'Now more than ever, employees are looking for employers that align with their values and personal goals'
Numerous workers in the U.S. have had mental health troubles in the past year, and 28 per cent have quit their job because of it, 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. The top sources of work-related stress include:
- being overworked (37 per cent)
- lack of work-life balance (33 per cent)
- inadequate compensation (31 per cent)
- job insecurity (29 per cent)
- lack of support (29 per cent)
- lack of flexibility (29 per cent)
Now, more than half (53 per cent) of workers believe their work is suffering because of poor mental health, according to another report.
Mental health 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. And the benefits offered do not seem to hit the mark of what employees want:
- better work-life balance (47 per cent)
- more time off (42 per cent)
- greater schedule flexibility (41 per cent)
- workplace discussions about mental health (37 per cent)
- training on topics like stress management (35 per cent)
More than two-thirds (68 per cent) of employers say they have enhanced their wellbeing proposition, yet, just 51 per cent of employees say that their employer is more focused on their total wellbeing, according to another report.
More to do
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.
