What: WONE's research reveals workplace stress costs organizations $5.4m annually, with 45% of employees experiencing frequent high stress levels.

Why it is important: The research demonstrates how stress management directly correlates with business performance, as companies prioritizing workplace wellbeing outperform market indices by 11%.

WONE's comprehensive research reveals the substantial impact of workplace stress on business operations, with 45% of employees experiencing frequent or constant stress. The financial implications are significant, costing organizations with over 1,000 employees an additional $5.4m annually through increased sick days and health claims. High-stress employees take eight times more sick days and are 11 times more likely to make mistakes, directly affecting operational efficiency. The study, which surveyed 1,005 participants across the UK and US, found that only 14% report low stress levels. WONE's response includes an AI-driven platform offering personalised stress management solutions, resulting in 74% of users reporting reduced stress levels and 90% noting increased productivity. The research challenges the traditional association between high performance and high stress, suggesting that preventive health measures can significantly improve both employee wellbeing and business outcomes.

IADS Notes: Recent retail industry developments strongly validate WONE's findings. In December 2024, luxury retail faced a critical workforce challenge with 51% of employees planning to leave their positions, citing stress and poor work-life balance as key factors. March 2025 data revealed retail as the second-highest sector for job losses, highlighting the urgent need for employee wellness initiatives.

Nearly half of today’s workforce are highly stressed. What can businesses do about it?