2026 DMEC Annual Conference: Mind-Gut Connection: Supporting Employees’ Digestive and Mental Health at Work

Digestive and mental health issues are a growing concern for employers, contributing to increased healthcare costs and significant productivity loss. With up to 70 million Americans living with chronic gastrointestinal disorders and employees with digestive health issues missing up to 17 workdays per year, the workplace impact is substantial. This session explores the mind-gut connection—how digestive and mental health are closely linked and often overlooked in the workplace and will include recent disability claim trends. Attendees will discover practical considerations for addressing these challenges, including designing effective benefits, reducing stigma, and tailoring programs to the unique needs of diverse workforces. Gain a roadmap to insights on incorporating the mind-gut connection into your workforce health and absence management strategy to bridge care gaps, support employee well-being, and manage absence costs more effectivel.