Now stress reduction has entered the picture, but it's not so easy to conquer — particularly since fewer than 40% of workers said that they actually participate in wellness programs at work.

And then there's the fact that a number of the stress-inducing factors stem from employer actions, such as laying off employees and then expecting those who remain to pick up the responsibilities from their now-gone coworkers — or outsourcing work, which can make those left in the office equally uncomfortable.

That makes it hard, in an already difficult workplace, for employees to feel comfortable taking sick time or vacation time — despite the fact that they may desperately need the time away from the office to recover and/or recharge. Employers need to do more than rely on a wellness program to cut employee stress.

The report said that employers need to plan ahead, and perhaps bring in temporary workers to cover for regular workers. That way employees can actually take those vacations they've earned. Such actions could then forestall employee burnout, something that will cost the company more money in lost productivity — or even, the report said, keep employees from leaving the company.