IBI's 2025 Research Priorities

As we begin 2025, the challenges of supporting employee health and productivity remain as pressing as ever. Employers face an expanding list of priorities, from managing chronic conditions and addressing mental health needs to navigating complex leave policies and high-cost treatments. At the same time, organizations are tasked with finding innovative ways to balance workforce support with measurable business outcomes. To guide our 2025 Research Agenda, IBI solicited input from over 1,600 members to identify the most critical areas of focus. This agenda reflects those priorities and provides a roadmap for actionable research that empowers employers to meet these challenges head-on.

Topics for Q1 & Q2 of 2025 include:

Disability and Absence Management

The administration of leave and absence programs remains a priority as employers work to balance compliance, productivity, and employee support. IBI will examine strategies for simplifying leave administration and ensuring effective coordination across various types of leave. Return-to-work practices will also be an area of focus, with research aiming to identify methods that support employee transitions back to work while minimizing disruptions. Employers are also interested in better understanding the relationship between absenteeism, productivity, and broader wellness initiatives. General benchmarking and examples from leading organizations will provide valuable context for improving these programs.

Chronic Disease Management

Managing chronic conditions remains essential for improving workforce health and controlling costs. IBI will focus on understanding how employers can increase participation in programs and improve the management of chronic conditions. This includes exploring strategies to address barriers such as access and affordability, integrating these efforts into broader wellness initiatives, and evaluating the impact on employee health and productivity. Employers will also benefit from insights into managing costs for high-priced therapies.

Mental Health and Holistic Well-Being

Mental health continues to be an important focus for employers as they seek ways to address burnout, foster supportive work environments, and improve engagement. IBI’s work in this area will examine strategies for integrating mental health into broader well-being efforts and the potential impact on workforce outcomes. Employers are increasingly interested in addressing challenges such as untreated mental health conditions, improving access to resources, and reducing stigma. Attention will also be given to the diverse needs of employees, including financial wellness, caregiving responsibilities, and generational preferences. Insights will help organizations consider approaches to building more inclusive and supportive cultures around mental health.

Through this research agenda, IBI aims to equip employers with strategies that align with the diverse and evolving needs of their employees. Our focus remains on supporting both workforce health and organizational success through research that bridges the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application. The Research Agenda for Q3/Q4 2025 will be released April 2025.