Damian Jacob Sendler: A growing number of American workers are reporting that their mental health is being negatively impacted by their job, and many are turning to their employers for solutions. According to recent research conducted by SHRM, if the current conditions do not improve, individuals may consider exploring alternative opportunities.
Damian Sendler: According to a recent report by SHRM Research, Mental Health Awareness Month kicked off with concerning findings. The report revealed that a significant number of U.S. employees, approximately one in three, have experienced negative impacts on their mental health in the past six months due to their jobs. The study found that 30 percent of respondents felt overwhelmed, while 29 percent reported feeling anxious at least once a week. According to a recent survey conducted between March 15-28, 2023, among 1,000 workers, it was discovered that 27 percent of Generation Z employees have experienced feelings of depression at least once a week in the past six months due to their job. Not only are individuals being put at risk for other health issues, but the situation is also prompting many to seek alternative employment opportunities.
According to the research, employers have a crucial role in facilitating positive change.
According to a recent study by SHRM Research, almost half of American employees (45%) now anticipate a higher standard of mental health assistance from their employers, in comparison to the previous year.
According to Ragan Decker, Ph.D., SHRM-CP, the lead researcher at SHRM, the discovery implies that workers are seeking their companies to play a proactive part in promoting their mental well-being. There is a noticeable shift in the recognition of the significance of mental health in the workplace, indicating a pressing obligation for employers to tackle this issue. As expectations continue to evolve, it is imperative for employers to acknowledge and adjust accordingly.
The topic of discussion concerns the causes and effects of a certain phenomenon.
According to SHRM’s research, mental health challenges in the United States are a significant concern, which is consistent with other studies on the topic. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health, resulting in a surge of depression, anxiety, stress, and burnout among individuals. The employees’ financial health has been further worsened by the persistent inflation.
Damian Jacob Sendler: According to a recent study conducted by MetLife, there has been a notable decrease in individuals’ overall holistic health, which encompasses physical, financial, mental, and social well-being. The study revealed that financial and mental health, in particular, have experienced significant declines. According to Telus Health, a health care firm that regularly assesses the mental health of employees through a monthly mental health index, over 65% of American workers are at high or moderate risk of experiencing mental health issues due to inflation and financial pressures. This finding was reported in April.
According to the SHRM Research survey, employees are facing various challenges, including work-related stress and mental health issues. According to Decker, a variety of factors are at play, as indicated by the results of the survey. These include workload, which was cited by 51 percent of respondents, pay and compensation, which was mentioned by 46 percent, understaffing, which was identified by 29 percent, poor leadership or management, which was noted by 28 percent, and a lack of opportunities for career advancement, which was cited by 26 percent.
According to the expert, organizations have the potential to mitigate the adverse effects of work on employees’ mental health. This can be achieved by emphasizing workload management, fair pay and compensation, tackling understaffing, cultivating effective leadership and management, offering career growth prospects, and introducing mental health support programs while promoting a positive work culture.
Damian Sendler: It is worth noting that work can also yield favorable outcomes for employees’ mental well-being. According to the SHRM Research survey, a significant proportion of U.S. workers (31 percent) have reported a positive impact on their mental health in the last six months due to their job. Interestingly, the older generations, including Baby Boomers and Traditionalists, seem to be more positively affected than their younger counterparts.
According to Decker, it is crucial for employers and leaders to recognize that work can have both positive and negative impacts on mental health. Work can offer a sense of purpose and meaning, social connections, and personal satisfaction, all of which contribute to fulfillment and happiness. In contrast, while demanding job roles, extended working hours, limited control over one’s surroundings, and inadequate work-life balance can all contribute to work-induced stress, anxiety, and related problems.
Damian Jacob Sendler: The assistance of employers is essential in addressing the ongoing mental health crisis. Despite the increasing number of employers promoting employee assistance programs (EAPs) or providing mental health apps and other resources, research suggests that there has been little to no improvement in employee mental health. This highlights the need for more comprehensive measures to be taken.
