Investing in Healthy Buildings: Boost Productivity, Well-being & Real Estate Value
A decade ago, IWBI embarked on a mission to explore a critical question - Could buildings actively enhance people’s health while also delivering tangible business benefits? We believed they could—and today, ten years of research, data, and real-world experience confirm how that vision has materialized.
Over this period, WELL has grown from early adoption to widespread implementation, accompanied by a surge in real-world evidence demonstrating its impact. The findings are clear: WELL buildings deliver results.
We are proud to present the second edition of IWBI’s special report - Investing in Health Pays Off: The Business Case for Healthy Buildings and Thriving Organizations.
This updated edition goes beyond our previous work, reflecting a broader evolution in the field. As WELL adoption has expanded, so too has the body of evidence—including longitudinal studies, in-practice data, and peer-reviewed research—painting a compelling picture of the benefits organizations gain when they invest in people through the built environment.
A 2025 study from the McKinsey Health Institute and the World Economic Forum highlights the economic impact of prioritizing employee health, estimating up to $12 trillion in global value and a potential 12% boost in GDP. Healthier organizations are more resilient, productive, and adaptable.
Research consistently shows that WELL buildings outperform non-certified, conventional counterparts:
Over this period, WELL has grown from early adoption to widespread implementation, accompanied by a surge in real-world evidence demonstrating its impact. The findings are clear: WELL buildings deliver results.
We are proud to present the second edition of IWBI’s special report - Investing in Health Pays Off: The Business Case for Healthy Buildings and Thriving Organizations.
This updated edition goes beyond our previous work, reflecting a broader evolution in the field. As WELL adoption has expanded, so too has the body of evidence—including longitudinal studies, in-practice data, and peer-reviewed research—painting a compelling picture of the benefits organizations gain when they invest in people through the built environment.
A 2025 study from the McKinsey Health Institute and the World Economic Forum highlights the economic impact of prioritizing employee health, estimating up to $12 trillion in global value and a potential 12% boost in GDP. Healthier organizations are more resilient, productive, and adaptable.
Research consistently shows that WELL buildings outperform non-certified, conventional counterparts:
- Occupant satisfaction is 39% higher on average.
- WELL Certification can increase real estate value, driving an average of 7.7% higher rents per square foot.
- Longitudinal studies in North America demonstrate significant improvements in workplace satisfaction, productivity, well-being, and mental health.
The conclusion is straightforward: investing in health benefits both people and business, delivering measurable returns.
This edition also highlights new evidence linking healthy building strategies to enhanced employee productivity and performance. It places a stronger emphasis on social sustainability and underscores the role of health in advancing broader social goals. With sustainable financing on the rise, WELL is increasingly recognized as a benchmark for health leadership.
Whether your goal is to increase real estate value, enhance workplace outcomes, or achieve ESG targets, this report provides the evidence and guidance needed to make informed, confident decisions.
Click here to watch the video.
Click here to download the report.
This edition also highlights new evidence linking healthy building strategies to enhanced employee productivity and performance. It places a stronger emphasis on social sustainability and underscores the role of health in advancing broader social goals. With sustainable financing on the rise, WELL is increasingly recognized as a benchmark for health leadership.
Whether your goal is to increase real estate value, enhance workplace outcomes, or achieve ESG targets, this report provides the evidence and guidance needed to make informed, confident decisions.
Click here to watch the video.
Click here to download the report.
Companies