Burnout in the American workplace has reached a six-year high, according to the 15th annual Aflac WorkForces Report, highlighting persistent stress, financial fragility, and rising anxiety over health care costs.
Nearly three in four employees (72%) report experiencing moderate to very high workplace stress. Gen Z has overtaken millennials as the most burned-out generation, with 74% reporting at least moderate burnout compared to 66% of millennials. Meanwhile, confidence in employers’ care for mental health has dropped from 54% in 2024 to 48% in 2025. Heavy workloads remain the top stressor (35%), but financial pressures and personal responsibilities compound the burden.
“Breaking the cycle of stress and burnout may begin with employers analyzing employees’ responsibilities both on and off the clock,” said Matthew Owenby, Aflac Chief Strategy Officer. “Understanding what drives stress can help create programs that improve well-being and productivity.”
Financial Fragility and “Medanxiety”
The report also highlights financial stress tied to health care costs. More than 2 in 5 U.S. employees (44%) say they could not cover $1,000 in unexpected medical expenses, with higher vulnerability among African Americans (54%), Gen Z (51%), and U.S. Hispanics (46%).
Rising medical costs are fueling what the report calls “medanxiety”: more than half of employees (52%) report anxiety about out-of-pocket health care costs. For Gen Z, this number climbs to 61%. Delayed care is also widespread—45% have postponed treatment due to cost concerns, and 40% remain unsure about insurance coverage.
Gap Between Employer Perception and Employee Experience
A troubling disconnect persists between employer assumptions and employee reality. While 72% of employers believe their teams understand total health care costs, only 54% of employees agree. Confidence in understanding health insurance has dropped from 49% in 2024 to 42% today, and 69% of employees wish for clearer communication about benefits year-round, not just during open enrollment.
Supplemental benefits could be a critical solution. Despite 90% of employees believing supplemental insurance is increasingly necessary, only 34% of employers offer it. These benefits are especially valued among African American (60%) and Hispanic (50%) employees to offset medical costs.
“Supplemental insurance can ease financial stress and boost peace of mind, which directly improves productivity and retention,” Owenby said.
Why It Matters
The Aflac report underscores a dual challenge for employers: managing burnout while addressing financial anxiety linked to health care. Organizations that prioritize wellness programs, transparent benefits communication, and supplemental coverage options are not just supporting employees—they’re investing in retention, engagement, and productivity.
As workplace stress and med anxiety rise, companies ignoring these trends risk higher turnover, lower morale, and reduced workforce effectiveness. The call is clear: employee well-being isn’t optional—it’s strategic business imperatives.
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