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.

Have you noticed that more and more people are feeling lonely lately? It’s true.

A recent survey by the US Census Bureau revealed that 1 in 8 people often feel lonely — always or usually. For younger adults, that number jumps to nearly 1 in 4.

As a wellness leader, it’s important to understand that loneliness doesn’t stop at the door when people come to work. It can also creep into the workplace, leaving employees feeling disconnected or unmotivated. Here’s the good news: you have the power to help turn this around!

By creating opportunities for employees to connect and engage with each other, you can make a big difference in their well-being. Small efforts — like hosting group activities, setting up team challenges, or even organizing simple coffee breaks — can help employees feel more included and supported.

Below, we’ll explore some easy and fun ways to combat loneliness in the workplace, build a stronger sense of connection, and create a happier, healthier team. 

Who can resist the latest TikTok trend?

One week, it’s all about mindfulness and calm, and the next, we’re going crazy for cucumbers. But the latest trend to take over our feeds is surprisingly wholesome — the dopamine menu.

It’s all about creating a carefully curated list of activities that bring you joy throughout the day. From baking and exercising to something as simple as making your bed, the dopamine menu is a positive, feel-good meme that’s being shared by everyone — whether it’s A-list stars or TikTok favorites.

Now, let’s take this viral idea and bring it to the workplace!

A dopamine menu at work can help boost happiness, focus, and motivation for everyone on your team. Ready to learn how? Keep reading for some easy tips to create your dopamine menu and make workdays a little brighter!