Americans spend one-third of their lives at work, on average. That statistic alone underscores the role employers play in our lives.
Chuck Ingoglia, M.S.W.
President and CEO, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
That statistic is also a reminder that employers can make the lives of their employees better. Employees want more than a paycheck from their employer. They want the support to thrive.
Employer-sponsored healthcare and employee assistance programs (EAPs) are two pieces of a puzzle that provide people with the resources necessary to care for their well-being. However, there are more pieces to that puzzle. Programs to support employee mental health are the missing piece.
A growing mental health concern
Americans are increasingly concerned about their mental health. The percentage of adults in the United States who describe their mental health as excellent dropped below 30%, according to a Gallup poll released in December. Just six years ago, 43% rated their mental health as excellent.
Separately, many Americans attribute mental health challenges to work-related stress, with 4 in 10 U.S. employees saying their job negatively affects their mental health. That puts organizations in a unique position to help employees.
What workers now expect
More workers have come to expect employers to provide resources to help them cope with a mental health challenge. For younger workers, it is even more important that employers promote their mental health. The Society for Human Resource Management found that 61% of Gen Z workers — born between 1997 and 2012 — would strongly consider leaving their current job if they were offered a new one with significantly better mental health benefits.
Gallup found that when employees strongly agree their organization cares about their overall well-being, they are:
- 73% less likely to feel burned out at work very often or always
- 53% less likely to be watching for or actively seeking a new job
- 50% more likely to be thriving in life
Building the full puzzle
Creating a mentally healthy workplace requires providing more than employer-sponsored healthcare and EAPs. It requires tools to promote mental well-being, which is the foundation for a strong, healthy, and fulfilling life. We believe mental well-being is achievable for everyone, including individuals living with or recovering from a mental health or substance use challenge.
Mental Health First Aid at Work is a research-informed workplace mental health education program. The trainings and workshops teach employees how to care for their own mental wellbeing and recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges in their co-workers. Those who have participated in the program report feeling more confident that they can help a co-worker in need and intend to do so.
Hundreds of employers offer Mental Health First Aid at Work, and more than 5 million people in the United States have received MHFA training.
With people expecting more of their employers, organizations must consider whether they are providing all the pieces of the puzzle to support well-being, because investing in programs beyond traditional approaches can benefit employees and the organizations they work for.
If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
