The human dividend - why inclusion and wellbeing are the real markers of a strong culture

The human dividend - why inclusion and wellbeing are the real markers of a strong culture

In 2025, more than 80% of workers said they’d choose an employer committed to sustainability and social responsibility. But here’s the catch: The Adecco Group Workforce Trends 2025 Report found that satisfaction with companies’ social commitments is still the lowest of all workplace measures.

People aren’t just asking, “What do you do?” anymore. They’re asking, “What do you stand for – and do you live it?”

From policy to practice

Most organisations talk about diversity, wellbeing and purpose. Fewer can show what it really looks like day to day.

Less than half have defined KPIs for inclusion, and younger workers and women are still less likely to get proper wellbeing support. That gap between words and reality is costing trust.

It’s time to turn good intentions into everyday actions.

Simple ways to build a truly human workplace

1. Make wellbeing part of the workday
   Encourage breaks. Normalise conversations about stress. Train managers to spot when someone’s struggling and give them the tools to help.
2. Measure inclusion, don’t just talk about it
   Track diversity at all levels and ask people how included they feel. Make sure opportunities reach everyone, not just those with a loud voice or a senior title.
   
3. Connect ESG to everyday experiences
   Whether it’s sustainability goals or community projects, make it personal. People want to see that the company values they hear about are lived out in how they work.

Why it matters

Inclusion and wellbeing aren’t soft topics – they’re the backbone of performance. When people feel safe, supported and proud of where they work, they bring more energy, creativity and loyalty.

It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being consistent.

In a nutshell

Work is changing fast, but what people want hasn’t. They want to be respected, supported and part of something meaningful.

The organisations that get this right won’t just keep their best people – they’ll attract others who want to be part of it.

Because when work feels human, everything else starts to work better too.

Let’s work it out together: Download our Work Force Trends report today.