The costly impact of financial stress A problem that spans generations and income levels
Despite being gainfully employed, your employees are stressed — financially stressed — and that is taking a toll on their physical health. The number one cause of stress in America is money. Everyone in your workforce — from millennials to boomers — is losing sleep over saving for retirement paying the bills or putting food on the table. And, unfortunately, it doesn’t matter whether the employee is sitting in a corner office, working in a cubicle or on the production line, financial stress doesn’t discriminate. Experts have found that financial stress can cause acute-phase inflammation across all socioeconomic strata. A study published by the National Institute of Health found that there are significant correlations between financial stress, interpersonal stress, and psychological distress and well-being. All of which make their way into the work environment and impact the organization.
Poor financial health = poor health Financial stress manifests itself in numerous physical conditions. In addition to mood disorders, financial stress contributes to migraine, cardiovascular disease, absences
from work, insomnia, and more. If your employees are like the majority of the population, it’s likely that in addition to financial stressors, they are also experiencing everyday pressures and worry. This combination, while not uncommon, is a huge health concern. We know that some stress is good; it can be motivating and invigorating. But, being in a perpetual state of unease and anxiety — like when a person is living paycheck to paycheck — increases the body’s cortisol levels and puts an individual at risk for: • Anxiety • Depression • Digestive problems • Headaches • Heart disease
BE WELL WITH WELLMARK Providing employees with a clear plan of action to improve financial well-being can have a positive ripple effect on other domains of well-being including emotional and physical. Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield is committed to supporting our groups and members and assisting you to create work environment that promotes healthy behaviors. Through our employer consulting and well-being services, we look beyond your employees’ claims and provide a variety of evidence-based programs that address the six elements of well-being: financial, social, career, emotional, physical and community.
• Sleep problems • Weight gain • Memory and concentration impairment You know the important role employee well-being plays in a productive business. Happy and healthy employees are more likely to be engaged and perform better than those who are dealing with personal issues while at work.
Contact your Wellmark representative or visit wellmark.com to learn more.
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Dakota is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
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