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I remember back in the day, working in a small startup company in London. The chairman, young and ambitious, initially charmed everyone with his big business vision. It didn’t take long before I realised his management style was anything but empowering. The workday officially ended at 6:30 PM, yet I often stayed until 7:30 PM to finish tasks. Still, he started calling me out for "leaving early," even though I was always punctual and met my deadlines. Oh, and I haven’t mentioned yet—he put us all on self-employment contracts, even though we worked exclusively at his office. Without being placed on a proper payroll, this meant that if he refused to pay my invoice, I had no recourse until legal steps were taken. He docked my pay for "lateness," despite both my watch and the office clock showing I was on time. I later discovered the "official" clock was 15 minutes fast. When we confronted him, he insisted the satellite clock was correct—until one of my colleagues adjusted it when he was out of the office.This chaotic, controlling environment led to a series of difficult situations, including an unfairly assigned project with no guidance and a public shaming meeting where he criticised my every move. The final straw came when he tried to force me to sign a document that would have made me legally responsible for any damage to my computer years down the line. When I refused, he attempted to withhold my final invoice payment, but then he did.Thankfully, my current workplace in the UK is a much more balanced environment, with a strong HR team and great company benefits. Wellness programs like stress management workshops and flexible working hours are game-changers here, making a world of difference to office well-being.That story of a toxic boss was an eye-opener to how toxic workplace cultures can impact one’s health and well-being. It sparked my interest in how companies across the world are shifting their approach to wellness. So when Natascha, the CEO of TOUCHE, reached out to me with an exciting request—to interview my friends from around the globe about their work wellness benefits—I said yes.I spoke with Anna Lindström from Sweden, a seasoned workplace wellness consultant in Stockholm, who shared how her country’s nature-centric approach is changing the game. Anna, an old friend of mine, and we ski together in Verbier almost every year for the last five years. "In Sweden, wellness is more than just a program. It’s in everything we do," Anna explained with a smile. "But it can be a struggle at times, especially with the cold winters." She described how outdoor meetings have become a big trend—teams gather in parks, even in the middle of winter, to discuss ideas with snow crunching underfoot. “Being in nature clears your mind in a way that sitting at a desk just can’t,” she added. For Anna, wellness isn’t just about managing stress; it’s about creating a truly balanced environment.When Yuki Tanaka, an HR manager at a fast-paced tech company in Tokyo, came to visit London, I eagerly grabbed a cup of tea with him. His relaxed demeanor was in stark contrast to Japan’s historically demanding work culture. "It’s true, we used to be all about long hours and intense dedication," Yuki chuckled. "But now, we’re introducing mandatory 'refresh breaks. Let me tell you something extraordinary happening in our office—we give employees 15 minutes to beat up a plush version of their boss. Sounds wild, right? But it works! It’s all in good fun, and it really helps release tension." In addition to these stress-relief breaks, companies in Japan are increasingly adopting "nap rooms" for employees to recharge during the day. "A well-rested employee is a productive one," Yuki said with a knowing smile.Giovanni Rossi, an enthusiastic business owner from Italy who now works in London’s bustling financial district, is also one of my friends. Giovanni, originally from Palermo, emphasised that wellness in Italy goes beyond the corporate world—it’s a lifestyle. "In Italy, wellness isn’t just something companies offer; it’s part of our daily routine," Giovanni laughed. "We still believe in a long lunch break and maybe even a little siesta afterward. Companies are starting to structure this into the workday more formally. After lunch, employees have some downtime to recharge, and when they come back, they’re ready to tackle the afternoon with fresh ideas." Giovanni’s perspective was clear: slowing down is actually speeding up creativity and productivity.The future of workplace wellness is unfolding in exciting ways, and it’s clear that global trends will continue to shape the way we work. So let’s keep going—because this journey is only just beginning.

