08/01/2025
The professional landscape in 2025 is set to be defined by a number of growing trends relating to wellbeing, with workplace culture, employee wellbeing and flexible work arrangements being a key focus.
The team at Instant Offices has analysed google search data from the last three months to predict the trends likely to shape workplaces and share how businesses can adapt to ensure a successful 2025.
Rising Interest in Workplace Wellbeing
Recent search data highlights the growing focus on wellbeing and workplace issues. Search terms such as ‘sexual harassment’ have risen 131% in the last three months, suggesting an urgent need for improved workplace culture.
Alongside this, search demand for ‘annual leave meaning’ is up 40% and ‘work burnout’ up 24%. Coupled together, these two rising trends highlight a significant workplace challenge. Employees are burnt out and struggle with work life balance. This signifies that more needs to be done to prevent burnout, for example, taking regular annual leave and fostering a healthier work-life balance.
Similarly, there’s been a 30% surge in searches for ‘remote work’ over the last quarter, with employees actively interested in the idea of remote work. This comes in line with mass returns to the office towards the end of 2025.
Addressing Workplace Culture
One of the most pressing challenges for 2025 is combating negative workplace culture. In October of 2024 the UK government made an amendment to the 2010 Equality Act, emphasising employer responsibility in preventing sexual harassment. This amendment emphasises the crucial role of proactive measures in fostering a safe and supportive work environment.
Strategies for improving workplace culture include:
As employers recognise the costs of neglecting culture, investing in these strategies will not only prevent toxic environments but also enhance employee retention and productivity.
Prioritising Mental Health and Preventing Burnout
Burnout remains a key concern. In 2025, companies should increasingly focus on prioritising mental health initiatives and encouraging employees to utilise their annual leave allowance.
Helen Godliman, head of HR operations at The Instant Group comments: “Annual leave is essential for maintaining long-term productivity and well-being. In flexible workspaces, we see how a well-rested individual, who has the freedom to step away and recharge, returns more focused, creative, and engaged.”
“Taking time off isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. In flexible work environments, we understand the value of annual leave in preventing burnout and promoting sustained performance. A balanced approach to work and rest is key to long-term success.”
To help prioritise mental heatlh and reduce burnout, companies should:
By providing resources such as counselling, mental health days, and training for managers to recognise burnout symptoms, organisations can foster resilience and wellbeing among their teams.
The Evolution of Remote Work
Whilst the end of 2024 saw a mass return to office mandates, remote and hybrid work are still seen as desirable by a number of employees.
Lucinda Pullinger, Managing Director at The Instant Group said “The rise of remote work has shown that flexibility isn’t just a perk—it’s an expectation. Flexible workspaces contribute to a right-sized, agile infrastructure and the tools to support teams, helping them stay connected, engaged, and productive no matter where they are.”
Benefits of remote work include:
To optimise remote work, organisations should:
As the workplace evolves, 2025 is set to be a year of transformation where empathy, inclusivity, and flexibility redefine professional norms. Organisations that embrace these trends will not only thrive but also foster environments where employees can truly succeed.
Original Article: HRNews
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