Employee mental health in the workplace: What employers can do to help

The primary source of stress that can launch the cycle of mental health challenges is financial strain, an unfortunately widespread stressor in the U.S (Photo: Shutterstock)

It’s a vicious cycle; employees are experiencing higher than normal levels of stress, resulting in deterioration of their mental health and wellbeing either acutely, due to a specific situation, or chronically, adding new mental health concerns and exacerbating existing ones. Poor mental health impacts the physical body too, resulting in costly medical care. A shocking 56% of Americans with chronic disease have missed medication or delayed care because of financial hardship, worsening physical health.

As a result of the pandemic, almost one in four Americans are avoiding medical treatment because of the cost. Due to mental, physical, and financial stress, poor wellbeing contributes to lost productivity, absenteeism, and turnover. On the contrary, according to Gallup, employees thriving in all areas of wellbeing are 81% less likely to find a new job and miss 41% less work.