APA poll shows workers value mental health support in workplace

Eight in 10 workers in the United States said employers’ mental health support is an important consideration during future job searches, according to a new survey from the American Psychological Association.

The 2022 APA Work and Well-Being Survey was conducted online by The Harris Poll between April 22 and May 2, receiving responses from more than 2,000 working adults.

Respondents were asked to select from a list of a dozen possible supports they would like employers to offer. Flexible work hours were the most chosen support (41%), followed by a work culture that respects free time (34%), the possibility of working remotely (33%) and the 4-day workweek (31%). ). Additionally, 71% of respondents believe their employer is more concerned about employee mental health now than in the past.

“These findings underscore the importance of mental health support in the workplace for workers in all industries”, CEO of APA Arthur C. Evans Jr., Ph.D., he said in the statement. “While these efforts have been helpful, it is important to recognize that many workers continue to struggle and need additional support.”

According to the survey, the biggest stressor in the workplace was compensation. A total of 71% of those surveyed expressed concern that their salary has not kept up with inflation, while 24% reported that they do not feel they are adequately compensated. Regarding the latter, 52% believe that their salary does not reflect their workload.

Those concerned that their compensation had not kept up with inflation were also significantly more likely to report negative job impacts on their psychological well-being than their counterparts. Nearly two in five (39%) workers surveyed said their work environment has had a negative impact on mental health compared to 21% of those who were not concerned about compensation and more than half of those who were concerned about the impact of inflation on their compensation (54%) reported feeling tense or stressed compared to 34% of those who were unconcerned.

“It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees at work,” Evans said in the statement. “There is always more that can be done.”