A new report by Great Place To Work has revealed that only 50 per cent of employees in Nigeria report positive workplace wellbeing, while 21 per cent experience inconsistent wellbeing, and 29 per cent report negative workplace experiences.
The report, titled The State of Employee Wellbeing in Nigeria, was based on findings from a national wellbeing survey conducted across various demographics, organisations, industries, and work structures in the country. According to the organisation, the survey was designed to provide deeper insight into the current state of workplace wellbeing in Nigeria.
The report noted that employee wellbeing has become an increasingly important driver of organisational performance, employee engagement, and long-term business sustainability. The survey adopted a structured Likert scale format, with responses ranging from “Almost always true” to “Almost always untrue”.
According to the findings, 52 per cent of respondents said they receive meaningful support from managers and colleagues during periods of work-related stress or personal challenges, while 28 per cent reported negative experiences. In addition, 46 per cent of employees said their organisations promote a healthy work-life balance, whereas 32 per cent expressed negative views on the issue.
On sector performance, the Information Technology industry recorded the highest employee wellbeing score at 55 per cent, while the healthcare sector posted the lowest score at 42 per cent. The report attributed the stronger performance of the IT sector to greater workplace flexibility, stronger organisational culture, and wider adoption of digital tools.
By contrast, the healthcare sector was characterised by high-pressure work environments, long and irregular working hours, as well as the emotional and physical demands associated with patient care.
The survey further showed that employees working onsite and those operating under hybrid arrangements each recorded wellbeing scores of 51 per cent, while remote workers recorded 48 per cent. The report stated that remote work arrangements may contribute to reduced social interaction, blurred work-life boundaries, and limited access to organisational support systems.
Findings also showed that full-time employees recorded the highest wellbeing score at 52 per cent, followed by self-employed workers at 51 per cent, part-time employees at 49 per cent, and freelancers at 47 per cent. The report linked the lower wellbeing levels among freelancers to reduced job security, inconsistent income, and limited access to organisational benefits.
On gender representation, male employees recorded a wellbeing score of 51 per cent, compared with 46 per cent for female employees. The report recommended more inclusive wellbeing strategies targeted at women, including flexible work arrangements, mentorship opportunities, career development support, and policies tailored for pregnant and nursing mothers.
The report also found that organisations certified by Great Place To Work achieved significantly higher wellbeing scores of 77 per cent, compared with the national average of 50 per cent. According to the organisation, the findings underscore the positive impact of strong workplace culture practices on employee wellbeing.
It added that organisations investing in employee wellbeing, trust, and fairness are more likely to build resilient and high-performing workplaces, with higher wellbeing levels linked to stronger productivity and employee engagement.
In the report’s conclusion, Data Analyst at Great Place To Work, Amara Ozokwelu, said the findings present an opportunity for organisations in Nigeria to strengthen their approach to employee wellbeing through more consistent practices and supportive workplace environments.
