GiftCard Partners Blog

Employee health and wellness continues to be a leading concern for employers, HR leaders, and wellness program brokers. But while physical wellness often gets the spotlight, mental health is an equally critical issue—one that directly affects productivity, morale, and retention.

​Work-related stress continues to be a significant contributor to employee mental health challenges, impacting both individuals and organizations. Recent data indicates that 83% of U.S. workers suffer from work-related stress, with 54% reporting that it affects their home life. This stress can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher healthcare costs. Notably, workplace stress has been reported to cause 120,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.

Employee mental health is a crucial issue for employers as they navigate motivating employees, recognizing achievements, and giving employees the space to find balance between their work and personal lives. Since employees tend to come to their direct managers with mental health challenges like burnout, stress, or personal issues affecting their work, front-line managers aren’t typically trained to handle these situations.  

Nurses are essential to the healthcare system. They provide important patient care and offer emotional support, often working long hours under a lot of pressure. With 4.3 million actively licensed registered nurses (RNs) in the U.S. and 3.5 million currently working, their contributions are immeasurable.

​In today's fast-paced work environment, stress has become a prevalent issue affecting employees across various industries. From mounting workloads to financial concerns and work-life balance struggles, stress can take a significant toll on employee well-being, productivity, and overall job satisfaction. Understanding its impact is crucial for organizations aiming to maintain a healthy, engaged, and high-performing workforce. By recognizing stressors and implementing proactive solutions, companies can not only improve employee morale but also drive long-term business success. Here’s a closer look at the real impact of stress on your workforce and how to address it effectively.