MHA - No Longer Optional

May is Mental Health Awareness (MHA) Month. I am looking at how we can best support ourselves, each other, our co-workers, and our community right now. There is also a good business case for including mental health in your corporate benefits package. Sharing interesting statistics about mental health in the workforce below. I am also sharing what I hope will be some helpful resources.

By the Numbers?

The recent SHRM survey shared some compelling numbers. The survey asks how individuals respond to critical factors in deciding whether to return to the workforce. As you can see in the infographic above, 58% of those surveyed feel either anxious or indifferent about returning to work. Many of my clients who are HR professionals won't find these results surprising. However, I find it helpful to have actual data to back up my experience.?

Fast Company covers a McKinsey study in "Why a robust, holistic corporate mental health approach is essential." This overview makes a good business case for including mental health as part of a wellness program. Some key statistics that stood out for me:

● Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 30% of adults have reported symptoms of anxiety and depression. This statistic is a threefold increase from before the pandemic.

● The World Health Organization estimates that every dollar invested in treating depression and anxiety yields $4 in productivity gains.

This concluding quote from Liz Hilton Segel - the global leader of industry practices for McKinsey- also stood out. I especially like the idea that a healthy workforce will be more innovative and productive. Two things we need more of right now in all areas of our lives.

“Work is such an important part of our lives, and employers have an obligation to support well-being in our employee base,” Hilton Segel says. “And there are tremendous benefits to doing so because it can unleash creativity, innovation, and productivity in the workforce.”

The latest Workforce Confidence Index from LinkedIn looks at interesting gender and generational difference around the request for more mental health support at work. "Taboo or timely? Younger women press hardest on mental health issues." investigates some of the possible reasons behind these numbers.

The survey found that 21% of American women identified free mental health benefits as a top priority, versus just 12% of men. There’s been abundant reporting documenting how women, mainly working mothers, shouldered larger burdens as the COVID-19 pandemic has played out.

Interestingly, Sharlyn Lauby finds more consistent support from HR professionals in her SHRM Workplace Report on Mental Health recap. The statistic that stood out for me: 88% said that offering mental health resources can increase productivity.? Read the full blog "Mental Health Benefits are a Key Part of Employee Experience."

Resources

This LinkedIn Learning Path, "Cultivate Balance and Well Being as Offices Reopen," has helpful and timely modules. Short takes on navigating new social and professional norms, reducing stress, prioritizing sleep, and staying positive are included.

Project Healthy Minds is a non-profit startup formed to close the mental health treatment gap. Their extensive resource section includes Therapist and Telehealth directories, Helpline numbers, and information on Peer Support, Meditation, Exercise, and Sleep.

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