Hungary is known for many things, but being a stress-free environment is not one of them. Accordingly, pressure tends to occur at workplaces in high amounts, creating an incubator for developing mental illnesses. It is not unique to Hungary, however: workplace stress is now one of the most pressing challenges facing employers globally.
The European Union estimates that the annual economic loss due to poorly managed workplace stress reaches EUR 136 billion. In Hungary, the figure is estimated at HUF 440 bln, roughly equivalent to the cost of the country’s entire Metro Line 4 project. The amount is hardly surprising considering that mental health-related sick days have multiplied in recent years.
Taking Xanax might serve as a temporary, if addictive solution, but what if all that could be prevented? A newly developed Hungarian app, Healthcheck, aims to achieve just that by helping to detect mental health issues.
“Today, it’s beyond question that the mental state of employees significantly affects companies’ day-to-day operations, work quality, and productivity,” explains Zsófia Logemann-Molnár, founding psychologist of Minder, one of the three Hungarian organizations behind Healthcheck. “Companies need digital tools to better recognize and manage mental health issues among employees.”
The numbers are staggering. According to AbsenceSoft, 57% of U.S. employers reported an increase in leave requests in 2024. Of these, 53% saw growth rates above 21%. Mental health is a leading cause, accounting for close to every second leave of absence, trailing only recovery from injury or illness.
The so-called sandwich generation is particularly at risk: they have ageing parents and not-so-grown-up kids to look after alike, which puts them under extra pressure from two directions.
It doesn’t take a doctorate in psychology to establish what the widespread occurrence of mental problems can be attributed to. According to European data, 51% of employees report that stress is common in their workplace, and four out of 10 believe their employer fails to manage the related psychosocial risks adequately.
In Hungary, the picture is equally grim: nearly half of employees report physical health problems caused by job-related stress. The most common triggers for those problems include excessive workloads, lack of respect and fairness, as well as unrealistically high expectations.
Launched in 2025, Healthcheck is a unique collaboration between Cheq, a Budapest-based communications startup; Pro Health Consulting Group, a specialist in workplace wellness strategies; and Minder, experts in corporate psychology. Integrated into Cheq’s internal communications system, the app delivers immediate, anonymized feedback on the mental and physical condition of employees.
The app’s standout feature is its “heat map,” a visual tool that shows HR teams and company leaders where intervention is most needed. “Based on the results, companies can redesign workflows and implement targeted health programs,” says Logemann-Molnár. “These changes directly improve employee engagement and reduce turnover.”
Zsófia Horváth, senior partner of Pro Health Consulting, adds, “We’re seeing very positive results. With Healthcheck, it’s easier to plan effective health programs, and Cheq’s integration has measurably improved internal communication.”
Healthcheck isn’t just about diagnosis; it’s also an early-warning system. It supports employees in recognizing stress symptoms before they escalate into more serious issues. Users receive personalized feedback, which fosters self-awareness, stress management, and personal development.
The timing couldn’t be better. Gen Z members are entering the workforce en masse, bringing with them a whole new set of expectations vis-à-vis their employers.
“They’re looking for companies that care not just about performance but also about personal well-being, creativity, and innovation,” says Deliága Ákos, CEO of Talk-A-Bot Zrt., the company behind Cheq. “For modern companies, digitalization is more than a choice; it’s a strategic necessity in HR.”
Healthcheck aims to tackle this challenge head-on. It empowers companies to be proactive, rather than reactive, in dealing with workforce wellness. By recognizing psychosocial risks and responding in a timely and personalized manner, the app helps companies stay competitive in terms of profit margins, talent retention, culture, and compliance.
Beyond corporate strategy, legal aspects also play a significant role in why the C-suite must prioritize mental well-being. Hungarian law, aligned with EU directives, requires employers to regularly assess and mitigate psychosocial risks like conflict, workload, and stress. Healthcheck streamlines this process. It offers a ready-made compliance tool that also delivers tangible business benefits.
“Companies can kill two birds with one stone,” says Horváth. “They meet legal requirements while boosting employee loyalty and reducing attrition.”
The app’s design was rooted in evidence-based psychology, built around scientifically validated methodologies that correspond to both Hungarian and international benchmarks. As such, Healthcheck not»only fulfills legislative mandates but also represents a cultural shift in how companies think about work and well-being.
Untreated stress leads to absenteeism, drains morale, and undermines efficiency. And in an era full of uncertainties, stress levels are likely torise. Tools like Healthcheck offer the potential to help turn the tide.
As Logemann-Molnár concludes, “Today, there is no question that the mental state of employees significantly supports or hinders the day-to-day operations of companies, the quality of task performance, and, specifically, productivity.”
This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of July 11, 2025.
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