The February 2025 Monthly Digest

It feels hard to believe, but we’re not yet a full six weeks into 2025. And already, uncertainty is defining the year.

Organizations are navigating political transitions, trade tensions, regulatory shifts, economic policy questions, geopolitical risks, technological threats, and inflation concerns—all at once.

The result? Leadership teams are being pulled in multiple directions, struggling to keep up with rapid shifts while ensuring their organizations remain stable.

And it’s not just leadership feeling the weight of this uncertainty.

Employees are experiencing it, too—both within their organizations and in their personal lives. When the future feels uncertain, stress levels rise, engagement fluctuates, and the need for resilience-building resources becomes more important than ever.

It’s tough to stay ahead of every shift, but when it comes to workplace mental health, we’ve done the work to help you prepare for what’s next.

1?? Retention metrics will fall short of telling the full story.

Employee turnover may slow, but that doesn’t mean your workforce is thriving. This year, organizations must look beyond retention rates and address hidden burnout and disengagement to foster true employee well-being.

2?? AI in mental health will gain traction and expand access.

Companies will move past cautious AI pilots and begin strategic implementation—using AI to personalize care, reduce provider strain, and expand access to mental health support.

3?? Global mental health benefits will demand simplification.

HR leaders will push for scalable, culturally responsive solutions that ensure employees worldwide receive equitable care—without adding administrative complexity.

4?? Burnout prevention will shift from reactive to proactive.

Organizations will stop treating burnout like an individual problem and address the systemic factors behind it—like workload expectations, social determinants of health, and leadership support.

5?? Emotional intelligence will become a leadership requirement.

Managers won’t just be evaluated on performance metrics—they’ll be expected to actively support their teams’ mental well-being. In 2025, leadership training will focus more than ever on emotional intelligence.

6?? Proving ROI will take a backseat to optimizing impact.

Companies will move beyond justifying mental health investments and focus on maximizing their effectiveness. Expect a sharper emphasis on data-driven strategies that link well-being to business outcomes.

?? Want the full breakdown? Read the report here.

Take a moment for your own mental well-being:

?? Join a live support session: Processing Stressful World Events

With global crises shaping the workplace, it’s never been more important to help employees process stress and uncertainty. Learn how to create space for challenging emotions without feeling overwhelmed.

?? February 14 | Register here.

Connect with us at upcoming events:

?? Transform | March 17-19 in Las Vegas

?? Employee Health Care Conference | April 8-9 in NYC | May 1-2 in San Diego

?? Elevate Well-Being | May 7 Virtual Event

Quick reads for HR leaders:

For more insights on mental health and workplace well-being:

?? Thriving Workplaces: How Employers Can Improve Productivity and Change Lives

?? Therapy Alone Can't Solve the Global Mental Healthcare Crisis

?? Modern CEO Readers Weigh In With Their Top Leaders