A Strong Finish, a Balanced Start to 2026
A Strong Finish, a Balanced Start to 2026
By Marianna Aristizabal
As 2025 winds down, many organizations are reflecting on the year, what went well, what didn’t, and what’s ahead. For those specifically in health communications, this is the perfect moment to highlight how wellness, both personal and organizational, ties into goals for the upcoming New Year. Just as people set resolutions to improve their health, organizations can use internal communications to inspire employees to reflect, recharge, and focus on what matters most.
Celebrate Specific Wins
Year-end health communications are more than just a recap or a “thanks for your hard work” message. They’re an opportunity to reinforce why employees’ contributions matter, recognize challenges overcome, and promote a culture of well-being as we enter 2026. Celebrating wins, whether it’s launching a successful wellness initiative, improving team collaboration, or hitting organizational health goals, creates pride and fosters a sense of belonging. These human, health-focused moments help employees see themselves as part of a bigger purpose beyond daily tasks.
Reinforce Employee Commitment
At the same time, year-end communications are a chance to connect employees to the organization’s vision for 2026, especially around health and wellness priorities. Sharing leadership’s commitment to employee well-being, new wellness programs, or resources for work-life balance helps reduce uncertainty and motivates staff to start the new year with confidence and purpose. Done well, these messages can turn routine updates into meaningful conversations that inspire engagement and action.
Invite Feedback
Listening is just as important as sharing. Internal health communications should encourage feedback, asking employees what wellness initiatives worked, what could improve, and how they want to engage with upcoming programs. Even small gestures, like surveys, wellness check-ins, or open Q&A sessions, can make a big difference in how messages are received and how connected employees feel to the organization.
As we move into 2026, internal communications in health should be thoughtful, human, and consistent. They serve as a bridge between leadership and employees, a way to rally teams around shared wellness goals, and an opportunity to celebrate both people and purpose. Just as New Year’s resolutions inspire individuals to prioritize health, clear and meaningful internal communications can energize employees, build alignment, and set the stage for a healthier, more engaged, and successful year ahead.
