The term “employee well-being” has found itself in the spotlight, becoming one of the most discussed topics in recent years — particularly since the pandemic. With over 1.3 billion Google search results, it is evident that both employees and employers are deeply engaged in understanding and improving workplace health. This explosion of interest marks a societal shift in recognizing the vital role well-being plays in fostering employee satisfaction, organizational resilience, and long-term success.

As I delve into the reasons behind the meteoric rise of well-being as a priority, I aim to uncover some of the key factors that have driven this profound shift in workplace priorities. After analyzing trends, data, and societal changes, here are the key factors that stand out:

1. The Pandemic’s Impact: Although COVID-19 is no longer the dominant global topic, its impact is still deeply felt in every aspect of our lives. The pandemic fundamentally altered the way people view health and work-life balance. The pandemic’s aftermath also exacerbated mental health challenges. Gallup’s 2024 Global Emotions Report revealed that 44% of adults worldwide have experienced significant stress since the pandemic, marking one of the highest levels recorded in recent years. This data highlights the pressing need for organizations and governments to prioritize mental health initiatives and focus on employee well-being.
2. Generational Expectations and Workforce Transformation: Generational shifts in attitudes toward work have also propelled well-being to the forefront of workplace conversations. Millennials and Gen Z, who now form the majority of the global workforce, place a high value on holistic well-being. Deloitte’s 2024 Global Millennial Survey found that 61% of Millennials and 65% of Gen Z respondents would leave their jobs for one with better well-being benefits. This generational preference reshapes workplace policies, pushing employers to invest in mental health programs, flexible work arrangements, and wellness incentives. Companies that fail to adapt risk not only losing talent but also falling behind in productivity and innovation.
3. The Business Case for Well-Being: Organizations are increasingly recognizing the tangible benefits of investing in employee well-being and the ripple effect that this can have on workplace productivity. According to a 2025 report by the World Economic Forum, companies with robust well-being programs reported a 25% increase in employee retention and a 15% rise in productivity compared to those without such initiatives. Furthermore, the same report estimated that poor mental health costs the global economy $1 trillion in lost productivity each year, emphasizing the financial necessity for action. World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 indicates that 64% of employers have flagged supporting employee health and well-being as a key strategy for talent attraction and retention, underscoring the strategic importance of well-being initiatives in the modern workplace.
4. Burnout Culture: In the last few years, there has been a growing prevalence of burnout culture, with many employees experiencing chronic stress and exhaustion due to high workplace demands. This trend, exacerbated by the global pandemic, has sounded alarm bells for employers. According to a Deloitte study, 77% of professionals reported experiencing burnout at their current job. This alarming figure underscores the need for well-being programs to combat workplace fatigue and foster long-term sustainability and employee retention.
5. The Impact of a Fast-Changing Environment: The workplace environment has evolved significantly in the last few years due to technological advancements and societal expectations, which have heightened the need for adaptability and resilience. Research by the World Economic Forum indicates that 64% of employees believe their roles are significantly impacted by rapid technological change, increasing demand for well-being initiatives that help individuals manage stress and maintain productivity.

Looking Ahead

As January 2025 comes to an end, it’s clear that the focus on well-being is set to reach new heights, transforming workplaces and societies alike.

In the iGaming industry, creating a workplace environment that prioritizes health and welfare is no longer a “nice to have” it’s essential. Brands that fail to listen to their team members and incorporate more holistic well-being measures risk not only losing valuable team members but also jeopardizing their reputation, a critical factor in attracting new employees.

As a fast-paced, technology-driven industry, we have a responsibility to explore innovative ways to meet our employees’ needs — whether through enhanced mental health support or resources to alleviate workplace stress.

Here’s what to expect:

1. Enhanced Organizational Commitment: More companies in the iGaming industry will adopt comprehensive well-being strategies, integrating mental health support, flexible work policies, and wellness programs as core elements of their culture.
2. AI-Powered and Digital Well-being Solutions: As the wellness tech market is projected to surpass $600 billion, employees will increasingly rely on mobile apps and wearable technology to monitor and improve their physical and mental health.
3. Personalized Well-Being Programs: Companies will move towards tailoring well-being initiatives to meet the diverse needs of their workforce, ensuring inclusivity and effectiveness. Achieving this will require conducting employee surveys and feedback sessions to better understand how employers can support their teams.
4. A Shift in Leadership Priorities: There will be a greater focus from company leaders on empathetic management styles, emphasizing emotional intelligence and the importance of work-life balance.
5. Focus on Preventing Burnout: A shift towards proactive measures to prevent burnout, such as setting healthy work boundaries, promoting work-life balance, and fostering a supportive work environment. Employers will need to invest in manager training programs to recognize and address burnout while implementing policies that prioritize well-being and prevent chronic stress.

We at Growe always strive to stay aligned with current trends and integrate them into our projects. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce a new initiative for our employees, “Growe Care.” This year, our focus will center around four key pillars of well-being, with each quarter dedicated to exploring and enhancing a specific area:

• Physical Well-Being: Prioritizing physical health to unlock the energy needed for daily growth.
• Mental Well-Being: Fostering self-awareness, emotional balance, and mental health care.
• Social Well-Being: Strengthening connections, sharing experiences, and growing alongside the people who matter most.
• Financial Well-Being: Gaining confidence and empowerment through financial literacy.

The path to a well-being-focused society is still unfolding, but its direction is clear. By embracing advances in technology and workplace programs, we can create environments where individuals and organizations thrive together, fostering a future of sustainable growth and shared success.