Addressing Mental Health in the Post-Pandemic Workplace
Although the nation’s mental health crisis intensified during the pandemic, a recent survey of large employers in the U.S. indicates mental health challenges in the workplace are still on the rise.
The 2024 Large Employer Health Care Strategy Survey, conducted last summer, asked employers a series of questions to gauge their perspectives on critical health care topics, such as the role that health and well-being play in overall workforce strategy and critical actions needed to advance healthcare quality.
Based on the survey, in 2022, 44% of employers saw an increase in workplace mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety and substance use disorder. In 2023, that number increased to 77%, with an upward trend expected to continue into the future.
To address this in 2024, employers are remaining highly focused on access to mental health services, providing more options for support and lowering cost barriers to care. For example, many employer-sponsored group insurance plans offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing critical mental health support for employees. These include access to an integrated suicide prevention program, referrals to treatment and short-term counseling.
However, the National Alliance on Mental Illness recently found in a workplace mental health poll that most Americans may not feel comfortable talking about mental health at work. Their most common reasons for remaining silent are stigma or judgment, no one else talking about their mental health, and not wanting to seem weak.
The poll also showed that, while 83% of employees believe mental health and well-being training is important to creating a positive workplace culture, only 51% have access to this type of training, resources or events.
Finally, an overwhelming majority of respondents (92%) – regardless of gender, age, stage in career or managerial status – shared the sentiment that employer-sponsored mental health coverage is important. However, one in four aren’t aware if their health plan provides it.
To address the current mental health crisis, it’s more important than ever for employers to cultivate workplace environments that are safe, supportive and stigma-free when it comes to addressing mental health issues. Employees benefit from having access to mental health training and coverage, but need more help understanding and utilizing the resources available to them.
Pacific Federal is a Zenith American company and subsidiary of Harbour Benefit Holdings, Inc.
