This year I have spoken and written about wellbeing related issues more than ever, ranging from lawyers experiencing imposter syndrome to adults needing to re-establish their sense of agency.
As we approach 2025, wellbeing continues to evolve as a critical focus for organisations and individuals alike.
Emerging research highlights key trends that could shape how we approach mental health, resilience, and workplace culture in the coming year.
1️⃣ Normalising Mental Health Conversations: A Deloitte study ( https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/uk/Documents/consultancy/deloitte-uk-mental-health-report-2024-final.pdf ) suggests that more organisations will move from reactive mental health support to creating cultures where mental health discussions are integrated into everyday interactions. As a wellbeing advocate who changed careers due to a variety of workplace and internal stressors at the time, I have long known that we need to humanise the workplace. And my work with individuals and organisations for the past twenty years proves that we need to move from simply doing our jobs to being present at work in a way that motivates us to go over and above because we WANT TO not HAVE TO just to receive any acknowledgment.
For organisations, this could mean regular mental health check-ins, leadership training on emotional intelligence, and resources that reflect diverse employee needs. Everyone is different but my training and coaching helps leaders and supervisors as well as employee start to understand their role in improving wellbeing and productivity.
2️⃣ The 4-Day Workweek Movement: Trials worldwide continue to demonstrate that a four day work week may have a positive impact on productivity and wellbeing.
Could this become the norm in your workplace?
For individuals, it might mean learning how to integrate work-life more effectively and redefining personal productivity and purpose. That said, some firms need people in the office more and working from home may have to be redefined - in the interest of all sides. Some people also WANT to be in a workplace outside of home.
Digressing slightly, with numbers of females more evidently experiencing inequality or worse, working from home could be dangerous - greater awareness on the workplace about the brutal impact of this could go to support employee wellbeing that helps retain performance standards.
3️⃣ Digital Wellbeing and AI: With AI becoming a workplace staple, organisations must address “digital fatigue” by integrating AI tools that support and NOT overwhelm employees.
AI is moving so quickly and the expectations on employees may be unrealistic. Senior executives themselves may also need to be realistic about their use or limitations and come together with all generations so that everyone has an opportunity to thrive.
Lead from the top on this.
For individuals, it’s a reminder to set boundaries with tech and focus on mindful use. I have had several conversations where clients share they are spending more than a working day in total on unnecessary tech and social media.
4️⃣ Personalised Wellbeing Plans: From wearable tech to tailored wellness programmes, the focus is shifting to individualised wellbeing strategies, empowering people to take charge of their mental and physical health. While employers can create wellbeing plans, individuals ought to also take responsibility for their needs.
As someone who speaks and writes on workplace wellbeing and individual resilience, I believe these trends signal an exciting shift toward a more holistic and human approach to thriving in the workplace and beyond.
💬 What do you think will be the most impactful wellbeing trend in 2025?
Drop your thoughts in the comments or message me if you’d like to discuss how to embed these insights into your organisation’s strategy!
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