A New Year: 4 Mental Health Predictions for 2024

As we kick off the New Year, it's clear that the digital health landscape is changing rapidly, ushering in new challenges and opportunities. From AI’s impact on mental healthcare to an evolving list of priorities for employers and their teams, here are four predictions for what I think we can expect in the year ahead.?

1. Embracing a Broader Definition of Wellbeing in the Workplace

Work-life benefits, like a flexible-work arrangement, sufficient time off, and childcare or eldercare assistance are increasingly on employees’ list of “non-negotiables.” The Headspace 2023 Workforce Attitude Survey found that family care was voted the most important “emotional or mental health support program” for employees by 54% of respondents — a clear signal to employers that the definition of mental health support is expanding and benefits like these should be prioritized. One way Headspace supported companies that embraced a move toward more holistic mental health offerings in 2023 was through the expansion of our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) replacement offering. By providing benefits like unlimited, on-demand mental health coaching and the option of in-person and/or video therapy, in addition to work-life services like financial counseling and eldercare/childcare, Headspace’s EAP has seen 5-10x higher engagement than a traditional program.?

2. 2024: The Year of Consolidation

Despite economic uncertainties, employers remain committed to mental health investment —?Headspace’s Fifth Annual Workforce Attitudes Toward Mental Health Report found that 64% of CEOs intended to increase mental health benefits, even during tough economic times. The focus, however, is now shifting towards consolidation and quality. Companies will look to decrease the number of point solutions they deploy in favor of integrated offerings that support the full spectrum of mental health needs – from mindfulness and meditation tools to complex clinical care.?

3. More Awareness of Mental Health Support’s Impact on the Bottom Line?

Mercer recently predicted employer healthcare spending will soon hit its highest rates in more than a decade. In 2024, we can expect companies to look critically at how their benefits dollars are being spent, prioritizing solutions that prove their value. Fortunately, a growing number of? employers are recognizing mental healthcare as an integral part of their benefits strategy, both in driving better health outcomes and lowering the total cost of care. With demand for mental health still strong and growing — our research shows 73% of employees regularly used mental health benefits in 2023, compared to 37% in 2022 — more employers will likely continue the trend, working to curb overall healthcare spending by investing in mental health solutions that offer comprehensive, everyday support for their employees.?

Finally, I'd be remiss not to comment on the potential of AI and the role it might play in mental health this year.

4. Cautionary Use of AI in Mental Health

Across industries, AI was clearly the topic of the year in 2023. And while AI application isn’t new in the healthcare space — companies like ours have been using machine learning and LLMs for years — business leaders have been talking all of the new ways in which generative AI could further disrupt care delivery and improve the healthcare experience. Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, I’m cautiously optimistic about AI’s potential in the mental health space, yet aware that there are many risks to consider. At Headspace, our core belief and entire business model is anchored in human-led care — the connection our members have via live conversations with coaches and therapists through chat, video or in-person is irreplaceable. But we also believe in the power of AI to help reduce costs and increase access – both desperately needed. That said, proper regulatory structure and controls for AI usage are not yet in place. As with any new tool or technology, rigorous testing must be a requirement alongside appropriate safeguards and considerations. As the conversations around AI grow even louder, mental health providers should make every effort to join the discussions, shaping how this new technology impacts the future of mental healthcare delivery.?

For many companies, 2023 was a difficult year. And all signs point to 2024 being another one. With stressors like major world events, an upcoming election and continued economic concerns, there are many factors that could impact the health and wellbeing of employees. I’m encouraged, however, by the continued commitment from innovative companies to make mental health a priority at their organizations, even amid these challenges. As we kick off this New Year, Headspace’s mission to foster happier, healthier communities remains more important than ever.