Multi-national research
Embedding mental health into core values
SAP, a German multinational software company, demonstrates that integrating employee well-being into its core strategy is crucial for driving profitability and productivity sustainably, while also boosting employee satisfaction and overall well-being.
SAP: The ROI of implementing mental health initiatives at work
SAP, Germany’s leading multinational software company, demonstrates how providing employees with tools to reduce workplace stress and enhance focus can boost organizational success and overall business performance. SAP’s decision to integrate employee well-being into its core business strategy underscores the company’s belief that workforce health and quality of life are essential drivers of organizational success, extending beyond HR concerns and directly impacting the company’s bottom line.1 Employing over 100,000 people from across more than 150 countries, and with a presence in 130 nations, SAP has strategically embedded employee well-being into its core operations, through its comprehensive mindfulness and mental health initiatives; This move demonstrates that prioritizing such initiatives is key to effectively and sustainably driving profitability and productivity, while simultaneously improving employee satisfaction and well-being.2,3
SAP’s commitment to employee well-being began in 2013 when Peter Bostelmann, an industrial engineer and Director of SAP’s global practice of mindfulness, introduced the “Search Inside Yourself” training. This training emphasizes mindfulness practices like meditation, stress management, and mindful eating, and is designed to enhance employee positivity, engagement, and productivity. Since its inception, over 15,000 SAP employees worldwide have participated in the training, supported by more than 140 mindfulness ambassadors across 35 locations.4,5 Alongside this initiative, SAP’s extensive well-being program, which includes flexible work options, 24/7 mental health support, and AEP family benefits, has contributed to improved employee engagement, increased trust in leadership, and reduced absenteeism.6
The impact of these well-being programs is significant. SAP’s annual Business Health Culture Index (BHCI), which assesses employee well-being and examines the impact of well-being initiatives on business outcomes, rose from 69% in 2013 to 78% in 2018, with each percentage-point increase contributing up to €100m to operating profit.7 As of 2022, SAP’s BHCI had risen to 81%.8 It should be noted, the mindfulness program alone has delivered a 200% return on investment, by improving employee engagement, reducing absenteeism, and boosting leadership trust.9 SAP’s strategic integration of well-being goes beyond a one-off investment⎯its initiatives align the dual goals of supporting a healthier workforce and enhancing business performance, underscoring the benefits of such integrated approaches in the corporate sector.
References
Purcell J. Case study: SAP shows how employee well-being boosts the bottom line. [Internet]. Jersey City [NJ]: Forbes Media; [last updated 29 October 2019]. Available from:
ibid.
SAP. Global Company Information. [Internet]. Walldorf: SAP. Available from: https://www.sap.com/about/company.html#fast-facts
Klose A. Mindfulness: the surprising business model. [Internet]. Walldorf: SAP; [last updated 10 November 2023]. Available from: https://news.sap.com/2023/11/mindfulness-the-surprising-business-model/.
SAP. SAP Global mindfulness Practice. [Internet]. Walldorf: SAP. Available from: https://www.sap.com/about/customer-involvement/global-mindfulness-practice.html.
Purcell J. Case study: SAP shows how employee well-being boosts the bottom line. [Internet]. Jersey City [NJ]: Forbes Media; [last updated 29 October 2019]. Available from: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimpurcell/2019/10/28/case-study-sap-shows-how-employee-wellbeing-boosts-the-bottom-line/.
ibid
SAP. SAP integrated report 2022: social performance. [Internet]. Walldorf: SAP; 2022. Available from: https://www.sap.com/integrated-reports/2022/en/social-performance.html.
Thomasson E. At Germany’s SAP, employee mindfulness leads to higher profits. [Internet]. London: Reuters; [last updated 17 May 2018]. Available from: https://www.reuters.com/article/business/at-germanys-sap-employee-mindfulness-leads-to-higher-profits-idUSKCN1II186/.
Reports and downloads
Read the reports here
Read more about our research and key findings by downloading the reports below.
Gain a global edge
Crafting a comprehensive mental health strategy for the modern workforce
Multi-national research
Adopting a flexible, standardized approach
How can comprehensive mental health support be aligned with local needs?
Multi-national research
Embracing work-life balance
How can shorter work weeks, boost employee well-being and competitiveness?
Multi-national research
Combating local stigma
How can storytelling and local resilience building address stigma?
Multi-national research
Tuning in to employee voices
How can active listening exercises pinpoint gaps, needs and opportunities?
Explore US research
Examining innovative methods to improve mental health in the workplace