Stephen Sokoler, founder & CEO of Journey.
As we welcome 2025, the challenges and pressures of the past year are fresh in our minds—from a politically charged election cycle to the natural stressors of the holiday season. This new year offers a powerful opportunity for employers to rethink their approach to mental health, moving beyond reactive clinical support to more proactive, preventive strategies. I believe that providing employees with mental health awareness and preventive resources isn’t just a “nice to have,” but rather an essential element for creating a resilient, engaged workforce ready to thrive in both challenges and opportunities.
Based on my own experiences as a CEO working in employee mental health, here are some impactful, proactive steps that can help your organization create a supportive environment where employees can flourish, stay engaged and feel valued in the workplace.
1. Encourage daily mindfulness to reduce stress.
Mindfulness is a proven method for managing stress, improving focus and staying present. Encourage employees to practice mindfulness by offering guided meditation sessions, quiet rooms and/or app subscriptions to help them incorporate brief mindfulness moments into their day. Small, regular practices can help employees manage stress in real time, making them better equipped to handle challenges as they arise.
Why It Matters: In my experience, proactively supporting daily mindfulness can help prevent stress from escalating and allow employees to develop healthy coping mechanisms that reduce the need for later clinical interventions.
2. Promote regular physical activity for mental wellness.
Physical health and mental health are closely intertwined. Consider organizing company-sponsored wellness activities, like group walks, fitness challenges or even in-office yoga classes. If remote, offer digital fitness programs or subsidized gym memberships to make it easier for employees to prioritize movement.
Why It Matters: Physical activity can improve mood and help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression before they become chronic. Encouraging regular exercise can also be a great way to signal your commitment to taking a proactive approach to mental well-being.
3. Set the tone with healthy boundaries.
Burnout is often fueled by a lack of boundaries between work and personal life. Model healthy boundaries by setting expectations for email response times, limiting after-hours communications, and encouraging time off. Regularly remind employees that they’re encouraged to step away when they need a break—this can help foster a healthier, more sustainable work environment.
Why It Matters: I’ve found that establishing clear boundaries can allow employees to recharge, reducing the likelihood of burnout and stress-related health issues.
4. Foster a culture of progress over perfectionism.
A workplace culture that prizes perfectionism can lead to chronic stress and self-doubt. Instead, encourage self-compassion by celebrating progress, acknowledging effort and emphasizing learning from mistakes rather than dwelling on them. Lead by example by showing appreciation for employees’ efforts, even when outcomes aren’t perfect.
Why It Matters: Self-compassion can help you and your employees reduce stress and build resilience in ways that go beyond short-term clinical care, fostering a culture of sustained well-being.
5. Support quality sleep practices.
Quality sleep is foundational for mental health, but workplace stress can sometimes hinder rest. Offer resources that promote good sleep hygiene, such as tips for winding down, workshops on sleep management or access to digital sleep tools. Remind employees of the importance of adequate rest, and encourage them to prioritize sleep as a critical part of their health.
Why It Matters: Proactive measures to improve sleep habits can reduce stress, increase focus and prevent burnout, helping employees maintain mental and physical health before issues arise.
6. Create spaces for social connection.
Social connection is another important part of mental health, and the workplace is a natural space to foster supportive relationships. Organize team-building events, peer support groups or mentorship programs that bring people together in meaningful ways. For remote or hybrid teams, consider virtual gatherings that allow for informal connection.
Why It Matters: Building social connections can proactively enhance employee well-being by providing them with support networks that can help prevent isolation and improve their resilience before problems escalate.
7. Encourage gratitude practices for positivity.
A simple but effective way to foster a positive mindset is by encouraging gratitude. Incorporate gratitude moments into team meetings, or offer journals for employees to document what they’re thankful for. Celebrating small wins, sharing team successes, and acknowledging individual contributions can all reinforce a culture of appreciation.
Why It Matters: Regular gratitude practice fosters positivity, reducing stress and building resilience, which can prevent mental health issues from taking hold.
8. Limit information overload with media boundaries.
In today’s digital age, employees are bombarded by news and notifications. Encourage employees to limit their media exposure by setting boundaries around news and social media during work hours. Employers can support this by promoting digital detox days or even offering app-blocking tools to reduce distractions.
Why It Matters: Managing media consumption can be a proactive way for employees to improve their focus, avoid the stress of information overload and reduce anxiety.
Conclusion
For 2025, I believe supporting mental health proactively will mean implementing daily practices that go beyond clinical intervention. By fostering mental health awareness and preventive care, employers can create an environment where well-being is sustained, stress is reduced and employees are empowered to thrive.
As we begin this new year, let’s make mental wellness a core part of the workplace experience—not just in January, but all year round. The benefits should be felt both by individual employees and the organization as a whole, creating a culture where people are supported, resilient and ready to excel in every aspect of their lives.
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