Employee wellbeing trends for 2025: How to engage your workforce

From environmental responsibility to inclusion and mental health, employees today want workplaces that align with their values. And what better way to do that than by prioritising employee wellbeing?

When we think about wellbeing at work, flexible hours and team-building days often come to mind. But businesses are getting more creative with their initiatives – and it’s paying off.

Investing in employee wellbeing doesn’t just create a happier, more engaged workforce – it also boosts the bottom line. Companies that prioritise wellbeing see lower turnover rates than those focusing solely on engagement, according to S&P Global. And research from McKinsey and the World Economic Forum suggests improving employee health and wellbeing could generate up to $11.7 trillion in global economic value.

So, what are the key trends shaping employee wellbeing in 2025? Let’s dive in.

This year, the focus is shifting away from just providing wellbeing perks. Employers are exploring more personalised and inclusive approaches that cater to evolving workforce expectations. Here are the top four trends shaping the landscape:

Gone are the days of rigid office schedules. Employees at companies offering flexible working options report higher job satisfaction and are more likely to put in discretionary effort, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Despite this, it can be difficult to keep teams aligned when they don’t often get together face-to-face. Many businesses are tackling this by planning team building days, encouraging regular in-person meetups for brainstorming, and organising social events.

Digital wellbeing tools are playing a bigger role in workplace support - particularly with remote and hybrid working patterns becoming the norm. Companies are investing in platforms that provide stress management, guided mindfulness, and real-time productivity insights.

Apps like Calm and Headspace have gained popularity, offering employees accessible and effective ways to manage stress and mental health challenges. More advanced platforms are even using AI-driven data to track employee wellbeing trends, helping HR teams identify burnout risks and provide personalised support.

Financial stress is one of the leading causes of workplace anxiety, affecting 77% of employees. Companies are responding with financial wellbeing programmes, like salary sacrifice schemes, debt counselling, and budgeting workshops.

For example, Octopus Money offers 1-1 money advice to every employee, across all levels, from a real-life financial expert. They discuss employees’ financial goals, explain the rewards package your company offers, and provide a personalised money forecast to help them stay on track.

But financial support doesn’t always have to come in the form of direct advice. Octopus EV’s salary sacrifice scheme is a great way to support financial wellbeing while promoting sustainability and improving engagement by giving employees a perk they really want. Businesses simply lease an EV, and their employees pay for it from their pre-tax salary.

For businesses, this scheme is a win-win: employees enjoy lower commuting costs and the convenience of driving a more affordable, environmentally friendly vehicle, while they contribute to a greener future and boost their reputation as responsible employers.

Inclusion is becoming central to many companies’ HR strategies -and this includes wellbeing programmes. Many businesses want to give all their employees (regardless of background or circumstance) access to the benefits and support they need.

For example, some companies are expanding childcare support to help parents juggle their work and home lives, while others are making digital wellbeing tools more accessible to employees with disabilities. Providing varied benefits, rather than a one-size-fits-all package, creates a more inclusive workplace and boosts engagement across all demographics.

True wellbeing is about more than just a great benefits package. It’s about creating a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work.

Here’s how you can get started:

1. Set an example - Encourage your leaders to advocate for wellbeing initiatives. Whether they’re attending sessions or championing policies, it sends a strong message to employees that their wellbeing counts.
2. Introduce new perks - Reimagine your benefit platforms, making sure they offer easy access to a range of wellbeing benefits - from gym memberships to mental health support.
3. Reduce financial burdens - Help your people save by offering higher pension contributions or introducing EV salary sacrifice schemes.
4. Introduce mental health days - Create a supportive atmosphere by allowing employees to take days off when they’re feeling down - and normalising it.
5. Make wellbeing part of daily routines - Check in with employees regularly, and carry out pulse surveys to assess happiness and stress levels.
6. Invest in training - Help your managers to develop supportive, people-first leadership styles that nurture positive wellbeing behaviours.

These actions will help make wellbeing feel natural and easy, rather than like a one-off team engagement project.

Many of the benefits of wellbeing programmes aren’t easily measurable. Factors like reduced stress, improved morale, and a stronger sense of belonging can be difficult to track. But some businesses are finding ways to capture these impacts, demonstrating the clear value of their wellbeing initiatives. This usually involves looking at metrics such as:

• Absenteeism and turnover rates – A reduction in sick days and employee churn suggests that overall wellbeing has been improved.
• Employee engagement scores – Higher scores reflect better workplace satisfaction.
• Participation in wellbeing programmes – Tracking attendance and feedback from wellbeing initiatives can help make them more effective over time.

The race for top talent is accelerating - and with wellbeing a top priority for employees, businesses need to adapt to stay competitive. Companies that invest in wellbeing initiatives and create more flexible, inclusive cultures will attract and retain a more diverse, skilled and motivated workforce.

And with Octopus EV’s salary sacrifice scheme, businesses can take employee wellbeing even further - offering a smarter, more affordable way to drive electric. It’s a simple yet powerful way to help employees save money and support a greener future.