Credit: Tom Wang/Adobe Stock
Each year, mental health issues such as depression and anxiety result in 12 billion missed workdays globally, according to data compiled by Resolute Psychiatry.
Increasing workloads and unhealthy work-life balance is detrimental to both personal well-being and company productivity, the report showed, with compounding effects of depression and anxiety including fatigue, poor concentration, detachment, stress and physical symptoms.
“Not only is prioritizing mental health in the workplace a moral imperative; it’s an investment in a company’s most valuable resource—its people,” Resolute Psychiatry said.
Meanwhile, production and financial losses due to missed workdays cost the U.S. economy 1$ trillion each year.
What follows is advice for HR teams looking to better support employee mental health and wellness, according to Resolute Psychiatry.
Provide access to mental health resources
How: Implement Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that include counseling services, wellness workshops, and access to mental health apps.Benefits: Reduces barriers to seeking help, supports emotional well-being, and demonstrates that the organization actually values its employees’ mental health.
Train managers on mental health support
How: Equip managers with the skills to recognize signs of mental health challenges, initiate supportive conversations, and direct employees to useful resources.Benefits: Promotes early intervention, reduces stigma, and lays the groundwork for a workplace culture that prioritizes care and empathy.
Offer flexible work options
How: Develop schedules that allow for remote work, flexible hours, and mental health days to help employees manage their workloads and personal responsibilities.Benefits: Decreases overall stress, improves work-life balance, and boosts employee engagement and productivity. Don’t underestimate the efficacy of flexible work policies and how they can reduce absenteeism and burnout. By loosening the confines of traditional work hours, employees can feel more supported in their commitments to the workplace, as well as their personal lives.
Looking ahead to 2025, there is also potential for an uptick in workers' compensation costs despite a softer market. A report by Risk Strategies shows wage inflation, reduced rates and increased size of primary claims could lead to premium increases.
© Touchpoint Markets, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to TMSalesOperations@arc-network.com. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.