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Health and wellness play a critical role in an organization's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Framework

  • Writer: Yen Roxas
    Yen Roxas
  • Jan 20
  • 3 min read

Primarily under the Social (S) pillar but with important links to environmental sustainability and governance structures. Prioritizing health and wellness within ESG demonstrates a commitment to human capital sustainability, workplace productivity, and social responsibility.

1. Health & Wellness in the Environmental (E) Pillar

While health and wellness initiatives primarily align with the social aspect of ESG, they also have environmental considerations, including:

  • Sustainable Workspaces: Promoting green office designs with better air quality, natural lighting, and ergonomic workstations to enhance employee well-being while reducing environmental impact.

  • Eco-friendly Wellness Programs: Encouraging plant-based diets, waste reduction in cafeterias, and sustainable sourcing of wellness products.

  • Active Commuting: Supporting cycling, walking, and public transportation initiatives to improve employee health while lowering carbon emissions.

  • Digital Health Solutions: Reducing the environmental footprint by promoting telehealth, virtual wellness programs, and remote work to cut down on travel-related emissions.

2. Health & Wellness in the Social (S) Pillar

The Social pillar of ESG places a strong emphasis on the well-being of employees, customers, and the community. Health and wellness initiatives can include:

Employee Well-being Programs:

  • Physical Health:

    • Corporate fitness programs, wellness incentives, and preventive healthcare initiatives.

    • Access to gyms, fitness classes, and health screenings.

    • Encouraging healthy lifestyle choices such as balanced nutrition and regular exercise.

  • Mental Health:

    • Employee assistance programs (EAPs) for mental health support.

    • Flexible work arrangements to promote work-life balance.

    • Mindfulness and stress management workshops.

  • Occupational Health & Safety:

    • Workplace ergonomics, safety training, and policies to prevent workplace injuries.

    • Compliance with health and safety standards to reduce health risks and improve overall well-being.

Community Health Initiatives:

  • Corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs focusing on public health, such as sponsoring health drives or partnering with healthcare organizations.

  • Investing in initiatives that promote public wellness, such as sponsoring fitness events or providing health education to underserved communities.

Diversity & Inclusion in Wellness:

  • Ensuring wellness programs are inclusive and cater to diverse employee needs, including considerations for gender, age, and cultural backgrounds.

  • Providing equitable healthcare benefits for all employees, regardless of their role within the organization.

3. Health & Wellness in the Governance (G) Pillar

Governance involves the frameworks and policies that support long-term organizational commitment to health and wellness. Key areas include:

  • Health & Wellness Policies:

    • Establishing clear guidelines on workplace wellness, including nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and stress management.

    • Setting health-related KPIs (e.g., employee absenteeism rates, health program participation).

  • Leadership Commitment:

    • Executives setting the tone by participating in wellness programs and promoting a culture of health-conscious decision-making.

    • Appointing dedicated wellness officers or committees to oversee health initiatives.

  • ESG Reporting & Transparency:

    • Publicly reporting wellness initiatives, workforce health data, and progress towards health-related goals.

    • Compliance with occupational health regulations and international best practices.

Benefits of Integrating Health & Wellness into ESG Strategy

  1. Increased Productivity & Employee Engagement: Healthy employees are more motivated, engaged, and productive in their roles.

  2. Lower Healthcare Costs: Preventative health measures reduce insurance claims and long-term healthcare expenses.

  3. Stronger Employer Brand & Talent Retention: Companies that prioritize employee well-being attract and retain top talent.

  4. Enhanced Stakeholder Trust: Investors, customers, and partners view health-focused organizations as ethical and responsible.

  5. Resilience Against Future Challenges: A healthier workforce is more resilient to stress, crises, and business challenges.


Integrating health and wellness into an ESG strategy is a forward-thinking approach that aligns with global sustainability goals. It reflects a company's commitment to people, planet, and profit, ensuring long-term value creation for all stakeholders. Organizations that prioritize health and wellness as part of their ESG initiatives not only boost their workforce well-being but also strengthen their social impact and corporate reputation.



 
 
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