Stress isn’t just an employee well-being issue—it’s a business problem. Chronic workplace stress leads to higher healthcare costs, increased absenteeism, lower productivity, and even higher turnover rates.
When employees deal with stress, they are more likely to feel burned out. They may also develop long-term health issues and need medical care. This can lead to more insurance claims and higher workplace costs.
A recent SHRM Employee Mental Health in 2024 report revealed alarming levels of workplace burnout. Among 1,405 U.S. employees surveyed, 44% reported feeling burned out, 45% felt emotionally drained, and 51% said they were completely exhausted by the end of their workday. These findings show how important employers are in supporting employee well-being. They also stress the need for active stress management and mental health programs at work.
The good news? Employers have the power to reduce workplace stress, prevent costly health issues, and build a more resilient workforce—all while lowering healthcare costs.
Let’s break down the true cost of workplace stress and how FitOn Health’s holistic wellness solution can help employers tackle the problem at its root.
Related: 6 Tips to Prevent Employee Stress at Work
How Workplace Stress Increases Healthcare Costs
Workplace stress affects more than just employees' mental health. It also impacts healthcare costs, productivity, and company culture. Here’s what the data shows:
- More Healthcare Claims - Employees experiencing chronic stress are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes—all of which increase medical costs.
- Higher Absenteeism and Sick Days - Employees with poor mental health are four times more likely to miss work. This leads to lost productivity and more work for other team members.
- Presenteeism and Productivity Loss - Employees struggling with stress and burnout often show up to work but operate at reduced capacity, leading to hidden productivity losses that are difficult to measure but costly over time.
- Mental Health Costs Are Rising - More than half of employees say work stress negatively impacts their mental health, contributing to increased therapy, medication, and medical visits—driving up employer-sponsored healthcare costs.
For employers, the message is clear. Investing in proactive stress management isn’t just about employee well-being. It’s a smart financial decision.
Related: How Managers Can Support Workplace Stress
A Shift From Reactive to Preventive Employee Wellness
Most companies approach employee healthcare reactively, covering the cost of medical claims once health issues arise. But the key to lowering healthcare expenses is prevention—creating a workplace that actively reduces stress, promotes well-being, and helps employees stay healthier for the long run. So, how can companies act to prevent workplace stress and support employee well-being? Here are some key strategies to consider:
1. Make stress-relieving movement part of the workday
Regular exercise lowers cortisol levels, which is the stress hormone. It also boosts mood and helps prevent stress-related issues like heart disease and obesity.
How FitOn Health Helps
- On-demand and in-person stress-reducing workouts like yoga, walking challenges, and quick movement breaks.
- Customized corporate wellness programs that integrate fitness into employees’ daily routines.
- Inclusive movement options for all fitness levels, making stress relief accessible to everyone.
2. Give employees mental health support that works
Work related stress can quickly escalate into anxiety, burnout, and depression if left unchecked. Researchers have proven that mindfulness-based interventions lower feeling overwhelmed, boost focus, and reduce absenteeism.
How FitOn Health Helps
- Guided mindfulness and meditation sessions employees can access anytime.
- Breathing exercises and stress relief techniques to prevent burnout before it starts.
- Mental wellness tools that foster resilience and emotional well-being.
Related: The Ultimate Guide To Preventing Employee Burnout
3. Improve nutrition for better stress management
Stresses at work can lead to poor nutrition, weight gain, and increased risk of chronic conditions like diabetes—driving up healthcare claims. Proper nutrition, on the other hand, helps regulate stress hormones and boosts energy levels.
How FitOn Health Helps
- Easy-to-follow nutrition plans focused on stress-reducing foods.
- Healthy meal prep guides and snack swaps to help employees make better food choices.
- A holistic approach to nutrition and fitness that supports long-term health.
5. Create a workplace culture that reduces stress
A toxic or high-pressure work environment creates chronic stress, increasing the likelihood of burnout and turnover. Employers must proactively foster a supportive culture that prioritizes well-being.
How FitOn Health Helps
- Corporate wellness challenges keep employees engaged and motivated.
- Work-life balance initiatives like flexible work options and movement breaks.
- A holistic approach to health combining fitness, nutrition, mindfulness, and community support.
What Employers Gain From Reducing Workplace Stress
Companies that proactively address workplace stress don’t just see happier employees—they experience real business benefits.
- Lower healthcare costs by reducing claims for stress-related conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Higher productivity as employees manage stress more effectively and stay engaged.
- Stronger employee retention with well-being initiatives that improve job satisfaction.
- Better workplace morale leading to a more motivated, energized workforce.
Related: The Holistic Approach to Employee Stress
April’s Stress Awareness Month is the perfect time for employers to rethink their approach to workplace wellness. Instead of waiting for stress to take a toll, companies can invest in solutions that reduce stress, improve well-being, and lower healthcare costs.
FitOn Health provides personalized wellness programs that integrate fitness, mindfulness, and nutrition to help employees reduce stress, stay healthy, and perform at their best.
Contact us today to learn how we can build a stress-free workplace together.
