Workplace Stress and Its Economic Impact

The Cost of Stress on Employers

Stress isn’t just bad for employees, but also for their employers. The non-profit American Institute of Stress estimates that workplace stress costs U.S. businesses over $300 billion annually, factoring in absenteeism, diminished productivity, turnover, medical costs, and accidents.

Measuring Stress: The Importance of Cortisol Levels

One way to measure stress is by monitoring cortisol levels. Even influencers know this, with "cortisol face" becoming a trending TikTok topic. However, to approach things scientifically, cortisol levels need to be measured throughout the day, as it’s the variation that matters the most.

CortiSense: A New Device for Measuring Cortisol

Nutrix CEO Maria Hahn recently unveiled a new hardware device called CortiSense, which measures cortisol in saliva. CortiSense has won the CES Innovation Award 2025 in the Digital Health category. Hahn explained that providing patients with a device instead of having them go to a clinic isn’t just more convenient, but also allows for tracking cortisol levels right after waking up.

Integrating with Nutrix’s Digital Health Platform

CortiSense integrates with Nutrix’s digital health platform, gSense, which includes a digital health platform, continuous glucose monitoring, AI-powered dietary management, and telemedicine. Developed with the support of the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, CortiSense aims to provide a comprehensive solution for managing stress and related health issues.

CortiSense: A Tool for Chronic Disease Management

CortiSense is also connected to Nutrix’s initial focus on diabetes. While the company has pivoted its hardware roadmap towards CortiSense, its eye is still on chronic diseases. Hahn explained that cortisol plays an important role in both mental and metabolic health, making it a crucial hormone to monitor.

Funding and Expansion Plans

Nutrix has raised $4 million to date, including a previously unannounced $2.5 million seed round co-led by Polish impact fund Simpact and Japan deep tech fund OIST-Lifetime Ventures. The startup is seeking to raise a large Series A round to fund its expansion, with plans to open offices in Silicon Valley. With support from the Mayo Clinic, Nutrix is also planning to launch CortiSense in the U.S.

Market Expansion and Unique Approach

Nutrix isn’t new to market expansion; its gSense platform is integrated with the public insurance system in Chile, a country where it received support from public program, Start-Up Chile. In 2024, the Swiss health tech startup also launched operations in Mexico and Peru. What’s new for Nutrix, however, is the pushback over a model that targets corporations, rather than consumers. In countries such as Chile, Mexico, and Peru, health screenings are part of an employer’s obligation to strive for employee wellness.

Addressing Concerns and Future Plans

With the U.S. now at the top of Nutrix’s CortiSense roadmap, Hahn will have to clarify that the company will only get aggregated data. While a utilitarian pitch around the economic costs of job stress may seem distasteful to some, it may also serve as a reminder to employers that mental health is, indeed, health. Hahn plans to use some of Nutrix’s funding to conduct further investigations into the ties between cortisol and women’s health, particularly in the perimenopause and menopause.

Conclusion

CortiSense is a new device that measures cortisol levels, providing a comprehensive solution for managing stress and related health issues. With its integration with Nutrix’s digital health platform and plans for expansion, CortiSense has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach workplace stress and employee wellness.