2025 Employee Wellness Industry Trends Report

Executive summary

Amid economic uncertainty, geopolitical developments, and shifting dynamics of a multigenerational employee base, employers are rapidly adapting their wellness strategies to better meet the needs of their workforce. Mental health remains at the forefront of these efforts, driven by its critical role in managing stress, maintaining well-being, and addressing expectations of those newly entering the workforce for more supportive, employee-centric workplaces. Meanwhile, the rise of GLP-1 medications is bringing weight management into sharper focus, with organizations investing in programs that prioritize lifestyle interventions for a more cost-effective, sustainable approach to tackling obesity and related health risks. Overall, employers are refining their approach to wellness by embracing long-term, holistic strategies that improve employee health outcomes while managing escalating healthcare costs. This report outlines the trends shaping workplace wellness for 2025, offering actionable insights and data-driven guidance to help employers align their programs with evolving workforce needs and organizational priorities.

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Six key takeaways to guide your wellness strategy in 2025

Make mental health a core pillar of benefits strategy

Expand weight management and mental health programs

Prioritize holistic wellness solutions

Invest in preventive health to address rising healthcare costs

Balance cost management with strategic health investments

Address the fastest-growing benefits needs

Key Finding #1

Percentage of brokers reporting increased investment across benefit categories

Prioritize mental health as a top investment category

For the sixth consecutive year, mental health remains the leading priority in wellness investments. An overwhelming 86% of brokers report their clients are increasing investments in mental health programs, with 26% indicating significant growth in this area. This enduring commitment highlights a clear response to rising employee expectations for mental health support and its proven impact on enhancing recruitment, retention, and well-being.

Broker perspectives

Our clients are investing in mental health and well-being benefits now more than they ever have. They’re realizing how important it is for employees to feel supported, so many are offering more robust mental health benefits.

More clients are investing in more meaningful mental health programs than ever before. There's still a LOT of ground to cover with addressing genuine psychological safety.

There’s a big push to make talking about mental health more normal, which helps break down any stigma. Clients are driving their carrier resources with mental health resource guides & one pagers.

Most clients now have an EAP to address these issues, but some clients are switching from traditional EAP’s to more robust offerings with more free therapy sessions. Plus, using apps and online resources is making it easier for everyone to get the help they need.

Key Finding #2

Expand investments in mental health and weight and stress management to meet rising employee needs

Percentage of brokers reporting increased investment across key employee benefits

Employers are diversifying their wellness strategies by increasing investments in mental health (86%), weight management (75%), and stress management (70%). The surge in popularity of GLP-1 medications (e.g., Ozempic, Wegovy) in the US spotlights the urgency of addressing obesity and associated health risks, presenting an opportunity for employers to integrate supportive weight management solutions into their wellness offerings. Meanwhile, growing investments in stress management emphasize the need for resilience-building programs to help employees combat burnout and cope with stress generated by global and political uncertainties.

Broker perspectives

We've seen a huge wave of clients moving toward more robust stand-alone mental health programs and moving away from EAPs tied to life insurance and disability.

One area that has gotten a lot of attention is weight management, given the increased spend and utilization of GLP-1s. With GLP-1 drugs dominating this year, more clients are focused on weight management coaching and resources.

Clients know employees are worried about burnout and anxiety, with many moving to offer more benefits like counseling services and stress relief programs in 2025.

Key Finding #3

Reevaluate targeted health programs to optimize wellness strategies

Brokers report that 30% of clients are scaling back spending on on-site fitness classes, 29% on tobacco and smoking cessation programs, and 26% on biometric screenings. These reductions signal a strategic pivot as employers reassess the value of targeted health programs. Instead, there's a growing focus on wellness benefits that address broader, evolving employee needs (e.g., gym reimbursements) and deliver long-term, holistic health improvements (e.g., disease management programs).

Percentage of brokers reporting investment changes in key employee benefits

Broker perspectives

Most of our clients have been removing paid tobacco cessation offerings from their wellness programs in favor of broader health initiatives. However, we are pushing the Tobacco Quit Line as much as possible to give employees a free resource if they still want it.

