Business priorities you can’t ignore in 2025

3 Things Every Business Needs to Focus On

Employee wellbeing is no longer just a “nice-to-have” – it’s essential. Businesses that prioritise wellbeing see higher productivity, better retention, and a healthier workforce. But as we move into 2025, where should organisations be focusing their energy to make the biggest impact?

At Cavendish Wellbeing, we work with businesses to support employees not just at work, but in their day-to-day lives. From leadership training to mental health support, we’ve identified three key priorities for businesses that want to create a thriving workplace in 2025.

1. Leadership Development: Training Managers to Support Mental Health

It all starts at the top. Leaders and managers play a crucial role in shaping workplace culture, yet many lack the confidence or training to support employees with mental health challenges.

Businesses investing in mental health initiatives see an average return of £5 for every £1 spent, proving that supporting mental wellbeing isn’t just good ethics – it’s good business. (Deloitte Report)

Organisations should be equipping managers with the skills to:

• Recognise early signs of burnout and mental health struggles

• Have open, supportive conversations with employees

• Signpost to professional support where needed

💡 At Cavendish Wellbeing, we offer specialist leadership training to help managers develop these skills and create a mentally healthy workplace. Get in touch today hello@cavendishwellbeing.org.uk

2. Building a Workplace Culture That Supports Wellbeing

Workplace culture has a direct impact on employee wellbeing. If stress, long hours, and lack of flexibility are the norm, employees will suffer.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that stress, depression, and anxiety accounted for 16.4 million lost working days in 2023/24. (HSE Report)

To tackle this, businesses should focus on:

• Flexible working: Remote/hybrid options if possible

• Recognition and appreciation: Regular feedback and celebrating wins

• Encouraging work-life balance: Discouraging overwork and promoting downtime

💡Our 12-month wellbeing coaching programmes are tailored to help organisations transform their culture, prioritise wellbeing, and build a healthier, happier workforce. Want to learn more? Get in touch today hello@cavendishwellbeing.org.uk

3. Empowering Employees to Take Control of Their Own Wellbeing

A great wellbeing strategy isn’t just about what businesses do for employees – it’s also about what employees can do for themselves.

Mind UK has highlighted that employees with access to mental health resources are more likely to manage stress effectively and take proactive steps for their wellbeing. (Mind Report)

To encourage this, businesses can:

• Provide mental health resources such as helplines or employee assistance programmes

• Offer wellbeing workshops on topics like sleep, nutrition, and mindfulness

• Promote physical activity at work (check out the fitness truck®)

💡 We offer wellbeing talks and interactive sessions to help employees build their own toolkit for managing mental health and stress. Email hello@cavendishwellbeing.org.uk to learn more!

Looking Ahead: The Future of Workplace Wellbeing in 2025

The workplace wellbeing landscape is evolving, and businesses that proactively adapt will be the ones that thrive.

So, what’s in store for 2025?

• Wellbeing as a business necessity – Companies that invest in employee wellbeing will see higher retention, productivity, and overall performance. It’s no longer a “nice-to-have” – it’s essential.
• Government-backed workplace health initiatives – Expect more focus on occupational health and support for long-term conditions as workplace wellbeing remains on the national agenda.
• Personalised wellbeing strategies – One-size-fits-all is out. Employees want tailored support that meets their individual needs.
• Learning & development matters – Ongoing manager and employee training is key to engagement, retention, and a culture of wellbeing.
• Holistic wellbeing frameworks – The most successful businesses will take a full-spectrum approach to wellbeing, supporting employees in all aspects of their lives.

💡 Want to future-proof your workplace wellbeing strategy?

Get in touch with Cavendish Wellbeing today to discuss manager training, culture transformation, and employee wellbeing workshops.

hello@cavendishwellbeing.org.uk

📩 Let’s chat – your employees (and your bottom line) will thank you for it.