Global Wellness at Work: A Look Around the World

"Wellbeing at Work: The Future of the Office"Host: [Upbeat intro music fades in] Welcome to Work Well, the podcast exploring the trends reshaping workplace wellbeing. I’m Natascha Topol, and today we’re asking: what will office life look like in 2025? After a major shift in how we work over the past few years, companies are rethinking how to bring employees back into the office—on their terms. Today, we’ll explore what makes an office more than just a place to work, but a place to thrive.Are you ready to dive into the trends shaping workplace wellness and why it’s more important than ever? Stick around because we’ll uncover some surprising developments you won’t want to miss.Segment 1: The Mental Health RevolutionHost: To kick things off, let’s talk mental health. There’s been a mental health revolution in the workplace over the last few years. No longer an afterthought, employee wellbeing is now at the heart of successful businesses. According to the World Health Organization, workplace stress costs the global economy $1 trillion in lost productivity each year. Let that sink in—$1 trillion! But what’s changing?Offices are finally understanding that mental health support isn’t optional; it’s crucial. We’re seeing more companies introduce stress management programs, mindfulness training, and even in-house counselors. It’s a massive shift, one that science is fully behind. Studies show that mindfulness practices, such as meditation, can reduce stress levels by up to 30%. This isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity.Interview Clip: "I’ve seen first-hand the impact of these wellness programs," says Jane, an HR manager "It’s not just about improving employee happiness—supporting mental health directly boosts productivity and creativity."Host: That’s right, Jane. And it's not just large corporations catching on. Small businesses are creating spaces for employees to focus on wellbeing, whether it’s through flexible working hours or wellness-focused lunch breaks.Segment 2: Flexibility is the FutureHost: Now let’s talk about flexibility. Hybrid work is no longer just a temporary fix—it’s becoming the norm. A recent survey shows that 74% of employees want flexible work options to stay, and guess what? They’re more productive this way.But, before you say goodbye to the office for good, it’s worth considering what the new office can offer. In 2025, offices are becoming spaces designed for wellness. Picture this: no more cubicles—just wellness hubs with ergonomic workspaces, mindfulness zones, and spaces that encourage creativity. Imagine starting your workday with a short meditation session or stretching break.Audio cue: [Sound of relaxing office environment—soft chatter, gentle music]Host: Workplaces are also adopting wellbeing days. These are days focused solely on mental health and stress reduction. No deadlines, no meetings—just a day to recharge.Science backs this up. Studies show that short breaks during the workday, even a simple 10-minute walk, can boost concentration and reduce stress by up to 40%.Interview Clip: “It’s amazing,” says [Employee Name] from [Company Name]. “Having these wellbeing days makes such a difference. I come back to work the next day feeling refreshed and ready to tackle anything.”Segment 3: The Power of PersonalizationHost: Let’s move on to a powerful new trend: personalization. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all wellness programs. In 2025, the workplace will be all about tailored experiences that meet individual needs. We’re talking flexible work schedules, personalized ergonomics, and customized wellness programs.One growing trend is workplace chair massage—quick, targeted treatments designed to reduce stress and muscle tension. It’s not just about luxury—it’s about health. Regular massages have been proven to reduce stress hormone levels by up to 30%, and they’re a great way to prevent neck and back pain, which are common in desk jobs.Interview Clip: "I thought chair massage was a gimmick until I tried it," says Sarah, an employee at a tech startup. "It completely changed my workday—I felt more focused, less tense, and ready to jump back into work."Host: And it’s not just massages. Offices are also offering personalized nutrition plans, fitness incentives, and even mental health counseling tailored to each employee. These little touches show that when companies invest in personalized wellness, it pays off—employees feel valued, perform better, and stay loyal.Segment 4: Tech to the RescueHost: Technology is playing a huge role in this wellness transformation too. From fitness apps that track your steps and remind you to stretch, to AI that monitors stress levels through wearable tech, the workplace is going digital in its approach to health.Imagine wearing a bracelet that senses when your stress levels spike. Instead of pushing through the day, it prompts you to take a break or practice a breathing exercise. Science supports these micro-breaks; they improve focus and reduce the long-term impact of stress.Even AI platforms are stepping in, using data to track how employees are feeling. These insights help managers understand when teams need a break or when to adjust workloads. And for employees, it means a more balanced, human-centered work environment.Conclusion: Reimagining the Office as a Wellbeing SpaceHost: So, what does the office of 2025 look like? It’s a place where mental health is prioritized, flexibility is the norm, and personalized wellness isn’t a perk—it’s part of everyday life. It’s a space designed to help employees thrive, not just work.What if your office could be one of those spaces? It could start with something as simple as better workspaces, a dog-friendly policy, or just a little more flexibility. Because when your employees feel good, they’re more productive, more creative, and—most importantly—happier. And who knows? Maybe the next big idea will come while you’re petting your colleague’s dog.Thanks for tuning in to Work Well. If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to subscribe and leave us a review. Let’s work well, live well, and create amazing things—together. [Upbeat outro music fades]

