Mental health challenges affect workplaces nationwide, touching not only those struggling but also their colleagues, families, and employers. Shockingly, 74% of workers report negative mental health at work, with 78% believing their employers are not doing enough to support their well-being.
Most concerningly, workplace related suicide has increased 39% in the past two decades, highlighting a significant need for the improvement of mental health and suicide prevention resources in the workplace. Improved employee assistance programs, and training to create more supportive spaces where mental health can be openly discussed, and social stigma addressed, is crucial if we are to prevent these increasingly tragic outcomes.
Understanding the Impact on American Workforces
Mental health issues take a considerable toll on employees’ abilities to perform at work. Over three-quarters of workers report work-related stress within the past month, with alarming effects on employees:
- 31% of workers report feeling emotionally exhausted.
- 26% feel unmotivated to give their best at work.
- 23% express a desire to quit.
- 20% see a drop in productivity.
- 19% experience irritability or anger with colleagues or customers.
Research shows that workplace stress can transcend into depression, and employers that neglect mental health support face higher turnover rates and lower employee engagement. In fact, the American Psychiatric Association reports that employees with unresolved depression face a 35% reduction in productivity; the equivalent of an entire workday each week.
Mental health challenges don’t just affect individual employees; they ripple through the workplace and economy. They cost an estimated $1 trillion globally each year in decreased productivity alone, which only increases when factoring in lost talent and recruitment expenses. The WHO reports a return of $4 for every $1 invested in mental health, emphasizing that investing in support is not just compassionate; it’s economically wise.
Work Related Suicide
But it’s not all about lost hours and dollars. Suicide among those of working age in the U.S has risen 33% in the past two decades, with workplace factors such as work stress, job-related financial stress, low job security, long hours and workplace bullying contributing to risk.
When suicidality touches a workplace, the emotional fallout is profound. Death by suicide leaves an indelible mark, with those left behind suffering with their own unique set of challenges including, grief, anger, guilt and traumatic distress. And those who have suffered the death of a friend or family member are 65% more likely to attempt suicide themselves.
Strategies for Supporting Mental Health Recovery
By proactively supporting mental health, employers can help to improve employee wellbeing and prevent avoidable tragedies like suicide. Normalizing mental health conversations is a fundamental first step, which must come from the top. Additionally, flexible hours and remote working options can ease stress caused by poor work-life balance and allow employees to seek care without requesting time off work.
However, employees need to adopt bigger initiatives to really make a difference to their employees and build a healthier, more resilient workforce:
- Embrace Telehealth: Telehealth solutions like those offered at Vita Health provide immediate, discreet access to mental health care without the need for hospitalization or time off work, offering vital support before a crisis is reached.
- Implement Mental Health Programs: Workplace suicide prevention initiatives and risk assessments are critical. Ensuring employees know they have access to resources like EAPs can normalize seeking support, but companies must also ensure their HR teams are equipped to support their size business.
The Path Forward
Supporting mental health is not just about business. It’s about saving lives. Many struggle in silence, feeling pressured to maintain productivity while their mental health deteriorates to breaking point.
By partnering with services like Vita Health, which offers proven telehealth mental health care and suicide prevention, you can create a supportive work environment in which employees feel safe seeking discreet, effective support when they need it most.
For more information on how to support mental health in your workplace, visit our employer page.
