14 Workplace Wellness Trends For 2024 And Beyond

Are you tired of seeing your employees dragging themselves into the office, looking more like zombies than productive professionals? It's time to shake things up and create a workplace where your team thrives.

The pandemic ushered in a new era for the modern worker. The Great Resignation, the rise of remote work, and the quiet quitting movement all point to a fundamental shift in employee expectations.

Gone are the days of offering basic gym memberships and health screenings. Today's employees, especially millennials and Gen Zs, have distinct expectations regarding their workplace. They prioritize mental well-being, equality, and growth opportunities. This shift in employee expectations underscores the growing importance of implementing workplace wellness programs that address these holistic needs.

Organizations that fail to adapt to this new reality risk losing top talent and struggling to attract new hires.

Workplace wellness programs are gaining unprecedented momentum as organizations grapple with rising employee burnout and turnover rates. These programs are no longer just a nice-to-have perk; they're becoming necessary for attracting and retaining top talent in today's competitive job market.

These programs, designed to promote employee health and well-being, are no longer a fringe benefit. They're an investment in a happy, productive workforce. By staying current with emerging trends, organizations can create programs beyond physical health, fostering a culture of overall well-being.

It's time for a workplace revolution. Are you ready to put your employees first?

What's New in Workplace Wellness? Trends for 2024 and the Future

As we approach 2024, here are 14 wellness trends you can incorporate into your corporate employee wellness programs.

1. Holistic Approach to Employee Wellness

Holistic wellness is a buzzword that has become quite a trend over the past few years and will continue to be one in the coming years.

Health and wellness are no longer limited to physical well-being. They have now transformed into something that encompasses every aspect of health, i.e., physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, social, and financial. This approach to happier, healthier employees focuses on body, mind, society, and spirit. It is about recognizing that they are interconnected, and all influence one another.

"The most common psychosocial risk factors we see today include low job control, work overload, and increasingly, a sense of isolation for remote and hybrid workers." - Joe Grasso, PhD, Senior Director of Lyra's Workforce Transformation team.

This may translate to yoga classes, breathwork training, mental health consultations, or Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), all designed to enhance employees' well-being and happiness at work.

Perhaps as a Human Resources professional or leader, you can ask your employees questions about the following topics (this will help you develop a holistic wellbeing strategy):

• Sleep

• Fitness

• Diet and nutrition

• Mindfulness and meditation

• Yoga

• Mood tracking

Then, provide access to counseling, diet and nutrition programs, financial wellness programs , virtual fitness classes, and more, to help your employees achieve holistic well-being.

Providing employees with advanced tools like chatbots, wellness apps, and other digital support platforms can help them cope with burnout, stress, and anxiety. Combining traditional medical systems and technology can give your employees a holistic mental wellness approach.

2. Prioritizing Mental Health Initiatives

Mental health remains one of the most crucial concerns for employees and employers. Today, organizations are starting to recognize the importance of providing resources and mental health support to address employees' mental health challenges at work.

Employees who receive appropriate mental health support are more productive, engaged, and likely to stay with their organizations. However, many employees are still not getting the support they need. Over 1 in 3 benefits leaders reported a decline in employee mental health in the past year, with common challenges including stress, anxiety, and substance use disorders.

Today, paying attention to employee mental well-being is more important than ever. The statistics even suggest that workplace mental health must be prioritized. Research from UKG has shown that managers have much more influence or impact on employees' mental health than doctors or therapists.

"According to an recent survey, 82% of benefits leaders believe their company should provide mental health-friendly work conditions."

Again, Lyra Health's annual survey provides valuable insights into the state of workforce mental health.

• Managers play a crucial role in supporting employees' mental health, yet many feel ill-equipped to handle these concerns.

• Organizations have made progress in providing mental health resources, with 70% of leaders reported benefiting from increased training and resources since the pandemic.

• Employees are increasingly prioritizing their mental health, with 94% of respondents saying mental health benefits are "significant" for prospective employers.

• 84% of HR and benefits leaders recognize the importance of creating a mentally healthy workplace culture.

To effectively support employee mental health, organizations must:

• Provide adequate resources like stress relief activities, mindfulness workshops, and a Mental health first aid kit at work.

• Equip managers with the skills to recognize and address mental health concerns.

• Foster a psychologically safe workplace where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health.

• Offer competitive mental health benefits to attract and retain top talent.

• Challenge negative perceptions about mental health and encourage open conversations. And encourage taking a Mental health day off.

• Access to therapy services and mental health professional

By creating a supportive work environment, you can nurture your employees' mental well-being, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction.

