Employee mental health is on the decline. How can employers help?

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When it comes to mental health, employees are demanding more from their employers. And it's no wonder why. In a December survey by Limeade, a Washington-based software company, nearly 75% of workers said they were burned out—a 42% increase from the start of 2020. In a separate survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 40+% said they had experienced at least one mental or behavioral health issue over the summer.

Our people need support. And we—their employers—can help.

?Now more than ever, employers should double down against stigmas and guarantee employees know of the resources, benefits, and accommodations available.

DYK? —> Less than 3 in 10 surveyed employers said their well-being and caregiving programs have been effective at supporting workers during COVID-19. Here's what some of them are doing about it . . .

? 1/2 of surveyed employers changed their PTO features or vacation/sick day benefits offered.

? 1/4 are allowing employees to roll over more unused PTO days from one year to the next.

? More than 2x as many employers report developing a strategy for benefits in a post-COVID-19 environment as a top priority over the next 6 months (33%) compared to 6 months ago (15%).

[Source: Emerging From the Pandemic Employer Survey, Willis Towers Watson]

Getting back to our "old" routines can be comforting, but for many employees this "old" routine is very different than the normal they knew before COVID-19.

As employers create their return-to-work policies and procedures, they should include information and resources to help meet employees' mental health needs. Connect with your health care provider to determine whether your organization's plan includes mental health and telehealth services. Set up a reimbursement program for behavioral health expenses or contributions to an established fund through a flexible benefits account. Establish an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that includes psychological services.

In addition, employers can supplement their own information and resources with free resources outside of the company, like the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) website.

Our people show up for us every day. How can we show up for them?

Have you noticed a decline in the mental health of your workers? Visit SHRM's Mental Health Resource Center to learn more about your obligations as an employer and how you can address your employees' mental well-being.