Nearly 75% of Americans experience digestive distress, hurting productivity and morale

If you suffer from a gastrointestinal (GI) condition and it affects your work – you’re likely not alone. A new study by Cylinder, an employee benefit provider for GI care found that nearly three-quarters of Americans experience GI issues at least three times a month, and nearly one-third of Americans have been diagnosed with a GI condition. 

Not surprisingly, the study found that GI conditions can seriously impact employees’ productivity and morale at work. Nearly 60% of employees surveyed said they have missed work, left early or arrived late due to GI issues. Additionally, 72% said they are less productive at work when experiencing GI issues.

The stigma associated with digestive issues can make it harder for workers to feel supported by their managers. According to the study, 60% of workers said that if they needed to take time off from work due to GI symptoms, they wouldn’t be truthful with their manager about the symptoms. Three-quarters of the respondents said they would feel more comfortable asking for time off from work if they were experiencing flu symptoms rather than GI symptoms. 

Women often feel they struggle more with facing this stigma than men. The study found that 73% of women said they wouldn’t feel comfortable discussing GI issues with their manager at work, compared to only 60% of men who said the same. 

Whether male or female, the majority of workers feel the need to put on a brave face. Seventy-four percent of respondents said they felt it was necessary to work through their GI issues instead of taking the day off when symptoms arise. 

Employees are not getting the assistance they need when it comes to GI-related health concerns. The study found that 47% of workers don’t have adequate time to address their GI issues properly and 67% wish their employer offered benefits and resources to help them manage their symptoms. 

Related: GI issues & billing problems: Here’s how they show up in claims

“Millions of workers across the country struggle with debilitating GI issues that inference with their work and overall quality of life. But due to the social stigma around gut health, employers often don’t know that their employees are struggling until they look at the company’s medical claims,” said Bill Snyder, CEO of Cylinder. “With improved access to gastrointestinal care, support, and resources, the frustration we’re seeing reflected in this survey can be prevented and employees can lead happier and healthier lives, gut-first.”