120 Employee Wellness Statistics For 2023

Employee wellness is a critical issue for businesses of all sizes in today’s competitive and demanding workplace. Employee health and satisfaction have been linked to increased productivity, better engagement, and higher profitability. Having access to the latest employee wellness statistics can help employers understand the impact of creating a healthier work environment and aid in building an employee wellness program or plan.

Employee wellness covers a wide range of topics such as physical fitness, mental health, work-life balance and so much more. This article will explore a variety of employee wellness statistics and how they can impact an organization’s success. Employee wellness has never been more important in organizations around the world; understanding these statistics is an essential first step to creating a happy and productive workforce.

15 Employee Mental Health Statistics

Employee mental health is an essential component of overall employee well-being. When employees can maintain healthy and positive mental states, they can take on their roles with confidence and enthusiasm, leading to higher productivity and job satisfaction. Employers must create an environment that encourages employees to take care of their mental health, including offering access to resources like counseling and mental health services.

Additionally, employers should promote supportive practices within their workplace such as regular check-ins with employees, flexible work hours, and a collaborative yet stress-free atmosphere. By taking these steps to cultivate an environment of mental health and well-being, employers can help their team members stay engaged and motivated to succeed.

• Sixty-two percent of the most popular solutions that employers offer to promote mental health in the workplace are employee assistance programs (EAPs), followed by digital health tools at 46%, and education at 43%. Flexible work schedules follow closely behind at 35% of companies that offer them as a new benefit. (Wellable Labs, 2022) 
• Fifty-eight percent of employees do not feel comfortable talking about their mental health at work (The Harris Poll, 2022) 
• Twenty-two percent of respondents in a study of over 45,000 people avoided getting help for mental health symptoms because they were afraid of the social stigma. (Sapien Labs, 2022) 
• Ninety-four percent of CEOs believe they are doing enough to support mental health in the workplace. However, only 67% of workers agree with this sentiment. (Headspace Health, 2022) 
• Seventy-five percent of people say that their company has not kept up its focus on mental health in the last year. (Headspace Health, 2022) 
• Only 66% of the respondents in Headspace’s survey said they felt their company provides accessible mental health services. (Headspace Health, 2022) 
• Twenty-nine percent of employees feel depressed due to the pandemic. (Gartner, 2021)  
• Thirty-five percent of the time depression inhibits one’s ability to think clearly, and 20% of the time it prevents them from physically completing work tasks. (Center for Disease Control, 2019) 
• Fifty-seven percent employees who report depression do not receive treatment for their symptoms. (Center for Disease Control, 2019) 
• Thirty-two percent of U.S. adults experience depressive symptoms, which is over three times the percentage of adults (8.5%) who experienced depressive symptoms during the early months of social distancing.  (Wellable Labs, 2022) 
• The percentage of adults in the United States facing depression symptoms increased by approximately 20% during early months of social distancing. (The Lancet, 2022) 
• A 21% increase in burnout intensity was reported between December 2020 and July 2021, accompanied by a 17% growth in those experiencing physical symptoms of stress. (meQuilibrium, 2022)  
• Employees were twice as likely to report having diagnosable mental health conditions compared to last year.  
• $236 billion is lost each year as depression drains American productivity. (American Psychological Association, 2021) 
• One-third of workers who have returned to work said it has had a negative impact on their mental health. Moreover, almost half of those who haven’t yet gone back indicated they expect similar impacts. (McKinsey & Company, 2022) 

13 Employee Financial Wellness Statistics

Employee financial wellness is a key factor in overall employee well-being. When employees have a better understanding of their finances and have access to financial resources, they are more likely to be productive, engaged, and successful in the workplace.

A comprehensive financial wellness program can include education about budgeting, savings, debt repayment options, retirement planning and other topics to help employees understand and manage their finances. Having a financial wellness program in place is not only beneficial for the employee, but also for employers—it provides an opportunity to show employees that they are valued and supported, leading to greater morale and productivity.