Clients seem to be steering away from on-site events such as biometric screenings and pushing more PCP involvement for preventive care to manage potential high-cost claimants, as well as providing disease management opportunities and health education. I only had one client add biometric screenings to their wellness program this year.

In-person fitness classes are generating less interest than in years past, but a lot of our clients are noticing that when employees have access to more flexible offerings like gym memberships, on-demand fitness classes, and wellness challenges, it really boosts energy levels and team spirit.

Key Finding #4

Invest in preventive health and wellness challenges to support cost-effective wellness

For brokers who ranked pricing as the top factor when selecting wellness vendors (48%), 69% report increased spending on preventive health, demonstrating its role as a cost-saving strategy that improves long-term health outcomes. Similarly, 67% reported increased investment in wellness challenges, leveraging affordable, gamified initiatives to motivate lasting lifestyle changes. By proactively addressing health risks, these investments aim to reduce the costs of expensive treatments and chronic conditions over time. Preventive health programs, therefore, serve as a key strategy for organizations balancing cost-consciousness with meaningful, sustainable health outcomes.

Percentage of brokers reporting increased investments in benefits, based on priorities when selecting benefits vendors

Key Finding #5

Balance cost management with competitive benefits to meet client priorities

Controlling rising benefits costs (83%) and maintaining competitive benefits plans (72%) were identified as the top factors influencing client decisions, revealing a tension between affordability and attractiveness. These two priorities, often seen as opposing goals, highlight the challenge employers face in delivering high-value benefits while controlling expenses. Vendors must deliver flexible, cost-effective solutions that enhance appeal—without inflating costs—to help employers meet both objectives.

Top criteria influencing benefits decisions for employers

Key Finding #6

Weight management and wellness challenges are the fastest-growing employee benefits

Percentage of brokers reporting increased investments in benefits, 2023-2025

Given the emphasis on weight management and wellness challenges highlighted in other survey findings, it’s no surprise these areas have seen the most rapid growth, with 109% and 68% increases in investment since 2024, respectively. Notably, 75% of brokers reported that clients were planning to invest more in weight management by 2025, up from 40% in 2024. The significant rise in gym reimbursement programs—up 87%—highlights another prominent trend: supporting employee fitness through flexible options that cater to individual preferences, reflecting a shift toward more personalized, employee-centric wellness strategies.

Listening to industry leaders from coast to coast

To gain a well-rounded perspective on the wellness trends shaping 2025, Wellable surveyed a diverse mix of brokers from across the country. The 2025 Employee Wellness Industry Trends Survey includes insights from 129 wellness-focused insurance brokers, offering a comprehensive view of the industry's evolving priorities. Respondents represent 25 unique states, ensuring a broad and varied understanding of wellness trends across different regions. Additionally, responses were gathered from brokers at 41 distinct brokerage firms, enriching the data with multiple perspectives on wellness investments.

Geographic representation
Brokerages represented

Geographic representation

Brokerages represented

Average client size

Small

250 employees

17%

Large

1,000+ employees

22%

Medium

250 - 1,000 employees

61%

Broker years of experience

0-3 years

10%

4-7 years

17%

8-14 years

30%

15+ years

43%

2025 Employee Wellness Industry Trends Report

Executive summary

Want to see the full report?

Six key takeaways to guide your wellness strategy in 2025

Prioritize mental health as a top investment category

Broker perspectives

Expand investments in mental health and weight and stress management to meet rising employee needs

Broker perspectives

Reevaluate targeted health programs to optimize wellness strategies

Broker perspectives

Invest in preventive health and wellness challenges to support cost-effective wellness

Balance cost management with competitive benefits to meet client priorities

Weight management and wellness challenges are the fastest-growing employee benefits

Listening to industry leaders from coast to coast

Geographic representation

Brokerages represented

Average client size

Small

Large

Medium

Broker years of experience

Brokerage firms

Unlock the complete 2025 industry trends report