In 2025 we’re seeing a cultural shift towards nature as a way of nurturing physical wellbeing in the UK. There is an increase in nature-focused focused holidays, with boozy breaks taking a back seat to the outdoors and physical activity.
Research has found that 56% of the world’s population live now live in cities. While social fitness and outdoor exercise are a cultural norm in many European countries, is this something that is spreading to the UK, and what does it mean for employee wellbeing?
Touching grass
The phrase ‘touch grass’ has become a sly way to suggest someone needs to get out more. But ‘touching grass’ has gained traction as a legitimate trend, instigating a change in how we live in the digital world and encouraging people to switch off from their devices, be outside and connect with nature. This has changed the way nature is being viewed further afield, with 40% of people prioritising proximity to nature when choosing a holiday, whether that be residing near forests, beaches or country parks.
More people are getting outdoors for both mental and physical health. Research on the effects of nature on adults shows that spending time in nature can reduce depressive symptoms and stress, increase quality of life and mood and improve mental health. The People and Nature survey for England found the most common reasons for visiting green spaces:
- 56% of adults visited green spaces to get fresh air
- 51% of adults visited for physical exercise
- 36% of adults visited for mental health and wellbeing
Social fitness
The health sector is seeing a cultural shift in physical health with exercise becoming more community focused. Research found that the main reason people combine socialising with exercise is to increase commitment and personal responsibility. It’s no surprise that when choosing a gym, 22% of gym members did so because their friends attend.
Clubs and classes have seen a surge in popularity, extending the social fitness trend outside of a pre-established social circle. There has been a 41% rise in demand for in-person group workouts in the past 12 months. Walking clubs have also been a big wellness trend this year, with searches for ‘local walking groups’up by 300 per cent, and forecasted to grow in 2025.
Rise in fitness for mental wellbeing
The UK is seeing a rise in physical fitness as a way to boost mental wellbeing. Activity is not only a natural source of stress release, but it also improves cognitive function, concentration and overall mood. It acts as a tool to combat the effects of low mood and anxiety, with research showing that there is a 30% reduced risk of becoming depressed.
Personal health and fitness goals are positive changes, and we are seeing people take responsibility for their health, with a report by PureGym finding that 76% of people stating that they ‘aspire to be healthy’ as a primary reason to exercise. They also found that there is a 3% increase in the number of people exercising compared to last year, with 48% of people now partaking in regular exercise.
More workplace trends for 2025
Our Wellbeing Trends 2025 report includes physical wellbeing through nature and nurture as one of the four key themes for workplace wellbeing as we enter 2025.
The report examines search trends, NHS data, consumer behaviour and Westfield Health’s wellbeing research to help businesses get a head start on the issues affecting their people now and in the new year.