With discussions about mental health dominating the headlines, airwaves, and even social media, attention is now turning toward mental health in the workplace. Last month, the U.S. Surgeon General issued new guidance outlining how poor workplace conditions are contributing to the nation’s mental health crisis. The office is encouraging companies and organizations to rethink how they support their employees.
A JobSage survey on mental health in the workplace confirms that American workers are indeed struggling. In 2023, the majority of survey respondents reported being stressed (67%) and anxious (54%) due to their jobs. These numbers increased significantly from 2022 when 55% were stressed and 36% were anxious.
One thing is clear: job-related mental health problems take their toll on both individuals and businesses. In fact, over half (56%) of workers surveyed by JobSage report having decreased productivity or performance at work when they’re dealing with mental health issues. So, how can employers help? We’ve gathered some intel on how employees are struggling at work mentally and what organizations can do about it.
Compensation Takes Top Spot for Cause of Workplace Stress
Compensation is the top factor in work-related stress in 2023, according to the JobSage survey. Employees in industries like hospitality, restaurants, education, and local media are still fighting for fair compensation and a liveable wage.
JobSage found that employees in lower salary ranges consistently rate their mental health as lower than those in higher salary ranges. Specifically, workers making $50,000 or more report having better mental health than those making less than $35,000.
- $100,000 or more: Good mental health
- $75,000 to $99,999: Good mental health
- $50,000 to $74,999: Good mental health
- $35,000 to $49,999: Good/okay mental health (tie)
- $20,000 to $34,999: Okay mental health
- Less than $20,000: Okay mental health
Mental Health Services Aren’t Cheap
With employees making less money reporting worse mental health, it’s no surprise that JobSage found that cost is the biggest factor (30%) preventing people from using mental health services in 2023. According to Bankrate, therapy costs around $100 to $200 per session. The average price for an appointment with a counselor is $50-$80, a psychologist is $70-$150, and a psychiatrist is $100-$200. The lower the income, the more out-of-reach therapy becomes for any individual employee.
Poor finances contribute to poor mental health, but mental health struggles can also contribute to financial struggles. In fact, a Money and Mental Health survey indicated that a whopping 72% of people say their mental health problems made their financial situation worse. Finances and mental health can become a downward spiral, with nearly half (46%) of people in problem debt also reporting a mental health problem.
What Employers Can Do to Make a Difference
A good way to start is by tackling the number-one workplace stressor: compensation. Offering competitive salaries can go a long way toward easing mental health troubles, especially in the current climate of sky-high housing prices and climbing inflation. An organizational culture that promotes a work-life balance can also make a difference, including allowing more time off or offering more flexible work schedules.
Specific mental health resources may help, too. According to the JobSage survey, nearly 1 in 3 employees (29%) want their employers to include better mental health benefits to make it easier to access therapy, medications, and other treatments. Almost the same percentage (27%) wish that their employers provided access to online mental health resources.
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The Bottom Line
The good news is that employers can help build a win-win environment for both themselves and their employees. On average, full-time workers spend half of their waking hours at work. Happier employees are less likely to quit, less likely to burn out, and more likely to perform well on the job.
Perhaps the biggest way that employers can boost their team’s mental health is by offering better salaries. Not only do higher incomes decrease job-related stress, but they can also enable workers to afford therapy, leisure time, and other self-care that may improve their general well-being. If increased compensation isn’t an option, other job-related perks—like more time off, flexible schedules, and increased social support at work—can help pick up the slack.