Wellbeing isn't a fruit bowl: it's the fundamentals, done well

Rotten apple image courtesy of Giuseppe Cuzzocrea via Unsplash

Too many organisations are missing the point when it comes to wellbeing.

They invest in yoga classes and smoothie bars. They roll out branded water bottles and subsidised meditation apps. They proudly launch their new “Wellbeing Wednesdays” or point to the EAP as evidence that they care.

And while none of those things are inherently bad, they’re also not what real workplace wellbeing looks like.

Real wellbeing is foundational. It’s not a perk — it’s a byproduct of doing the basics well.

If your organisation allows poor performance management to drag down morale.

If the gender pay gap remains unexplained and unaddressed.

If staff are quietly overworked, isolated, and afraid to speak up.

If toxic behaviour is tolerated in the name of delivery or legacy.

If people can’t take their annual leave without checking emails or covering for three vacant roles…

…then all the free fruit in the world won’t fix that.

True wellbeing is experienced when people feel safe, supported, and stretched — not just surviving.

It’s when work is challenging, not overwhelming.

When people can speak up, be heard, and be treated fairly.

When managers know how to lead, not just supervise.

When policies aren't just written, but lived.

Yes, an EAP is useful. A lunchtime stretch class might help someone decompress.

But they can’t substitute for trust, equity, and respect.

If you want real wellbeing?

Start by asking: What’s it like to work here, really?

And what are we doing to make it better — not just nicer?

Because in the end, wellbeing isn’t something you give people. It’s something you create, together.