• Eighty-eight percent of companies now offer financial security services to their employees as part of their well-being plans. These services can include access to budgeting resources, debt management tools, or student loan counseling. (Fidelity, 2019) 
• Forty-six percent (nearly half of all employees) cite personal finances as their primary source of stress. (PwC, 2017)  
• Fifty-nine percent of workers with access to financial wellness benefits report being content or overjoyed with this benefit. (Prudential, 2019)  
• Forty-four percent of employees say that their employer is concerned about their financial wellbeing. (PwC, 2019)  
• Seventy-one percent of employees have utilized their employer’s services to improve their personal finances. (PwC, 2019) 
• Seventy percent of employees stated that financial wellness programs decrease stress levels and result in increased loyalty towards their employer. (JohnHancock, 2019)  
• Forty-four percent of workers benefitting from financial wellness programs are optimistic about their future, compared to 32% without access. (Prudential, 2019) 
• Five percent of employees miss one or more days of work a month due to financial stress. (JohnHancock, 2019) 
• $1,900 per employee is lost by organizations each year due to financial stress. Financial stress costs organizations more than $1,900 per employee each year. (JohnHancock, 2019)  
• $300 billion is lost by employers in yearly opportunities due to workers worrying about their finances during work hours. This loss in productivity adds up to almost two months out of the year, or 13 hours a month on average. (Mercer, 2017)  
• One in three employees are so focused on their personal finances that it interferes with their work performance. (PwC, 2017)  
• Users of financial wellness programs report having better mental health, lower stress levels, and improved physical health compared to those who don’t use these types of programs. (Prudential, 2019) 
• The overwhelming majority of organizations want cost-effective, flexible, and scalable solutions. This is reflected in the popularity of new offerings such as educational resources (84%), digital finance tools (70%), and retirement planning (56%) to support employee financial wellness. Relatively speaking, coaching (37%), student debt assistance (31%), and adding or increasing 401(k) matching programs are much less popular options at 23%. (Wellable Labs, 2022) 

12 Employee Anxiety Statistics

Employee anxiety can have a serious impact on overall employee well-being. When employees are feeling anxious, their morale and motivation levels tend to be lower, which can lead to reduced productivity and engagement in the workplace. Anxiety can also result in frequent absences from work due to physical or psychological ailments, further reducing productivity and financial losses for companies.

Companies should strive to create a supportive work environment where employees feel safe and secure, as this helps to reduce feelings of anxiety and can improve overall employee well-being. It is important for organizations to take proactive steps toward addressing the issues that may be causing employee anxiety in order to promote a positive and productive workplace.

• Seventy percent of working adults say that work-related stress carries over into and affects their personal relationships at home, particularly with their spouses. (ADAA, 2021) 
• Stress and anxiety negatively impacts 56% of employee workplace performance. (ADAA, 2021) 
• In the previous six months, one in every four employees reported chronic stress or extreme anxiety hurting their ability to function. (ADAA, 2021)
• Almost half of employees claim that anxiety interferes with their professional connections, prompting 73% to avoid social settings, 53% to get irritable, and 43% to avoid engaging in meetings. (ADAA, 2021) 
• Forty-four percent of employees manage stress at work by getting more sleep most commonly. Other ways people cope with work-related stress include drinking caffeine more often (31%), smoking (27%), exercising regularly (25%), taking medication (23%), and consuming alcohol in larger quantities than usual (20%). (ADAA, 2021) 
• Four in 10 employees constantly deal with stress or anxiety, however, less than one in 10 have been diagnosed with an actual anxiety disorder. (ADAA, 2021) 
• Three-fourths of employees state that work-related stress affects their personal lives; this is more prevalent with men (83%) than women (72%). (ADAA, 2021) 
• The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force published guidance recommending that doctors assess all patients under 65 for anxiety signs and symptoms. (NPR, 2022)  
• 15 million American adults are affected by Social anxiety disorder—often marked by intense feelings of fear or discomfort in social situations. (ADAA, 2022) 
• The primary sources of work-related stress are: meeting deadlines (55%), working with others (53%), managing staff (50%), and addressing problems that come up (49%). (ADAA, 2021) 
• Forty-six percent of women report increased eating in response to stress (versus 27% of men) and 44% of women report talking to friends and family about work-related stress (versus 21% of men). More men engage in sex as a form of destressing from work (19% versus 10%), while others resort to illegal drug use (12% versus 2%). Therefore, women and men don’t just have diverse stressors, but they also manage their anxiety differently. (ADAA, 2021) 
• Only half of employees have talked to their employer about stress. The top reasons preventing them from doing so are: fear their boss would think they are not interested or capable (34%), scared of being labeled “weak” (31%), thinking it could affect promotion opportunities (22%), worrying it would go in their file (22%), and fear of being laughed at or not taken seriously (20%). (ADAA, 2021) 

