
No-Phone Zones and Active Spaces: Combating Digital Fatigue in the world of AI
What shapes workplace wellness in 2025
As the workplace evolves, employee wellbeing has emerged as a critical priority in 2025. Companies are embracing innovative tools and strategies to build healthier, more resilient teams. From leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data-driven wellbeing tools to combating digital fatigue, here are the top trends shaping workplace wellbeing. Actionable insights could be useful for EAs and PAs on how to build strategies around these trends and start implementing them.
Let’s see the key wellbeing trends shaping our workplaces in 2025:
1. AI - Unmissable Wellbeing Tools for Work
I recently came across Breathhh – nicknamed as the "Workplace Wellbeing Companion". Breathhh is a Chrome extension that monitors your patterns of interaction with your browser and suggests mental health exercises at appropriate moments to help relieve stress and stay active.
I’m genuinely a fan of tech and AI – at the same time I believe that positive human to human interactions will always have a much bigger impact on our overall wellbeing. Tools can remind us to take regular breaks, but if we don’t have psychological safety at the workplace and don’t feel we can speak up about issues to our managers – we won’t go far with AI tools.
No question, AI has transformed the way organizations approach employee wellbeing. AI-powered platforms can offer personalized support, from detecting burnout risks to providing mental health resources and fitness plans – which bring an undisputable added value.
Key Strategies:
Educate Your Teams: Start educating the workforce on AI to avoid anxiety and fear amongst employees. Invite AI Experts to explain benefits of using AI tools at work.
Conduct Frequent Surveys: Gather anonymous employee feedback to analyse metrics such as engagement, stress levels and to track satisfaction to pinpoint areas for improvement.
Adopt Personalized AI Tools: Leverage apps that deliver tailored wellness recommendations based on employee data.
2. Mental Health - The Rising Need for Trained Leaders
Mental health is now a cornerstone of workplace wellness. In 2025, UK companies are taking proactive measures, including on-demand counselling services, formal mental health days, and targeted manager training to address mental health challenges early. The economic benefits of these initiatives are significant. According to a Deloitte study, for every £1 invested in mental health interventions, businesses see a £4 return through reduced absenteeism, presenteeism, and turnover.
Companies must take “Mental Health at Work” to the next level in 2025. The era of fruit baskets and cycle to work schemes is over. Team Leaders and Managers must be trained on wellbeing and mental health to be able support their teams effectively.
Key Strategies:
Invest in Leadership Training: Equip managers with mental health first aid training and emotional intelligence skills.
Develop Mental Health Ambassadors: Establish dedicated advocates – Mental Health Champions - within teams to promote mental health awareness.
Encourage Open Dialogue: Foster a culture where employees feel safe discussing their mental health without fear of judgment.
3. Flexible Working: Combating Digital Fatigue has never been harder
Flexible working has transitioned from a pandemic necessity to a cornerstone of modern workplace culture. Employees value autonomy, and organizations are adapting to meet this demand. With remote and hybrid work on the rise, digital fatigue is a growing concern. Companies are proactively creating environments and policies to help employees disconnect and recharge.
Key Strategies:
Implement Dynamic Work Policies: Normalise options for hybrid, remote, or flexible schedules tailored to individual needs.
Establish No-Phone Zones: Create spaces in the office where employees can relax without digital distractions.
Promote Digital Detox Hours and Days: Encourage periodic breaks from technology to reset and recharge. When it comes to a team get-away, choose a fun outdoor wellbeing activity.
The workplace in 2025 is defined by adaptability and innovation. By implementing AI tools, educating the workforce on it, prioritizing mental health training for leadership, embracing flexible working, and addressing digital fatigue, organizations can create a culture of wellbeing. Investing in these trends not only benefits employees, it also means long-term organizational success.
Author
Mesi Balog

Mesi Balog, Workplace Wellness Consultant & Founder of Treat Your Staff