Lululemon has released its first-ever Global Wellbeing Report, highlighting the company's commitment to advocate for wellbeing.
The study benchmarks the state of wellbeing with the Global Wellbeing Index issued by Lululemon while also exploring the drivers and barriers to being well.
"The events of the past year brought unprecedented challenges to the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of people worldwide," said Calvin McDonald, Chief Executive Officer.
"At lululemon, we believe in a holistic approach to wellbeing that helps create a healthier future for all. This research accelerates our efforts to support the wellbeing of the guests, employees and the communities we serve."
The report reveals an urgency to improve with only 29 percent of global respondents indicating strong wellbeing across physical, mental, and social dimensions, punctuating the impact of the pandemic and social, political, and environmental issues.
People who are seeking to strengthen their wellbeing by focusing on basics like sleep, exercise, and connecting with loved ones are generally linked to stronger wellbeing and a more optimistic view of the future.
The Global Wellbeing Index currently sits at 65 on a scale of 100, indicating a moderate level of wellbeing. The Index is based on how people rate the way they feel across the physical, mental, and social dimensions of wellbeing.
15 percent consider themselves in good physical health, 17 percent feel they can manage stress effectively, 19 percent feel they have enough energy to accomplish things they need to do everyday, 19 percent feel confident in themselves most of the time, and 18 percent have a good work/school/home life balance.
Optimism for the future is on the decline. Last year - marked by COVID and systemic inequalities in our society - took a toll on global confidence. Optimism has fallen 19 percentage points since a year ago. As optimism declines, the importance of wellbeing is rising with half of global respondents expected to increase focus on physical and mental wellbeing this year.
Gen Z has the lowest wellbeing among generations, Gen Z has had the most difficulty coping with COVID-19 and is the generation most focused on, and impacted by, social issues.
The report also showed that a holistic approach and proactive mindset is the key to catalysing strong wellbeing and optimism. The report shows that those who are proactive are more likely to feel they are in good physical health and are able to manage stress. Moreover, they are more likely to be optimistic.
Another point that this report showed is that employers must do more to support being well. Despite stronger wellbeing among the employed population, there is an opportunity for employers to support better time balance and stress management for their workforce.
These findings call for progress in the way employers can help build wellbeing - and in turn, resilience - at work. with the study revealing a close connection between a positive work environment and optimism for the future.
For Lululemon, one of the guiding principles they have established to navigate COVID-19 was to support its people, which included providing its employees with physical, mental and social programs.
Lululemon has offered more than 1,100 online wellbeing and development courses to employees since the beginning of the pandemic and has rolled out Mental Health First Aid training to equip leaders with skills needed to support employees.
To read the full 2021 Global Wellbeing Report, click here.