8 Employee Substance Abuse Statistics

Employee substance abuse can negatively affect overall employee well-being. Substance abuse can lead to physical ailments, emotional distress, and cognitive impairment that can impair an employee’s performance and limit their ability to perform their job duties. This can result in decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and potential health risks for other employees and themselves.

Additionally, substance abuse can create an increase in workplace conflicts and stress, leading to an unpleasant work environment for all. It is important for employers to be aware of the potential implications of substance abuse on employee well-being and to implement policies that support employees who need assistance with substance abuse issues. By providing access to resources such as education, counseling, and employee assistance programs, employers can support their employees in maintaining a safe and productive work environment.

• Twenty-five percent of employees worry about their drug or alcohol use. (Pathways, 2021) 
• Fifty-seven percent of employees who abuse substances lose 10 or more hours of productivity per week. (The Standard, 2020) 
• Twenty percent of people have used marijuana for recreation while at their place of work during working hours. In fact, close to 5% of those surveyed admit to using it daily and just over 13% say they use it more than once a month. (American Addiction Centers, 2022) 
• Thirty-six percent of workers saying that an addiction or substance abuse issue has affected them more since the pandemic began. (The Standard, 2020) 
• Three-quarters of employed Americans struggle with addiction. (American Addiction Centers, 2022) 
• Nearly a quarter of people have done drugs or drank alcohol while on the job. (American Addiction Centers, 2022) 
•  $81 billion dollars is lost in profits annually due to drug use in the workplace. (Harvard, 2017) 
• Sixty-six percent of people admit to using alcohol on the job and over 22% confess they have used marijuana while working, highlighting that many people turn to alcohol and drugs to get through their shifts at work. Other popular substances include Oxycontin or Vicodin (used recreationally by 10%), codeine, Adderall, and Ritalin (hovering around 8%). (American Addiction Centers, 2022) 

10 Employee Engagement Statistics

Employee engagement is a powerful tool that can be used to boost morale and create an environment of overall well-being. When employees feel engaged, they are more likely to be productive, creative, and motivated. Additionally, when employees understand the importance of their role and how it contributes to the overall success of their organization, they are more likely to remain loyal and motivated.

Employee engagement is an essential component of a healthy, happy, and productive workforce. By creating an environment that encourages engagement, organizations can cultivate a sense of belonging amongst employees and make great strides in achieving their organizational goals.

• Fifteen percent of employees are engaged in their work and workplace. (Gallup, 2022) 
• Sixty-nine percent of employees point out that they would work harder if appreciated more at work. (Officevibe, 2022) 
• Eighty-nine percent of Human Resource professionals state that ongoing feedback and clarity on expectations is essential for increasing employee engagement. (Zippia, 2022) 
• Eighty-nine percent of employees with wellness programs are more engaged and happier with their job. (Gallup, 2022) 
• Twenty-nine percent of employees are satisfied with career advancement opportunities. (SHRM, 2022) 
• Highly engaged employees are 87% less likely to leave their employer. (Zippia, 2022)
• $3,400 for every $10k in salary is the cost of disengaged workers. (Zippia, 2022) 
• Organizations with the highest levels of employee engagement consistently report 21% more profit than others. (Gallup 2013) 
• Strong company culture can increase revenue by four times. (Forbes, 2011) 
• Fifteen percent of employees were actively disengaged at work in 2021, an increase in percentage from the previous year. (Gallup, 2021) 

18 Employee Stress & Burnout Statistics

Employee stress and burnout can have serious negative impacts on employee well-being. When employees feel overwhelmed or unable to manage their workload, it can lead to feelings of burnout and lack of motivation. This can cause physical and mental health problems for employees and decrease job satisfaction. Employers should take steps to ensure their employees are not overworked or feeling burned out on the job, as this will help to ensure a healthier, more productive workplace.

