Mental health is becoming a higher priority for American employers, according to a new report of the global consulting firm wtw. The survey of 455 major employers found that 67% of US employers plan to make employee mental health and emotional well-being programs and solutions one of their top three health priorities over the next three years. The number of employers offering designated mental health days could triple from 9% today to 30% in the next two years.
The vast majority of respondents (88%) did something to address the mental health needs this year, with 83% offering tele-behavioral health this year and another 9% considering it for the next two years. While virtually all employers offer traditional employee assistance programs, seven in 10 (69%) provide dedicated on-site or virtual EAP resources. Additionally, one in four employers (24%) plan to increase their EAP benefits in the next three years.
“COVID-19 took a terrible toll on employee lives, including substantially worsening mental health,” said Erin Terkoski Young, senior director of WTW’s Health, Equity and Wellbeing practice, in a statement. “Although the pandemic may have begun to subside, mental health challenges remain. Taking mental health programs to the next level won’t be easy, but successful employers will see improved productivity, retention and engagement.”
The survey revealed several emotional wellness strategies that employers have in place or are planning or considering in the next three years.
- More than four in 10 employers (44%) currently provide manager training, such as general mental health awareness or identification and intervention training. Another 30% are planning or considering this training in the next two years.
- Nearly four in 10 employers (38%) are partnering with employee resource groups to address population-specific mental health issues. Another 27% are planning or considering doing so.
- Two-thirds of employers (68%) currently offer digital behavioral health support. An additional 16% are planning or considering providing access to digital behavioral health support in the next two years.
- One in six employers (17%) are assessing cultural competencies within their behavioral health provider network. Another 27% are planning or considering doing so.
“Employers are very focused on supporting the mental health of their employees, especially when looking to retain and attract talent,” Young said. “Those who prioritize employee mental health and increase access to virtual and digital solutions will be uniquely positioned to improve their ability to deliver much-needed care.”
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