Los Angeles, CA — May 2026 — New insights from global nutrition platform Lifesum suggest that workplace mental health challenges are increasingly visible not only in productivity metrics, but in everyday employee behavior — including how people manage energy, focus and food choices throughout the workday.

As organizations mark Mental Health Awareness Month, rising levels of burnout, fatigue and reduced concentration continue to impact workforce performance across industries, contributing to absenteeism, presenteeism and declining engagement. Employers are increasingly under pressure to implement wellbeing strategies that are both effective and scalable within high-demand working environments.

The Economic Impact 

Poor mental health is estimated to cost the U.S. economy $193.2 billion, the U.K. economy £102 billion, and the global economy $1 trillion, driven largely by lost productivity, employee absence and staff turnover.

In a recent Lifesum survey of 5,000 Gen Z and Millennial employees, 81% said they would consider leaving their job due to stress, while 48% reported that work-related pressure negatively impacts their personal wellbeing.

Lifesum data suggests these pressures are increasingly reflected in daily workplace behavior — particularly in how employees eat, sustain focus and manage energy during the workday.

Patterns such as skipped meals, stress-driven snacking, energy crashes and increased reliance on convenience foods are emerging as visible indicators of workplace strain. Rather than isolated lifestyle choices, these behaviors are increasingly understood as signals of burnout and cognitive overload.

Lifesum nutritionist Victoria Strandlund explains that while workplace wellbeing strategies often focus on policies, benefits and mental health programs, one of the most immediate and scalable levers is often overlooked: everyday nutrition.

“Workplace stress doesn’t just affect how people feel — it affects how they function throughout the day, including how they eat and manage energy,” says Strandlund. “Small, consistent food choices can support more stable energy and focus in high-pressure environments.”

Five Affordable Foods That May Support Employee Focus, Energy and Workplace Performance

1. Oatmeal - A slow-release carbohydrate that helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, supporting sustained concentration and reducing energy crashes. Oats are also high in fiber, supporting gut health, which is increasingly linked to mood and cognitive function. Potential impact: steadier energy, improved focus, reduced fatigue.

2. Bananas - An inexpensive, portable snack containing natural sugars, fiber and vitamin B6, which supports neurotransmitter production linked to mood and alertness. Potential impact: quick energy support without sharp crashes and improved mood stability.

3. Eggs - A nutrient-dense source of protein and choline, a key nutrient that supports brain function, memory and concentration. Potential impact: improved cognitive performance, sustained energy and focus.

4. Lentils - A cost-effective source of plant protein, fiber and iron that supports steady energy release and helps reduce fatigue. Potential impact: improved stamina, energy stability and stress resilience.

5. Leafy Greens (Spinach & Kale) - Rich in magnesium, folate and antioxidants that support nervous system function and cognitive health. Potential impact: improved mental clarity, reduced fatigue and enhanced focus.

Workplace Implications

Lifesum experts emphasize that these foods are not about restriction or dieting, but about practical, accessible habits that support employees in high-pressure environments.

Even small nutritional shifts may contribute to:

• Improved focus and productivity

• More stable energy throughout the workday

• Reduced stress-related fatigue

• Stronger emotional resilience under pressure

• Lower reliance on caffeine and ultra-processed snacks

As organizations continue to prioritize employee mental health in 2026, nutrition is increasingly being recognized as a foundational — yet often overlooked — driver of workforce wellbeing and performance.

Media Inquiries

Victoria Strandlund is available for interviews.

Media contact: Harry Cymbler, Hot Cherry PR, harry@hotcherry.co.uk

About Lifesum

Lifesum is a leading global AI-powered nutrition platform helping people build healthier, more sustainable eating habits through personalized meal plans, recipes and nutrition tracking tools designed for modern lifestyles. Through its corporate wellbeing offering, Lifesum partners with organizations to support employee health, focus, energy and overall wellbeing at work. The platform is trusted by major global employers including Amazon, PayPal and GE, helping businesses encourage healthier daily habits that support engagement, productivity and long-term workforce wellbeing. Learn more at www.Lifesum.com/work.