• Eighty-six percent of survey respondents reported that mental health resources are the most sought-after service when implementing anti-burnout plans. (Wellable Labs, 2022) 
• Seventy-three percent of companies are giving employees more power to control when and where they work in order to combat burnout. (Wellable Labs, 2022) 
• Ninety-five percent of employees feeling burned out from frequent, daily video conferencing meetings. (Webex, 2022) 
• Ninety-eight percent of human resource professionals have felt burnt out from work, and 80% were willing to leave their jobs in the past year. (Workvivo, 2022) 
• Thirty-nine percent of employees seek new opportunities because they do not believe they are being paid fairly. Feeling stressed (26%), dissatisfied (24%), or unhappy (20%) at their current job was also mentioned frequently. (Indeed, 2022) 
• Ninety percent of employees report less burnout when their employer uses a recognition-based wellness program. In fact, they’re also up to twice as likely to have a positive outlook on their lives and future. (Workhuman, 2022) 
• Fifty-seven percent of workers in the United States are feeling more stressed daily than they were last year. (Gallup, 2022) 
• Ninety-four percent of workers report feeling stress at work and almost a third say their stress level is high or unusually high. (American Institute of Stress, 2021) 
• Fifty-two percent of employees find that their work is quite stressful, citing issues such as too much monotony or having to handle requests from customers. Additionally, close to half of those surveyed often must deal with tight deadlines. (Indeed, 2022) 
• Eighty-six percent of employees say that their work life negatively impacts their happiness at home. The same percentage of people believe stress from work can greatly lower the quality of their life. Furthermore, experiencing workplace stress affects job performance – about 59% state it decreases productivity and 56% argue that it prevents learning and growth. (Indeed, 2022) 
• A 21% increase in burnout was experienced by employees worldwide between December 2020 to July 2021, with a 17% increase in physical symptoms of stress. (Wellable Labs, 2022) 
• Over half of the employees feel burnt out, and two-thirds believe it has gotten worse in the past twelve months. (Wellable Labs, 2022) 
• 44% of employees experience physical fatigue from work-related stress, 36% experience cognitive weariness, and 32% experience emotional exhaustion. These physiological effects result in decreases in critical areas of their life, such as lack of interest, motivation, or energy (26%) and lack of effort at work (19%). (Zippia, 2022) 
• A positive stress mindset helps people reframe stress as a challenge instead of as something harmful. They’re three times more likely to focus on their daily tasks, accomplish more in less time, and be motivated to do their best at work when they have this outlook. Additionally, individuals who maintain a positive stress mindset are one-and-a-half times less likely to be considered new opportunities when experiencing work-related stress than those with negative associations to it. (Indeed, 2022) 
• The annual cost of voluntary turnover due to burnout is 15% 20% of payroll budgets. That means employee wellbeing amounts to hundreds of millions of dollars each year. (Workhuman, 2022) 
• For every 10,000 employees, there is the potential to lose up to $20 million due low well-being and its negative effect on productivity. This worldwide cost of employee burnout adds up to a whopping $322 billion in terms of lost productivity and turnover. (Workhuman, 2022)  
• If employees are burned out, they aren’t going to be performing their best at work. In fact, data shows that they are 63% more likely to not show up for work at all and more than two times as likely to call in sick or look for a new job. (Workhuman, 2022) 
• Employees who receive the right recognition at work are up to 50% less likely to report being burned out always or very often. (Workhuman, 2022) 

6 Employee Mindfulness/Meditation Statistics

Mindfulness and meditation can be powerful tools for promoting employee well-being. Mindfulness training can reduce stress, improve focus, promote positive thinking, and increase emotional resilience. By encouraging employees to take part in mindfulness and meditation practices, employers can help create a healthier workplace culture that encourages creativity and productivity, as well as reduces risks associated with burnout.

