Burnout, anxiety, disconnection—these aren’t just buzzwords. They’re daily realities for too many people at work.

Recent studies show that 76% of employees report feeling burned out, and workplace stress continues to take a massive toll.
The American Institute of Stress reports that workplace stress costs U.S. employers over $300 billion annually.
That’s not just a business issue—it’s a human one. Behind those numbers are real people—teams doing their best while running on empty, leaders trying to support others while quietly struggling themselves.

I’ve been reflecting deeply on this. I recently completed The Working Mind – Manager Program, a mental health training that focuses on recognizing early signs of decline and reducing stigma in the workplace. What stood out most was how preventable much of this suffering could be—if only we prioritized mental health the way we prioritize deadlines.

This isn’t just about training or policies.
It’s about culture. It’s about values. It’s about how we care for each other at work.

And here’s where I think we need to shift the conversation:

🔹 Organizations: Are we doing enough to create environments where people can show up as they are—and stay well?
🔹 Wellness professionals: Can we better align our work with what organizations truly need right now—bringing our expertise into spaces where healing is overdue?

As someone who helps others design learning programs, I’m asking more often:

“What does this learning experience do for the well-being of the people in the room?”

We all have a part to play. And maybe the first step is pausing to ask the hard questions—and not rushing past the answers.