Employee Wellness in 2025: Supporting Your Team’s New Year Goals

As a new year begins, many employees set goals to become healthier, exercise more, and eat better. However, these resolutions often lose momentum as time goes on. HR managers can provide vital support by creating a workplace culture that encourages and supports employee wellness.

By offering resources and motivation, companies can help employees stick to their health goals, leading to a happier and more productive workforce. After all, your company's success is built on the well-being of your team.

Here are some practical tips to help your team start the year off right:

1. Be Kind to Yourself to Boost Chances of Success

Resolutions aren’t all-or-nothing commitments. Slipping up is part of the journey, and it’s important to forgive ourselves and keep moving forward.

Encourage your team to approach the New Year with self-compassion. Emphasize that resolutions are not about perfection but progress. Remind your team that setbacks are a normal part of any goal-setting process. Suggest they ease back into their routines gradually, whether it's healthier eating or resuming workouts.

Treating oneself with kindness is far more motivating than succumbing to negativity or guilt. If employees are struggling with self-defeating thoughts, consider promoting mental health support through
 Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Many employee health plans also cover counselling sessions, which can be invaluable for building resilience.

2. Eat Nutritious Food for a Strong Foundation

Let’s face it, most of us can improve our eating habits. Good nutrition is the cornerstone of any employee wellness goal.

Instead of focusing on weight loss or fad diets, encourage employees to aim for balance and consistency. Share practical tips such as:

• Opting for whole, unprocessed foods
• Preparing comforting homemade soups and stews for the colder months
• Incorporating oily fish like salmon, trout, and sardines, which are rich in nutrients and vitamin D—essential during winter

For meal inspiration, direct your team to challenges like the 30 Days of Whole Food Challenge by EatingWell to help kickstart healthier habits..

3. Make Exercise Fun to Keep Motivated

Exercise doesn’t have to feel like a chore. The key is to find activities that are enjoyable and engaging.

Suggest fun options to inspire your employees:

• Take a hike with friends
• Dance - try salsa, swing, or even belly dancing classes
• Explore geocaching 
• Indoor rock climbing
• Play outside with kids (weather permitting)
• Join a yoga class 
• Bike to work

Consider launching a workplace wellness program to offer group fitness challenges, walking clubs, or on-site fitness classes. Employees are more likely to stay motivated when they’re supported by a community. Plus, regular exercise releases endorphins, boosting happiness and creating a positive outlook on life.

4. Try Fitness Apps for Something Different

Fitness apps can be a great way to stay engaged and find easy ways to build fitness into their routines. As an HR manager, providing employees with access to digital fitness resources can encourage them to stay active and motivated. Consider sharing these popular options with your team:

• PEAR - Personal Fitness Coach : Offers personalized coaching from Olympians and world champions
• Runtastic Pro: Tracks running, walking, and cycling activities
• Aaptiv: Provides audio-based fitness classes led by certified trainers
• Fitbit Coach: Delivers video workouts and audio coaching
• Asana Rebel: Focuses on yoga-based fitness for strength and flexibility
  
  

5. Avoid Prolonged Sitting to Improve Overall Health

Prolonged sitting is linked to health issues such as back pain, obesity, and cardiovascular problems. While many jobs require long hours at a desk, it's crucial to help employees reduce sedentary behavior. 

Here are some strategies to encourage more movement throughout the day:

• Taking short walking breaks every 30 minutes
• Incorporating stretches and simple desk exercises
• Investing in adjustable standing desks to allow for alternating between sitting and standing

Lead by example by taking movement breaks yourself, showing employees that it’s not only acceptable but encouraged.

The Bottom Line

Investing in employee wellness is a win-win for both individuals and the organization. When your team feels their best—physically and mentally—they are more engaged, focused, and productive. By prioritizing your employees' health journeys, you cultivate a culture of care and well-being.

Supporting your team's wellness initiatives not only enhances their daily lives but also strengthens your company’s foundation for long-term success. By helping employees take charge of their health, you are setting your business up for sustained performance and resilience in an ever-evolving workplace. Foster a supportive environment and watch as your organization thrives.