• Meditation has been shown to improve mental well-being in various areas such as reducing by up to 60%, improving anxiety by 60%, and increasing worker productivity by 120%. (Sleep Sources, 2022) 
• 25% of meditators experience adverse effects including panic attacks, depression, and dissociation. This applies particularly to those predisposed towards engaging in processes related to mindfulness (self-observation, psychological distancing, threat attendance and more). (BBC, 2021) 
• It’s estimated that 200 – 500 million people meditate worldwide. (Mindworks, 2022) 
• Practicing meditation for only four days can increase your attention span. (National Library of Medicine, 2019) 
• There is an 87% risk reduction of hospitalization for coronary heart disease for regular meditators. (The Good Body, 2022) 
• 94% of adults who practice yoga do it to improve their overall wellness, as it has a plethora of physical benefits like managing stress, improving concentration and focus, building self-confidence, and increasing fitness. (NCCIH, 2021; Forbes, 2020) 

4 Exercise/Walking Statistics

Regular exercise regimes combined with walking can help to improve employee well-being. Exercise increases endorphins, which helps to reduce stress and improve mood. Walking can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke and improve cognitive performance. Therefore, incorporating and encouraging exercise and walking into an employee’s daily routine can provide numerous benefits to their physical and mental health.

• Walking not only bolsters creative thinking in the present moment but also shortly thereafter. Participants studied improved their creativity while walking as opposed to sitting stationary; this was true for 81% of them. The degree of improvement was significant—on average, participants increased their output by 60%. (Stanford, 2022) 
• 40% of seniors (65 years +) reported reduced physical activity and less time spent on their feet since the start of the pandemic. (University of Michigan, 2022) Mortality rates have a strong correlation with the number of steps a person takes each day. For instance, those who take 8,000 steps per day are 51% less likely to die from any cause than those taking only 4,000 steps daily. And if they ramp up their activity level to 12,000 steps per day? Their risk lowers by 65%. (CDC, 2022) 
• The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (GAPPA) was established in 2018, with the goal of reducing global levels of physical inactivity by 15% by 2030. However, most nations have only adopted two of the GAPPA’s twenty steps. Only 74 of the 91 countries that have a national action plan to reduce physical inactivity are “operational”. This sluggish and inconsistent implementation has resulted in little progress and, if nothing is done, could cost millions of lives and billions of dollars. (World Economic Forum, 2022) 

5 Employee Caregiving Wellness Statistics

Employee caregiving can have a positive impact on overall employee well-being. It plays a key role in creating an environment of support and understanding for employees and their families. Regularly engaging in caregiving activities, such as providing flexible working hours, childcare services, and other family-care benefits can help employees to feel valued and supported, resulting in improved job satisfaction and morale.

Additionally, caregiving initiatives have been linked to reductions in stress, anxiety, and absenteeism—all of which contribute to increased productivity and a healthier workplace. Ultimately, investing in employee caregiving is a crucial step in helping to create a more positive work environment.

• Eighteen percent of today’s caregivers were not providing care pre-pandemic. (Wellable Labs, 2022) 
• The most sought-after employee benefits for caregivers are flexible work schedules (62%), the ability to work remotely (58%), and referral services to caregiver providers (40%). (Wellable Labs, 2022) 
• Only a third of companies offer  paid maternity leave, dwindling from over 50% of companies who offered paid maternity leave 2 years ago. Simultaneously, paternity leave decreased in availability from 44% to 27%. (Wellable Labs, 2022) 
• In a recent survey, 82% of respondents said that parental leave is ‘very’ or ‘extremely important’ to them in their benefit offerings. This is consistent with the findings from a Mercer study which showed that company-sponsored parental leave grew sharply in 2021. Thus, the importance of parental leave benefits has remained virtually unchanged between 2020 and 2022. (Wellable Labs, 2022) 
• Due to being a caregiver, working females may go through more economic hardships than males. Sixteen percent of females tend to make different work arrangements like having a job with less demand (versus 6% of male), 12% quit their job entirely (versus 3% of male), and 7% lose benefits from their current place of employment (versus 3% of male). This highlights that working females may go through more economic hardships than males due to being a caregiver. (Family Caregiver Alliance) 