Suggested Read: Corporate Mental Health Programs: Your Path To Thriving Workplaces

3. Personalized Wellness Programs

The post-pandemic workplace has witnessed a seismic shift in employee expectations. The Great Resignation, reshuffling, moonlighting, and quiet quitting are all manifestations of a resounding message: employees demand a workplace that prioritizes their wellbeing and empowers them to thrive.

Today, when we speak of employee health and wellness, leaders are more concerned about the power of technology to create tailored solutions that will cater to employees' needs and well-being. Personalization is key to developing wellness programs that make impactful differences and show the organizations' sincere concern for their employees' well-being.

Employers are now leveraging technology to gather individual health information and provide tailored wellness. Employers can gather individual health data and provide tailored wellness solutions using technologies like the Vantage Fit corporate wellness platform.

The one-size-fits-all approach doesn't apply when creating an creating an effective corporate wellness program.

With this approach, employees can have a personalized wellness roadmap that includes nutrition plans, exercise routines, and stress management strategies. Wellness programs tailored to individual needs enable employees to take responsibility for their health and well-being.

4. A Flexible Work Schedule

In the post-pandemic era, companies are reevaluating their organizational structure and strategies to find a "new normal." Although many businesses accept flexibility as part of the modern workplace, others are still struggling with it. However, one thing is certain—traditional practices will not work anymore.

Work-from-home and flexible work arrangements are increasingly popular among employees. The EY 2021 Work Reimagined Employee Survey found that 32% of workers preferred to work remotely full-time, 29% suggested working remotely part-time, and 23% preferred hybrid work arrangements.

More organizations are embracing flexible workweek trends, such as -

• Providing remote work options

• Compressed workweek

• Flexible working schedule

• Encouraging Hybrid Work Culture

• Embracing the four-day –work-week trend

These are implemented worldwide to encourage a better work-life balance among employees and end the hustle culture. Further, they help improve employee engagement and well-being, reduce stress levels, and increase job satisfaction.

Begin with a Vantage Fit Demo! Schedule one now! And, Start Your Corporate Wellness Journey Today.

5. Supporting Financial Literacy

Fast-changing financial landscapes demand a financially savvy workforce. This is the foundation for employee well-being and a key driver of organizational success.

Financial stress has been on the rise amid rising inflation and recession fears. Today, most organizations recognize financial stress's impact on overall well-being, the importance of financial education and are integrating financial wellness programs into their offerings.

Financial wellness is a person's financial health, sound expense management, and the absence of money-related stress. It dramatically impacts personal and professional lives by increasing productivity , reducing absenteeism at work, and leading a healthy and happy life.

A multi-pronged approach is the key to improving your employees' financial literacy. You can begin by partnering with financial experts to hold workshops and webinars on budgeting, investing, and retirement planning. These sessions give your team valuable insights into making informed financial decisions.

To assist employees in achieving financial stability and reducing stress, companies are offering their employees budgeting, savings, investing, and retirement planning resources.

6. AI-Powered Wellness: A Personalized Approach to Employee Well-being

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the wellness industry, offering personalized solutions and 24/7 employee support. By leveraging data and advanced algorithms, AI-powered wellness programs can provide tailored recommendations for nutrition, exercise, stress management, and employee well-being.

Key Benefits of AI-Driven Wellness Programs:

• AI can analyze individual data, such as health metrics, lifestyle habits, and preferences, to provide customized recommendations.

• AI-powered chatbots can offer immediate assistance and guidance on various wellness topics, from nutrition to stress management.

• Wearable devices and AI-powered platforms can track biometric data, such as heart rate, sleep patterns,steps tracker and activity levels, to identify potential health risks and provide personalized insights.

Examples of AI-Powered Wellness Tools:

• AI-powered nutrition apps can analyze dietary habits and provide personalized meal plans and recommendations.

• AI-enabled fitness trackers like Strava or Vantage Fit can monitor activity levels, track progress, and offer personalized workout plans.

• AI-powered chatbots and mental wellness apps can provide support for mental health concerns, such as stress, anxiety, and depression.

Integrating AI-Powered Wellness Programs into Your Workplace

To effectively leverage AI-powered wellness programs, consider the following:

• Select a provider with a proven track record and a data privacy and security commitment.

• Inform employees about the benefits of AI-powered wellness programs and how to use them effectively.

• Integrate AI-powered wellness tools with your existing employee benefits package.

• Track the impact of AI-powered wellness programs on employee health, productivity, and satisfaction.

By incorporating AI-powered wellness solutions into your workplace, you can provide personalized support to employees, improve their well-being, and create a more productive and engaging work environment.

7. Adaptive Workplace Design

There's no doubt that the pandemic has had a significant impact on everybody's workplace.

