The office furniture industry prides itself on solving workplace problems. We’ve got collaboration down. Productivity? Sure. Flexibility? Absolutely. But the latest I Care Employee Wellness Survey is a reminder that while products matter, people matter more.

The 2025 results show an industry workforce that’s adapting, sometimes thriving, but still struggling to balance the demands of work, health and life. And nearly half of us are stressed, tired or in pain.

For years, our focus has been physical wellness including sit-to-stand desks, task chairs and ergonomic everything. But mental health is becoming an important consideration. This year, 46% of survey respondents rated their mental health as “excellent” or “very good,” a slight dip from last year. Another 39% said “good.” That leaves 14% in the “fair” or “poor” category. Not terrible, but not great either.

When asked what they want to work on, the answers were telling: 46% want to reduce stress and anxiety. A third want better sleep. Others want clearer priorities, better balance, or just more happiness. These aren’t abstract wish lists. They’re proof that people are working at breakneck speed and feeling it. And 41% said work contributes somewhat positively to their mental health, while 35% said somewhat negatively. Nobody said “very negative.” The workplace isn’t horrible, but it’s not always helping employees thrive, either.

Movement and diet continue to be pain points — literally. 56% rated their workplace movement as “excellent” or “good,” unchanged from last year. But here’s the trend line to watch: 65% said they want to exercise more regularly, up from 54% in 2024. People want to move. They just aren’t. Diet followed a similar story. Half of employees want to eat better or lose weight. Alcohol consumption, once a bigger concern, barely registered this year at 4%. The focus is shifting to sitting less and eating smarter.

And then there’s the statistic that should sting our industry: 43% of respondents report back or neck pain. Millennials were hit hardest, followed by Gen X, then Boomers. The irony writes itself — the very people selling ergonomic solutions are struggling with spine health themselves.

It’s not all gloom. Employees feel more clarity about their roles. Nearly 89% said they understand what’s expected of them, up from 79% last year. That’s a huge jump and a sign leaders are actually communicating. Satisfaction is also moving in the right direction. Twenty-seven percent reported being “highly satisfied” with their work, up from 23% last year. More than half — 53% — said they’re satisfied, compared to 41% a year ago. Progress is happening, even if it’s incremental.

Still, employees feel their employers are dialing back on wellness. Flexibility is still the top response when asked how companies show commitment, but it dropped to 31% from 54% last year. Support for team gatherings fell from 48% to 20%. Sharing business strategy fell from 44% to 17%. Even investments in training and workspace slipped.

It looks like the pandemic-era push for wellness, flexibility and connection is fading as companies return to “business as usual.” The problem? Employees aren’t ready to let it go.

The I Care Survey makes one thing crystal clear: Wellness is a necessity. Employees want workplaces that reduce stress, encourage movement and support mental health. They want clarity, satisfaction and connection.

For our industry, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. We build the products that encourage movement, reduce back pain and support focus. But beyond the product pitch, we need to model the culture we’re selling, one where wellness is non-negotiable.