Sweden’s Wellness Allowance: A Model for Elevating Employee Well-Being

At Élavive, we believe that when companies invest in well-being, they invest in performance, retention, and culture. One global example of this philosophy in action is Sweden’s Friskvårdsbidrag — a forward-thinking wellness allowance that provides tax-free support for employees to prioritize their physical and mental health.

What is a Friskvårdsbidrag ?

A Friskvårdsbidrag, or “wellness allowance,” is a government-supported employee benefit designed to encourage physical activity and well-being. Unlike health insurance, which is publicly funded in Sweden, this allowance is a separate, preventative initiative that empowers employees to proactively care for their health — on their terms.

Key Features of Sweden’s Wellness Allowance:

• Purpose-Driven: The allowance is specifically intended to stimulate physical activity and support holistic well-being.

  
  

• Generous Support: Employees can receive up to SEK 5,000 (approx. $520 USD) per year, completely tax-free, when used for qualifying wellness expenses.

  
  

• Versatile Use: Covered activities include gym memberships, group fitness classes, personal training, yoga, pilates, massages, running events, and more — offering employees autonomy in choosing what supports their wellness most effectively.

  
  

• Equal Access: To remain tax-free, the benefit must be offered to all employees equally, reinforcing workplace equity and inclusion.

  
  

• Employer Discretion: While the maximum is set by national policy, individual employers decide the specific amount offered and which activities are eligible, within the approved categories.

Why It Matters — And What We Can Learn

Sweden’s model is more than just a wellness perk — it’s a strategic commitment to workforce vitality. By making wellness a standard and accessible benefit, companies not only reduce burnout and absenteeism but also enhance employee satisfaction, energy, and long-term engagement.

At Élavive, we see this as inspiration for how corporate wellness can evolve in the U.S. market. What if wellness was not an afterthought or a luxury, but a core element of your compensation package? What if curated, restorative experiences were funded proactively — just like your healthcare?

As conversations around performance, retention, and workplace mental health continue to evolve, the Friskvårdsbidrag offers a glimpse into what’s possible when governments and companies take a proactive, human-centered approach.

Ready to Reimagine Wellness at Work?

Let’s build a workplace where well-being isn’t just supported — it’s expected. Élavive curates high-end, on-site wellness experiences that meet the modern workforce where they are. From movement to mindfulness to massage, we help teams live elevated.

Book a consultation today to explore how we can design a bespoke corporate wellness program for your team.

Contact Us: Info@elavive.com