Thus, it's no surprise that "adapted workplace design" is one of the top workplace wellness trends to watch out for this year. Organizations are rethinking workplace design to ensure the safety of their employees.

And, according to a recent study, rightly so, 68% of employees globally feel unsafe working in their employer's buildings. This number is even higher for those working remotely, namely 75%.

So, to get a hold of the change, organizations are embracing workplace wellness trends by offering tailored programs for virtual settings.

Companies are embracing online exercise sessions, web-based wellness challenges, and digital support groups. Organizations are now more inclusive and providing various wellness initiatives like virtual fitness classes, fitness challenges, yoga classes, telehealth, teletherapy, and many more.

These initiatives address employee well-being and foster a sense of connection, community, and camaraderie among remote employees. The focus is on inclusive well-being strategies, ensuring that individuals feel acknowledged, engaged, and part of a cohesive work culture, irrespective of their geographical location.

8. Stress Management

Many companies today are helping their employees reduce their overall stress, regardless of where they work. Stress can interfere with both physical and mental health. Employees who manage their stress levels tend to be happier and more productive. Often, they are also physically healthier.

“As we continue into 2023, the biggest threat to employee well-being is burnout,” says Casto.

Many leading companies have introduced caregiver programs and additional paid time off to help reduce workers' stress and maintain a good work-life balance. Additionally, they encourage them to set clear boundaries between their professional and personal lives and to disconnect while on vacation and out of the office.

9. Making Burnout Prevention a Priority

“Today’s workers demand an employer who listens and acts — or they will leave for one who does." - DJ Casto, CHRO, Synchrony.

One of the biggest threats to employee well-being today is burnout. Preventing burnout should remain at the top of every organization's list of workplace wellness trends to implement. The strategy to fight burnout is simple: Get employees to take breaks and recharge.

Burnout is widespread even today. According to the Pause, Pivot, or Plan: HR Trends of 2023, a report by Isolved,, 69% of employees say they have experienced burnout over the past year. Thus, burnout prevention is the starting point for employee well-being or any employee wellness program.

Most companies reject the grind and hustle culture today and are inclining towards a better work-life balance. These companies are encouraging -

• Taking more time off

• To pause Slack or any other work notifications

• Taking more breaks in between work hours

• Encouraging them to take more leaves if they are sick

• To use their vacation days

Organizations are trying to laud the balance rather than productivity at all costs. They are rejecting grind culture to build a workforce that is more engaged, dedicated, healthy, and ultimately more invested in an organization's mission.

Suggested Read: From Burnout to Balance: 5 Steps to Enhance Employee Wellness and Work-Life Balance

10. Health and Wellness Coaching

In recent years, health and wellness coaching at work has gained popularity as a way to support employees. Health coaches help employees achieve their wellness goals by providing personalized guidance, motivation, and accountability. Coaches assist employees in overcoming challenges by creating tailored plans and providing ongoing support.

The number of organizations partnering with wellness coaches is on the rise, and employees are benefiting from one-on-one or group coaching sessions that empower them to make positive lifestyle changes and sustain long-term wellness.

11. Telemedicine

Telemedicine emerged as a prominent wellness trend in 2024, offering many benefits for individuals and organizations. Telemedicine is no longer just a futuristic concept; it's a reality that's transforming the way we access and deliver healthcare services. With the click of a button, patients can connect with doctors, specialists, and therapists from their homes.

Organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of providing accessible healthcare to their employees. Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool to eliminate barriers and ensure that employees can get the care they need when they need it.

By offering telemedicine benefits, companies can:

• Improve Access to Care: Telemedicine makes it easier for employees to connect with healthcare providers, regardless of their location or schedule.

• Reduce Absenteeism: Telemedicine can help employees address health concerns promptly, reducing the need for time off and reducing absenteeism.

• Enhance Employee Satisfaction: Offering a convenient and accessible healthcare option can boost employee morale and satisfaction.

• Reduce Costs: Telemedicine can be a cost-effective way to provide healthcare services, saving both employees and employers money.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the value of telemedicine as a tool for delivering essential healthcare services. As you move forward, organizations prioritizing employee health and well-being will continue investing in telemedicine as a critical component of their benefits packages.

Suggested Read: 7 Best Ways Employers Can Control Their Employee's Healthcare Costs

12. Investing In Caregivers

An emerging trend in corporate wellness programs is investing in caregivers. Companies are rethinking wellness initiatives to include comprehensive caregiving support in response to the unique challenges employees face juggling work with caregiving duties.

Caregivers often balance work commitments with the needs of children, aging parents, or members of their family who have health issues. With this in mind, progressive companies redirect their wellness strategies to address caregivers' holistic well-being.

