#United States #Aflac #Columbus #workplace burnout #employee stress

American Workplace Burnout Reaches Six-Year High

According to the 15th annual Aflac WorkForces Report, recently released, burnout among American workers has escalated dramatically, reaching a peak that hasn't been witnessed in six years. This report, a comprehensive study conducted by Aflac Incorporated, a frontrunner in supplemental health insurance in the U.S., sheds light on the evolving landscape of workplace stress and well-being.

Escalating Stress Levels

The report reveals that approximately 72% of U.S. employees are currently experiencing moderate to high stress levels at work. Compounding this issue, the data indicates that Gen Z has overtaken millennials in terms of burnout, with a staggering 74% reporting at least moderate levels of stress compared to 66% of millennials in 2025. This shift emphasizes that younger generations are bearing a heavier workload and emotional toll.

Moreover, the sense of support from employers appears to be diminishing. The survey indicates only 48% of workers feel their employers truly care about their mental health, a notable decrease from 54% in the previous year. Heavy workloads remain the primary source of this stress, with 35% of respondents indicating that their job demands are overwhelming. Beyond workplace pressures, employees are also laden with external difficulties such as financial concerns and familial obligations, exacerbating their overall stress.

Financial Strain on Workers

The Aflac report also highlights an alarming trend regarding employees' financial security. Over 44% of workers, including 54% of Black employees and 51% of Gen Z individuals, admitted they couldn't afford an unexpected out-of-pocket expense of $1,000 due to a health issue. As healthcare costs continue to rise, many employees face what has been termed “medanxiety,” a rising anxiety about medical costs not covered by insurance. This anxiety peaks among Gen Z, where 61% report feeling stressed about healthcare costs.

Additionally, nearly half of all employees (45%) have refrained from seeking medical care, unable to afford the costs, while 40% are uncertain if their insurance would cover any necessary treatments. These financial concerns are directly affecting employees' confidence in their health coverage during serious health events, with only 58% feeling secure compared to 64% in 2024.

Gap in Employee Benefits Understanding

Interestingly, the discrepancy between employees and employers regarding awareness of healthcare costs is startling. While nearly 72% of employers believe their workers understand their healthcare costs, only 54% of employees agree with this statement. Furthermore, just 42% of employees are confident in their understanding of their health insurance policies—a drop from 49% in the previous year.

The need for better communication and information distribution concerning employee benefits is evident, as 69% of employees wish they received more details about their benefits package. This gap in understanding could hinder employees’ ability to navigate their choices effectively and maximize their healthcare benefits.

The Need for Supplemental Insurance

The report underscores the growing necessity for supplemental benefits as a means to provide financial stability and peace of mind for workers. About 90% of respondents view the requirement for supplemental insurance as increasing. Notably, U.S. Hispanics (94%) and Black employees (93%) are among those who recognize this growing need. Despite this, only a third of employers (34%) offer supplemental insurance options, which indicates a significant opportunity for companies to enhance their benefits offerings.

“Supplemental insurance is essential for alleviating financial burdens and can lead to improved employee satisfaction and retention,” emphasizes Aflac Chief Strategy Officer Matthew Owenby. This indicates that addressing financial stress could be crucial for increasing workplace productivity.

Cultivating a Sense of Belonging

Another critical aspect explored in the report is the importance of fostering a culture of belonging within the workplace. Employees who feel a genuine sense of belonging report significantly lower stress (30% as opposed to 56% among those who do not feel they belong) and decreased burnout (55% vs. 78%). This correlation suggests that promoting inclusivity and purpose among employees could be a powerful strategy for improving workplace well-being.

“Belonging is not just a nice-to-have; it’s a pivotal element for engagement and satisfaction in the workplace,” notes Owenby. As organizations navigate the complexities of employee well-being, fostering an engaging culture grounded in connection may be the key to unlocking greater productivity.

The insights gleaned from the 2025-2026 Aflac WorkForces Report emphasize how crucial comprehensive benefits are for workers' overall satisfaction and resilience. To read more about these trends and additional findings, visit Aflac.com/AWR.