How Wellness and Sustainability Work Together to Support Employee Performance

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A wellness-focused workplace does more than reduce a company’s environmental footprint. It directly influences employee productivity, engagement and long-term satisfaction. Organizations that prioritize both sustainability and employee wellness often see measurable benefits, including reduced absenteeism, stronger morale, improved focus and higher retention. Research shows that employees who feel their organization cares about their wellbeing are more likely to stay engaged and less likely to leave, while organizations with low employee wellbeing face higher absenteeism, lower productivity and increased turnover costs.1

1. Connecting wellness and stability

Wellness and sustainability intersect in everyday workplace decisions. From the products used to clean an office to the appliances powering it, the choices organizations make can help reduce environmental impact while supporting employee health.

Workplaces that focus on sustainability consider factors such as air quality, ergonomics, nutrition and technology to create a holistic environment that supports comfort, performance and engagement. Companies that integrate environmental and social responsibility into workplace strategies can help enhance both employee wellbeing and organizational outcomes.2

Research also suggests that workplace initiatives designed to support wellbeing, including environmental and behavioral strategies, may help improve physical and mental health outcomes, which may contribute to stronger engagement and productivity over time.3

2. Indoor environments that help employees thrive

Creating an indoor environment that supports wellness can also help reduce environmental impact.

Improved air quality and low-toxicity materials: Traditional cleaning products and air fresheners can release volatile organic compounds that contribute to headaches, respiratory irritation and discomfort. Choosing cleaning products with low VOC content can help limit chemical exposure and improve indoor air quality.4

Natural light and biophilic design: Access to natural light and nature-inspired elements such as plants can help reduce stress, enhance mood and support employee engagement. Workspaces that incorporate these elements foster a more calming, inviting environment.5

3. Breakrooms that support wellness and sustainability

Breakrooms offer a key opportunity to help employees maintain well-being while reducing environmental impact.

Filtered water stations and reusable cups: Easy access to water helps encourage hydration while reducing single-use plastic waste.

Healthier snack options: Offering balanced snacks such as nuts and bars can help maintain energy and focus throughout the day.

Smart appliances: Refrigerators, microwaves and coffee machines designed to use less energy help reduce energy consumption while maintaining convenience for employees.

4. Technology that supports both efficiency and the environment

Technology choices can help organizations meet sustainability goals while supporting productivity.

Energy-efficient devices: Laptops, monitors and printers designed to consume less power can help reduce electricity usage and operating costs while creating a quieter and cooler workspace.

Cloud-based solutions and collaboration tools: Cloud platforms and digital collaboration tools can help reduce paper use, streamline workflows and improve communication, especially hybrid and flexible work models.

Research highlights that employee wellbeing serves as a leading indicator of organizational performance, influencing absenteeism, engagement, healthcare costs and turnover. Companies that prioritize healthier, more supportive workplaces can see measurable improvements in employee performance and satisfaction.1

By integrating wellness and sustainability into daily operations, companies can create environments that support both employee health and organizational goals. Office Depot Business partners with organizations to implement programs that benefit employees and the environment. From eco-conscious cleaning supplies to energy-efficient technology, ODP provides practical solutions that help support engagement, productivity and wellbeing.

1 https://www.gallup.com/workplace/215924/well-being.aspx
2  https://hrdailyadvisor.hci.org/2023/05/24/why-employee-wellness-should-be-a-cornerstone-of-esg-strategy/
3 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12692016/
4   https://summitjanitorial.com/2025/09/11/employee-wellness-through-clean-environments/
5 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2920980/