“The data is clear: employees, especially Gen Z, are actively seeking holistic wellbeing support,” says Luke Bullen, UK & Ireland Vice President at Wellhub. “By integrating nutrition into benefits strategies, employers aren't just offering a perk—they’re investing in a more resilient, focused, and engaged workforce. It’s a strategic move that drives both employee satisfaction and business performance.”
Among the benefits employees desire, nutrition and holistic wellbeing rank near the top.

Burnout is now a pervasive issue in American workplaces. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that stress-related absences cost employers approximately $300 billion annually.

A recent survey by Kronos and the Workforce Institute found that 95% of HR leaders see employee burnout as a threat to their organization’s success, with 79% reporting an increase in burnout since 2020.

Younger workers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are disproportionately affected by burnout, citing unpaid overtime, financial stress, and mental health challenges as key drivers. This demographic also tends to be more proactive about health, increasingly turning to nutrition and gut health as foundational to their wellbeing.

In fact, a Lifesum research report paints a stark picture of how toxic workplace cultures and burnout are impacting Gen Z and Millennials. Around 75–80% say they would leave their jobs if the environment felt toxic, with 80% actively seeking more positive workplace cultures.

Over half report feeling stressed at work most of the time, and many say this stress bleeds into their personal lives.

For these younger workers, wellbeing isn’t a perk—it’s a priority. More than two-thirds would be more productive if their employers invested in health and wellbeing, and many would even consider a pay cut or flexible hours for a healthier work environment. Despite this, 64% feel their current employers lack a genuine wellbeing culture.

The science behind gut health and mental wellbeing at work

The gut microbiome, the trillions of bacteria in our digestive system, is not just about processing food. It produces about 95% of the body’s serotonin, the neurotransmitter that regulates mood and anxiety. An unhealthy gut microbiome can trigger excessive cortisol production via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, exacerbating stress and impairing cognitive functions like focus and memory.

Conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), affecting over 25 million Americans, are closely linked to anxiety and depression and result in significant work absences. Research published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that workers with chronic gut-related health issues experience 20% more presenteeism, being physically at work but mentally disengaged.

Signe Svanfeldt, Lead Nutritionist at Lifesum, emphasizes: “Your gut microbiome isn’t just about digestion, it’s a key driver of mental wellbeing and clarity. A thriving gut helps employees manage stress, stay sharp, and show up energized.”

What employers can do: Integrating gut health into benefits programs

For benefits professionals, incorporating gut health into wellness strategies is an untapped opportunity to improve overall workforce health and reduce costly burnout. Practical initiatives might include:

1. Nutrition education focused on gut health. Provide employees with science-backed guidance on the importance of fiber, fermented foods, and omega-3 fatty acids to nurture their microbiome and mental resilience.
2. Healthy food access in the workplace. Revamp cafeteria and vending machine options to include gut-friendly foods such as yogurt, kimchi, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
3. Digital wellness tools that include nutrition tracking. Given the soaring use of nutrition apps globally, offer subscriptions or partnerships with platforms that support gut health, enabling personalized guidance at employees’ fingertips.
4. Holistic stress and mental health resources. Complement traditional mental health services with nutrition-focused coaching, recognizing that mood and cognition are tightly linked to gut health.
5. Wellness challenges and incentives. Engage employees in gut health challenges that encourage trying probiotic foods or increasing fiber intake, making wellbeing fun and community-driven.

Five gut-healthy habits to share with employees

Encouraging these simple, evidence-based habits can support gut microbiome diversity and improve cognitive performance:

• Eat more fiber: Whole grains, legumes, and leafy greens feed beneficial gut bacteria and boost mental clarity.
• Go colorful: A variety of fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants and phytonutrients that protect gut health.
• Add Omega-3s: Fatty fish and plant sources like flaxseed support brain function and reduce inflammation.
• Choose fermented foods: Yogurt, kimchi, and kombucha deliver probiotics that regulate mood.
• Don’t skip protein: Tryptophan-rich foods like eggs and seeds aid serotonin production and mood stability.

The bottom line

The rise of nutrition and gut health apps, along with overwhelming scientific evidence, demands that benefits professionals rethink how they address workplace wellbeing. Gut health is no longer a niche wellness topic but a foundational element impacting employee productivity, stress resilience, and engagement.

Employers who proactively integrate gut health into their benefits strategy stand to reduce burnout, decrease absenteeism, and cultivate a healthier, more vibrant workforce, ultimately driving better business outcomes.

As the pressure to support employee wellbeing intensifies, embracing the gut-brain connection offers benefits professionals a new avenue to create meaningful, measurable impact.