Wellness Unwrapped by CRAOI
The modern workplace is evolving at lightning speed, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence and shifting employee values. According to Forbes and the 2025 State of Work-Life Wellness Report by Wellhub, work stress has now overtaken inflation, AI anxiety, and information overload as the leading cause of mental strain.
With 83% of employees considering leaving their jobs due to a lack of well-being initiatives and 88% placing workplace wellness on par with salary, well-being is no longer just a perk—it’s a business imperative.
In order to stay ahead of the curve, it’s crucial for leaders, wellbeing advocates, HR, and People Managers to truly understand and keep up with workplace wellness trends. These trends don’t just shape businesses; they influence communities, individuals, and workplace cultures. By aligning these trends with business goals, organisations can design wellness initiatives that foster a thriving culture, enhance employee engagement, and drive meaningful results.
For CEOs, HR leaders, and C-Suite executives, this presents a pivotal moment. Investing in comprehensive wellness strategies is not just compassionate; it’s a competitive advantage that boosts recruitment, retention, and productivity.
In 2025, forward-thinking leaders will leverage wellness as a core business strategy. Explore our 2024 wellness and workplace wellness trends, along with our key workplace wellness predictions for the year ahead to see how you can boost your culture and cultivate a thriving, engaged workforce.
The Top Trends of 2024 and Game Changing Predictions for 2025.
As we reflect on the wellness landscape of 2024, several key trends have emerged, shaping how individuals and organisations approach health and well-being. Looking ahead, we anticipate these developments will continue to evolve, influencing wellness practices in 2025 and beyond.
Top Wellness Trends of 2024 and Predictions For Wellness 2025:
2024 was a game-changing year for wellness. From saunas to sound bathing to sober curiosity, we saw trends that reshaped how we care for ourselves and our teams. And guess what? We predicted it! Here’s what dominated 2024 and our expert predictions for 2025.
It’s going to be a good 12 months! Ready to explore what 2025 has in store? Let’s dive in!
Top Wellness Trends of 2024
First, a quick look back at our very own 2024 predictions, and we’re happy to say we got things spot on. As forecasted, natural energy boosters gained traction, with many prioritising rituals and ingredients like adaptogens over traditional caffeine fixes. Sleep therapy also took centre stage, with innovative sleep products and experiences, including sleep retreats, becoming a wellness staple. And as anticipated, sound bathing experienced a surge, with searches increasing by over 150%, according to Google Analytics.
In workplace wellbeing, movement snacks became a hit, with employees embracing short bursts of exercise to stay active amidst busy schedules. The shift in organisational values was evident as more companies prioritised empathy, employee wellbeing, and inclusive cultures. AI assistance also proved transformative, with HR leaders integrating AI tools like Chatbots to streamline operations.
Check out the full article here to see what else we predicted.
So, our track record proves we’ve got our finger on the pulse of wellness and workplace wellbeing. Of course we do; we eat, breathe, and sleep (very well) wellbeing here at CRAOI. Let’s see what other trends topped the wellness charts around the world in 2024.
- Prioritising Rest and Recovery: In 2024, there was a significant shift towards valuing rest as a crucial component of overall health. Data from health optimisation platforms indicated that individuals, particularly Gen Z, prioritised sleep, leading to improved REM cycles and overall well-being.
- Rise of Low-Impact Workouts: There was a notable pivot from high-intensity workouts to low-impact exercises such as Pilates and yoga. This trend aligned with the year’s emphasis on self-care and recovery, offering a more balanced approach to fitness.
- Sober Curiosity Movement: A growing interest in reducing alcohol consumption, known as the sober curiosity movement, gained momentum. This shift was particularly evident among younger generations seeking healthier lifestyle choices.
- Advancements in Personalised Nutrition: The wellness industry saw a surge in personalised nutrition, with individuals seeking dietary recommendations tailored to their unique genetic makeup and health goals. This approach aimed to optimise health outcomes through customised eating plans.
Workplace Wellness Trends of 2024
- Comprehensive Employee Benefits: Employers expanded their benefits offerings to include support for various personal needs, such as “pawternity” leave for pet owners, grandparent leave, and elder care. These initiatives aimed to help employees balance their personal and professional lives more effectively.
New York Post - Emphasis on Mental Health Support: Organisations recognised the importance of mental health, investing in programs and resources to support employee well-being. This focus included providing access to counseling services, stress management workshops, and promoting a culture of openness around mental health discussions.
Corporate Wellness Magazine - Flexible Work Arrangements: The continuation of remote and hybrid work models led employers to offer more flexible work arrangements. This flexibility aimed to improve work-life balance, reduce burnout, and increase job satisfaction among employees.
Salary.com
Predictions for Wellness Trends in 2025
Now the fun bit. Looking at wellness and workplace wellbeing data from around the world, combined with our own user data across CRAOI, here are some of the top wellness trends that we predict will soar in 2025.
Top 2025 Wellness Predictions:
- Metabolic Health Focus: There will be an increased emphasis on understanding and improving metabolic health. Individuals are expected to adopt exercise routines and dietary habits that boost metabolism, with a particular focus on weightlifting and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
- Enhanced Oral Health Awareness: The connection between oral health and overall well-being will gain attention. Advancements in dental care products and practices, including the use of saliva tests during check-ups, are anticipated to become more prevalent.
