The importance of communicating mental health benefits in the workplace

In the United States, nearly 1 in 5 adults live with a mental illness. But less than half, approximately 46.2%, receive mental health services such as treatment, counseling and medication, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. With workplace-related anxiety and stress on the rise in the era of “quiet quitting,” it is beneficial for employers to offer comprehensive mental health benefits for their employees.

According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), employees say that factors such as flexible work hours (41% of workers), a workplace culture that respects time off (34%), the ability to work remotely (33%), and a four-day work week (31%) positively supports their overall mental health. Additionally, while 30% of workers strongly agreed that employer support for mental health will factor into their future job decisions, the APA found that less than a third (30%) reported their employer currently offers health insurance with coverage for mental health and substance use disorders. However, many employees may not know that their plans include mental health benefits. But of those who reported that their employer does offer such insurance, 93% say that such insurance is an effective mental health support.