I could quote you a big return on investment figure. Most vendors will. But the research on workplace wellness ROI is mixed. The largest randomized trial of a workplace wellness program, across 160 worksites, found few measurable changes in eighteen months. I would rather tell you that than hand you a number you will be challenged on in a budget meeting.
The evidence for the specific practices I bring into the room is more direct, though still early for some. Every study is named and linked on the session pages, so you can judge it for yourself.
And the number that matters most is yours. If replacing one person costs what it usually costs, keeping even one who was quietly drafting a resignation letter can cover the cost of this work. I would rather build the case on your turnover than on an industry average.
½ to 2×
an employee’s annual salary is what it can cost to replace them, by Gallup’s conservative estimate.
73%
of CEOs report improved retention from their wellbeing programs, in a self reported survey of 1,500+ executives.
Sources: Gallup, 2019; Wellhub, Return on Wellbeing 2025