A new survey from Aflac highlights a growing crisis in the modern workplace, revealing widespread employee burnout alongside increasing concern over out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. The findings arrive as workers prepare for the annual open enrollment period, a time when benefit-related stress often intensifies.
According to the survey, roughly three out of four employees reported experiencing moderate to high levels of stress at work. Notably, Gen Z workers have surpassed millennials as the most burned-out group in the workforce, signaling a shift in how stress is affecting younger employees.
Matthew Owenby, Aflac’s chief strategy officer, described the situation as a serious challenge for employers. In a statement, he said burnout has reached unprecedented levels and can negatively impact productivity, physical health, and job satisfaction. He emphasized that burnout is not solely driven by workload, but can also stem from insufficient support systems or a disconnect between employee and employer values.
Owenby encouraged organizations to address burnout by actively listening to employee concerns, expanding access to mental health resources, offering flexible work options, and regularly checking in on employee well-being. He also pointed to ongoing economic uncertainty as a contributing factor, noting a rise in “job-hugging,” where workers remain in their current roles due to fears about the job market rather than job satisfaction.
As a provider of supplemental insurance, Aflac conducts annual surveys to monitor trends related to benefits usage, workplace satisfaction, and employee health. Owenby said the company continues to see gaps in how benefits are communicated and tailored to employee needs, particularly during open enrollment.
He noted that misalignment between offered benefits and employee understanding can reduce the perceived value of otherwise strong benefits packages.
The survey also revealed declining confidence among employees regarding employer support for mental health. Heavy workloads remain the primary source of stress, while financial concerns are adding to the pressure. More than half of respondents said they are worried about medical costs not covered by insurance, and nearly half admitted to postponing medical care due to expense concerns.
Confidence in health coverage has also fallen. Only 58% of employees said they feel secure in their insurance coverage if faced with a serious illness, down from 64% the year before. Additionally, fewer than half of respondents reported feeling confident that they fully understand their health insurance plans. About 70% expressed a desire for clearer and more detailed information about available benefits.
Owenby said the survey identified several interconnected trends tied to financial insecurity, burnout, and employee retention. He stressed that cultivating a sense of belonging within organizations can improve engagement and reduce stress-related turnover.
Aflac also shared data highlighting the financial impact of employee turnover. Replacing and training a new employee can cost up to half of that worker’s annual salary. In a company with 100 employees, if 37% leave within a year, turnover-related expenses could exceed $1 million.
Owenby warned that rising medical costs and persistent anxiety may ultimately lead to lower productivity and higher attrition. He advised managers to engage in honest conversations with their teams and foster inclusive environments where employees feel valued and supported. Such efforts, he said, are critical to addressing the challenges revealed by the survey and improving overall workplace health.
Team Health Accessible
Health & Wellness Editorial Team
HealthAccessible editorial team delivers trusted, accessible, and evidence-based health information for everyone.