- Focus on Maternal Health: Research into ‘matrescence,’ the physical and emotional changes women undergo during motherhood, is expected to grow. This focus will lead to increased availability of at-home fertility and hormone test kits, supporting women’s health during the maternal transition.
- Brain Health Nutrition: There will be a rising interest in nutrients and foods that support cognitive function and mental health. This trend will include the incorporation of psychobiotics and other brain-boosting supplements into daily diets.
- The Rise of Fibre-Rich Products: After years of protein-enriched products dominating the wellness market, fibre is stepping into the spotlight. In 2025, we predict a wave of fibre-rich foods aimed at supporting gut health and overall digestive wellness will take centre stage.
- The Functional Tea Movement: Functional teas are expected to continue their ascent in 2025, offering wellness benefits beyond hydration. From teas that support sleep and digestion to those designed to boost energy and immunity, the hot drinks market is poised for even more growth.
- Pared-Back Skincare: The stress and environmental challenges of modern living are driving a shift towards simplified, natural skincare solutions. In 2025, we anticipate a rise in alternative, minimally processed skincare products designed to nourish and protect the skin in a sustainable way.
Predictions for Workplace Wellness in 2025
- AI Integration in Wellness Programs: The incorporation of artificial intelligence into workplace wellness programs is expected to enhance personalisation and accessibility. AI-driven tools will provide employees with tailored health recommendations and support.
- Holistic Well-being Approaches: There will be wider adoption of more holistic well-being programs that address physical, mental, emotional, and financial health. This comprehensive approach aims to support employees in all aspects of their lives, leading to increased engagement and productivity.
- Increased Focus on Inclusivity: Workplace wellness initiatives will place a greater emphasis on inclusivity, ensuring programs are accessible and beneficial to a diverse workforce. These initiatives will promote equitable access to resources, create supportive environments, and ensure all employees feel valued, contributing to a positive and inclusive company culture.
- Financial Wellness as a Priority: With financial anxiety increasingly impacting employees’ mental and physical health, companies will embrace financial wellness initiatives. These include personalised financial coaching, AI-driven budgeting tools, and educational programs. Addressing financial stress isn’t just compassionate—it’s strategic, reducing burnout and fostering loyalty. A Morgan Stanley study found that 66% of U.S. workers report financial stress affecting job performance. Tackling this issue head-on will lead to a more engaged and productive workforce.
- Personalised and Proactive Wellness Programs: One-size-fits-all wellness initiatives are a thing of the past. AI and machine learning will enable companies to offer tailored solutions, from personalised stress management plans to nutrition and exercise coaching. By catering to individual employee needs, organisations can optimise health outcomes and enhance productivity. Source: Forbes
- Wellness-Driven Workplace Design: Workplace design will play a critical role in boosting employee wellbeing. Incorporating biophilic elements, improving air quality, and optimising lighting can significantly reduce stress and improve creativity. Companies with wellness-focused office designs have reported a 6% increase in productivity and a 15% improvement in employee wellbeing, according to the World Green Building Council. Thoughtful design isn’t just aesthetically pleasing; it’s a smart business investment.
- Menopausal Support Programs: As workplace taboos fade, menopause is finally receiving much-needed attention. With 20% of the workforce experiencing menopause at any given time, companies are starting to provide tailored support, such as access to menopause-specific health professionals, flexible work arrangements, and awareness programs. These initiatives not only foster inclusivity but also combat the $1.8 billion annual loss in productivity attributed to menopause-related symptoms.
CRAOI’s Additoional Predictions for 2025
- Virtual Reality Wellness Experiences: CRAOI anticipates the rise of virtual reality (VR) wellness experiences, allowing individuals to engage in immersive meditation, yoga, and relaxation sessions from the comfort of their homes or offices.
- Community-Based Wellness Challenges: We predict an increase in community-driven wellness challenges that foster social connections and collective well-being. These challenges will encourage group participation in health initiatives, both within workplaces and broader communities.
- Integration of Nature Therapy: CRAOI foresees a growing trend in incorporating nature therapy into wellness routines. This practice involves spending intentional time in natural settings to reduce stress and enhance mental health, supported by digital platforms that guide and track outdoor activities.
- Sustainable Wellbeing and Regenerative Impact
In 2025, workplace wellness will increasingly integrate sustainable wellbeing with initiatives like tree planting, carbon offset projects, and community-driven sustainability efforts. Employees will be rewarded for prioritising their health through meaningful incentives like badges, nature workshops, and eco-retreats.By tying personal wellbeing to environmental stewardship, organisations can align with CSRD requirements and SDGs, fostering a culture of care for both people and the planet—setting a new standard for impactful workplace wellness.
Our Final Thoughts
As we move into 2025, the wellness industry is poised to continue its dynamic evolution, embracing innovative approaches that cater to the diverse needs of individuals and organisations alike. Staying informed and adaptable will be key to navigating and benefiting from these emerging trends.
We hope you enjoyed our top wellness trends of 2024 and predictions for wellness 2025. Which trend excites you the most? Drop your thoughts in the comments or DM us to explore how CRAOI can bring these wellness trends into your life and workplace. Stay informed, adaptable, and ready to embrace a healthier, happier 2025!
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: Forbes, Holland & Barrett Wellness Trends Report 2024, CorporateWellnessMagazine.com, IrishLifeHealth, Salary.com, CRAOI.
