We asked our network of HR leaders about their health and wellbeing benefits, what’s working, what’s not, and what’s coming next.
As we head into 2025, employee health and wellbeing benefits
are becoming increasingly essential to business success. Companies are
realising the undeniable value of supporting employee health – both physical
and mental – to encourage retention, boost productivity and create a positive
workplace culture.
But how will these employee health and wellbeing benefits
evolve? What trends are shaping the future? In this blog, we’ll explore key
insights from industry leaders and examine the benefits of adopting
forward-thinking wellbeing strategies for your workforce.
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The current challenges facing HR and wellbeing leaders
Before we look into the future, it’s important to understand
the challenges facing HR and wellbeing teams today. Our conversations with HR
leaders and survey data have revealed three major issues: staff retention,
rising mental health costs, and maintaining a strong company culture.
Retention and attraction
Staff retention is consistently ranked as the number one
challenge for HR teams. As competition for top talent increases, employees are
paying more attention to the health and wellbeing benefits offered by
companies. In fact, research shows that 78% of employees take benefits into
account when evaluating a job offer, while 75% are more likely to stay in a
role to maintain existing benefits.
Offering employees an appropriate health and wellbeing
benefits package is a crucial strategy for both attracting and retaining
talent. Companies that prioritise health and wellbeing are more likely to
achieve a loyal and motivated workforce.
Rising mental health costs
Mental health is a major driver of absenteeism and rising
healthcare costs. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) reports a 140%
increase in demand for mental health support. In some organisations, more than
a third of sick leave is attributed to mental health issues, so businesses need
to consider the benefits of early intervention in mental health and wellbeing.
Businesses are now expected to fill the gap between public
health services and employee wellbeing, making it increasingly necessary to take
proactive and creative approaches. Businesses that integrate mental and
physical wellbeing strategies can improve employee wellbeing while managing
costs more effectively.
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Company culture
Creating and maintaining a strong company culture is
increasingly difficult in a hybrid or remote working environment. Gone are
traditional team-building activities. The hybrid working model has created a
new need to foster social connection and engagement, often through digital
platforms.
A strong health and wellbeing strategy can support team
culture by creating opportunities for employees to connect, both physically and
socially, through wellbeing initiatives.
What should employee health and wellness benefits look like
in 2025?
Rethinking employee health and wellness benefits is crucial
as businesses adjust to shifting workplace dynamics and employee needs.
Companies should take into account the following new developments when
developing their benefits plan for 2025.
Preventative healthcare
Preventive healthcare is one of the most important health
and wellbeing benefits employers can offer. Rather than waiting for health
issues to arise, companies are increasingly focusing on helping employees
prevent illness through proactive care. This approach reduces absenteeism, improves
long-term health and increases productivity.
The benefits of a health and wellbeing strategy focused on
preventative care include fewer sick days and lower long-term healthcare costs.
From offering access to fitness apps like GoJoe to promoting healthy habits
like exercise and mindfulness, companies can help their employees get ahead of
potential health issues.
Survey:
At GoJoe, we’ve seen companies like Amazon and NatWest Group
integrate fitness and wellbeing challenges into their benefits strategy, with
over 60% of respondents reporting improvements in their physical, social and
mental wellbeing in just two weeks.
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Connecting physical and mental health
The convergence of mental and physical health support will
keep expanding in 2025. Companies are collaborating to provide comprehensive
health support rather than addressing these areas independently. For instance,
unlimited access to more than 350 on-demand Les Mills workouts is a feature of
GoJoe's premium subscription. This lowers expenses while also making it simpler
for staff members to get all the resources they require in one location.
GoJoe’s platform is designed to offer physical and mental health support through wellness challenges, content, and team-building activities. By encouraging exercise, mindfulness, and social interaction, companies can see the benefits of exercise for mental health and wellbeing, while reducing stress and anxiety.
Financial wellbeing
Financial stress is a growing concern for many employees,
and companies are beginning to recognise the importance of supporting financial
wellbeing alongside health. Demand for employee health and wellness benefits
that include financial wellness programs, such as emergency savings plans and
financial education, is expected to increase by 2025.
This focus on financial wellness complements other wellness
initiatives, helping employees feel more secure and less stressed, leading to
increased productivity.
Digital health tools and apps
Digital platforms like GoJoe are revolutionizing employee
health and wellbeing, giving employees access to fitness challenges, rewards,
activity clubs, mindfulness exercises and team activities via a mobile app,
allowing employees to participate in their own wellbeing whenever and wherever
they want.
GoJoe’s employee health and wellbeing benefits are fully
customizable, allowing companies to tailor challenges and wellbeing content to
their teams’ specific needs. The app’s unique weighted score system allows
everyone to participate regardless of their fitness level, and employees can
easily track their progress.
Survey:
In a PwC challenge, GoJoe recorded a 92% participation rate
across 140 teams, proving that digital tools can successfully connect employees
around the world and improve their physical and mental health.
Benefits of workplace health and wellbeing programs
Investing in workplace health and wellbeing programs has
proven to be beneficial for both employees and businesses.
Here are some of the positive outcomes:
Increased productivity: Happier, healthier employees are
more engaged and productive. Reduced absenteeism: Preventative healthcare and
mental health support reduce sick days.
Improved employee retention: Employees who feel supported in
their wellbeing are more likely to stay with their company for the long haul.
Improved company culture: Wellness programs help build team
cohesion and create a positive work environment.
By implementing comprehensive health and wellbeing benefits,
such as those offered by GoJoe, companies can see tangible improvements in
employee satisfaction and productivity.
How does GoJoe help with employee health and wellbeing?
At GoJoe, we specialise in helping companies implement
best-in-class employee health and wellbeing benefits. Our platform provides access
to a range of wellbeing activities, from fitness challenges to mental health
support, all designed to increase employee engagement and wellbeing.
GoJoe gives you everything you need in one centralised app.
Whether you’re looking to organise team mobility challenges, virtual wellbeing
events or integrate a long-term wellbeing strategy, our platform is proven to
increase engagement, reduce absenteeism and foster a stronger sense of
community among employees. Are you prepared to see how GoJoe can revolutionise
the health and wellness policy of your company? Experience the power of
wellbeing and social connection by joining the movement with organisations like
Amazon, PwC, and NatWest Group.
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