Employees want to feel safe and supported.
It’s no secret that the past few years have been difficult for everyone. With that has come an increased focus on mental health in the workplace. Speaking with more than 1,700 workers, managers, executives, and HR leaders, Modern Health and Forrester Consulting found a gap in the way employees and employers view mental health.
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“We’re seeing a greater need for support as more people talk about their mental health issues, but despite this progress, people around the world still struggle to access care that meets their needs,” says Alyson. Watson, founder and director of Modern Health. CEO.
While employers and workers see the benefits of prioritizing mental health in the workplace, only 54 percent of employees say they have flexibility in their workday to address mental health needs. Three-quarters want their employers to care about their mental health, but only half believe their employer does. And while 85 percent of employers believe they actively listen to staff needs, only 51 percent of workers agree.
“We are at a critical inflection point where organizations must shift their mindset from providing mental health support as a crisis response to being an integrated and strategic part of the employee experience,” says Watson. “If done right, the end result means that both businesses and the human beings that run them are more connected and engaged.”
The report suggests that companies create an environment that removes stigma by taking advantage of the mental health benefits. As it stands, only half of employees would feel safe if their mental health status were disclosed.
Another problem arises with how employers view the cost of mental health benefits. Most employers are concerned that focusing on mental health could cause employees to work fewer hours to focus on themselves, hurting the organization’s return on investment. However, as the report notes, “the negative impact of an unsupported workforce on productivity, retention, creativity, engagement, performance, and absenteeism may outweigh the investment in employee mental health.” .
