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The Risks of Not Addressing Workplace Mental Health

Employee anxiety, stress, depression and burnout are common across all organizations and industries.

Mental health is a complex issue without simple solutions. According to the human resources association SHRM, organizations that ignore the current challenges risk employee well-being and business success.


Ignoring mental health could come at a high cost.


Recognizing and addressing workplace mental health challenges can help you limit turnover, increase productivity and combat higher health care costs. Workplace mental health particularly impacts turnover rates. According to SHRM, 49% of employees whose job worsened their mental health over the past six months are likely to search for a new job. This number compares with 23% for those whose job doesn’t affect their mental health and 14% whose job enhanced their emotional well-being.


Younger employees are even more likely to focus on mental health benefits, indicating the growing significance of this issue. More than 60% of Generation Z employees and nearly 50% of millennials would be likely or very likely to leave their current jobs for an organization that offered better mental health benefits.


SHRM reports 30% of employees feel overwhelmed by work. And 29% feel anxious once a week or more.

Top workplace factors affecting mental health include:

  • Workload

  • Compensation

  • Staffing levels

  • Management conflict

  • Lack of professional development


What are solutions to address workplace mental health?

The good news is your employees want your help addressing mental health issues. And you can make a measurable difference. Research shows your efforts can positively impact your employees’ well-being and performance. More than 30% of employees say their job has improved their mental health, according to SHRM.


Employees cite paid or unpaid time off as the most helpful mental health support. They are also seeking affordable and accessible mental health coverage in health care benefits. Another top choice is free or subsidized virtual mental health care resources.


SHRM also reports employees want more control over their schedules, including flexible start and stop times, part-time roles, job-sharing opportunities, remote and hybrid roles, and breaks during the workday.

In addition, the following organizational factors can improve employees’ mental health:

  • Meaningful, purpose-driven jobs

  • Reasonable workloads

  • Fair pay

  • Career paths

  • Social connections

  • Work-life balance

  • Psychological safety


A multidimensional approach.

For an issue as complex as mental health, there isn’t a single solution. SHRM recommends a multidimensional approach. Offerings to improve mental health may include:

  • Paid mental health days

  • Yoga and mindfulness classes

  • Employee assistance programs

  • Mental health apps

  • Support groups

  • Mandatory mental health training for employees and supervisors

  • Mental health education and workshops


To learn more about the growing importance of workplace mental health, talk to our Health & Benefits department. We can help you examine your current benefits offerings and potential solutions for improving your employees' well-being. Visit mianm.com/healthandbenefits to learn more!

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