Companies across a wide range of industries are taking proactive steps to integrate mental health support into their employee benefits and corporate culture — delivering dividends for workers, the workplace and the entire economy.

A National Crisis Impacting Our Workplaces

Mental health challenges are more prevalent than ever before in American society.

• Nearly one in four U.S. adults live with a mental health condition.
• 76% of U.S. workers in 2021 reported experiencing at least one symptom of a mental health condition (burnout, depression, anxiety).

Beyond the profound personal impact, these challenges have far-reaching consequences on business — leading to performance issues, decreased productivity, presenteeism and retention difficulties. Missed work due to poor mental health was estimated in a 2022 analysis to cost the U.S. economy $47.6 billion annually in lost productivity.

An Opportunity to Make a Difference at Work

Employers have a significant opportunity to support their employees’ mental health while also delivering benefits throughout their organization and to the overall economy.

• According to research by SHRM Foundation, 88% of HR professionals believe offering mental health resources can increase productivity.
• 78% say offering such resources can boost organizational return on investment. Mental health policies and practices also offer a competitive advantage in workforce development.
• A 2022 survey found that 81% of job seekers will be looking for workplaces that support mental health when seeking future job opportunities.
• In addition, employees who feel their employer cares about their well-being are 71% less likely to experience burnout, 69% less likely to look for another job and five times more likely to advocate for their company, according to Gallup.

By providing tools and resources, embracing innovative practices and collectively dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health, employers can help improve the well-being of their workforce and deliver benefits for their business and the entire economy.