Workplace Stress and Anxiety: A Growing Concern for Employers and Employees

As the global workforce grapples with an increasingly demanding work environment, a recent study by Aflac highlights the significant physical, mental, and professional challenges faced by employees who assume additional work when a co-worker is on leave. The study reveals that nearly 3 in 4 employees experience workplace stress or anxiety while covering for a peer, underscoring the importance of proactive leave coverage strategies and actionable recommendations for businesses and their workers.

Key Takeaways:

• 41% of employees experienced burnout when a co-worker's leave period extended beyond eight weeks, highlighting the need for employers to adopt proactive leave and time away management practices.
• Mental well-being dropped 11 percentage points while covering for a peer, emphasizing the critical role of clear communication and recognition in maintaining employee well-being.
• 27% of employees who were diagnosed with a new health condition during or after their coverage period attributed it to the increased workload, underscoring the importance of robust plans to address the well-being of employees.
• 73% of employees experienced at least moderate workplace stress or anxiety while covering for a peer, demonstrating the need for employers to take a holistic approach to leave management.
• 29% of employees said they did not receive any recognition for their additional work, despite 95% of leaders having access to recognition tools, highlighting the importance of recognition and support in maintaining employee morale.
• 67% of those newly diagnosed with a health condition while covering for a peer took time off to care for themselves, emphasizing the need for employers to prioritize employee well-being during critical periods.

Statistics:

• 73% of employees experience at least moderate workplace stress or anxiety while covering for a peer.
• 41% of employees experience burnout when a co-worker's leave period extends beyond eight weeks.
• 27% of employees attribute new health conditions to the increased workload.
• 29% of employees do not receive recognition for their additional work.
• 67% of those newly diagnosed with a health condition while covering for a peer take time off to care for themselves.

Sources:

• Time Away Study 2025. Aflac Incorporated. Published May 2025.
• LIMRA 2024 U.S. Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report