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What major trends have we seen in 2016 workplace wellness? According to Employee Benefits News, one big trend includes a shift to mental stability.

EBN writes: “In an attempt to break the stereotypes and stigmas around mental health, many wellness consultants are making a push to encourage the use of mental and social assistance programs like EAPs, in the workplace.”

Said Emily Noll, national director of wellness solutions at CBIZ: “CEOs and CFOs are paying attention to the data on the benefits of meditation practice, yoga and other techniques that yield better focus, more creativity and make their employees better equipped to solve problems and avoid workplace conflict. One HR director told me that when she boarded the train to head home in the evenings she would doze off, but after participating in a weekly at-work mindfulness program, she felt more energized during her work day and was alert even on her commute home.”

But addressing mental wellness goes beyond the individual employee. It's also a question of addressing overall company culture.

The Los Angeles Times reports that “Research supports the idea that healthy, happy employees make better workers. A Gallup poll indicated that employees with high engagement and well-being (versus those with just high engagement) missed 70% fewer workdays over a year, were 27% more likely to report “excellent” performances in their jobs and were 59% less likely to look for a job with a different organization within 12 months.”

EBN adds that “On top of an increased awareness of mental and emotional need… there will be more attention on corporate culture, with companies focusing on creating an environment where employees want to be at work.”

Indeed, the LA Times adds: “The Energy Project, a N.Y.-based consulting firm that works with organizations to improve employee wellness, collaborated with the Harvard Business Review on a survey of nearly 20,000 employees across various industries to determine factors that influence workplace quality of life. They found that employees were more satisfied and productive when four core needs were met: physical (exercise, nutrition, sleep and intermittent rest), emotional (positive mood), mental (ability to focus) and spiritual (meaningful work).”