Most businesses are waking up to the fact that employee wellbeing isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’—it’s essential.
A recent McKinsey report makes it clear: companies that prioritise employee health see fewer sick days, better retention, and a more engaged workforce.
And with investors starting to factor wellbeing into their assessments, this is no longer just an HR issue—it’s a business-critical strategy.
But while plenty of companies are rolling out yoga sessions, wellness apps, and mindfulness training, there’s one fundamental piece that often gets overlooked: exercise. Not just moving more, but training in a way that actually improves heart health, bone density, immune function, and long-term resilience.
Workplace Wellbeing: The Business Case Is Clear
McKinsey’s research, conducted in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, highlights the direct link between employee wellbeing and productivity. Some key findings:
- Holistic health is alarmingly low. Only 57% of employees reported good overall health—including mental, physical, social, and spiritual wellbeing.
- The financial impact of poor health is staggering. Investing in workplace wellbeing could create $11.7 trillion in global economic value.
- Employees who feel healthier are more engaged and productive. Companies that support wellbeing see reduced absenteeism, lower attrition, and fewer cases of presenteeism (where employees show up but don’t perform at full capacity).
- Wellbeing matters as much as salary. Especially for younger employees, factors like work-life balance and job satisfaction can be as strong an incentive as pay.
Who’s at Risk?
The report highlights that poor health outcomes aren’t evenly distributed across the workforce. Some groups are significantly more vulnerable, including:
- Neurodivergent employees who may struggle with environments not designed for their needs.
- Women experiencing menopause or reproductive health issues, with untreated conditions estimated to cost the global economy $130 billion annually by 2040.
- LGBTQ+ employees, who are more likely to experience mental health challenges due to workplace exclusion.
- Lower-income workers, for whom financial insecurity directly correlates with higher stress and worse health outcomes.
Simply put: wellbeing isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. And companies that ignore it are losing money, talent, and productivity.
Fitness: The Missing Piece of the Wellbeing Puzzle
Many companies have embraced mental health initiatives, flexible working, and ‘wellness perks’—but physical fitness is often the missing link. While workplace health programmes might include meditation apps or nutrition workshops, they rarely address the most impactful factor: structured, science-backed exercise that builds both cardiovascular health and strength.
- Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the biggest global health threat. They account for 69% of the world’s disease burden, with cardiovascular disease leading to $156 billion in lost productivity in the US alone.
- Sleep matters, too. Employees with untreated insomnia cost employers an extra $2,280 per year due to absenteeism, presenteeism, and poor performance.
- The remote work shift hasn’t helped. The blurring of personal and professional boundaries has led to higher stress, more burnout, and more sedentary lifestyles—all of which impact performance.

The Foundry Approach: Real Fitness, Real Resilience
At Foundry, we cut through the noise and focus on what actually makes a difference: building both cardiovascular health and functional strength.
Why?
Because you need both. Strength alone won’t keep your heart healthy. Cardio alone won’t keep you strong as you age. If you want to be fit for work, life, and whatever else gets thrown at you, you need a balanced, integrated approach.
Our model is simple:
- 3 sessions a week. Enough to see real results, not so much that it takes over your life.
- Science-backed training. Not based on fitness fads, but on what actually improves long-term health.
- Expert coaching. So you don’t have to figure it all out yourself.
It’s a one-stop shop for building resilience, longevity, and the kind of physical and mental sharpness that carries over into every other part of life—including work.
Want to Bring This to Your Team?
Did you know Foundry offers a range of services specifically for businesses—from startups to multinationals? Whether you’re looking for:
- Discounted memberships for your team
- Dedicated training sessions for your company
- Team-building and corporate sports days to get everyone moving
- Practical workshops and seminars on strength, fitness, and long-term health –
We cover all the bases. If you’re interested in finding out more, drop us a line at enterprise@foundryfit.com.
Because a healthy workforce isn’t just good for business—it’s good for everything.