Some leaders focus on numbers first. Others focus on people, knowing that everything else follows. Lucy Faulks-Barnard and Ruth Tongue belong firmly in the second group. Their leadership is grounded in a deep understanding of what it means to show up to work as a human being, carrying ambition, pressure, personal challenges, and the desire to do meaningful work. Rather than treating wellbeing as a corporate add-on, they have built a business that places human support at the center of organizational success. That belief, consistently translated into action, is what makes them stand out among the Best Women Leaders to Watch 2026.

As co-founders of Elevate, Lucy and Ruth have quietly reshaped how companies think about employee wellbeing. Their work is not driven by trends or surface-level solutions, but by long-term impact, creating workplaces where people feel supported, resilient, motivated, and valued.

Elevate and the Future of Workplace Wellbeing

Elevate is the UK’s leading workplace wellbeing provider, trusted by organizations that understand wellbeing is not a luxury, but a necessity. The company brings together a global network of health and wellbeing experts to design practical, credible, and tailored programs that support employees at every level, from entry roles to senior leadership.

What sets Elevate apart is its refusal to treat wellbeing as a one-size-fits-all solution. From the beginning, Lucy Faulks-Barnard and Ruth Tongue built Elevate around a simple but powerful idea: every workforce is different, and every individual within it has unique needs. Elevate works closely with organizations to understand their culture, challenges, and aspirations before designing programs that genuinely fit.

This collaborative approach has helped Elevate become a trusted partner to businesses looking to create open, resilient teams, improve productivity, and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive employment landscape.

Creating Open and Resilient Teams

At the heart of Elevate’s work is the belief that people perform best when they feel safe, supported, and able to be themselves. Lucy and Ruth understand that resilience is not about pushing through stress at all costs, but about giving people the tools to manage challenges across every area of their lives.

Elevate helps organizations create environments where employees can bring their whole selves to work. This includes addressing mental, physical, emotional, and social wellbeing in ways that feel practical and relatable. By normalizing conversations around wellbeing and offering structured support, Elevate helps teams develop resilience that lasts beyond short-term initiatives.

This focus on openness does more than improve morale. It builds trust, strengthens relationships, and creates workplaces where people are more willing to collaborate, adapt, and grow.

Wellbeing as a Driver of Productivity and Motivation

Lucy Faulks-Barnard and Ruth Tongue are clear in their thinking: healthy employees are productive employees. Elevate’s programs are designed with this understanding at their core, using insights from behavioral science to support motivation, focus, and energy.

Rather than relying on generic wellness perks, Elevate looks at the real factors that influence how people work, from stress and burnout to confidence, movement, nutrition, and mental clarity. By supporting employees across these areas, organizations see measurable improvements in productivity, engagement, and overall performance.

Crucially, Elevate does not separate wellbeing from business outcomes. Lucy and Ruth have ensured that progress is measured and impact is tracked, allowing companies to see how wellbeing initiatives contribute to broader organizational goals. This commitment to accountability sets Elevate apart in a space where follow-through is often missing.

Personalization That Drives Engagement

One of Elevate’s defining strengths is its commitment to personalization. Lucy and Ruth believe that engagement starts with listening. Elevate gathers insight directly from employees through surveys, focus groups, and ongoing feedback, ensuring programs reflect what people actually want and need.

This approach aligns with well-established motivational principles, particularly the importance of autonomy. When employees feel they have a voice and choice in how they engage with wellbeing initiatives, participation increases and outcomes improve.

Whether an organization needs mental health support, physical wellbeing initiatives, or broader lifestyle guidance, Elevate ensures programs are relevant, inclusive, and accessible. This personalized approach helps wellbeing initiatives feel meaningful rather than mandatory.

The Role of Social Connection in Wellbeing

Elevate’s philosophy extends beyond individual health. Lucy and Ruth recognize that social connection plays a vital role in employee wellbeing and engagement. Their programs often include opportunities for shared experiences that strengthen relationships and build community within organizations.

These initiatives encourage collaboration, belonging, and mutual support, key ingredients for long-term job satisfaction. By creating space for employees to connect outside of formal roles, Elevate helps organizations foster cultures where people feel seen and valued.

This focus on social wellbeing has proven particularly powerful in hybrid and fast-paced work environments, where isolation and disengagement can quietly take root.

Avoiding Shortcuts in Wellbeing

Lucy and Ruth are vocal about the common mistakes organizations make when approaching wellbeing. They caution against chasing trends without understanding their relevance and against treating wellbeing as a box-ticking exercise.

Elevate encourages businesses to invest in quality, long-term solutions rather than quick fixes. The cost of replacing an employee is significant, and poorly designed wellbeing programmes often fail to address the root causes of disengagement and burnout. By prioritizing thoughtful design and consistent support, Elevate helps organizations achieve lasting change.

Women Leading a More Human Workplace

Lucy Faulks-Barnard and Ruth Tongue have built more than a wellbeing company. They have built a philosophy that recognizes people as the foundation of every successful organization. Through Elevate, they are helping businesses create environments where employees feel supported, motivated, and empowered to do their best work. Their leadership is defined by empathy, clarity, and a deep respect for human complexity.

Meet the Leaders behind Elevate’s Success

Lucy Faulks-Barnard and Ruth Tongue, the co-founders of Elevate, have cultivated a company built on the belief that true wellness involves a holistic, adaptable approach to employee health. Both leaders bring years of expertise in wellness and organizational culture, working tirelessly to create programs that resonate with employees and transform companies. Their vision for Elevate is clear: to provide businesses with the tools they need to foster healthier, happier, and more productive workforces.

“We are the UK’s leading workplace wellbeing provider. Our team of global health and wellbeing experts bring you practical, credible and tailored wellbeing programs.”