Mental health recognized as 'significant' issue by employers
A majority of employers acknowledge the challenge, but stigmas continue to thwart treatment efforts.
Most employers (70%) reported mental health issues among their workforce, while 52% said they face substance misuse or addiction challenges, according to a survey by The Hartford. However, nearly three-quarters noted stigmas regarding mental health issues continue to block care.
Although most organizations (80%) reported incorporating acceptance of mental health challenges into their company’s culture, just 60% of workers felt the same way. Similarly, 79% of businesses said they have an open and inclusive environment that encourages dialogue about mental health. Slightly more than half of U.S. workers surveyed felt the same, according to The Hartford.
Recognition of the issue is up significantly since 2020 when less than 60% of survey respondents said they faced mental health challenges in the workplace.
“A majority of employers said they feel prepared to support their employees’ mental health, and we applaud their efforts to support employees’ overall well-being during these times of intense change,” Christopher Swift, The Hartford’s Chairman and CEO, said in a release. “Our new data on stigma is a wake-up call. As the U.S. economy is re-built, we urge business leaders to continue to prioritize employee mental health — fostering stigma-free company cultures, increasing access to resources, and encouraging early treatment.”
Perhaps leading some of this interest is the fact that 80% of employers feel a worker’s mental health has a direct impact on their productivity. Further, one-third of employers said strains on employees’ mental health have a severe or significant financial impact on the company.
In addition to the impact on productivity and financial performance, mental health conditions are among the top five reasons U.S. workers file for short-term disability. Further, an injured worker who is also dealing with a mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression, takes two to three times as long to recover as someone who has no mental health issue, according to claims data from The Hartford.
To address the stigma and foster open communications, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) recommends learning more about mental health conditions; use respectful, person-first language with the aim of nominalizing, not minimizing, what the person is going through, and if you think someone is having trouble, refer them to a mental health program or organizations. Signs to watch for include changes in performance, frequent absences or tardiness, becoming withdrawn, and prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger.
“The recent research from The Hartford is encouraging and shows U.S. employers are concerned for their employees’ mental health,” NAMI’s CEO Daniel H. Gillison said. “We are acutely aware that the need for mental health services is only increasing and reducing stigma in the workplace is paramount to improving the lives of employees. Mental health support in the workplace is a win-win for both workers and businesses.”
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