As mental health concerns rise among corporate employees, companies are increasingly offering mental health resources such as therapy sessions and wellness apps to attract and retain top talent. However, despite these efforts, many workers still feel unsupported as they grapple with mounting stress inside and outside the workplace.
A recent report from mental health benefits provider Lyra Health reveals that 89% of the 7,500 surveyed employees experienced at least one mental health challenge in the past year, with stress and anxiety emerging as the most prevalent issues. Work-related factors, including excessive workloads and staffing shortages, were cited as primary stressors. Notably, 73% of employees said their mental health struggles negatively affected their job performance.
Beyond workplace stress, other contributing factors include financial pressures and the broader political climate. Women, in particular, reported higher levels of anxiety and mental health struggles, with many citing caregiving responsibilities as a significant source of stress.
Despite the increased investment in corporate mental health initiatives, access to adequate support remains limited. While a majority of employees believe their companies care about their well-being, only 29% feel their workplace provides sufficient mental health resources. In contrast, 45% of HR and benefits leaders claimed their organizations offer adequate support.
The demand for comprehensive mental health benefits is influencing job decisions, particularly among younger employees. More than half of younger workers, especially millennials, indicated they would consider changing jobs to secure better mental health support. Additionally, nearly all surveyed employees said they factor mental health benefits into their job search criteria.
However, even when mental health resources are available, they are not always fully utilized. There is often a disconnect between the benefits employers provide and the specific support employees seek. Nevertheless, companies that invest in mental health programs see tangible benefits—81% of HR and benefits leaders reported that such offerings enhanced their company’s reputation and attractiveness to job seekers.
As employees continue to prioritize mental well-being, companies that offer robust mental health support alongside other benefits, such as fertility and family-building resources, may gain a competitive edge in the evolving job market.
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