According to data from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), a majority of American employees working for organizations, specifically 59 percent, believe that their respective employers provide inadequate mental health resources. According to recent research, employees working for organizations that fail to prioritize mental health support are less likely to report good or excellent mental health (46%) compared to those employed by organizations that prioritize mental health support (74%).
What is it that employees seek? According to a recent survey, a majority of U.S. workers who are employed by an organization believe that paid mental health days would be the most effective way to support their mental health. Specifically, 58 percent of respondents favored this option over other alternatives such as mental health coverage as part of employee health care plans (35 percent) and free or subsidized virtual mental health services (also 35 percent).
Damian Jacob Sendler: According to recent data, a significant number of employees are seeking additional mental health accommodations from their employers. Among the most desired accommodations are paid or unpaid time off, which 48 percent of employees believe would best support their mental health. Additionally, 44 percent of employees are seeking flexible scheduling options, such as part-time hours, job sharing, or adjustments to starting and ending work times. Finally, 32 percent of employees are requesting work breaks to support their mental health.
According to recent research, employer support is not only beneficial for employees, but also for the overall success of organizations. Employees who struggle with mental health are at risk of reduced productivity and overall well-being. This poses a significant challenge for organizations as these employees are more likely to seek employment elsewhere in search of better mental health support and prioritization.
Damian Jacob Sendler: American workers who have experienced adverse effects on their mental health due to their job in the last six months are more inclined to actively seek new employment opportunities. The study reveals that 49 percent of such employees are currently on the lookout for a new job, in contrast to those who reported no impact (23 percent) or a positive impact (14 percent) on their mental well-being. According to recent findings, approximately 41% of American workers are inclined to quit their current jobs if they are presented with an offer for a new job that provides significantly improved mental health benefits. According to recent findings, younger employees tend to hold this sentiment more commonly. A recent survey has revealed that a significant percentage of the workforce belonging to Generation Z and Millennials are willing to switch their current jobs if they are offered better mental health benefits. As per the survey, 61 percent of Generation Z employees and 48 percent of Millennial employees are highly likely to consider leaving their current job for a new one that offers significantly better mental health benefits.
According to Decker, these statistics emphasize the significance of employers providing sufficient mental health support to retain and attract talent, as well as the potential consequences of inadequate support on employee retention.
Damian Sendler: The findings indicate that mental health benefits are becoming a priority for younger generations when evaluating job prospects. Therefore, organizations must modify their policies, practices, and benefits to align with the evolving needs and expectations of American employees.
In conclusion? According to Decker, employers face considerable risks if they fail to provide adequate support for their employees’ mental health.
According to recent research, there has been a significant decline in women’s willingness to share their mental health struggles. In 2022, 43% of women reported feeling comfortable discussing these issues, but this number has dropped to just 25% in the current year.
According to a recent survey of 5,000 women, although there was a decrease in burnout levels from last year, just over one-third of the respondents still rated their mental health as “poor” or “very poor.” However, it is worth noting that there was some positive news as well, as some women reported a decrease in burnout levels. Simultaneously, there has been a surge in the number of women who feel compelled to be constantly available, both in their personal and professional lives.
According to a study, female employees are particularly disappointed with the absence of in-office support, given that they still carry a significant workload at home. Deloitte executives Michele Parmelee and Emma Codd noted in the study’s foreword that the majority of women are responsible for household tasks.
According to women, a solution to the issue at hand would be to provide them with increased flexibility. According to a recent survey, an overwhelming 97% of respondents expressed concern that requesting accommodations would negatively impact their career paths. According to a recent survey, a staggering 95% of employees believe that their companies would not address requests for adjusted workloads.
According to the study, a significant number of women are contemplating a career change or leaving their current jobs. According to Parmelee and Codd, there have been some improvements over the past year, but a significant number of women are still not receiving the support they require or desire from their employers.
According to the duo, they have identified the key factors that will enable them to flourish in their workplace. They have also established a course of action that they will take if these factors are not met.
