How RTO Policies Impact Employees’ Routines — And Their Digestive Health

As return-to-office (RTO) policies ramp up, more businesses are bringing employees back at a higher rate, reshaping workplace norms and daily routines. A big part of the conversation around these mandates relate to increased productivity, collaboration, and company culture. The impact on employees’ digestive health, however, is one factor that’s often overlooked.

Digestive health may not be the first thing that comes to mind when discussing employee well-being, but it should be. The impact that stress, disrupted routines and poor nutrition make on your gut is profound, including problems that can lead to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and higher healthcare costs. HR benefits leaders looking to ease the transition back to the office while also improving retention should include gut health benefits as part of the conversation.

The hidden costs of RTO on gut health

Commutes add an average of an hour to the workday, making it challenging for employees to maintain routines that support their well-being. Meal planning becomes more difficult, fast food consumption rises, and stress levels increase — all of which take a toll on digestive health.

GI issues affect 40 percent of Americans daily, leading to significant healthcare 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 conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and acid reflux. Meanwhile, access to nutritious meals is often limited in office settings, where vending machines and processed grab-and-go options dominate.

Ignoring gut health comes at a cost. GI-related issues are the number one reason for ER visits, accounting for 8.3 million visits annually, and cost the U.S. healthcare system $136 billion annually — more than heart disease or mental health.

Employees experiencing GI symptoms are also less productive and more likely to take sick days, further impacting businesses. In fact, our State of Gut Health in the Workplace survey found that 72% of Americans say they are less productive at work when dealing with GI issues.

A gut-first approach to employee benefits

If RTO is here to stay, employers must rethink how they support workers’ health, especially in-office. This means introducing benefits and workplace initiatives that prioritize digestive wellness.

Most primary care physicians aren’t equipped to diagnose or treat digestive disorders, leading employees through a cycle of referrals and delayed care. By offering access to digital GI solutions where employees can connect with dietitians, health coaches, and gastroenterologists, ensures they get the right support without the need to take off work. This can help boost overall productivity and reduce absenteeism.

Healthier office environments

Office food options should support well-being, not work against it. Stocking break rooms with healthier gut-friendly choices, including fiber-rich foods, fermented options, and fresh produce can make a significant difference.

One of the biggest losses with RTO is the ability to control daily habits that support digestion. When employees had the flexibility to take midday walks, prepare meals at home, or schedule telehealth visits during breaks, they had greater control over their health. Offering hybrid work models, flexible start times, or designated wellness breaks can help employees maintain these essential routines.

The bottom line for employers

RTO mandates don’t just impact an employee’s schedule. They can have a major effect on an employee’s health in ways that impact workplace performance and drive up healthcare costs. By prioritizing digestive health through targeted benefits and workplace policies, employers can help ease the transition back to the office without compromising employee well-being.

A healthier workforce is a more productive and engaged workforce. Recognizing and addressing the gut-health gap in workplace wellness strategies can lead to meaningful change — both for employees and the company’s bottom line.

Photo: TLFurrer, Getty Images

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