Despite the implementation of workforce mental health programs, a significant portion of employees report no improvement in their mental well-being, according to Calm’s Voice of the Workplace Report. It revealed that 69% of employees felt their mental health either remained unchanged or deteriorated over the past year. Additionally, a concerning 81% experienced feelings of nervousness, anxiousness, and stress recently.
The report, which draws from a survey of 4,000 employees and 150 HR and benefits leaders, also highlights that 61% of respondents have felt down, depressed, or hopeless in the last month, and 68% have struggled with insomnia.
The findings suggest that while HR leaders have made considerable efforts to support mental health, there’s a pressing need to build upon the existing foundation to foster significant positive changes. The survey underscores the pervasive issue of employees feeling perpetually connected to work, with nearly 60% feeling they’re always on call, contributing to mental health declines.
The rapid pace of technological advancements and concerns over AI tools potentially harming employee well-being add to the stress. The report points out the crucial role managers play in influencing their team’s mental health, with 65% of employees stating their manager significantly affects their mental well-being. However, only a minority of employees perceive their managers as creating a low-stress environment.
Interestingly, Gen Z employees, despite facing higher levels of anxiety and depression, are at the forefront of advocating for mental health conversations and benefits in the workplace.
The Calm report suggests that enhancing employee assistance programs with preventive resources, reducing stigma around mental health, and empowering managers to foster a supportive environment could be key strategies moving forward.
Moreover, other studies, such as those from the UKG Workplace Institute and Oji Life Lab, corroborate the significant impact of managerial practices on employees’ mental health and stress levels. They highlight the necessity for leadership training to equip managers with skills to reduce conflict, provide constructive feedback, and make effective decisions.
A survey by Robert Walters Group indicates that 62% of workers believe their employers need to do more to address workplace stress, pointing to managerial pressure, workload increases, and job stability concerns as the primary stressors. This collective data underscores the critical need for organizations to reassess and enhance their mental health support strategies to better meet their employees’ needs.
