Almost 90% use benefits for support
More than a quarter (28%) of workers surveyed recently cited mental health issues as the biggest reason they left their jobs, according to a report from JobSage.
Overall, 28% experienced burnout, and many others had to deal with stress (55%), depression (38%), lack of motivation (37%), anxiety (36%) and anger (31%).
Two in five claim their work had the biggest negative impact on their mental health.
Today, more than half (53%) of workers believe their work is suffering because of poor mental health, according to another report.
Importance of benefits
Nearly nine in 10 (86%) of employees who have mental health benefits use them, most often for online therapy (57%), emotional support lines (55%) and in-person therapy (50%).
Employees also claim their employers offer flexibility (40%), mental health coverage (39%), access to counselling (36%), wellness programs (32%) and access to mental health programs (31%).
Despite this, one in five workers say their employer does not do enough to support their mental health, finds JobSage’s survey of more than 2,000 employed Americans in March.
More than two-thirds (68%) of employers say they have enhanced their wellbeing proposition, but only 51% of employees say that their employer is more focused on their total wellbeing, according to another report.
More work needed
Now, employers need to step up.
“Now, more than ever, employees are looking for employers that align with their values and personal goals,” says JobSage.
And there are new solutions available that can help employers address the issue, according to Mercer.
“Digital platforms for scientifically validated therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can make it easier to offer solutions to all employees, improving access to care options outside of traditional face-to-face counselling,” it says. “A strong mental health strategy allows an employer to set a framework, identify gaps, address employee preferences and cover needs across the entire spectrum of mental health conditions.”
The Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) is calling on all Canadian companies to provide at least $1,500 for employees’ mental health benefits.
