How Employers Can Support Employee Stress Management in 2025

Written by Dana Wisniewski, MS, Health Promotion Manager at AdvantageHealth Corporation

In 2025, workplace stress is at an all-time high, fueled by economic uncertainty, political tension, and the increasing demands of remote and hybrid work. Employers, HR professionals, and benefits managers play a crucial role in fostering a work environment that prioritizes wellbeing. A proactive, holistic approach to employee wellness not only reduces stress but also improves engagement, productivity, and retention.

1. Prioritize Mental Health Benefits

Offer comprehensive mental health coverage, including therapy, counseling, and mindfulness apps.
Provide Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) with confidential support for stress, financial concerns, and family issues.
Normalize mental health conversations by encouraging leadership to share personal wellness practices.

2. Encourage Flexible Work Arrangements

Allow remote or hybrid work options to reduce commuting stress.
Implement flexible work hours so employees can align work with their peak energy levels.
Encourage a results-oriented work culture instead of micromanaging hours worked.

3. Design a Wellness-Centric Workplace

Create quiet spaces for relaxation, meditation, or deep-focus work.
Provide standing desks, ergonomic chairs, and wellness rooms for physical comfort.
Incorporate greenery, natural light, and calming aesthetics into office design.

4. Promote Work-Life Balance

Enforce reasonable work hours and discourage after-hours emails.
Offer paid mental health days in addition to traditional PTO.
Educate managers on recognizing burnout and encouraging time off when needed.

5. Provide Stress-Reduction Programs

Host mindfulness, yoga, or breathwork sessions—either in-office or virtually.
Offer on-site or subsidized massage therapy and wellness coaching.
Implement structured breaks and encourage employees to step away from their desks.

6. Support Financial Wellness

Offer financial literacy programs, retirement planning, and student loan assistance.
Provide financial counseling services to reduce stress related to money concerns.
Consider wellness stipends that employees can use for gym memberships, wellness apps, or mental health services.

7. Improve Communication and Psychological Safety

Foster a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing stress and workload challenges.
Train managers to support employees with empathy and active listening.
Provide regular check-ins and feedback sessions to assess employee well-being.

8. Recognize and Reward Employees

Show appreciation through bonuses, extra time off, or wellness incentives.
Implement peer recognition programs to boost morale.
Celebrate small and large wins to foster a positive workplace culture.

9. Offer Personalized Wellness Resources

Use surveys and pulse checks to tailor wellness programs to employee needs.
Provide a mix of digital and in-person resources to cater to different preferences.
Partner with wellness platforms that offer customized health and stress management solutions.

Final Thoughts

Employee stress isn't just an individual issue—it's a business issue. Companies that invest in holistic wellbeing strategies not only support their teams but also create a more engaged, productive, and resilient workforce. By prioritizing mental health, work-life balance, and workplace wellness, employers can make 2025 a year of less stress and greater wellbeing for all.

Email Kristine at kkeykal@advantagehealth.com to get started or call 612.823.4470 (select option “1”).

Let Kristine Keykal, M.P.H, co-founder of AdvantageHealth with over 25 years of experience, consult with you on your employee wellness program.

Since 2001, Minnesota-based AdvantageHealth has been delivering award-winning employee wellbeing programs and fitness center design & management throughout the U.S.