WellHub’s Work-Life Wellness Report 2026 reveals that employee well-being, often overlooked, is beginning to show signs of strain among small- to mid-size businesses. On today’s episode of The Small Business Show, WellHub Senior Director of SMB North America Delia Cronin unpacks the findings and what they mean for small- and mid-size business owners.
Employee well-being is no longer just a perk or a “nice to have.” The line between work and personal life has blurred as many professionals continue to work from home. For small- to mid-size businesses, which often operate with smaller teams, the impact can be even greater. While these businesses may have strong company cultures, employees frequently wear multiple hats, leaving them thinly stretched. This strain can significantly affect well-being and, ultimately, performance.
Daily commutes, once seen as a nuisance, provided a mental transition between work and personal life. With increasingly digital workplaces and constant messaging, many employees now experience an “always on” effect that makes it difficult to disengage from work.
Financial stress is another major barrier. The survey found that 73% of SMB employees said their current financial situation made it difficult to invest in their well-being. Mindfulness—employees’ ability to stay present and engaged—is also lower among SMB employees than their counterparts at larger companies. Only 41% of SMB employees reported participating in a weekly mindfulness session, roughly 20% lower than the general population.
"Top athletes need rest and recovery to perform, and so do your employees."
Structured wellness programs can make a measurable difference. The survey found that 66% of employees at SMBs with a structured wellness program reported good or thriving well-being, compared to only 40% at companies without such programs. Wellness initiatives can include employee assistance programs (EAPs), flexible work hours, or health-focused benefits, and can be delivered in-person, digitally, or through hybrid models.
WellHub’s separate research on the return on well-being investments found that 95% of companies with a structured program achieve positive ROI. Employees who are happy and healthy are more productive, engaged, and better able to contribute meaningfully to their teams.
For SMB owners, implementing wellness programs may feel overwhelming. Cronin recommends starting small with changes that demonstrate meaningful investment. Simple initiatives—such as no-meeting days, weekly company walks, or encouraging employees to mute digital work channels outside operating hours—can signal commitment without requiring major resources. Leadership must model the behavior: when leaders prioritize their own well-being, employees are more likely to follow.
The trend of requiring employees to return to the office adds another layer of complexity. Whether implementing a hybrid schedule or a full return to on-site work, backlash is common. Cronin advises intentionally carving out time for employees, such as specific blocks for collaboration, and meeting them where they are. For example, an on-site gym may look impressive, but employees may benefit more from virtual fitness subscriptions that align with their daily routines.
Structured wellness programs also help SMBs compete for talent with larger organizations that offer expansive on-site perks. By demonstrating meaningful support for well-being, small businesses can boost retention, employee satisfaction, and overall performance.
WellHub provides an all-in-one corporate wellness platform that enables SMBs to offer the same benefits typically available to larger enterprises, including mental health resources, fitness, and nutrition programs, both digitally and in person.
Investing intentionally in employee well-being can lead to significant benefits for both the workforce and the organization as a whole. By prioritizing employees’ health and happiness, businesses foster a more motivated and productive environment and enhance overall performance and retention.
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