Prioritising people: 6 practical steps to elevate employee wellbeing in 2025

The new year offers the opportunity to make positive changes in your organisation, particularly in the area of employee wellness. With global studies showing that sixty-six per cent of employees are struggling, employee wellbeing deserves centre stage in every organisation. And the new year is the perfect time to consider changes.    

The benefits of mental health and wellbeing in the workplace are numerous. Increased productivity, creativity, employee engagement and better overall organisational performance are some of the perks you’ll enjoy when you make employee wellbeing a priority.   

The wellbeing of your workforce is the wellbeing of your organisation. Here are six practical tips to emphasise employee wellbeing in your workplace in 2025. 

1. Seek the C-suite commitment

Leadership commitment is an effective way to prioritise wellbeing in the workplace. It sends a powerful message that the organisation and its leaders view the team as a valuable asset, not just as a means to business goals. Similarly, it reflects their understanding of the link between wellbeing and performance. 

It’s important to establish employee health and wellbeing as part of the organisation’s core mission and values. Leaders should also model healthy behaviours such as taking breaks, exercising and managing stress; this reinforces the authenticity of company policies and values surrounding wellbeing. It can also encourage employees to adopt similar practices. 

Ensure that your organisation leaders undergo regular training to improve their employee support skills.         

2. Create a healthy physical environment

A healthy physical environment can enhance physical and mental wellness at work. It can reduce illness, physical discomfort and cognitive overload while improving your team members’ mood. Consider investing in a well-designed workplace to show your commitment to wellness.     

Elements of a healthy physical work environment could include:

• Ergonomic furniture and active design 
• Accessible technology and inclusive and collaborative workspaces 
• Good air quality and sufficient lighting
• Clean and quiet spaces
• Optimal temperature and ventilation 
• Compliance with safety standards
• Plants, greenery and sustainable materials   

3. Encourage professional advancement

Supporting employee professional development can give your team members a sense of purpose and direction. Achieving meaningful milestones in their careers enhances job satisfaction while continuous learning keeps their minds sharp. This can boost self-esteem and overall mental health.  

With professional advancement comes greater earning potential and increased compensation reduces financial stress. 

To facilitate your employees’ professional growth, offer relevant training in the form of courses and workshops. Consider supporting educational goals by offering educational leave and providing financial support. It’s crucial to establish transparent promotion criteria within your organisation and follow them.  

4. Implement work-life balance and flexibility

Keep employee wellness front and centre this new year by encouraging respect for personal life and giving team members power over their time. Work-life balance and flexible work arrangements ensure that your team members can disconnect from work, attend to other responsibilities and manage their workload efficiently. This can prevent stress and burnout. 

To ensure work-life balance, establish rules against after-hour emails and calls. Encourage your team members to take time off. Allow employees to work from their preferred locations. 

It’s helpful to adopt a task-based model and permit your team members to adjust their start and end times to suit their needs.      

5. Foster social connections at work

Loneliness has been found to negatively impact both physical and mental health. Workplace friendship provides a valuable support system that can help employees deal with it. Likewise, positive interactions and shared laughter can improve happiness, making work more enjoyable. 

This translates to job satisfaction, a sense of belonging, better communication and enhanced productivity. 

To boost social bonds at work, arrange team-building activities and events to help employees connect in an informal setting. It’s important to create spaces dedicated to informal interactions at work—this can enhance employee connection.         

6. Provide a supportive environment

To make wellbeing a priority in your workplace, it’s important to structure the workplace to support your team members. Maintain open communication channels and feedback loops to stay informed about employee needs. Champion mental health awareness and invest in wellness programs; this will dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health struggles and encourage your employees to open up.

Build equity, diversity and inclusion into your organisation’s processes. It’s helpful to permit and encourage employee resource groups to provide a safe place for your employees in a particular community. A culture of recognition will also improve your employees’ mental health and drive their performance.

Investing in employee wellness is more than a business cost; it’s the truest commitment to your team members and their potential. Try implementing these tips to spotlight employee wellbeing in 2025.