We're starting to see companies use all the well-being data they're capturing via this technology to more readily design experiences for employees that match their preferences and needs. What does this look like? Typically, recommended well-being content, specific program offerings, and fine-tuned offerings based on employee interest top the list.

All this focus on personalization will help increase well-being program effectiveness and adoption rates and support awareness and communications issues currently at hand. One of the main barriers to adoption for employer well-being programs today is simply a lack of knowledge that such a program exists.

Looking ahead, I don't see technology replacing the live, human element of workplace well-being (think classes and health coaching). Rather, it will enable connections that weren't otherwise possible (like linking colleagues with similar health goals and interests around the globe to build camaraderie and support one another's progress).

2 Tackling workplace stress

Over the past few years, we've heard quite a bit about the compounding effects of stress on today's employees—and their employers. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called stress the health epidemic of the 21st century. One recent study found that work-related stress costs U.S. businesses $30 billion a year in lost workdays (some estimate it at closer to $300 billion).

In response, many companies are turning to meditation and mindfulness for help. And they're finding mindfulness can boost creativity and sharpen focus—two things that employers are eager to retain in the “always-on” age.

Others are looking more closely at on-site fitness centers, which can facilitate everything from creative fitness classes (like hula hooping, ballet barre and Kangoo jumps) to five-minute energy breaks that can keep employees refreshed and less stressed throughout the day.

3 Napping in the workplace?

Once considered laughable, workplace napping is now a concept many employers are embracing as a way to give employees a break and boost productivity during the workday.

Sleep deprivation is a serious issue. One RAND study estimates sleep deprivation costs U.S. employers roughly $411 billion annually. As a result, employers are taking notice and looking for more and bettercreative ways to support their employees.

In the year ahead, I think we'll see more employers tackling sleep deprivation head-on through sleep awareness and education programs, as well as incentive programs that track employees' sleep and provide points towards rewards for achieving set sleep goals. And yes, we'll see those nap rooms pop up more often, too!

4 Vending machines make a comeback

Another on-site well-being offering that I see resurging this year? Vending machines. But we're not talking about your father's vending machines. The vending machines of 2018 will include healthy options.

We're also seeing this in the consumer space, with CVS experimenting with machines that are filled with vitamins and healthy snacks. Expect to see vending machines pop up in an office near you soon (if they haven't already).

5 The standing desk boom

2018 will be the year standing desks really make inroads in corporate well-being programs. Given the lifestyle of today's average office worker—sitting all day with minimal breaks—sitting has been labeled a worse health hazard than smoking. As a result, employers are looking to help employees get a little more movement into their day.

Research from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has called the standing desk the fastest-growing employee benefit in the U.S. An added bonus for employers? These offerings are easy to implement and are exactly the types of perks that younger, health-minded workers are looking for when they walk through an office during the interview process.