Mental health issues are one of the most significant health challenges in the United States. In 2016, nearly 18.3% of adults, or about 44.7 million people, reported experiencing a mental illness. Additionally, 71% of adults reported having at least one symptom of stress, such as headaches, feeling overwhelmed, or anxious.
Many individuals with mental health disorders also face physical health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory issues, and conditions affecting muscles, bones, and joints. The cost of treating individuals with both mental and physical health conditions is two to three times higher than for those with only one set of health issues. By integrating medical and mental health care services, the United States could potentially save between $37.6 billion and $67.8 billion annually.
Around 63% of Americans are part of the workforce, making the workplace a crucial setting for promoting well-being among adults. Workplace wellness programs can help identify employees at risk for mental health issues, connect them to appropriate treatment, and provide support for managing stress. Addressing mental health in the workplace can lower healthcare costs for both businesses and employees.
Problem
The Impact of Mental Health on Businesses and Employees
Poor mental health and stress can significantly affect employees in several ways:
Job performance and productivity often suffer.
Employee engagement and commitment to work may decline.
Communication with colleagues becomes strained.
Physical ability and daily functioning are compromised.
Mental health disorders, such as depression, are linked to higher rates of disability and unemployment. Depression, in particular, can affect job performance in multiple ways. It interferes with physical job tasks about 20% of the time and reduces cognitive performance roughly 35% of the time.
Despite the negative impact, many employees who struggle with depression do not receive the help they need. Only 57% of employees with moderate depression and 40% of those with severe depression seek treatment to manage their symptoms.
Furthermore, employees at high risk for depression tend to have the highest healthcare costs over a three-year period following an initial health risk assessment. This holds true even after accounting for other health risks, like smoking or obesity.
Solution
Employers Can Raise Awareness of Mental Health and Stress Management
Workplace wellness programs that address both physical and mental health have been shown to work effectively. The workplace offers a great opportunity to create a culture of health because:
Communication systems are already in place.
Programs and policies are centralized within one team.
Employees have access to social support networks.
Employers can use incentives to encourage healthy behavior.
Data can be used to monitor progress and assess the impact of initiatives.
Employers can take several actions to promote mental health awareness and stress management, including:
Providing self-assessment tools for mental health to all employees.
Offering free or affordable clinical screenings for depression by licensed professionals, along with feedback and referrals when needed.
Ensuring health insurance covers depression treatments with little to no out-of-pocket costs, including medications and mental health counseling.
Providing free or subsidized access to lifestyle coaching, counseling, or self-management programs.
Distributing materials like brochures, flyers, and videos to inform employees about mental health signs, symptoms, and available treatments.
Hosting workshops or seminars focused on depression, stress management, and techniques like mindfulness and breathing exercises to help employees manage anxiety and boost focus.
Creating quiet, dedicated spaces for relaxation activities.
Training managers to recognize signs of stress or depression and support employees in seeking help from mental health professionals.
Giving employees a voice in decisions that impact job-related stress.
Success Stories
Many Businesses Offer Resources to Support Employee Mental Health and Stress Management
Prudential Financial
Prudential tracks how supervisors influence employee well-being, particularly when leadership changes. They regularly conduct anonymous surveys to understand employees' opinions about their managers, senior executives, and the company itself. Senior leaders also help normalize mental health conversations by sharing personal stories through video messages.
TiER1 Performance Solutions
This company focuses on six major mental health issues: depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and addictions. As part of their "Start the Conversation About Mental Illness" campaign, they offer various resources to assess risks, access information, and get help. These resources come in different formats, such as infographics, emails, weekly challenges, and educational or storytelling videos.
Beehive PR
Beehive PR provides a dedicated, quiet room called the "InZone" where employees can recharge. This space is free from wireless internet to ensure a break from distractions. They also combine professional and personal development through goal-setting, one-on-one coaching, development sessions, and biannual retreats.
Tripler Army Medical Center
At Tripler Army Medical Center, resiliency training is mandatory to help reduce burnout and build skills in empathy and compassion for those in caregiving roles. Training involves classroom lectures, role-playing, yoga, and even improv comedy to accommodate different learning styles.
Certified Angus Beef
Certified Angus Beef offers free wellness consultations with an on-site clinical psychologist. Employees don’t need to take time off to access these services. They also hold lunchtime learning sessions to reduce stigma around mental health and provide quarterly guided imagery relaxation sessions to teach stress management techniques.
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans provide comprehensive insurance that includes physical, mental, and behavioral health coverage. Employees also have 24/7 access to an employee assistance program (EAP). This coverage extends to anyone living in the employee’s household and offers tailored programs for those caring for children or elderly relatives.
What Can Be Done?
Managing Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace: Effective Strategies
Healthcare Providers
Healthcare providers play a vital role in managing workplace mental health. They should regularly ask patients about depression or anxiety and, if needed, recommend appropriate screenings, treatments, and services. It’s beneficial to have a diverse team for holistic care, including clinical psychologists, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, and other health professionals who can collaborate for comprehensive treatment.
Public Health Researchers
Researchers can make a big difference by creating tools to support workplace mental health. They could design a “how-to” guide to assist businesses in developing, implementing, and evaluating mental health programs. A useful tool would be a mental health scorecard, helping employers assess their workplace and pinpoint areas for improvement. Additionally, a recognition program could reward employers who show significant progress in improving mental health and its impact on business outcomes. Training programs aimed at teaching leadership how to nurture a mentally healthy workforce could also be invaluable.
Community Leaders and Businesses
Community leaders and businesses also have a responsibility to support mental health in the workplace. They can help working adults by promoting mental health education programs through public health departments, community centers, and local organizations. Furthermore, businesses can support programs that reduce risk factors by increasing access to affordable housing, physical activity spaces like trails, and tools for promoting financial well-being. It’s also important to create a system that connects employees, employers, and healthcare providers to local community-based mental health programs.
Federal and State Governments
Governments at both federal and state levels can help by providing tools and materials for organizations and employers to deliver mental health education. Offering courses and resources that guide people in managing their mental health can be very effective. In addition, collecting data on workers' well-being and conducting research can help refine public health efforts. Another vital action is to focus on underserved communities, using community health workers to help individuals access mental health services in places like local churches or community centers.
Employees
Employees can take the lead in improving mental health at the workplace as well. They should encourage their employers to provide mental health and stress management programs tailored to their needs. Participating in employer-sponsored programs and wellness activities can help employees gain the skills and support they need. Being wellness champions in the workplace, employees can take part in training that addresses wellness topics such as financial planning or managing unhealthy behaviors in the office.
Sharing personal experiences can help reduce stigma, and being open to listening to colleagues with empathy is essential. Encouraging others to seek help when needed and offering peer support helps foster a culture of well-being. Additionally, adopting positive habits such as eating well-balanced meals, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep can support mental health.
Participating in activities that reduce stress, like yoga, meditation, or tai chi, can promote relaxation. It’s also important to build real-life social connections that provide support and encouragement. Reflecting on positive experiences, expressing gratitude, and setting personal and wellness goals can contribute to mental well-being. When necessary, employees should feel comfortable asking for help in achieving those goals.
