2 out of 3 employers rank employee mental health a top health priority
2 in 5 employees suffer from anxiety or depression
Key groups with moderate to severe anxiety or depression include:
- 64% of employees 18 to 25 years old
- Over 70% of employees with neurodevelopmental issues and disabilities
- 62% of LGBT+ employees
Compared with those without mental health issues, employees suffering severe anxiety and depression
- Lose more than 2 times as many work days due to absenteeism or presenteeism
- Are about 2 times as likely to leave their employer for a 5% raise
Employers further embrace virtual care and digital tools to boost mental health
Virtual care
- 83% of employers offer coverage for telebehavioral health services
- Roughly 7 in 10 provide dedicated onsite or virtual employee assistance program resources
- 22% have eliminated cost sharing for virtual care visits (this figure could rise to 36% by 2024)
Users of virtual care, especially lower-income workers, are more likely to report getting needed help than non-users
I can get the help I need to manage my mental health
| Annual salary | Non-user of virtual care | User of virtual care |
|---|---|---|
| $100,000 or more | 69% | 80% |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 63% | 73% |
| Less than $50,000 | 49% | 74% |
Digital tools
68% of employers provide access to digital behavioral health support through tools such as apps and online forums
Employees who use digital tools for behavioral health support report better mental health
My mental health has been better in the past year
- 72% Frequent user digital tools
- 20% Non-user
Key employer strategies to support mental health over the next two years
Employers are looking to:
- 30% Conduct manager training to boost awareness and provide support
- 27% Partner with employee resource groups to address population-specific mental health issues
- 27% Evaluate cultural competencies within the behavioral health provider network
- 24% Increase access to outpatient treatment for substance abuse
The number of employers offering mental health days could triple in two years
9% today | 30% 2024*
*Planning/Considering
Actions you can take to boost employee mental health
- Ensure managers have resources, support and training to help overcome the stigma of mental health challenges
- Ensure your benefit programs are include and provide equitable access to a variety of mental health resources and providers
- Foster a culture that prioritizes psychological safety, allowing employees to express their concerns freely
- Develop an ongoing listening strategy to understand the challenges of different employee groups, solicit employee feedback on current mental health initiatives and bridge gaps as necessary
