Top 22 Global Wellbeing Ideas to Develop the Business
Wellbeing concepts, for example, Japanese kaizen and Scandinavian hygge, have been getting more and more popular to the point of becoming the object of big interest in business settings.
The explanation is on the surface: these practices increase productivity because they are a sure means of building a positive work atmosphere. It results in increased output and improved employee morale.
Moreover, giants like Apple, NVIDIA, and IKEA have harnessed the power of these ideas and reaped good results for their workforce in terms of motivation and creativity.
Why Global Wellbeing Concepts are Important
Creating cohesion 🤝
Cohesive work environments built around shared ideas of wellbeing make an individual more motivated and productive, rather than docile and averse to risk.
Employees who work in highly cohesive groups accept the idea of achieving the same objectives more readily, and as far as organizational productivity is concerned, they perform better.
Promoting diversity 🌍
They offer diverse perspectives on what it means to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.
By exploring different cultural approaches and wellbeing initiatives, we can capture and reproduce social norms that encourage productivity.
Fuelling business growth 📈
Global well-being concepts can provide inspiration and guidance for business growth.
They can offer new ideas for how to cultivate balance and purpose as well as identify areas for improvement or change.
Global Wellbeing Wisdom with Time-Tested Practices
How to be more PRODUCTIVE and HAPPY based on wise ideas we can find across ages
Various cultures have developed distinct ideas of wellbeing. A few notable examples include:
Ikigai, Japan
Ikigai is a Japanese concept that refers to a sense of purpose and meaning in life. It is the result of combining one's passions, mission, vocation and profession, and is achieved by seeking out activities that bring happiness, satisfaction and a sense of contribution to society.
The way businesses can use it: With the help of Ikigai identification and alignment of work to it, it is possible to become more motivated and productive.
Hygge, Denmark
Hygge is a Danish concept that centers around creating a cozy and comfortable atmosphere in home and life. It emphasizes the importance of relaxation, togetherness, and indulging in simple pleasures.
The way businesses can use it: Companies with hygge in mind offer relaxation spaces to their employees (meditation rooms or comfortable lounges where workers can take a break and recharge).
Lagom, Sweden
Lagom is a Swedish concept that translates to "not too little, not too much, just right." It refers to the idea of finding balance and moderation in all aspects of life, from work and leisure to food and drink.
The way businesses can use it: Companies have been leveraging this concept to promote a healthy work-life balance among their employees. Lagom proves to increase life quality and develop productive habits.
Wabi-sabi, Japan
It is a Japanese concept that celebrates imperfection and transience. It emphasizes the beauty of the natural world and the acceptance of life's inevitable changes and imperfections.
The way businesses can use it: Wabi-sabi values simplicity and minimalism, so companies can streamline their processes and focus on what is essential.
Ubuntu, South Africa
It is a South African concept that spotlights the importance of community and interconnectedness. It refers to the idea that a person's humanity is tied to their working together as a group. Also, it stresses that people are part of something bigger, and what they do affects other people.
The way businesses can use it: Business firms have been exploiting this idea in order to produce a team work among their workers and to put in place a work environment that breeds camaraderie.
Meraki, Greece
Meraki is a Greek concept that conveys the idea of putting a lot of effort and enthusiasm into whatever one is doing. It suggests that joy and satisfaction can be found in the process of creating or doing something, rather than just the outcome.
The way businesses can use it: They are able to develop an environment where innovativeness and creativity are upheld, and the employees have the freedom to experiment and take risks with their work.
Kintsugi, Japan
Kintsugi is the art of repairing broken pottery with gold or silver lacquer, emphasizing the beauty of imperfection and the value of resilience and repair.
The way businesses can use it: Businesses can take advantage of the idea of kintsugi by treating failures and errors as chances to develop and improve. Rather than attempting to conceal or overlook them, businesses can gain insight from their missteps and use failure as an opportunity to refine their offerings.
Jugaad, India
In practicality, jugaad is a way of coming up with ideas or solutions for everyday issues, usually caused by a lack of available resources or out of a need for quick problem-solving. Expanding this definition, it is a remarkably flexible arrival at a decision that emphasizes innovation and improvisation.
