Kenyan firms face rising workplace wellbeing crisis as stress levels hit 87% - Report

The findings, released by Niche Human Capital Advisory, come as employers grapple with rising burnout, evolving workforce expectations and intensifying competition for talent.

The report paints a broader regional picture, revealing that 80.4% of employees across the region experience moderate to extreme workplace stress, while 67.8% of workers in Sub-Saharan Africa report emotional exhaustion and burnout. In addition, 82.5% of employees believe organisations need to do more to support their mental wellbeing.

The impact extends beyond employee welfare to business performance. Globally, workplace stress, poor mental health and employee disengagement are estimated to cost businesses US$10 trillion annually in lost productivity, prompting organisations to rethink the role of workplace wellbeing in driving performance and competitiveness.

"The workplace has become one of the most important determinants of organisational success," said Rebecca Gichuki, Partner, Niche Human Capital Advisory. "Our findings show that employee wellbeing is no longer simply an HR issue. It is a leadership and business issue. Organisations that invest in healthier workplaces, stronger leadership and supportive cultures are better placed to improve productivity, retain talent and build resilient businesses."

Against this backdrop, Workable has become Africa's first coworking space to attain the WELL Coworking Rating, a globally recognised certification awarded by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) in collaboration with The Instant Group.

The certification recognises coworking spaces that meet rigorous standards aimed at improving the health, wellbeing and performance of the people who use them, positioning Kenya at the forefront of a growing global shift towards healthier work environments.

"This certification is bigger than Workable," said Samir Patel, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Workable. "Businesses have always measured the cost of office space. Today, they also have to measure the cost of unhealthy workplaces. When stress, burnout and disengagement affect performance, investing in healthier workplaces becomes an investment in innovation, productivity and long term business growth."

The WELL Coworking Rating evaluates workplaces against evidence-based measures, including indoor air quality, lighting, thermal comfort, water quality, movement, nourishment, mental wellbeing, materials and community. The standards are designed to create environments that support healthier, happier and more productive teams.

Workable said the recognition builds on its earlier EDGE certification and reflects its focus on developing people-centred workspaces that integrate hospitality, sustainability and wellness.

"Congratulations to Workable on becoming Africa's first WELL Coworking Rated workspace," said Ann Marie Aguilar, Senior Vice President, EMEA, International WELL Building Institute. "This achievement demonstrates that Africa is embracing globally recognised standards for healthier workplaces and reinforces the important role workplace design can play in improving the health, wellbeing and performance of people and organisations."

The findings come as organisations increasingly shift the conversation from where people work to how workplace design and culture influence business outcomes. Industry experts say healthier workplaces are becoming a strategic advantage, helping employers attract and retain talent, boost productivity and build more resilient organisations.