Intellect, a global mental health benefits company, has released the second edition of its highly anticipated Workplace Wellbeing 360 Report 2025: Benchmarking 10 Industries Across the World. This data-driven report provides a comprehensive analysis of workplace wellbeing across industries, offering valuable insights into how mental health influences employee productivity and organisational performance.

Drawing from 50,000 employees in 182 countries, the study utilises Intellect’s proprietary 26-question Dimensions measurement framework to assess four core components: employee wellbeing, organisational support, work engagement, and productivity.

The latest report marks a significant expansion from its 2024 edition, which primarily focused on the Asia Pacific region. By broadening its reach, the 2025 edition reflects the increasing globalisation of today’s workforce and the universal challenges organisations face in promoting mental well-being.

This expansion allows companies to benchmark their well-being efforts against both local and international peers, providing a clearer understanding of industry trends and best practices.

One of the report’s most critical findings is the strong correlation between mental well-being and employee productivity (r = 0.67). Mental well-being surpasses traditionally prioritised traits such as a growth mindset and goal orientation, underscoring the importance of fostering a supportive work environment. Businesses that invest in employee mental health not only enhance well-being but also drive meaningful performance outcomes.

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The paradox of well-being and declining productivity

Despite improvements in employee well-being worldwide, productivity levels have declined, with presenteeism–employees being physically present but disengaged–on the rise. This trend suggests that while employees may report feeling “fine,” they may still struggle with focus and motivation, ultimately affecting performance.

Addressing this paradox requires a holistic approach that prioritises both well-being and work engagement.

The report highlights that presenteeism occurs five times more frequently than absenteeism and carries a significantly higher financial burden. While absenteeism costs an average of US$318 per employee per month, presenteeism results in a staggering US$990 per employee per month.

This underscores the necessity for companies to implement effective well-being initiatives that mitigate the hidden costs of disengagement and reduced productivity.

The study identifies a widespread lack of stress management and self-awareness skills among employees, contributing to passive coping behaviours such as procrastination and disengagement. Furthermore, a limited growth mindset is preventing employees from seeking development opportunities, leading to stagnation.

Stress management has declined across nearly every industry worldwide, making it a pressing concern for businesses. Despite positive trends in areas such as self-efficacy, purpose, and optimism, unresolved stress remains a major barrier to workplace well-being. Employers must prioritise comprehensive stress management strategies to sustain both employee satisfaction and productivity.

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The report advocates for a dual approach to workplace well-being: top-down initiatives driven by leadership and HR alongside bottom-up interventions that empower employees. Strategies such as coaching, webinars, and structured support systems can bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that well-being initiatives lead to measurable improvements in workplace culture and engagement.

Singapore as a leader in workplace wellbeing

Singapore ranks among the top-performing countries in four workplace well-being pillars: Organisational Support, Employee Well-Being, Employee Productivity, and Work Engagement.

The strong rankings highlight Singapore’s commitment to fostering supportive workplaces, with many organisations investing in structured well-being programmes.

The report showcases several Singapore-based companies that have successfully implemented workplace wellbeing programmes:

McDonald’s Singapore

The fast-food giant introduced Intellect’s mental wellness initiatives, resulting in a 28 per cent adoption rate of the Intellect app. Of those who signed up, 99 per cent utilised self-care sessions, and overall satisfaction with the programmes was high. McDonald’s Managing Director Benjamin Boh emphasised the company’s commitment to listening to and supporting employees.

MSD

The global biopharmaceutical firm saw a 48 per cent adoption rate of Intellect’s services within three months of rollout in Singapore. Following implementation, 84 per cent of employees reported that leadership prioritised their well-being, demonstrating the effectiveness of structured mental health support.

Global Logistics Company

A major logistics firm in Singapore and Malaysia reduced resignations due to stress and burnout by 16 per cent after implementing Intellect’s wellbeing solutions. The company’s HR Director noted a “tremendous” improvement in employee retention linked to mental health support initiatives.

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