New research from The Hartford found that workers report declines in their mental health (42%), social well-being (41%), financial security (32%) and physical health (29%). This burnout rate and declining health are manifesting in the way many U.S. workers feel about their jobs. Most respondents (63%) said their overall health and wellness affect their productivity at work. Thirty percent noted they're less engaged with their work, and 25% said they have trouble concentrating or focusing.

The top five reasons for delaying care are:

• Fear of contracting COVID-19 (47%);
• Difficulty getting an appointment (29%);
• The need to cancel appointments due to COVID-19 restrictions/requirements (25%);
• Fear of other illnesses (24%); and
• Not a current priority (21%).

To better engage with workers and promote their overall wellness, Seidner recommends that employers:

• Offer benefits and resources that address the overall well-being of their workforce, encompassing physical health, mental health and financial resilience;
• Communicate more often to employees to remind them of the benefits and services that are available;
• Lead by example by making their own appointments a priority; and
• Offer the flexibility employees need to make their appointments a priority.

"Employers play a key role in helping to remove some of the barriers to health care, which is important in helping people live active and productive lives," Seidner said. "I encourage employers to continue to offer the flexibility needed to ensure their employees can take key steps to improve their mental and physical health — and avoid the dangers of delayed care."

Read more: 

• Nearly half of Americans have delayed medical care due to COVID-19
• 13 million Americans skip prescription drugs due to cost
• How employers can help employees overcome barriers to improving health