The way businesses can use it: Companies can promote a culture of innovation and creativity by giving their workers the liberty to try new ideas. Not being bound by traditional approaches, they can come up with unconventional solutions to rising issues.
Fika, Sweden
It is a ritual of taking a break and enjoying coffee or tea with friends or colleagues, often accompanied by pastries or other treats.
The way businesses can use it: By encouraging employees to take breaks from work and socialize, companies can create a more relaxed and balanced work environment.
Sprezzatura, Italy
Historically, it is a term derived from Italian that describes the ability to make a complicated task appear effortless. It is the art of executing a task with poise and ease, without giving any indication of the hard work put into it.
The way businesses can use it: Companies can establish a setting that instills a sense of ease and comfort for customers without needing to put in any obvious effort. This could include crafting an inviting space that is visually pleasing and straightforward to move through or designing an experience that is uncomplicated and intuitive.
Tikkun Olam, Israel
The Hebrew phrase Tikkun Olam implies 'working to restore and transform the world' in a positive way.
This includes engaging in social justice, environmentalism, and philanthropy. In contemporary Jewish communities, it is commonly associated with striving for social justice and taking action to address social issues.
The way businesses can use it: Companies can take on the task of Tikkun Olam by taking on the role to make a beneficial influence on the planet. This could involve utilizing eco-friendly methods, giving to philanthropic causes, or joining forces with organizations that align with their values.
Pura Vida, Costa Rica
Its core idea is linked to cultivating gratitude, optimism, and appreciation for the simple joys of life, such as nature, family, and friends.
The way businesses can use it: The philosophy of living with gratitude, optimism, and appreciation for the simple joys of life, which can lead to increased motivation and productivity.
Kaizen, Japan
It is a pursuit of continuous improvement in all areas of life, including work and personal development. Kaizen emphasizes progressing through small steps and aiming for excellence without end.
It prompts people to recognize small moments, be content with what they possess, and strive for progress.
The way businesses can use it: Companies can practice kaizen by making ongoing amendments to their procedures and systems, inviting staff members to contribute, and emphasizing steady improvement.
Gemütlichkeit, Germany
This concept is rooted in the sense of warmth, coziness, and conviviality that comes from a comfortable and productive home environment.
The way businesses can use it: Gemütlichkeit involves prioritizing the needs of employees and creating a supportive and caring workplace culture. To achieve this, businesses can take steps like actively listening to employee feedback, providing opportunities for professional development and growth, and acknowledging and rewarding employee contributions and achievements.
Sisu, Finland
The Finnish sisu implies perseverance, determination, and resilience to overcome challenges even in the face of adversity, which can lead to increased productivity and success.
The way businesses can use it: Sisu links to a growth mindset, which means that with enough effort and determination, you can develop your abilities and qualities. If you're a business owner, you can encourage this mindset in your employees by promoting continuous learning and development, offering new challenges, and rewarding perseverance and resilience.
Feng shui, China
Feng Shui is a Chinese system of arranging living and working spaces to promote balance and harmony. This is the art that promotes balance, harmony, and positive energy, which can increase productivity and success
The way businesses can use it: By optimizing the placement of furniture, colors, and other elements, feng shui followers can create a more productive and positive work environment.
Friluftsliv, Norway
Since this word consists of 3 parts meaning 'freedom, 'air', 'life', it comes as no surprise that Friluftsliv as a cultural practice implies being in nature and enjoying the outdoors, often combined with activities such as hiking, camping, and skiing.
The way businesses can use it: Simplifying life by decreasing possessions and simplifying one's lifestyle can help increase efficiency in the workplace.
Nunchi, South Korea
Nunchi is a Korean concept that involves reading the emotions and intentions of others in social situations.
The way businesses can use it: Encouraging a keen sense of nunchi, businesses can expect to build better relationships and improve communication, which can in turn increase productivity.
Aroha, New Zealand
Aroha is a Maori term that stands for love, compassion, and kindness. It puts emphasis on compassion and forming an atmosphere of consideration for people.
