As the year winds down, many teams are racing to hit deadlines, close out projects, and prepare for the new year. The holidays can bring excitement but also stress, fatigue, and burnout.

That’s why now is the perfect time for leaders to encourage self-care, balance, and appreciation across the organization. Supporting your employees’ well-being during this busy season doesn’t just lift morale; it drives engagement and retention heading into the new year.

Each year on World Mental Health Day, we’re reminded that wellness is not one-dimensional. True well-being extends beyond just mental health; it’s about nurturing the whole person across physical, emotional, social, financial, and even occupational dimensions. For businesses, this day is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and explore ways to support employees’ well-being in meaningful and sustainable ways.

Wellness Program incentives help employees adopt and sustain healthier behaviors throughout their lives. Employee wellness programs have grown so popular over the past few years that it is almost bizarre to find a business that does not provide at least some type of wellness benefit or event for employees to participate in.