Mental health conditions have become one of the leading drivers of short-term disability (STD) claims, fundamentally changing the absence management landscape for employers. Behavioral health challenges now account for a growing share of absences, particularly among younger workers, and these claims tend to be longer, costlier, and more likely to recur or convert to long-term disability claims.
Mental health-related leaves of absence have increased 300% since 2019.¹
As a result, disability insurance is no longer just financial protection; it is often a critical intervention point. Employers who intentionally connect mental health support with disability insurance and absence management will generally be better positioned to manage costs, support recovery, and improve return-to-work outcomes.