The way businesses can use it: Companies have been using this concept to promote empathy and foster a sense of belonging amongst their workforce, as well as to create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere in the workplace.
Namaste, India
It is an Indian concept of showing respect and gratitude to all living beings.
The way businesses can use it: Companies have been using this concept to promote mindfulness and kindness among their employees and to create an environment of acceptance and mutual respect.
Pomodoro technique, Italy
The Pomodoro technique is a time management method developed in Italy that involves breaking work into short, focused intervals (usually 25 minutes) followed by brief breaks.
The way businesses can use it: Along with applying time tracking systems, it helps to improve concentration and reduce procrastination.
Siesta, Spain
Siesta is a traditional Spanish cultural practice of taking a midday nap or rest. Studies have shown that taking a short nap during the day can improve cognitive function and productivity.
The way businesses can use it: Businesses can educate employees on the benefits of rest and relaxation by providing resources on the importance of sleep, stress management, and self-care.
How Companies Incorporate Wellbeing Ideas into Their Business Approach
There is no secret that successful businesses are inseparable from a healthy and productive workforce.
This is the reason why such companies that think ahead are implementing the practices that have the employee well-being at the top of the list.
These are only a few shining examples:
Toyota
Toyota is known for its implementation of the kaizen concept, which involves a commitment to continuous improvement and a focus on maximizing efficiency and productivity.
This is the method employed by the company in its manufacturing process, which involves the company encouraging its employees to make small improvements to the production process regularly.
Airbnb
Airbnb incorporates the concept of hygge into its business approach by emphasizing the importance of creating a warm and welcoming environment for guests.
The firm suggests that the hosts must offer comfortable and cozy accommodation and features such as mild light, which can generate the atmosphere of comfort and calmness.
Patagonia
Patagonia is a clothing and outdoor gear company that incorporates environmental awareness into its business approach.
The company is involved in using eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes, coupled with a willingness to repair and reuse their products instead of purchasing new ones.
This is a form of such an approach that supports the notion of the pura vida in Costa Rica, where people are taught to practice gratitude and appreciation of nature.
An example of Google practicing mindfulness in the business is the provision of meditation and other mental well-being programs to the employees.
The company has also focused on a good balance between work, life, and pushing workers to take breaks, have unlimited PTO, and consider self-care.
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market is an example of a company that makes the concept of holistic health its practice. Their products are the best reflection of their authenticity: they emphasize the importance of natural, whole foods and a balanced diet.
The company offers a wide selection of organic and natural products. Both the company workforce and the customers have the means of prioritizing healthy habits.
Zappos
Zappos is an online store that puts the happiness and well-being of its employees first by the means of their distinct company culture, promoting personal growth, work-life balance, and empowerment of the company employees.
Some of the employee benefits and programs that the company has include unlimited — access to wellness coaching, depending on the company, as well as a complete health and wellness program.
Patanjali
Patanjali is an Indian consumer goods organization started in 2006.
The business trade of Patanjali is motivated by the ideas of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian type of medicinal and health care system emphasizing the establishment of equilibrium of the mind, body, and spirit.
Alcoa
Alcoa is a manufacturing firm of aluminum where safety is one of the organizational values.
The company focuses on a zero harm policy towards employees as a means through which they enhance security amongst employees and impose a culture of wellbeing.
This way has contributed to a decrease in accidents and traumas, as well as the enhancement of workers' mood and efficiency.
Semco
Semco is a Brazilian corporation where the working environment is centered upon employee freedom and work-life balance.
The company has engaged in another unconventional management style where a lot of emphasis is placed on decentralized decision making, flexible hours, and worker empowerment.
This has contributed in enhancing employee morale and welfare, which has resulted in greater productivity and success.
Nordic Naturals
Nordic Naturals is a manufacturer of natural supplements that integrates the notion of sustainability in its business strategy.
The company employs the use of sustainable fishing and has sources of its ingredients are to be leased in a responsible and ethical manner.
This strategy is similar to the Scandinavian friluftsliv ideology, which focuses on nature and outdoor affection and support of ecologically sound practices.