Workforce mental wellness is a broad and complex issue.

The impact of mental well-being in the workplace is often underestimated. And in the ever-evolving landscape of the workplace, addressing mental wellness can be a daunting task.

The percentage of adults with a mental illness who report unmet needs for treatment has increased every year since 2011.¹

  • In 2019-2020, 1 in 5 US adults experienced a mental health condition
  • More than half of adults with a mental health condition receive no treatment
  • Mental health challenges are the leading cause of disabilities worldwide

Mental wellness challenges can come from a variety of sources.

Physical, financial, and emotional challenges can all contribute to declining mental wellness for employees and their families. For example, burnout, sleep disturbances, and substance use can all cause, and be symptoms of mental health issues. 

Do you know how poor sleep impacts mental health?

There is a disconnect between employer and employee perceptions of workforce mental health offerings.

More than 73% of employers believe they do an excellent job addressing workforce mental health. However, only 46% of employees agree.⁴

Why are employees so dissatisfied?

Navigating mental wellness treatments can be frustrating and time consuming. In addition, many offerings are reactive, not proactive; only addressing issues in times of crisis.

  • Traditional mental health offerings average only 5% utilization
  • Average waiting time for a first therapy appointment is typically 3+ weeks
  • Many common mental health issues are initially misdiagnosed

Want a deeper dive into workforce mental health? Our latest study, “Workforce State of Mind” can help you understand and respond to what’s happening with employee mental wellness.

And if you prefer lighter reading, you can also download the “Workforce State of Mind” infographic

Download now

Employers agree that workforce mental health is a high priority.

The number of organizations that agree expanding mental health resources is extremely important has doubled since 2016.4 Recent studies show that investing in workforce mental well-being can positively impact absenteeism, productivity, and medical costs.8

For every $1 invested in mental health treatment, there is a return of investment of $4 from improved health and ability to work.⁹

It's only by helping employees thrive, that an organization can grow.

To appropriately address workforce mental health, employers should consider investing in a dedicated mental wellness solution. Frequent and proactive outreach, personalized care plans, and convenient access to resources are just some of the benefits of a dedicated mental health offering.

That’s why Guardian has partnered with Spring Health to bring personalized mental wellness benefits to employees and their families.

Learn more

2023-149714 20250131