ITIL
Global framework for IT service management best practices
WELL
Certification standard for occupant health in buildings.
Quick Verdict
ITIL provides ITSM best practices for IT service alignment and efficiency, while WELL certifies buildings for occupant health via air, light, and wellness features. Companies adopt ITIL for operational resilience; WELL for productivity, retention, and ESG differentiation.
ITIL
ITIL 4 IT Service Management Framework
Key Features
- Holistic Service Value System for value co-creation
- 34 flexible practices across general, service, technical
- Seven guiding principles directing all decisions
- Four dimensions balancing organizations, technology, partners, processes
- Embedded continual improvement throughout all activities
WELL
WELL Building Standard v2
Key Features
- On-site performance verification testing required
- 24 mandatory Preconditions across 10 concepts
- 102 point-based Optimizations for tiers
- Continuous monitoring compliance pathways
- Evidence-based health outcomes focus
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ITIL Details
What It Is
ITIL 4, the current version of the ITIL framework, is a set of best-practice guidelines for IT Service Management (ITSM). Its primary purpose is aligning IT services with business objectives through the Service Value System (SVS), emphasizing value co-creation, flexibility, and integration with Agile/DevOps.
Key Components
- SVS core: 7 guiding principles, governance, Service Value Chain (6 activities: Plan, Improve, Engage, Design/Transition, Obtain/Build, Deliver/Support), 34 practices (14 general, 17 service, 3 technical), continual improvement.
- **Four dimensionsorganizations/people, information/technology, partners/suppliers, value streams/processes.
- Certification via PeopleCert (Foundation to Strategic Leader).
Why Organizations Use It
Drives cost efficiencies, 87% global adoption, risk mitigation (e.g., cyber resilience), improved service quality/ROI (up to 38:1), business alignment, customer satisfaction. Builds stakeholder trust, career boosts via certifications.
Implementation Overview
Phased 10-step roadmap: assessment, gap analysis, role definition, pilots, training, tool integration (e.g., CMDB). Suited for enterprises/SMEs across industries; voluntary, customizable; no mandatory audits but supports ISO 20000.
WELL Details
What It Is
The WELL Building Standard (WELL v2) is a performance-based certification framework administered by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). It advances human health and well-being in buildings through evidence-based design, operations, and policies. Its concept-based approach uses mandatory Preconditions and optional Optimizations verified via on-site testing.
Key Components
- **10 core conceptsAir, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, Community (+ Innovation).
- 24 Preconditions (pass/fail) and 102 Optimizations (points-earning).
- Grounded in public health and building science.
- Tiers: Bronze (40 points), Silver (50), Gold (60), Platinum (80) with concept minimums.
Why Organizations Use It
- Boosts productivity, retention, ESG reporting.
- Commands higher rents, asset values.
- Mitigates health risks; complements LEED.
- Builds trust via verified outcomes.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: enrollment, scorecard, documentation review, on-site verification, recertification (3 years).
- New/existing buildings, all types.
- Cross-functional teams; third-party testing required.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ITIL | WELL |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | ITSM best practices, service lifecycle, 34 practices | Building health/well-being, 10 concepts, preconditions/optimizations |
| Industry | All IT organizations worldwide, enterprises to SMEs | Real estate, offices, healthcare, global building types |
| Nature | Voluntary ITSM framework with certifications | Voluntary performance-based building certification |
| Testing | Certifications, no mandatory on-site testing | On-site performance verification, third-party testing |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, loss of certification | No legal penalties, loss of certification |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ITIL and WELL
ITIL FAQ
WELL FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
The Human-AI Synergy: How Modern Compliance Tools Amplify Your Team's Strategic Impact
Unlock human-AI synergy with modern compliance tools. Automate monitoring, cut non-compliance risks 3x, and boost strategic decision-making. Elevate your team's
NIST CSF 2.0 Implementation Tiers Roadmap: Step-by-Step Guide from Partial to Adaptive Cybersecurity Maturity
Master NIST CSF 2.0 Implementation Tiers with a step-by-step roadmap. Assess your tier, build gap analyses, and advance from Partial (Tier 1) to Adaptive (Tier
What if the EU would not have made GDPR mandatory...
Explore a world without mandatory GDPR: How would organizations manage data? What data privacy regs would emerge? Uncover impacts on businesses and privacy laws
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
REACH vs NERC CIP
Explore REACH vs NERC CIP: EU chemical regs vs US grid cyber standards. Uncover key diffs, compliance strategies & risks for global ops. Boost resilience now!
RoHS vs AS9110C
Uncover RoHS vs AS9110C: EU hazardous substance bans for EEE clash with aerospace MRO quality standards. Key differences, compliance tips & strategies. Master both now!
FERPA vs EU AI Act
Compare FERPA vs EU AI Act: US student privacy law meets EU AI rules. Uncover key differences, compliance tips for edtech. Master global data governance now!