5 Interesting Employee Wellness Statistics

• Nineteen percent of respondents blame managers for their direct reports’ happiness levels and 14% said top management was responsible for the entire organization’s state of happiness. (Indeed, 2022) 
• Eighty percent of companies that gauge employee happiness are more likely to have employees stay for another year. Surprisingly, only half of businesses actively measure worker satisfaction. (Indeed, 2022) 
• Vigorous activity for 75 minutes or moderate activity for 150 minutes may reduce the risk of death from breast cancer by 14%. In one study, the most active women had an estimated 44% reduced risk of death. (World Cancer Research Fund, 2022)  
• Employees allocate 65% of the time gained from less commuting hours towards engaging in leisure activities (+2.30 hours). (Liberty Street Economics, 2022)  
• Forty-four percent of employees use standing desks, an increase from has 13% in the past five years. (SHRM, 2017) 

7 Employee Wellness Industry Investment Statistics

• Forty-three percent of people surveyed plan to invest the same amount in wellness benefits in the upcoming year, while 35% plan to invest more, and 22% less. (Wellable Labs, 2022) 
• Investing More (Wellable Labs, 2022) 
  • For the year 2022, the benefits that will attracts more employers’ investments include mental health (90%), telemedicine (80%), stress management and resilience (76%), mindfulness and meditation (71%) and COVID-19 vaccinations(57%).  
• Investing Less (Wellable Labs, 2022) 
  • On-site fitness classes (63%), health fairs (59%), free healthy food/stocked kitchens (54%), biometric screenings (50%), and on-site clinics (35%) all ranked the highest in terms of the percentage of employers expecting to invest less.    
• Sixty-six percent of employers who want a mobile-first app for their employees. (Shortlister, 2019) 
• Forty-nine percent of employers would enlist the help of a third-party vendor to create and manage a wellness program. (Shortlister, 2019) 
• Seventy percent of employers are considering adding an Lifestyle Spending Account to their benefits package, but only 10% have one. (Mercer, 2022) 
• A little over half of employers are starting to focus more on “point solutions” for specific issues like diabetes management, mental well-being, and financial wellness. (Shortlister, 2019) 

11 Benefits of Employee Wellness Program Statistics

• Employee Benefit Statistics 
  • Sixty-two percent of people who took part in a wellness program said that it helped them save money on health-related expenses. (PR Newswire, 2016) 
  • Fifty-six percent of employees had less sick days because of wellness programs. (BenefitNews, 2018)  
  • Ninety-one percent of employees feel more inclined to do their best work when executive upper management prioritizes employee well-being. (American Psychological Association, 2017)   
  • Out of all the metrics that wellness plans improve, employee morale is rated the highest (54%). (Hub International, 2017)  
  • Employees enrolled in wellness programs report higher job satisfaction 70% of the time. (Aflac, 2019)  
  • A company that invests in the well-being of its employees is more likely to be recommended as a good place to work. (APA, 2016)  
• Employer Benefit Statistics 
  • Sixty-three percent of employers who offer wellness programs reported increased financial sustainability and growth. (IFEBP, 2017)  
  • Sixty percent of employers report workplace wellness programs lowered their company’s healthcare expenses. (US Chamber, 2016) 
  • Eighty-nine percent of employees who work for companies that promote well-being activities would recommend those workplaces to others. (American Psychological Association, 2017)   
  • Seventy-seven percent of employees think that wellness programs at work improve the company culture. (Forbes, 2013) 
  • Companies with highly effective health and wellness plans are 40% more likely to report better financial performance than those that don’t focus on employee wellbeing. (Sun Life, 2012)  

6 Influences On Employer Wellness Benefits Decisions Statistics

• Seventy-seven percent of employers noted that they are primarily influenced by the desire to create benefits plans that will set them apart from the competition. (Wellable Labs, 2022) 
• Seventy-two percent of companies say that rising costs of benefits have a considerable influence on them. (Wellable Labs, 2022) 
• Eighty-four percent of people are significantly or somewhat influenced by the ROI (return on investment) from benefit changes. (Wellable Labs, 2022) 
• Eighty-one percent of large employers were highly concerned with finding ways to better match employer-employee interests. (Wellable Labs, 2022) 
• Data security is a top concern for 40% of large employers. (Wellable Labs Employee Wellness Industry Trends Report, 2022) 
• Just under half of those surveyed (48%) stated that uncertainty about healthcare reform had only a limited impact on their decision making. (Wellable Labs, 2022)