Gallup, only 34 percent of employees are thriving in their overall wellbeing, with a mere 23 percent saying they’re engaged at work. We all know that engaged people drive positive outcomes for business, which means low engagement is bad business. In fact, “Gallup estimates that low engagement costs the global economy US$8.9 trillion, or 9 percent of global GDP.” These statistics are a powerful reminder that when we prioritize the wellbeing of our people, everyone wins.
The future of work is holistic wellbeing
The future of work is not just about where or how we work—it’s about creating environments that nurture the whole person. Our Wellness Week is designed around four key pillars: Mental, Physical, Social, and Financial wellbeing. By addressing these areas, we aim to support Bobbers in all aspects of their lives, enabling them to bring their best selves to work daily.
This year, we’re offering a wide range of activities, from painting and art to breathwork workshops, ice baths, and music therapy. Each activity is carefully curated to help our team disconnect from daily stressors, reconnect with themselves, and build stronger bonds with other Bobbers in our village.
Leading by example: How HR leaders can champion wellbeing
As HR leaders and C-level executives, your role in shaping the future of work is more critical than ever. Wellness Week at HiBob is more than just an event—it’s a statement of our values and a commitment to our Bobbers. But how can other organizations implement similar initiatives?
1. Start with listening: Understand the unique needs of your people. Regular surveys and feedback loops can provide valuable insights into what aspects of wellbeing matter most to your team.
2. Create a culture of wellbeing: Wellbeing should be woven into the fabric of your company culture. Encourage practices that support life-work balance, such as flexible working hours, quarterly full-company shutdown days (we do this with our Bob Balance Days program), and wellness programs that are inclusive and accessible to all.
3. Lead by example: Leadership buy-in is crucial. When executives actively participate in wellness initiatives, it sends a powerful message that wellbeing is a priority. Consider how your actions (like the image below of me practicing yoga) can inspire and influence your team.
4. Measure impact: To ensure the success of wellness programs, it’s important to measure their impact. Track engagement, productivity, and employee satisfaction to understand how these initiatives are contributing to your organization’s overall success.
By taking these steps, HR leaders can create environments where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to bring their best selves to work. The benefits are clear: healthier, happier people lead to stronger, more resilient organizations.
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Inspiring change across the world of work
Wellness Week has become more than just an internal initiative; it’s a movement that we hope will inspire other organizations to take action. In a world where burnout and stress are all too common, it’s essential for companies to lead with empathy and prioritize their employees’ wellbeing.
The future of work is not about endless productivity—it’s about fostering a culture where people can thrive. I encourage you to consider how initiatives like Wellness Week can transform your organization, fostering an environment where every individual can achieve their full potential.
Let’s redefine the future of work together—starting with the wellbeing of our people.
From Ronni Zehavi
Ronni has over 25 years of experience in multinational, hi-tech companies. Prior to setting up HiBob, he was an Entrepreneur in Residence at the Silicon Valley based Bessemer Venture Partners. He's the strategic advisor and co-founder of Team8 Cyber Security and CEO of Cotendo, a content delivery network which was acquired by Akamai for $300m.
