COLUMBUS, Georgia — A new report highlights mounting stress and financial challenges for American workers, revealing alarming trends in workplace burnout, health care concerns, and financial insecurity. The findings come from the 14th annual Aflac WorkForces Report, which tracks workplace trends, employee attitudes, and benefits needs.
The report found that nearly 60% of U.S. workers are experiencing burnout, with younger generations particularly affected. Millennials (ages 28–43) reported the highest levels of burnout at 66%, compared to 55% of Gen X workers and just 39% of baby boomers. Overall, stress levels among employees rose to 38% in 2024, up from 33% in 2023.
The data also highlighted disparities among different demographics. U.S. Hispanic workers reported higher levels of workplace stress (46%, up from 37% in 2023) and were nearly twice as likely as non-Hispanic employees to report very high levels of burnout.
Burnout and Counterproductive Workplace Behavior
The leading contributors to workplace stress were heavy workloads (32%) and long hours (27%). The report also noted an increase in severe effects of stress, such as post-traumatic stress (12%, up from 7% in 2023) and eating disorders (9%, up from 6%).
Burnout has fueled counterproductive workplace behaviors, with half of employees admitting to at least one action that resembles “quiet quitting.” These behaviors included avoiding job responsibilities (15% of hybrid workers and 14% of remote workers) and taking on secondary work without employer permission (22% of remote workers).
Financial Vulnerability Worsens
The report underscored growing financial vulnerability among U.S. workers. A staggering 70% reported anxiety about affording unexpected medical expenses, up from 60% last year. More than half of workers (51%) said they could not cover a $1,000 medical bill, with the figure rising to 58% for U.S. Hispanic employees and 59% for African American workers.
Gen Z employees (ages 18–27) remain the most financially vulnerable, though the percentage unable to afford a $1,000 medical bill dropped from 72% in 2023 to 61% this year. Nearly two-thirds of workers (64%) said they could not go more than a month without a paycheck.
Supplemental Insurance Gaining Popularity
As financial stress mounts, workers are increasingly looking to supplemental insurance as a lifeline. The report found that 93% of employees see supplemental insurance as essential to financial stability, an all-time high since the report’s inception. The growing reliance on benefits has led 62% of workers to say they would consider leaving their jobs for better benefits, even if it meant a pay cut—up from 53% in 2023.
The youngest generation, Gen Z, along with U.S. Hispanic employees, reported particular interest in benefits that address family health histories and illnesses. For example, 73% of U.S. Hispanic workers said they would value supplemental insurance that addresses family-related health risks, compared to 58% of non-Hispanic employees.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Retention
The report also emphasized the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Employees participating in CSR programs reported significant boosts in well-being, job satisfaction, and workplace engagement. Yet, 25% of employees said they were unaware of their employers’ CSR efforts, suggesting a missed opportunity for improving retention and morale.
The findings highlight the importance of comprehensive benefits packages in fostering employee resilience, satisfaction, and retention. The full report, along with trends and infographics, is available at Aflac.com/AWR.