Mental Health America (MHA) – the U.S.’s leading community-based non-profit dedicated to
addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and to promoting the overall mental health of all – has just released its new Mind the Workplace 2021 Report. The report aims to better understand the mental health challenges that employees across company size and industry have experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
MHA recognises the psychological impact that workplaces can have on employees. Their workplace initiatives are part of an ongoing commitment to uncover workplace disparities, promote
meaningful change in organisational practices, and develop resources to address the mental health needs of employees.
Data in this new report comes from MHA’s Work Health Survey, which measured the perceptions of over 5,000 employees across 17 industries in the U.S. between February and September 2020. Survey questions measured workplace stress, burnout, supervisor support, and financial insecurity.
Here are some major takeaways from the report:
- 9 in 10 employees report that workplace stress affects their mental health.
- 3 in 5 employees are not receiving the support they need to manage stress.
- 1 in 4 employees are experiencing the severe signs of burnout.
- 3 in 5 employees are concerned about their financial situations.
What employers can do to help
In his foreword to the report, Paul Gionfriddo, President & CEO, Mental Health America, explains that workplace mental health is key to a lasting economic recovery. His hope is that this report guides leaders to the steps they can take to make mental health a universal goal.
A few ways in which employers can address so much of what is contributing to employee stress include:
- Employers can make employee mental health a priority.
- A workplace culture that values and rewards openness about mental health can be encouraged.
- They can build supports for both in-person, hybrid, and fully remote workforces.
- They can put in place adequate health insurance that includes mental health benefits.
- Formal and informal workplace mental health programmes open to all can be introduced.
- Information and resources about managing stress and maintaining mental health can be made available.
Open door policies, relaxed work environment, and professional growth opportunities continues to be the top workplace benefits identified by the report.
You can download the Mind the Workplace 2021 Report here.
