It’s no secret that employee wellness is more important than ever.

Healthcare costs are out of control, chronic diseases are stacking up like a bad game of Jenga, and mental health? Yeah, let’s just say people are struggling.

A new survey from Emory University and Gallup basically confirmed what we already knew — people are worried about healthcare access, chronic disease, food and water safety, and the general state of the world. Fun times!

Now, you might be thinking, Okay, but isn’t this a government problem? Sure, but guess what? Employers (that’s you) have a huge opportunity to step up. And no, that doesn’t mean throwing a fruit basket in the breakroom and calling it a wellness initiative. It means stepping up in ways that actually make employees’ lives better.

Let’s break it down.

Each year, the cold and flu season brings extra germs and increased health risks for everyone. Both flu vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination can significantly reduce the spread of illness, 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.

Both illnesses have significant costs for employers. 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 reducing 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 workplace vaccination program, workplaces can reduce these risks, helping protect their employees’ health and supporting a strong and resilient workforce.

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.

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!

Planning a biometric screening event might not sound like the most exciting task on your to-do list.

But guess what?

It can actually be a game-changer — not just for your company’s wellness vibes but for your coworkers’ health. Who knows? Someone might discover an issue early, preventing a bigger problem down the road.

Plus, when you pull off a smooth (and, dare we say, enjoyable) event, you’ll totally earn office MVP status. It’s like saying, “Hey, I care about you and your health,” without actually saying it. Ready to make this happen without stress or corporate dullness? Let’s dive into your ultimate biometric screening cheatsheet. 

This guide has everything you need to plan an event that’s functional, fun, and memorable — in the best way possible. From nailing the details to adding those special touches (like snacks… trust me, snacks matter), we’ve got you covered.

Morning routines are wellness rockstars, and evening rituals? They’re the cozy exhale after a long day.

But what about the middle of the day — the chaotic, coffee-fueled intermission that often feels like a blur?

Midday is prime time for a wellness boost. It’s when energy dips, focus drifts, and stress peaks. It’s the perfect opportunity for a wellness routine that helps you reset, refocus, and recharge.

A midday wellness ritual isn’t just practical. It’s powerful. A quick, playful wellness routine can hit the reset button, bringing balance, joy, and a spark of productivity back into your day.

Below, we’ll explore expert tips and easy strategies to create a midday wellness routine that leaves you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of your day.

This February, we’re putting the “love” in self-love — starting with your heart!

As we celebrate Heart Month, it’s the perfect time to show your heart some TLC. Think of your heart as the engine that keeps your life cruising. With just a few small tweaks to your daily routine, you can keep that engine running smoothly for years to come.

Why not make heart health a team goal for February? From moving more to eating smarter (and even sprinkling in a bit of kindness), these challenges are all about creating habits that make your heart happy. Bonus: They’re so fun you might not even notice they’re healthy!

Let’s dive into 10 heart-healthy activities that will bring your team together, spark some smiles, and maybe even kickstart a little friendly competition.

It’s a regular Tuesday. The printer’s jammed (again), people are dragging, and the office feels kind of… blah.

Now imagine this: a smoothie bar pops up in the breakroom, or there’s a yoga class happening in the conference room. Suddenly, things don’t feel so bad.

That’s the magic of wellness pop-ups — quick, fun events that give your team a little boost and a reason to smile. Think of it like a mini surprise that’s good for their health.

Everyone enjoys a little unexpected joy at work. Wellness pop-ups are a simple way to show your employees you care about their well-being. They’re energizing, easy to organize, and don’t take up much time.

Ready to try one out? Here are some ideas to get started!

Winter. Ugh. 

Feeling “blah”? Same. It’s like winter shows up, dumps a bunch of cold air and grey skies on us, and says, “Good luck with that.” Rude. Suddenly, you’re daydreaming about sunshine and flip-flops like it’s your job.

And yeah, the lack of sunlight? Totally messing with your vibe. More time indoors? Not helping. Winter seems to stretch out forever, like the world’s longest elevator ride with lousy music. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to win. Seriously.

There are ways to fight back — strategies, hacks, even a little seasonal rebellion. Think of them as your winter survival kit. We’re talking mood-boosters, energy-lifters, and creative ways to make this season feel a little less… blah.

So, grab your coziest blanket (or a ridiculous pair of fuzzy socks). Let’s tackle this and turn winter into a season of warmth, connection, and joy. Yes, joy! Even if it’s just one snow globe or hot cocoa at a time. 

Creating a culture of wellness at work doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. In fact, the most meaningful changes often start with the simplest ideas. Imagine this: a quick tip shared during your team’s morning coffee break sparks a healthier habit that sticks. Or, a feel-good Friday moment helps everyone wrap up the week on a positive note.

Bite-sized wellness tips are like snacks for the mind and body — easy to digest, energizing, and satisfying. These small, actionable steps fit seamlessly into busy days, making wellness accessible for everyone. No massive overhauls, no perfection required. Just progress, one small step at a time.

With just a few minutes each day, you can inspire your team to build healthier habits while fostering connection and positivity. In this article, we’ll show you how to create a series of wellness tips your employees will love — complete with practical ideas, fun examples, and creative ways to share them. Let’s make wellness simple, impactful, and fun!

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.