The McKinsey Health Institute’s 2023 survey of more than 30,000 employees across 30 countries found that employees who had positive work experiences reported better holistic health, are more innovative at work, and have improved job performance. Holistic health is an integrated view of an individual’s mental, physical, spiritual and social functioning. While it was found that more than half of the surveyed employees have positive overall holistic health, there are substantial variations between countries and age groups, with those aged 18-24 having the lowest holistic-health scores. Workplace enablers such as meaningful work and psychological safety are shown to strongly predict good holistic health, but burnout is closely linked to workplace stressors. The report concludes by offering organisational, team, job, and individual interventions strategies for employers that address demands and enablers to boost overall employee holistic health.
At a glance
Holistic health encompasses physical, mental, social, and spiritual health. The McKinsey Health Institute’s 2023 survey of more than 30,000 employees across 30 countries found that employees who had positive work experiences reported better holistic health, are more innovative at work, and have improved job performance.
For employees, good holistic health is most strongly predicted by workplace enablers, while burnout is strongly predicted by workplace demands. Providing enablers alone will not mitigate burnout, and addressing demands alone will not improve holistic health. A complementary approach is needed.
Organizational, team, job, and individual interventions that address demands and enablers can boost employee holistic health. These may include flexible working policies, leadership trainings, job crafting and redesign, and digital programs on workplace health.