The Best 22 Global Wellbeing Ideas for Business Growth
The concepts of wellbeing such as Japanese kaizen and Scandinavian hygge have been growing in prevalence around the world, and have been adapted into many business settings.
These practices have a connection to productivity since they can generate a more positive work atmosphere, resulting in improved output.
Leading companies like Apple, NVIDIA, and IKEA have harnessed the power of these ideas to ignite motivation, creativity, and productivity among their employees.
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.
Highly cohesive groups of employees, those who strive for the same overall goal, feel interconnected and perform better when it comes to organizational productivity.
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 wellbeing 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: Unlocking Productivity and Happiness Through Time-Tested Practices
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.
How businesses can apply it: By identifying and aligning work with ikigai, employees can increase motivation and productivity.
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.
How businesses can apply it: Companies promoting hygge as a concept offer relaxation spaces like meditation rooms or comfortable lounges where employees can take a break from work 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.
How businesses can apply it: Companies have been leveraging this concept to promote healthy work-life balance among their employees and to encourage them to prioritize their wellbeing and quality of life.
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.
How businesses can apply 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.
How businesses can apply it: Companies have been using this concept to foster collaboration amongst their employees and to create a culture of camaraderie in the workplace.
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.
How businesses can apply it: Organizations can cultivate a setting that emphasizes originality and imagination while providing staff members the liberty to explore and be daring in their tasks.
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.
How businesses can apply it: Businesses can take advantage of the idea of kintsugi by treating failures and errors as chances to develop and enhance. Rather than attempting to conceal or overlook them, businesses can gain insight from their missteps and use them as a way 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.
How businesses can apply 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.
How businesses can apply 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.
How businesses can apply 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.
How businesses can apply 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.
How businesses can apply 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.
How businesses can apply 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 roots in the sense of warmth, coziness, and conviviality that comes from a comfortable and productive home environment.
How businesses can apply 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.
How businesses can apply it: Sisu roots in 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
How businesses can apply it: By optimizing the placement of furniture, colors, and other elements, fen 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.
How businesses can apply 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.
How businesses can apply 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.
How businesses can apply 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.
How businesses can apply 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.
How businesses can apply 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.
How businesses can apply 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
It's no secret that a healthy and productive workforce is essential for business success. That's why forward-thinking companies are adopting practices that prioritize employee well-being.
Here are just 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.
The company uses this approach in its manufacturing process, where employees are encouraged to make small improvements to the production process on a regular basis.
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 company encourages hosts to provide cozy, comfortable accommodations and to incorporate elements like soft lighting to create a sense of warmth and relaxation.
Patagonia
Patagonia is a clothing and outdoor gear company that incorporates environmental awareness into its business approach.
The company uses sustainable materials and production methods and encourages customers to repair and reuse their products rather than buy new ones. This approach aligns with the concept of pura vida from Costa Rica, which emphasizes gratitude and appreciation for the natural world.
Google incorporates the concept of mindfulness into its business approach by offering employees access to meditation and mental health training programs.
The company also emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and encourages employees to take breaks and prioritize self-care.
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market embraces the concept of holistic health in its business approach by emphasizing the importance of natural, whole foods and a balanced diet.
The company offers a wide selection of organic and natural products and encourages customers to prioritize health and wellness in their food choices.
Zappos
Zappos is an online retailer that prioritizes employee happiness and wellbeing through a unique company culture that advances personal growth, work-life balance, and employee empowerment.
The company offers various employee benefits and programs, such as free access to wellness coaching and a comprehensive health and wellness program.
Patanjali
Patanjali is an Indian consumer goods company founded in 2006.
Patanjali's business practices are inspired by the principles of Ayurveda, a traditional Indian medicinal and wellness system that focuses on creating harmony between the mind, body, and soul.
Alcoa
Alcoa is an aluminum manufacturing company that embodies the concept of safety as a core value.
The company emphasizes a 'zero harm' policy as a way to protect employees and create a culture of wellbeing. This approach has helped to reduce accidents and injuries and improve employee morale and productivity.
Semco
Semco is a Brazilian conglomerate that prioritizes employee autonomy and work-life balance.
The company has implemented a unique management approach that emphasizes decentralized decision-making, flexible work hours, and employee empowerment.
This approach has helped to improve employee morale and well-being, leading to increased productivity and success.
Nordic Naturals
Nordic Naturals is a natural supplements company that incorporates the concept of sustainability into its business approach.
The company uses sustainable fishing practices and sources its ingredients from responsible and ethical suppliers. This approach aligns with the concept of friluftsliv from Norway, which emphasizes a love of nature and the outdoors and a commitment to environmental sustainability.