In recent years, many employers have recognized that employee well-being is deeply connected to workplace engagement, productivity, and overall business success. As a result, more and more employers are increasingly prioritizing their employees’ needs, paying close attention to emerging health trends like the use of drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, alongside others that are rapidly reshaping workplace dynamics.
By staying informed about the latest trends — from medical advancements to the growing adoption of wearable technology, mental health innovations, and the most effective wellness programs — you can help your employees live a healthier life while also improving your bottom line. Here’s what you need to know to stay informed and effectively support your workforce.
The Rise of Ozempic and GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Mounjaro, developed initially for diabetes and insulin care programs, have gained widespread attention for their weight loss benefits. Recent data indicates a dramatic increase in the use of these GLP-1 drugs. From 2019 to 2023, the number of patients without diabetes but with obesity and weight management issues initiating GLP-1 treatment in the U.S. surged by over 700%. As employees embrace these weight loss medications, employers may notice:
It’s important for employers to understand that Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications also come with recommended behavioral and psychological assessments and services. This not only helps to address the underlying causes that led to the need for the prescription but also helps to monitor possible side effects of the drugs. Employers can be more supportive of employees taking Ozempic by ensuring they provide more comprehensive health plan coverage including the necessary behavioral and psychological services.
Other Health Trends Employers Should Monitor
Beyond Ozempic, several additional trends are shaping employee health. Employers who stay ahead of these developments can enhance workplace wellness, improve productivity, and foster a healthier, more engaged workforce.
Trend: Employees are increasingly using wearables, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, to monitor key health metrics like sleep quality, heart rate, and daily activity. These devices provide real-time insights, allowing individuals to make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle. As wearable technology continues to advance, employers have an opportunity to integrate these tools into corporate wellness programs.
Impact: Employers can further incorporate wearable data to design targeted health interventions. Aggregated, anonymized data from wearables can help identify workforce-wide health trends, allowing companies to tailor wellness initiatives to employee needs. However, it is critical to prioritize transparency and safeguarding personal health information.
Trend: Demand for accessible mental health solutions, including AI-powered apps, virtual therapy, and mindfulness programs, continues to grow. They are becoming essential tools for employees seeking convenient and effective mental health support. These innovations provide 24/7 access to mental health resources, making it easier for employees to manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges without disrupting their work schedules.
Impact: Companies investing in mental health resources see increased employee engagement, reduced burnout, and improved productivity and work-life balance. By incorporating virtual counseling services, meditation apps, and employee assistance programs (EAPs), companies create a supportive environment that normalizes mental health discussions.
Trend: For years, the recommendations of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, about personalized nutrition, including DNA-based dietary recommendations and meal delivery services, was that determining personalized dietary interventions was too complex to resolve with genetic testing. Thanks to recent studies that support its positive impact on food absorption, metabolism, and even as markers for predicting specific health conditions, such as diabetes and celiac, this trend is becoming mainstream.
Impact: Employers can support this trend by offering subsidies for healthy meal programs or providing on-site nutritionists. Corporate cafeterias can incorporate nutrient-rich options, catering to diverse dietary needs, and meal-prep services can be included as an employee perk to support different health needs.
Trend: While hybrid and remote work arrangements offer greater flexibility, they have also contributed to unintended health consequences and risks, including reduced physical activity and increased musculoskeletal strain. Employees working from home often spend extended hours sitting, which increases the risk of posture-related issues, eye strain, and chronic pain.
Without the natural movement that comes with commuting and in-office interactions, many workers struggle to maintain regular exercise routines, which can impact long-term health.
Impact: Employers should consider ergonomic evaluations, fitness stipends, or virtual exercise programs to counteract these effects. Additionally, encouraging movement breaks, offering remote fitness challenges, or hosting virtual yoga and stretching sessions can help employees stay active throughout the workday.
Trend: Comprehensive wellness programs are evolving to include mental health resources, physical fitness initiatives, financial well-being, and access to cutting-edge health tools. Employees increasingly expect holistic wellness programs that consider all aspects of well-being, from stress management to preventive care.
Impact: By expanding wellness offerings, employers can foster a culture of well-being, boost employee satisfaction, and reduce healthcare costs through preventive care and holistic support. These programs, by integrating financial wellness coaching, biometric screenings, and stress management workshops, contribute to a more resilient workforce.
Employers face the challenge of keeping pace with emerging trends to maintain a healthy and productive workforce. Proactively addressing these developments can lead to enhanced employee well-being. Here are some actionable steps you can take:
The growing focus on health and well-being presents a unique opportunity for employers to reshape the workplace into an environment that supports both individual and organizational success. By fostering a culture that values employee health, companies can enhance engagement, attract top talent, and build resilience in an ever-changing world. And it all starts with recognizing that employee wellness isn’t just a trend — it’s a strategic investment in the future of work.
CoreHealth is uniquely equipped to help organizations navigate this shift. Our wellness platform enables employers to implement tailored wellness programs, track engagement, and support employees holistically. By working with CoreHealth, not only will you be able to stay ahead of emerging health trends, but you’ll also create a culture of well-being that benefits both employees and your bottom line.
Ready to see how? Contact one of our CoreHealth experts for a demo and see our platform in action!
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