How RTO policies affect employee routines and their digestive health

With the intensification of return-to-trip (RTO) policies, more and more businesses are bringing their employees back at a higher speed, reshaping workplace norms and daily work. A large part of the conversation around these tasks is related to increased productivity, collaboration and company culture. However, the impact on employees’ digestive health is a factor that is often overlooked.

Digestive health may not be the first thing that comes to mind when discussing employee well-being, but it should be. The effects of stress, daily work disruptions and malnutrition are far-reaching, including issues that may lead to absences, reduced productivity and higher health care costs. HR welfare leaders want to mitigate the transition to the office, while increasing retention should include gut health benefits as part of the conversation.

The hidden costs of RTO in gut health

Commuting adds an average of one hour of workdays, which makes it challenging for employees to maintain daily activities that support their own well-being. Meal planning becomes more difficult, fast food consumption increases, stress levels increase – all of which can harm digestive health.

Gastrointestinal problems affect 40% of Americans every day, resulting in significant health care costs and reduced quality of life. Workplace stress triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response, which can interfere with digestion, increase inflammation, and worsen irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and acid reflux. Meanwhile, in an office environment, nutritious meals can be used, where vending machines and handling snap-up options dominate.

Ignoring gut health comes at a price. Gastrointestinal-related issues are the number one reason for emergency room visits, accounting for 8.3 million visits per year and spending $136 billion of the U.S. healthcare system annually, not just heart disease or mental health.

Employees who experience gastrointestinal symptoms are also less productive and are more likely to have a sick day, which further affects the company. In fact, our gut health status in our workplace survey found that 72% of Americans said they were less productive when dealing with GI problems.

Intestinal priority for employee welfare

If the RTO stays here, employers must rethink how they support workers’ health, especially in the office. This means introducing benefits of prioritizing digestive health and workplace programs.

Most primary care physicians are incapable of diagnosing or treating digestive disorders, causing employees to delay the care cycle through referrals and delay. By providing access to digital GI solutions, employees can contact nutritionists, health coaches, and gastroenterologists to ensure they are supported right without having to get off work. This can help increase overall productivity and reduce absenteeism.

Healthier office environment

Office food choices should support happiness, not detrimental to it. Stock lounges, with healthier gut-friendly options, including fiber-rich foods, fermented options and fresh produce can make a significant difference.

One of the biggest losses to RTO is the ability to control daily habits that support digestion. Employees have greater control over their health when they have the flexibility to take midday walks, prepare meals at home, or schedule telemedicine visits during breaks. Providing a hybrid work model, flexible start time or designated healthy rest time can help employees maintain these basic routines.

The employer's bottom line

RTO requirements not only affect employees’ timelines. They can have a significant impact on the health of their employees, which can affect workplace performance and increase health care costs. By prioritizing digestive health through targeted welfare and workplace policies, employers can help relax the transition back to the office without damaging the well-being of employees.

A healthier workforce is a more productive and dedicated workforce. Recognizing and addressing gut health gaps in workplace health strategies can lead to meaningful changes – both employees and the bottom line of the company.

Photo: tlfurrer, Getty Images

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