The New Year always feels like a fresh start — a time to hit reset, dream big, and focus on building better habits. There’s something magical about turning the page to a new calendar year; it’s a chance to reflect, refocus, and prioritize what truly matters. For many of us, that means doubling down on health and wellness goals, not just for ourselves but also for the communities we’re a part of, including our workplaces.

In today’s world, social media plays a huge role in fueling wellness trends and shaping the way we approach health. But let’s be honest —not all trends are created equal. Some fads might catch fire, but they fizzle out quickly or even do more harm than good. What if, instead, we embraced trends that truly benefit our bodies, minds, and overall well-being? Better yet, what if we brought those trends into the workplace to inspire healthier, happier teams?

That’s exactly what we’re championing in 2025: meaningful, sustainable habits that help individuals thrive while promoting workplace wellness programs, creating a supportive workplace culture, and fostering employee wellbeing.  Imagine workplaces buzzing with energy, creativity, and a sense of connection — all built on simple but impactful wellness initiatives.

Here are 12 corporate wellness programs we’d love to see take over offices everywhere. Let’s make this the year we turn wellness into a workplace movement — one healthy habit at a time!

Each year, the cold and flu season brings extra germs and increased health risks. The flu, COVID-19, and other infectious diseases can spread quickly, especially in workplaces where people share spaces and interact closely.

The numbers show the impact: each year in the U.S., millions of people fall ill from the flu, with hundreds of thousands requiring hospitalization and tens of thousands, tragically, losing their lives. During the 2023-2024 flu season, the CDC estimated at least 34 million flu illnesses, 380,000 hospitalizations, and 17,000 deaths, including 199 pediatric deaths. COVID-19, too, continues to pose risks, with long-term effects sometimes seen even in mild cases.

For employers, flu and COVID-19 season also bring significant costs. The flu alone costs an estimated $11.2 billion annually in the U.S. in both direct and indirect expenses, from healthcare costs to lost productivity. Vaccines, however, play a powerful role in cutting down these numbers. For example, the CDC reports that flu vaccination during the 2023-2024 respiratory season helped prevent 7.4 million flu-related illnesses, 3.7 million medical visits, 105,000 hospitalizations, and 3,500 deaths.

By implementing a voluntary vaccination program and offering on-site flu and COVID-19 shots, workplaces can reduce these risks, helping protect their employees’ health and supporting a strong and resilient workforce. So, why not bring the vaccination clinic to your workers and contribute to disease control where it’s most needed?

Birds, cows, people. 

You've likely seen recent headlines about bird flu, and if you're unsure about your level of concern, you're not alone. It’s natural to feel unsettled when health news hits close to home.

On the one hand, we’ve heard about viruses like MERS, Ebola, and Zika over the years — scary-sounding illnesses that didn’t end up having a big impact in the U.S. But then there’s another side of the coin: the Covid pandemic, which showed us how quickly a virus can change everything.

Now, H5N1, also known as avian influenza or the H5N1 bird flu, is making waves. It’s spreading to mammals and even causing a handful of human cases in the U.S. and Canada, with concerns about possible human-to-human transmission. While it’s not time to panic, it’s definitely worth paying attention.

Understanding the risks and staying prepared can be crucial for HR and other leaders in supporting their teams.

Emotional wellness plays a huge role in the workplace. It’s all about understanding, managing, and expressing emotions in a healthy way. When employees feel supported emotionally, they’re not just happier — they’re more focused, productive, and better equipped to handle challenges. They can build stronger relationships with their coworkers, contribute to a positive team vibe, and even inspire others to do the same..

But here's the thing: emotional wellness isn’t just an individual journey. It’s a cultural shift. When organizations prioritize emotional wellness, they create an environment where employees feel valued, connected, and motivated. The benefits ripple across the entire workplace, boosting morale, engagement, and even retention.

And guess what? Promoting emotional wellness doesn’t have to be complicated. A few small, intentional changes can make a big impact. Ready to create a workplace where positivity and resilience thrive? Let’s dive into some simple yet effective ways to help your team shine emotionally.

As 2024 comes to an end, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what made this year special. At TotalWellness, we’re on a mission to help you and your teams live healthier, happier lives. This year, our blogs resonated with readers more than ever, with over half a million views!

