Each year, International Women's Day (IWD) provides an opportunity for the world to recognise women's voices and achievements as vital contributors across industries and organisations. It's also a day to reflect on the progress made toward gender equity and, more importantly, to examine what still needs to be done to build a society where everyone can thrive.
This year's theme, "Give To Gain", reminds us of a powerful truth: when organisations invest meaningfully in their people, they gain stronger performance, deeper engagement, and more sustainable growth. One of the most critical areas where this investment matters is women's wellbeing, just as it is important for everyone, both within and beyond the workplace.
In many organisations, conversations around gender equity often focus on representation or leadership opportunities. While these are crucial, the broader experience of women at work, especially as reflected in the Great Place To Work focus areas of Respect and Fairness, plays a critical role in shaping organisational culture and performance. These dimensions capture how women feel supported, valued, and psychologically safe at work.
The Wellbeing Gap in the Workplace
Research from Great Place To Work Nigeria consistently reveals that, despite significant workplace evolution in recent years, women across many organisations report lower levels of wellbeing compared to men. Factors such as increased workplace pressures and the ongoing challenge of balancing professional and personal responsibilities influence this gap.
Figure 1: Survey data shows that in certified organisations, female employees consistently report lower wellbeing scores compared to their male counterparts.
We must understand this gap and its implications because wellbeing is closely linked to workplace performance. When women feel emotionally, psychologically, and professionally supported, they engage more, collaborate better, and commit more fully to organisational goals. Conversely, when organisations overlook wellbeing, they risk losing valuable talent, creativity, and institutional knowledge.
Why Wellbeing Is a Strategic Business Priority
Historically, organisations view wellbeing as a "nice-to-have"; an added benefit rather than a business imperative. However, growing evidence shows organisations that prioritise employee wellbeing build stronger foundations for long-term success.
At Great Place To Work®, our research consistently reveals that workplaces prioritising trust, fairness, and employee wellbeing are more resilient and high-performing.
Figure 2: In Certified organisations, higher wellbeing leads to greater productivity, and employees with improved wellbeing are more willing to go the extra mile.
The state of an employee's wellbeing influences key performance outcomes such as:
- Employee engagement and motivation
- Productivity and innovation
- Talent retention
- Workplace trust
- Organisational resilience
When employees feel genuinely cared for by their organisation, they are more likely to contribute fully, collaborate effectively, and go the extra mile in their roles.
Essentially, when organisations create environments that support women's wellbeing, they unlock the full potential of a significant portion of their workforce.
In simple terms, when organisations give support, fairness, and opportunity, they gain commitment, performance, and growth.
The High-Trust Advantage
The link between wellbeing and business performance becomes even clearer when we look at companies that have intentionally built high-trust cultures.
Great Place To Work Certified organisations consistently demonstrate stronger workplace cultures, where employees report higher levels of trust in leadership, fairness in decision-making, and pride in their work. Also, these organisations outperform their peers across several key indicators.
Figure 3: Great Place To Work® Certified Organisations consistently outperform non-certified organisations in key business metrics.
This performance advantage is not accidental. It reflects the deliberate efforts to create exceptional employee experience and workplace culture as strategic drivers of success.
High-trust workplaces create environments where employees feel safe sharing ideas, taking initiative, and contributing to innovation. When women feel supported and empowered in these environments, organisations benefit from stronger collaboration, better decision-making, and more sustainable growth.
Moving from Awareness to Action
Recognising the importance of women's wellbeing is only the first step. Organisations must also translate this awareness into meaningful action.
Aligned with the IWD 2026 theme, #GiveToGain, leaders must reflect on what they need to give to build environments where both people and performance can thrive.
Some key areas organisations can focus on include:
1. Inclusive Leadership Practices
Leaders play a crucial role in shaping workplace culture. Inclusive leaders actively listen to diverse perspectives, ensure equitable opportunities, and create environments where everyone feels respected and valued.
2. Fair and Transparent Systems
Clear, equitable systems for promotions, recognition, and performance evaluations build trust and ensure that talent, not bias, drives advancement.
3. Supportive Workplace Policies
Flexible work arrangements, supportive managers, and policies that acknowledge different life stages to help women balance professional and personal responsibilities effectively.
4. Intentional Career Development
Implementing mentorship, sponsorship, and leadership development programs ensures women have access to the opportunities they need to grow and lead within organisations. By committing to these actions, they can move beyond symbolic gestures and create meaningful change.
Giving to Gain the Future of Work
Investing in women's wellbeing improves individual experiences and strengthens the entire workforce's capacity.
When organisations choose to give support, opportunity, and trust, they gain stronger cultures, more engaged employees, and a more resilient future.
In the spirit of #GiveToGain, the path is clear: building workplaces where women thrive is not only the right thing to do; it's a strategic investment in sustainable growth.
To continue this important discussion, Great Place To Work® Nigeria is hosting a Wellbeing Conference on April 14th, 2026, themed "A Blueprint for a Healthy and Productive Workplace".
The event will convene industry leaders, HR professionals, and wellness experts to explore how organisations can build cultures that support employee wellbeing while driving performance. Join the conversation and help shape an employee wellbeing blueprint for organisations in Nigeria.
As we count down to the conference, visit https://app.eventpadi.com/wellbeingconference to reserve your spot.
