Employers prioritize wellness benefits in 2025, despite rising costs

Employers are committed to supporting well-being in the workplace, with increased focus on mental health, financial wellness and weight management support. 

Despite challenges such as rising health care costs, an uncertain global economy and ongoing world events, employers remain deeply committed to employee well-being in 2025, according to the latest Employer Well-being Strategy Survey from Business Group on Health. The survey found that 93% of large employers plan to maintain or expand their well-being offerings, with 20% planning to increase them. 

"Employers continue to regard well-being as central to their workforce strategy and seek to further optimize their well-being investments," Ellen Kelsay, president and CEO of Business Group on Health, said in a release. 

Read more: 53% of benefit managers know their wellness programs are failing employees 

Nearly all employers surveyed — 94% — also intend to track employee engagement in these programs, using tools like dashboards to better evaluate outcomes and accountability.

Top priorities for benefit managers

Mental health remains a primary focus, with all surveyed employers incorporating it into their well-being strategies. Nearly half of employers identified it as the most important well-being benefit, while 44% ranked it second. 

Read more: 5 ways to improve mental health in 2025

Common offerings to support mental health include employee assistance programs (EAPs), stress management, mindfulness, resiliency training and teletherapy, which is offered by 95% of surveyed employers. 

Physical health is also a key priority, especially around weight management. The rise in GLP-1 medication usage has led nearly two-thirds of employers to adjust their offerings or increase vendor accountability. Overall, 99% of employers include physical health as part of their strategy.

Financial well-being is also gaining traction, with 92% of employers addressing it in 2025 and full adoption projected by 2026. Many employers already support financial health through initiatives such as student loan repayment, tuition reimbursement, and emergency savings contributions, helping employees manage significant life expenses and reduce financial stress.

Strengthening workplace well-being through flexible work

To further strengthen workplace well-being, flexible work arrangements, such as hybrid and remote options, help reduce burnout and improve work-life balance. Personalized care navigation services enable employees to access timely, appropriate care, while expanded family support — including backup childcare, paid parental leave, and eldercare resources — helps ease caregiving pressures.

Read more: What benefits do your working parents actually need?

Inclusion is also critical: Gender-affirming care, culturally sensitive mental health resources, and multilingual support are increasingly essential in meeting the needs of a diverse, global workforce. Preventive health measures, like biometric screenings and flu shot clinics, encourage early intervention and long-term healthy habits. Additionally, many employers are investing in social well-being through ERGs, peer mentoring and volunteer opportunities, all of which promote a sense of connection and community at work.

Addressing social determinants of health — such as transportation, housing, and food access — is a growing area of focus. In fact, 59% of employers say they plan to expand initiatives targeting these factors in the coming years, more than any other area of well-being, the BGH survey found. 

These trends signal a continued evolution toward more inclusive, responsive, and data-informed well-being strategies that reflect the full range of employee needs — both inside and outside the workplace.

"By viewing these initiatives as having a direct impact on overall employee health, employers also boost workplace engagement, participant outcomes and business performance, among other benefits," Kelsey said.