Countless people’s mental health has declined since the coronavirus pandemic, impacting worker productivity, according to a report.
The survey of more than 3,460 people found that the majority of workers (87%) experienced at least one mental health problem in the last year. And in the U.S., most employees (65%) say it interferes with their ability to work.
The 2024 State of Workforce Mental Health report states that “depression and anxiety, the most common mental health conditions, continue to impact a wide range of the workforce.” “And while fewer employees cited issues such as stress and burnout as their main mental health challenge this year, more employees cited serious issues such as eating-related issues, substance use disorders and suicidal thoughts. I’m experiencing complex issues.”
Lyra Health, which provides mental health benefits to 15 million people worldwide, announced that it collaborated with PureSpectrum on an online survey of 1,910 U.S. employees. The survey was conducted from August 18th to September 29th last year, targeting workers aged 18 and over.
This is the first year the survey has been expanded to include workers outside the U.S. It also includes more than 1,500 employees in Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, and the United Kingdom, and 250 employees in the U.S. All respondents were from large organizations with 1,000 or more employees working for:
Nearly four years after COVID-19 ceased to be a part of daily conversation, employees are still navigating the “collective trauma” of the global pandemic and coping on a professional and personal level. Lyra Health said in the report.
“Epidemiological data after a large-scale event like a global pandemic shows that the true impact in terms of serious mental health problems is only in the midst of it when people actually start to experience significant impacts on their mental health. It shows that it’s not the case, but usually several years later,” Alecia said. Vaara, senior vice president of clinical care at Lyra Health, said in a statement.
According to the State of Workforce Mental Health report, factors contributing to declining benefits include salaries that exceed inflation, mass layoffs, and feelings of helplessness in the midst of international wars and climate-related disasters.
Crystal Kelly, a licensed mental health counselor in Fort Wayne, agrees that some people are still struggling to find work-life balance in the aftermath of COVID-19.
“People need to know how to set healthy boundaries, like not knowing what their limits are and being okay with saying no,” Kelly said in an email response. “It’s a struggle, especially in the workplace.”
This can be especially difficult for mothers who are torn between fully committing to work and potentially missing out on some activities or stages of their children’s lives. Kelly says that when you’re anxious, you can’t mentally focus on work, let alone tend to your own needs.
“Some people don’t invest in self-care. Not investing in self-care can leave you running on empty, which can lead to burnout and physical, emotional, and mental health issues.” Kelly says. , owner of Uniquely Youth Counseling & Wellness Center, LLC.
Lyra Health said it began producing its workforce mental health report four years ago to better understand the challenges facing organizations, business leaders and workers. It’s also an opportunity to highlight the tools and opportunities today’s leaders have to make positive change, the report said.
Survey responses from human resources and employee benefits leaders indicate that most organizations strive to provide benefits to their employees. appropriate Mental Health Resources. But the findings also suggest that “companies’ employee mental health strategies do not necessarily address all needs,” the report said.
While stress and burnout are less common, survey responses show that more workers suffer from serious conditions such as severe or chronic depression and anxiety (10% in 2022) , 11% compared to 6% in 2021). Use disorders (5% compared to 3% in 2022 and 2% in 2021.) For self-harm and suicidal ideation, a 2% increase was reported in 2023 compared to 2022.
Workers who have children with mental health problems often have additional challenges.
Employers are increasingly pledging to support workers’ mental health, but according to the Workforce Mental Health Report, 55% of U.S. employees say their company’s management does not care about their mental health needs. respondents say they are unsure whether they understand or disagree, which is consistent with research from past years.
“These findings represent a significant opportunity for employers to reshape their approach to mental health benefits,” the report states.
Kelly says workers can be proactive with a little self-examination.
Key questions to consider:
• Are you showing up late to work or missing work more often than usual?
• Are you isolated from others?
• Have you lost your appetite or are you eating too much?
• Have you become irritated and angry? Do you feel unmotivated or don’t have the energy to do anything?
• Are you having suicidal thoughts or engaging in self-harm?
Organizational managers can reduce the burden on mental health by providing a full range of benefits that support well-being, the report says.
“Employees who are struggling with these situations can pretend as if they’re doing just fine,” says Joe Grasso, senior director of Lyra’s workforce transformation team. “We can’t speculate about the challenges someone might be facing. That’s why organizations need to scale up mental health care provision and anti-stigma campaigns to more directly address serious mental illness. There is.”
To share your thoughts on leadership, your favorite quotes, or other wisdom, email Lisa Green at lisagreen@jg.net. lead on It will also be published online as a blog at www.journalgazette.net/blog/lead-on/.
