In today’s complex world of work, employee wellbeing has become more than a buzzword—it’s a critical pillar of sustainable business performance. Yet, approaches to wellbeing vary significantly across countries, shaped by cultural norms, government policy, and societal expectations. From Scandinavia’s flexible work structures to Japan’s growing mindfulness culture, global perspectives offer valuable lessons for organizations looking to create more inclusive and effective wellbeing strategies (globally or domestically).

As companies operate across borders—or manage multicultural teams—there’s an opportunity to learn from international wellbeing models and adapt them to diverse workforces. Below are five approaches to employee wellbeing from countries outside the US and across the globe and what organizations can take away from them.