The Future of the Office. Podcast

A photograph of the Google logo in the lobby of Google's new campus and office in Singapore

Before 2006, I was surrounded by people following the rules—everything was formal, checked, and precise. In banking, it was all about structure and discipline. The focus was on ticking boxes and getting results within the lines. But when I made the switch into the creative industry, joining a branding agency in the UK, everything changed. Moving from Ukraine, which at the time was emerging and peaceful, to the UK felt like stepping into a whirlwind of fresh opportunities. The UK was fast-paced, dynamic, and full of ideas. Suddenly, the world I entered was about breaking the rules, not following them. It was a place where trends were set, not merely followed. People were relaxed, full of ideas, and unafraid to push boundaries. The atmosphere was fresh, dynamic, and had a certain energy to it. It was a stark contrast to the rigidity of finance, and that shift felt like a breath of fresh air.Realising the Common Ground: Stress that has No BordersI quickly realised that while the environment in branding was more relaxed and creative, the stress levels were, surprisingly, not that different. The pressure to constantly perform, meet deadlines, and deliver fresh ideas was constant. In fact, the more creative and free the environment, the more stress I noticed people endured in keeping up with the demands. Endless meetings, demanding clients who often thought they knew better than the designers themselves, and the pressure to come up with fresh, groundbreaking ideas—it was a different kind of grind. Stress wasn’t exclusive to banking; it permeated every industry, even the ones that looked carefree and spontaneous.I quickly realised that stress didn’t have borders. It was a constant, whether in banking or branding, Ukraine or the UK. The same pressures, the same demands, and the same never-ending cycle of work. Then, COVID arrived, and everything shifted. For many of us, the sudden change in how we worked brought a strange sense of calm. With no office to go to, fewer meetings, and the flexibility to balance work and home life, there was a surprising lack of stress. I was a mom to a very young child at the time, so I couldn’t fully appreciate the value of the newfound work-life balance that many others embraced. But, when I eventually returned to branding, it was obvious. Work comfort wasn’t a luxury anymore—it was a necessity. The ease and flexibility of working from home had shown me how important a supportive, comfortable work environment truly was. It wasn’t just about physical comfort—it was about mental and emotional well-being, too.Reimagining the Office: A Space for Well-being, Not Just Work So, here’s a thought: What if your office could be one of those spaces? A space where stress isn’t the norm, and wellness isn’t an afterthought? It could start with something as simple as a comfortable chair, a dog-friendly policy, or just a little space to breathe. Because when your employees feel great, they’re probably going to create amazing things. Maybe that’s the secret not only to a healthier workplace but also to a happier one. And who knows? Maybe the next big idea will come while petting a dog in the office.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Do we want our employees back in the office, at least some days a week?

Woman giving body massage to a dog. Spa still life with aromatic candles, flowers and towel.

Work can wear you down. Stress builds up. Focus slips. And the workday stretches on. But there’s a simple way to cut through it—massage.Stress is a killer. It robs you of focus, makes your body ache, and slows down your work. The more you stress, the less you get done. It’s that simple.Massage isn’t just about relaxation. It’s a tool for improving productivity. Massage lowers cortisol, the stress hormone, and stimulates endorphin production. This combination helps to reduce tension and elevate mood, making it easier to focus. A quick massage clears mental fog. It helps you refocus, bringing clarity and sharpness that boosts productivity. Long hours at a desk lead to tight shoulders and stiff backs. Massage helps release muscle tension, improving circulation and helping the body feel better, making work more comfortable. When people feel cared for, they’re more engaged and motivated. A simple massage can improve mood and create a positive work environment. &nbsp; ...Imagine a day in the office...The clock ticks, the tasks pile up, and the weight of deadlines presses on. But then—there’s a shift. A quiet moment to yourself. A gentle touch on your back, easing away the knots. The air feels lighter, your mind sharper. The stress fades, replaced by a clear sense of purpose.This is the power of a massage. A simple act that can transform your workday...

Boosting Workplace Productivity

TOUCHE

TOUCHE specialises in massage therapy, offering restorative chair massages as part of corporate wellness packages and employee benefits. Workplace massages reduce stress, improve concentration, and boost overall well-being, leading to higher job satisfaction, loyalty, and a more engaged workforce, ultimately driving increased productivity.

Blog

Global Wellness at Work: A Look Around the World

The Future of the Office. Podcast

Do we want our employees back in the office, at least som...

Boosting Workplace Productivity