The benefits of investing in caregivers go beyond traditional wellness programs, including flexible schedules, emotional support, and tailored benefits. It creates an empathic and understanding culture when resources such as counseling services, workshops on stress management, and educational sessions are available.

Moreover, companies are extending financial assistance, access to childcare services, and creating caregiver-focused Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). By embracing this trend, organizations enhance caregivers' mental and emotional well-being and promote a more inclusive and compassionate work environment.

13. Support And Fund Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are emerging workplace wellness trends receiving considerable attention and funding. These groups aim to bring together employees with similar characteristics or experiences.

By actively supporting and funding ERGs, companies signal their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. ERGs provide a supportive space where employees with similar backgrounds, interests, or aspirations can connect, share insights, and navigate the complexities of the workplace together.

These groups contribute significantly to employee well-being by fostering a sense of belonging and community. Feeling valued and understood at work positively impacts mental health and job satisfaction.

Additionally, ERGs often organize events, workshops, and initiatives addressing diverse well-being aspects, including mental health, career development, and work-life balance.

Investing in ERGs aligns with the broader shift toward holistic wellness, acknowledging that well-being extends beyond physical health. It creates a workplace culture where employees perform their tasks and thrive personally and professionally.

As this trend gains momentum, organizations recognize that supporting ERGs is a strategic investment in the well-being and success of their diverse workforce.

14. Prioritizing the Management of High-Cost Health Conditions

As an employer, you know that employee health is a critical factor in your organization's success. High-cost health conditions can significantly impact productivity, morale, and the bottom line. By implementing proactive strategies, organizations can effectively manage these conditions and improve overall health outcomes.

By implementing effective strategies, you can:

• Reduce healthcare costs: Preventative measures and early intervention can lower healthcare expenses.

• Improve employee well-being: Support employees in managing chronic conditions and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

• Enhance productivity: A healthier workforce is a more productive workforce.

Focus on these key areas:

• Weight management programs

• Health risk assessments

• Disease management programs

By prioritizing employee health, you're investing in the future of your organization.

Which Corporate Wellness Trends Are on the Decline?

As organizations adapt to the changing needs of employees, workplace wellness programs are undergoing a transformation. A recent survey revealed that a significant portion of respondents anticipate reduced investment in certain wellness areas, reflecting a shift towards more adaptable and flexible solutions.

Here are some of the trends that are on the decline -

• Fitness Classes: 59% of respondents expect decreased investment in on-site fitness classes.

• Biometric Screenings: 46% of respondents wanted a reduction in biometric screenings.

• Free Healthy Food: 41% foresee less emphasis on providing free healthy food options.

• Health Fairs: 33% expect a decline in health fair initiatives.

These trends suggest a growing preference for remote and flexible wellness solutions, aligning with the rise of hybrid work arrangements.

Summing It Up

As employee wellness has recently taken center stage, organizations embrace these top trends to create thriving, supportive work environments. By adopting holistic wellness programs, personalized approaches, and prioritizing mental health support, employers are demonstrating their commitment to employee well-being.

With the changing times, even organizations now understand that prioritizing employee wellness goes beyond the bottom line—it's about creating a culture that fosters engagement, productivity, and overall success.

I hope this article helped you better understand the emerging trends and how to tailor your wellness program accordingly.

Get started with us to scale your workplace wellness and employee engagement initiatives. Reach out to us at Vantage Fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the emerging workplace wellness trends in 2024?

There are several trends in workplace wellness in 2024. These initiatives include investing in caregivers' well-being, implementing technologically driven wellness initiatives, and supporting employee resource groups. These trends aim to create holistic well-being strategies that cater to diverse employee needs.

2. How can technology-driven wellness impact the workplace?

In technology-driven wellness, digital tools and platforms enhance employee well-being. The use of fitness apps, virtual wellness challenges, and mental health apps is part of this trend. By making wellness more accessible and engaging, employees can personalize their well-being journey while promoting a tech-savvy work environment.

3. What is the significance of supporting employee resource groups (ERGs) in workplace wellness?

Supporting ERGs is an emerging trend emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing the unique wellness needs of different employee groups. ERGs provide a supportive environment, regardless of demographics, interests, or experiences. Integrating ERGs into wellness programs promotes inclusivity, boosts employee morale, and ensures that wellness initiatives engage a wide range of employees.

4. How can organizations invest in caregivers' well-being as part of corporate wellness programs?

Recognizing caregivers' unique challenges is a key focus in 2024. Employers are investing in initiatives that support employees juggling work and caregiving responsibilities. This may include flexible schedules, mental health resources, and targeted wellness programs to alleviate stress and promote the well-being of caregivers within the organization.