Take a closer look at some of the workplace challenges facing organizations and you'll find a common thread: the need to address employee health and wellness. Employees who lack work-life boundaries, flexible work options and a psychologically safe work environment can experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, burnout and quiet quitting. The impact of feeling unmotivated and unsupported can be seen in lower productivity, performance, engagement and retention — all of which affect the bottom line.

The state of employee health & wellness

From financial to emotional and physical wellness, some recent statistics amplify why it's important for organizations to make employee health and wellness a priority:

• 59% of U.S. employees are experiencing burnout, up from 52% in 2021 Aflac WorkForces Report
• 28% of U.S. workers surveyed have quit a job because of their mental health JobSage survey
• 49% of employees surveyed are prioritizing family/personal life; 47% are prioritizing their mental health Traliant survey
• 34% of employees with financial stress/money worries say it negatively affects their mental health and sleep (33%) PwC employee financial wellness survey

On the positive side, organizations that support and promote health and wellness can see a ROI. In looking at mental health initiatives, Deloitte research found that early interventions can lead to an ROI of $5.60 on every $1 spent. Further, programs that support already distressed workers offer an estimated ROI of $3.40 for every $1 spent.

Beyond ROI, there are many other advantages to implementing a health and wellness initiative, whether you start with small steps or dive in with a comprehensive program. Whatever path you choose, take a multi-dimensional approach that encompasses different aspects, including emotional, physical, social, financial, intellectual, occupational, environmental and spiritual wellness.