A quick summary:
Tired of introducing wellbeing initiatives that never really land? It can all feel like a box ticking exercise, trying to make as many people happy as possible, but never really getting there. It's time to level up and offer real, personalised support that makes a difference. Let’s talk about the top trends you’ll want to know for 2025 - and some of them will surprise you! From focusing on healthy eating to going green, Heka’s top five predictions break down the biggest trends shaping workplace wellbeing in 2025.
Let’s dive in and see how they can help you create a stronger, more adaptable benefits plan!
1. Gym memberships are out, nutrition support is the new must-have
You’ve heard it before: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” And while there's not a tonne of evidence to support this specific maxim, there is so much data that shows that eating well has a huge impact on your health.
It's not just good for the body; it's also linked to:
- Better mental health
- Smarter decision-making
- Fewer sick days
Yet when it comes to workplace wellbeing, many employers still overlook the huge impact of nutrition on their people’s productivity. That's about the change.
Poor nutrition is a major driver of absenteeism and workplace accidents. With 42% of employees opting for nutrition-related benefits in 2024, it’s clearly time to address this growing trend. From offering healthy snacks to meal plans and nutritional advice, there’s a lot you can do to help your team eat well and feel great.
2. Private medical insurance is no longer the priority
Private healthcare costs are getting out of control. If you’ve got PMI (Private Medical Insurance) for your team, you’ve probably noticed the premiums skyrocketing. And if you don’t have PMI yet, you’re not alone in looking for alternative ways to look after your team's health.
That’s where proactive wellbeing comes in. Instead of waiting for issues to arise, we should be stopping problems before they start. Imagine offering therapy to help prevent burnout or physiotherapy to catch injuries before they get worse. Not only are you improving lives, but you're also cutting down on absences and boosting productivity.
Think:
- At-home health tests
- Mental health therapy
- Flu jabs and physiotherapy
- Dental and optical care
Not only does this approach keep your team healthier, but it also keeps costs down by reducing expensive insurance claims. It’s a win-win!
3. Menopause support needs to be on your radar
Around 50% of your team likely needs medical wellbeing support, yet women’s health is often overlooked in the workplace. Period symptoms, endometriosis, menopause, and postpartum depression are all common physical and emotional challenges for women that are frankly not supported enough (or at all) in the workplace.
This neglect has real consequences—1 in 10 women in the UK have left their jobs due to menopause symptoms.
The solution doesn’t have to be complex. Leading companies are introducing:
- Flexible work options for managing symptoms
- Menopause-specific benefits like counselling and care packagesManager training to foster empathy and understanding
- Peer support networks for community and shared learning
By addressing these needs, companies can make a huge difference in the lives of their employees—and keep great talent on board.
4. Wellbeing is all connected
Here’s the thing—financial stress, mental health struggles, and physical health issues don’t exist in isolation. If someone’s struggling in one area, it often spills over into others.
For example:
- Money problems can lead to anxiety and depression.
- Poor mental health can cause physical symptoms and burnout.
That’s why holistic wellbeing is key. The more you can offer benefits that address multiple areas - like stress management, financial education, and physical health - and the ability to flex as life changes, the better off your team will be.
5. Sustainability matters (especially to Gen Z)
If there’s one thing Gen Z cares about, it’s sustainability. And when it comes to workplace benefits, they want options that align with their values.
What does that look like?
- Green commuting initiatives
- Eco-friendly meal options
- Carbon offset programs
- Energy-efficient workplaces
Sustainable benefits aren’t just good for the planet—they’re also great for showing your employees you care about what matters to them.
The bottom line
Stop trying to predict every challenge your team might face- everyone’s wellbeing journey is different. Instead, focus on creating flexible, proactive, and sustainable benefits that meet your employees where they are.
Want to make it easy? Heka has everything you need to support your team, no matter their needs. Let’s make 2025 the year of healthier workplaces! Get in touch to find out more.
