2024 Workplace Wellness Trends

Businesses are waking up to the fact that keeping their teams healthy and happy is about more than just free fruit in the break room or an occasional yoga class.

It's about creating a sustainable program that supports employees’ overall well-being in and out of the workplace. Companies are increasingly recognizing the multifaceted nature of employee well-being, but putting that knowledge into action is another challenge. In this blog, we explore workplace wellness statistics and the corporate wellness trends shaping workplace well-being programs in 2024. 

Before jumping into 2024 wellness trends, what is workplace wellness?

What Is Workplace Wellness?

Workplace wellness has undergone a significant transformation over the years. At its core, wellness in the workplace refers to the policies, practices, and programs a company implements to support and promote the health and well-being of its employees. 

In the early days, office wellness consisted of basic health screenings and maybe an on-site gym. The shift to remote work during the pandemic prompted a reevaluation of workplace wellness, which now encompasses mental, emotional, and social well-being. 

As the understanding of workplace wellness has expanded, so have workplace well-being programs.  When it comes to workplace wellness, companies have learned that implementing segmented wellness programs focused on a specific aspect of wellness (e.g., physical health) isn’t effective. Chronic issues like stress, burnout, work-life balance, and mental health require a holistic, integrated approach to employee wellness.

5 Corporate Wellness Trends of 2024

Let’s explore the corporate wellness trends of 2024 by discussing workplace wellness topics that are gaining the most traction.

1. Holistic Approach to Wellness

In 2024, the definition of wellness is broadening.

Holistic workplace well-being programs widen the lens from which employers tend to see wellness. A holistic approach to employee wellness addresses mental, emotional, social, and financial well-being, not just physical health. 

According to a Health Enhancement Research Organization study, companies with comprehensive wellness programs reduced absenteeism by 25%. Employees who feel well show up and perform well.

Corporate wellness programs now include elements like stress management sessions, nutrition coaching, financial counseling, and social bonding activities. Work wellness challenges focusing on sleep quality, hydration, and mindfulness are also gaining popularity, engaging employees in more than just strenuous physical activities. 

2. Mental Health Support

The COVID-19 pandemic further blurred the lines between work and life, practically removing any separation between the two, taking a significant toll on employees’ mental health. Stress, anxiety, and burnout are pressing issues that today’s workforce continues to face, and without support, their quality of life and job performance deteriorates. 

The American Psychology Association’s (ASA) 2023 Work in America Survey reported that 92% of workers said working for an organization that provides support for employee mental health is important to them. Today’s companies need to offer mental health support to attract and retain talent.

Employers are realizing that investing in mental health not only supports employee well-being but also contributes to reduced healthcare costs, higher productivity, and lower absenteeism. Employee well-being days, access to counseling services, and training managers to recognize and respond to mental health issues are becoming more common in today’s workplace. 

3. Flexible Work Arrangements

Flexible work arrangements have revolutionized the modern workplace. What started as a necessity during the pandemic is now a popular employee benefits trend in 2024. According to Gallup, hybrid is the future of the office. Employees who work from their desired location tend to be:

• More engaged at work

• Less burned out

• Less likely to quit

Work flexibility is here to stay, and employees are expecting it. 

Companies are adapting to these preferences by offering more flexible schedules, such as 4-day work weeks, fully remote options, and hybrid models. While the level of flexibility employers are able (or willing) to grant employees varies, flexible work arrangements have been shown to increase job satisfaction, engagement, retention, and productivity.

In a competitive labor market, work flexibility is a no-brainer.

4. Financial Wellness Education

A 2023 survey by PwC indicated that 60% of full-time employees are stressed about their financial situation, a figure that surprisingly exceeds the levels recorded during the peak of the pandemic. Financially stressed employees are nearly five times as likely to say that personal finance issues have been a distraction at work.

To combat this, more companies are incorporating financial wellness education into their workplace well-being programs. This includes offering access to financial planning services, debt management assistance, and educational workshops on budgeting and retirement planning.

These initiatives not only help alleviate financial stress but also contribute to a more stable and focused workforce. Employees who feel more secure about their financial future don’t feel the need to work overtime or multiple jobs just to make ends meet, allowing them to be more present and productive at work.

5. Technology-Driven Solutions

Technology is likely the biggest corporate wellness trend this year and may continue to be at the forefront of 2024 wellness trends. But it's intentionally placed lower on our list, and here's why.

Apps and wearable devices have opened up a world of possibilities by providing valuable health insights. Unfortunately, there's a growing trend where technology is seen as a complete solution rather than an assistive tool. It's crucial for companies to remember that these technological tools are most effective when they complement, not replace, personalized, human-centric wellness strategies.

Incorporating technology into employee wellness must be done thoughtfully, with a human touch in the mix. Remember that while technology can track and analyze data, it can’t empathize, motivate, or understand individual circumstances in the same way a person can. A blend of technological efficiency and human empathy can create a more effective wellness program. 

Empower Employees With Workplace Well-being Programs

It's one thing to keep up with the latest workplace wellness trends, but doing something with that information is when change happens. If you’ve been asking yourself, “What do employees want in 2024?” The answer is clear: wellness. 

Employees want more than just a paycheck; they want to be happy, healthy, and well. With so much of their day spent at the workplace, it's a prime opportunity for employers to step up and play a key role in supporting their team's journey to wellness.

At ProMotion Corporate Wellness, we don't just talk the talk. We're in the business of crafting and managing holistic corporate wellness programs that simultaneously uplift people and boost your company's performance. Our experience has shown us time and again the transformative power these programs have on organizations.

We’d love to tell you more about how corporate wellness programs can make a meaningful, measurable impact in your organization. Book a strategy call today to start the conversation.