As we prepare to bid farewell to 2023, let’s take a moment to reflect on the top wellbeing trends that have shaped our lives at work and beyond. This reflection allows us to make our 2024 wellbeing predictions . At the CRAOI headquarters, we have been busy spending a lot of time researching insights, trends, patterns and the demand in market, to further shape our offering so that it aligns with our 2024 wellbeing predictions. We are so excited to have our 2024 product roadmap ready to go based on these predictions, with the top ones rounded up and shared below. Read on and let us know if you have any to add to our list.
Looking back on the year that’s gone:
In 2023, we witnessed a significant shift in how companies perceive employee wellbeing. Many companies recognised the immense opportunity to lead by example and enhance their working culture by better supporting their employees through holistic and personalised offerings.
Some key wellbeing trends that stood out in 2023 include:
- Digital Technology for Enhanced Wellbeing Tracking: The use of digital technology allowed individuals to monitor and improve their overall health. Wearable devices, mobile applications, and online platforms facilitated easy tracking of physical activity, sleep patterns, and stress levels. These tools provided valuable data insights for both employees and employers, enabling better customisation of wellness programs and targeted interventions.
- Therapy Taking Center Stage: Mental health and wellbeing received increased attention in 2023, with therapy playing a significant role in supporting individuals’ emotional and psychological needs. The importance of prioritising our mental wellbeing continues in 2024, as therapy proves to be a valuable resource for personal growth and self-care.
- Supplements Shining Bright: Supplements emerged as stars in the wellness industry, offering various benefits to support our overall health.
- Saunas Heating Up: Saunas gained popularity in 2023, with studies showing that sauna sessions improve cardiorespiratory fitness. The trend of incorporating sauna experiences into wellness routines is expected to continue in 2024, especially in spots frequented by wild swimmers.
- Protein as the Core Ingredient: Protein took over as the core ingredient for a healthy meal in 2023.
More specifically, in the workplace, we observed several trends in 2023 that focused on enhancing employee wellbeing:
- Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: Companies placed a bigger emphasis on fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion within their companies. This trend is expected to continue in 2024 as companies strive to create inclusive and supportive work environments.
- Financial and Energy Management Support: There was a noticeable increase in requests for workshops and support related to financial management and energy management last year. Employers recognised the importance of equipping their employees with skills and self-empowerment tools to build resilience and work within their own boundaries and we expect this to become an even bigger focus as we move into 2024.
- Health and Wellness Coaching: The demand for health and wellness coaching increased in 2023 and is expected to gain even more momentum in 2024. Employers understand the value of providing coaching services to support their employees’ wellbeing journeys.
- Flexible Working Arrangements: The importance of offering flexible working arrangements became evident in 2023. Employers recognised the need to reach employees wherever they are located, whether it be at home or in the office. This trend of flexibility in work arrangements is expected to continue in 2024.
2024 Wellbeing Predictions
Looking ahead to 2024, several additional core wellness trends are predicted to take centre stage:
- Natural Energy Boosters: There will be a greater focus on energy management and finding natural ways to boost our energy levels. The use of natural rituals and ingredients that balance energy levels will be prioritised over reliance on caffeine and sugar-filled energy drinks. Holland & Barret’s Wellness Trend Report 2024 has revealed that one in eight UK adults feel tired all the time. The year ahead promises to see people tackle the issue head-on – but without turning to stimulants like caffeine.
- Sustainable Sustainability: Beauty and wellness will take a holistic approach to health, longevity, and environmental responsibility. Natural ingredients from renewable resources and up-cycling waste will be prioritised in wellness and beauty products.
- Sleep Therapy: The importance of quality sleep in overall health and wellbeing will gain newfound attention. Innovative sleep wellness products and sleep tourism experiences will emerge, allowing individuals to prioritise their sleep and enjoy the benefits it brings.
- Sound Bathing: Sound baths, a practice that enhances meditation, will surge in popularity. Studios offering sound baths will open across the UK, making it a surefire wellness trend of 2024. They’re surging in popularity, and, when analysing data from Google Analytics, Specscart‘s health practitioner, Danielle Pates, found that searches for sound baths have increased by 153%.
- Multi-Sensory Sauna Experiences: Sauna use will continue to grow in popularity, with studies showing its benefits for cardiorespiratory fitness. Pop-up saunas will be available in more locations, providing individuals with unique wellness experiences. The Guardian reports that several studies in Scandinavia have shown that a 30 to 50-minute sauna improves cardiorespiratory fitness in the same way that 30-50 minutes of moderate exercise does.
2024 Workplace Wellness Predictions:
In the workplace, we expect to see the following trends:
- Digital Detoxing: With the increasing digital distractions, there will be a rise in the desire to disconnect digitally and reconnect with the great outdoors. Taking time away from screens to practice mindfulness, engage in new crafts, or enjoy outdoor activities will become popular natural mood boosters.
- Movement Snacks: Time-efficient exercise solutions will gain popularity in 2024. Bouts of vigorous exercise that last only a few minutes will offer a solution for those leading busy lives, allowing them to boost cardio fitness and enhance psychological resilience.
- Hyper Hydration: The importance of staying hydrated will be emphasised, with a focus on hydration hacks that do not rely on sugary drinks. Water with added benefits, such as electrolytes or collagen, will gain popularity. 90% of the UK say they have experienced signs of dehydration, including water retention, dry mouth and headaches, reports Holland & Barrett. However, exciting new ‘hydration hacks’ are highlighting the importance of staying hydrated – without turning to sugary drinks.
- Holistic Wellness: Companies will continue to embrace a holistic approach to wellness, recognising that wellbeing encompasses more than just physical health. Wellness programs will incorporate initiatives that address nutrition, exercise, stress management, mindfulness, and emotional wellbeing.
- Personalised Wellness: According to youth intelligence research firm YPulse, nearly 80 percent of Americans between ages 13 and 39 believe that wellness can be “anything that makes you feel good.” Ninety percent agree that wellness looks different for everyone, and that it’s ever-changing. Personalised wellness programs will gain momentum as employers leverage technology to gather individual health information and provide tailored solutions. Customised nutrition plans, fitness routines, and stress management techniques will empower employees to take ownership of their health and wellbeing.
- Shift in Organisational Values and Culture: There will be a profound shift in organisational values and culture, with companies prioritising employee wellbeing as a fundamental component of their operational ethos. Empathetic leadership, employee-centric policies, and inclusive workplace environments will foster a culture of care, compassion, and respect.
- AI Assistance: The new chapter of AI is taking over how we work. In fact, according to The Great Retention’s State of Culture Report, 50% of HR leaders and business executives said they’re looking into incorporating more AI into their work. AI is influencing all industries, including Chatbots and healthcare.
The future of employee wellbeing in 2024 is marked by transformative advancements, a holistic perspective on health, and a shift in organisational values and culture. By embracing innovation, fostering holistic wellbeing, and cultivating supportive and employee-centric environments, companies can successfully navigate the future landscape of employee wellbeing, ensuring the prosperity and wellbeing of both employees and the organisation. What do you think of our 2024 wellbeing predictions? Are there any that we have missed? Let us know in the comments below.
To navigate and implement these transformative wellbeing strategies, CRAOI offers expert solutions that will help transform your work culture and employee wellbeing strategy for 2024. To find out more, get in touch with us today – we would love to speak with you and help you on your journey to creating healthier, happier and more sustainable work environments for your employees.
Sources supporting research include: Holland & Barrett Wellness Trends Report 2024, CorporateWellnessMagazine.com, IrishLifeHealth, The Great Retention’s State Of Culture Report, YPulse, CRAOI.
