Almost 90 per cent use benefits for support
More than a quarter (28 per cent) of workers surveyed recently cited mental health issues as the biggest reason they left their jobs, according to a report from JobSage.
Overall, 28 per cent experienced burnout, and many others had to deal with stress (55 per cent), depression (38 per cent), lack of motivation (37 per cent), anxiety (36 per cent) and anger (31 per cent).
Two in five claim their work had the biggest negative impact on their mental health.
Today, more than half (53 per cent) of workers believe their work is suffering because of poor mental health, according to another report.
Importance of benefits
Nearly nine in 10 (86 per cent) of employees who have mental health benefits use them, most often for online therapy (57 per cent), emotional support lines (55 per cent) and in-person therapy (50 per cent).
Employees also claim their employers offer flexibility (40 per cent), mental health coverage (39 per cent), access to counselling (36 per cent), wellness programs (32 per cent) and access to mental health programs (31 per cent).
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 per cent) of employers say they have enhanced their wellbeing proposition, but only 51 per cent 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.