From practical tips for reducing stress to inspiring ideas for boosting energy and balance, we’ve covered topics to make workplace wellness accessible, fun, and impactful. Our community of readers — HR leaders, wellness champions, and employees alike — joined us in exploring new ways to prioritize health and happiness.

Let’s take a look back at the blogs you loved most. Whether it’s fueling your body with the right nutrients, finding moments of calm, or embracing small habits that lead to big results, these articles offer something for everyone.

The new year is just around the corner, and there’s no better time to hit pause and refresh. Let’s face it — 2024 was packed with nonstop work emails, virtual meetings, and way too much smartphone use.

That’s why encouraging your team to take a digital detox during the holiday break is such a gift. It’s a chance to step away from digital devices and recharge so they return to work energized and ready to tackle 2025.

Did you know nearly 57% of Americans say they’re addicted to their phones? On average, we check our devices a jaw-dropping 144 times a day!

Clearly, we could all use a break from excessive screen time.

Let’s explore why unplugging is so important and how you can support your team in avoiding social media and screens for a healthier start to 2025.

Ready to take your employee wellness game to the next level in 2025?

Spoiler alert: it’s more than just swapping donuts for kale in the break room. Wellness is getting a serious upgrade, and we’re not talking about the latest yoga craze or water cooler chit-chat about the latest TikTok wellness trend. From AI-driven health tools to creative mental health perks, there are several hot trends that will shape employee wellness in 2025.

So, grab your green smoothie (or your donut, we won’t judge), and check out these nine sizzling trends that should shape your employee wellness strategy next year.  

Taking care of employees' health is a big part of making sure they feel their best at work. And one important part of health that often gets overlooked?

Blood pressure.

The numbers are staggering: nearly half of U.S. adults — 48.1%, or 119.9 million people — have high blood pressure. That’s defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 130 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 80 mmHg, or individuals who are taking blood pressure medication to manage it.

Having high blood pressure puts people at serious increased risk for heart disease and stroke — two of the leading causes of death in the United States. In fact, in 2022 alone, high blood pressure was the primary contributing factor in 685,875 deaths across the country.

High blood pressure doesn’t usually have clear signs, but it can cause big problems if it’s not managed. That’s why it’s important for companies to keep their workers’ heart health on their radar. When employers help employees stay on top of their blood pressure, they’re investing in a healthier, happier workforce.

Here’s why employers should start paying attention to high blood pressure at work.

The holiday season is a time filled with joy, celebration, and time with loved ones — but it can also bring a lot of holiday anxiety and stress. Between wrapping up work projects, coordinating holiday plans, and trying to fit in personal time, employees can feel stretched thin. That’s where support from HR teams and managers can make all the difference.

Offering stress management tips and resources to your team shows how much you genuinely care about their well-being, not just during work hours but in every aspect of their lives. By sharing some simple strategies to handle holiday stress, you can uplift their spirits, enhance focus, and remind everyone that they have your support. A little bit of guidance can make a big difference in helping everyone find their balance and stay energized throughout the season!

So, here are some easy, practical tips you can share with your team. These strategies will help them take care of themselves, manage stress, and make the most of this special time of year.

Kindness might seem like a small thing, but it's actually a powerful force. 

And with World Kindness Day coming up on November 13th, it's the perfect time to celebrate! This day is dedicated to spreading kindness in all forms — big and small. It’s a reminder to be more intentional with our actions and to recognize the power that kindness holds in transforming our relationships, communities, and workplaces.

At work, kindness can make a world of difference. It can improve how we feel, how we perform, and how we connect with others. It’s not just about being nice — it’s about creating an environment where people feel valued, trusted, and motivated. When kindness becomes the foundation of our workplace, everyone benefits. Celebrating World Kindness Day is an excellent opportunity to embed more kindness into your workplace culture.

From simple acts of gratitude to listening more deeply, there are many ways to bring kindness to work every day. By celebrating World Kindness Day, you can set the tone for a positive shift that not only boosts employee morale but also enhances teamwork and overall well-being.

Let’s explore how kindness can make your workplace better and how you can make it a part of your daily routine. You’ll discover the secret to thriving at work — and it all starts with kindness.