Today's workforce continues to face a slew of personal and professional challenges. With a new year underway, it's important to reflect on what's most important – our people. Rising inflation, market volatility and continued burnout are just some of the issues plaguing employees today. Nearly two-thirds of employees say they are stressed all or most of the time at work and Willis Towers Watson found that employers' biggest well-being challenges are rising stress and burnout, and higher mental health-related claims. Stress can lead not only to lower workplace productivity and engagement but also adverse health effects, increased missed workdays, and higher health care costs.

Amid this workplace environment, 78% of employees are prioritizing work/life balance, 38% are seeking greater mission and purpose, and 25% want to take a break from work, according to the BrightPlan 2022 Wellness Barometer Survey. There's also a new generation of workers demanding change: millennials and Gen Z, who now make up 76% of the workforce. This younger generation of employees is looking for mission-driven work, increased flexibility, digital-led solutions, and career development support.

Related: How to support employee financial wellbeing and get their attention during times of stress

These workforce priorities are ushering in a new era of employee wellness. Companies need to meet employees and their families where they are and support them holistically—both in work and life. Doing so will have a consequential impact on employees' lives and will be a key enabler to business success in 2023.