Youth mental health: What employers need to know

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In any “normal” year, about 1 in 5 people experience a mental health problem or illness, according to the World Economic Forum. But these are not “normal” times. The ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with life’s other daily stressors like work, family, health and more, have kicked the mental health crisis in the U.S. into high gear.

Fortunately, many employers are recognizing that supporting mental health is a critically important part of their responsibilities to their employees. Businesses — and their employees — seem to have finally warmed up to the idea that mental health care is an essential part of people’s lives. Companies have implemented mental health days, resiliency training and stress management, flexible work hours and more to help promote mental wellness. However, one important segment — the children of employees — have been largely neglected in these advancements. And, by ignoring them, employers are underestimating the impact this has on employees’ productivity, retention and morale.