The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) has unveiled the second edition of its influential report, Investing in Health Pays Back: The Business Case for Healthy Buildings and Healthy Organizations. This updated publication consolidates the most extensive body of evidence so far that demonstrates how prioritizing health and well-being leads to measurable financial returns.
The new edition significantly expands on the original, with more than double the number of studies and references. It incorporates academic research, industry insights, and practical case studies to provide a comprehensive answer to a critical question: how can future projects be designed to improve human health while generating strong economic outcomes? The findings aim to guide policymakers, real estate professionals, and investors by showing that prioritizing people’s well-being is not only ethically sound but also one of the smartest financial strategies available.
“We’ve compiled the most compelling global data connecting healthy buildings with human performance and well-being into one essential resource,” explained Rachel Hodgdon, IWBI President and CEO. “By equipping investors, developers, architects, engineers, and advocates with the insights and evidence they need, we’re laying the groundwork for a healthier tomorrow.”
Highlights from the report include:
Research from the McKinsey Health Institute suggests that investing in employee well-being could add nearly $12 trillion to the global economy and lift worldwide GDP by as much as 12%. Studies led by Harvard indicate that better indoor ventilation can boost productivity by up to $7,500 per employee annually. Analyses from MIT and the University of Cambridge show that buildings with health certifications command rental premiums of 4%–7%. WELL Certified buildings consistently outperform non-certified ones in employee satisfaction, reporting higher approval in areas such as access to natural light (18%), acoustic privacy (17%), connection to nature (16%), lighting quality (12%), thermal comfort (11%), and air quality and movement (10%). Compared to occupants of green-certified spaces, people in WELL Certified buildings are 39% more likely to express satisfaction with their environment. The new edition significantly expands on the original, with more than double the number of studies and references. It incorporates academic research, industry insights, and practical case studies to provide a comprehensive answer to a critical question: how can future projects be designed to improve human health while generating strong economic outcomes? The findings aim to guide policymakers, real estate professionals, and investors by showing that prioritizing people’s well-being is not only ethically sound but also one of the smartest financial strategies available.
“We’ve compiled the most compelling global data connecting healthy buildings with human performance and well-being into one essential resource,” explained Rachel Hodgdon, IWBI President and CEO. “By equipping investors, developers, architects, engineers, and advocates with the insights and evidence they need, we’re laying the groundwork for a healthier tomorrow.”
Highlights from the report include:
Dr. Jason Hartke, IWBI’s Executive Vice President for External Affairs and Global Advocacy, and lead author of the report, emphasized: “This report arms IWBI’s global network with the data needed to accelerate adoption of healthy building practices. The evidence is clear—health-focused investments yield measurable benefits in productivity, talent retention, real estate performance, and resilience.”
The report also underscores the growing role of social sustainability in finance. Health-related indicators are increasingly shaping sustainable investment vehicles such as green, social, and sustainability-linked bonds. To date, WELL has been integrated into 13 types of financial instruments and has been referenced in regulatory guidelines, sustainability frameworks, and case studies across 29 countries on five continents.
Notable perspectives from experts include:
Dr. Richard Carmona, 17th Surgeon General of the United States: “Since people spend about 90% of their lives indoors, buildings must be central to delivering wellness and scaling positive health outcomes, while also offering economic value for organizations that embrace these proven strategies.” Professor Alessandro Miani, University of Milan and President of SIMA: “Investing in healthy buildings and organizations has become one of the most effective business decisions available today. Beyond protecting health, it boosts property values, drives productivity, and strengthens talent acquisition and retention.” Rick Fedrizzi, IWBI Executive Chairman: “Because people represent nearly 90% of organizational costs, focusing on healthier environments produces measurable returns in productivity, satisfaction, and workforce stability—turning intuition into evidence-based strategy.” Kay Sargent, author of Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces: “Employers are beginning to realize that embracing neurodiverse talent is not only inclusive but also provides a major competitive edge.” The report also underscores the growing role of social sustainability in finance. Health-related indicators are increasingly shaping sustainable investment vehicles such as green, social, and sustainability-linked bonds. To date, WELL has been integrated into 13 types of financial instruments and has been referenced in regulatory guidelines, sustainability frameworks, and case studies across 29 countries on five continents.
Notable perspectives from experts include: