Building a Healthy Workplace: Proven Strategies to Boost Employee Wellbeing in Vietnam

In Vietnam’s rapidly changing job market, employee health and wellbeing have become more than just HR buzzwords — they are critical to productivity, talent retention, and long-term business success.

A 2024 study by the International Labour Organization (ILO) revealed that 65% of employees in Vietnam report experiencing work-related stress, a figure that is among the highest in Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, a Deloitte report shows that companies with strong wellbeing programs see up to 21% higher productivity and 41% lower absenteeism.

As a leading recruitment agency in Vietnam and APAC, Reeracoen understands that prioritising employee wellbeing is no longer optional — it’s essential. This guide explores practical, effective strategies that businesses can adopt to foster healthier, happier, and more resilient teams in Vietnam.

7 Strategies to Boost Employee Wellbeing in Vietnam

1. Prioritise Work-Life Balance

According to a 2025 Vietnam workforce trends survey, 74% of workers say work-life balance is a key factor when choosing an employer. Long commutes in urban centres like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, paired with heavy workloads, contribute to job burnout.

Actionable Strategies:

• Introduce hybrid work models and flexible hours.

• Encourage employees to use paid leave regularly.

• Implement policies that discourage overtime and after-hours communication.

💡 Did you know that companies offering flexible work report a 27% reduction in employee turnover?

2. Offer Comprehensive Healthcare and Mental Health Support

Healthcare costs in Vietnam have risen by 8–10% annually (Vietnam Ministry of Health, 2024). Providing access to quality health services is now seen as a basic expectation.

Best Practices:

• Expand insurance coverage to include outpatient care, annual health checkups, and mental health support.

• Partner with wellness providers for onsite health screenings and mobile clinic services.

• Offer access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), counselling, and therapy.

💡 Did you know that mental health is a growing concern, with 1 in 4 workers in Vietnam reporting symptoms of anxiety or depression?

3. Launch Holistic Wellness Programs

Wellness is more than physical health. Programs that address mind, body, and community create higher engagement.

Effective Initiatives:

• Weekly yoga, Zumba, or tai chi sessions.

• Subsidised gym memberships or healthy meal plans.

• Wellness challenges, such as step-count competitions or hydration goals.

• Quiet spaces or relaxation rooms within the workplace.

💡 Did you know that companies with wellness programs see a 22% boost in job satisfaction?

4. Normalise Mental Health Conversations

Despite growing awareness, stigma around mental health persists in Vietnam, particularly in the workplace.

Recommended Actions:

• Organise mental wellness workshops led by certified therapists.

• Train managers in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).

• Provide confidential access to online therapy platforms.

• Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month internally.

💡 Did you know that addressing mental health reduces absenteeism by up to 30%?

5. Foster a Culture of Belonging and Psychological Safety

A positive workplace culture directly impacts wellbeing.

How to Build It:

• Encourage open feedback through regular check-ins and anonymous surveys.

• Recognise achievements publicly, both big and small.

• Offer career development plans that align with personal goals.

• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

💡 Did you know that teams that feel psychologically safe are 43% more effective?

6. Leverage Technology to Scale Wellness

In Vietnam’s digital-first workforce, tech-driven wellness is a game changer.

Smart Solutions:

• Use wellness apps for step tracking, meditation, sleep improvement, and mood monitoring.

• Deploy AI-driven chatbots for mental health check-ins.

• Run virtual fitness challenges for hybrid teams.

💡 Did you know that 68% of Vietnamese employees prefer wellness support via mobile platforms or apps?

7. Measure, Refine, Repeat

What gets measured, gets improved.

Practical Steps:

• Run quarterly wellness surveys.

• Monitor KPIs such as absenteeism, turnover, and productivity.

• Adapt programs based on feedback and involve employees in co-designing wellness initiatives.

💡 Did you know that companies that continually improve wellbeing programs report a 32% increase in employee engagement?

Why This Matters

In a competitive hiring landscape, employee wellbeing is a business advantage. Beyond reducing costs related to burnout and absenteeism, companies that prioritise wellbeing report:

• Higher retention rates

• Improved employer branding

• Stronger productivity and innovation

As Vietnam’s workforce evolves, forward-thinking companies that invest in health and wellbeing will become the employers of choice.

FAQ: Employee Wellbeing in Vietnam

Q1: What are the biggest wellbeing challenges for workers in Vietnam?

Long working hours, poor work-life balance, mental health stigma, and rising healthcare costs.

Q2: What types of wellness benefits do employees value most?

Health insurance (including mental health), flexible work options, fitness programs, and stress management resources.

Q3: Is mental health still a taboo in Vietnam workplaces?

Yes, but it is improving. More companies are introducing mental health workshops and EAPs.

Q4: How can small companies support wellbeing on a budget?

Offer flexible work hours, organise peer-led wellness groups, and provide mental health days.

Q5: Does wellbeing really improve business performance?

Yes. Studies show up to 41% less absenteeism and 21% higher productivity when companies prioritise wellbeing.

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References

• Vietnam Ministry of Health (2024) – National Health Data Report

• International Labour Organization (ILO) Vietnam – Workplace Wellbeing Survey (2024)

• World Health Organization (WHO) Vietnam – Mental Health in the Workplace Report

• Mercer Vietnam – Workforce Flexibility Report (2024)

• Gallup Southeast Asia – Workplace Wellbeing Impact (2024)

• Google Project Aristotle – Team Effectiveness Research

• Statista Vietnam – Employee Wellbeing Digital Tools Report (2025)

• Deloitte Southeast Asia – Future of Work in Southeast Asia (2025)