Survey: 34% of workers feel depressed or anxious at least once per week

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By Robert Storace

A new national survey on workers’ mental health conducted by The Hartford shows 71% of employers believe the deteriorating mental health of their workforce has a negative financial impact on their company.

The 2022 Future of Benefits Study was conducted over two weeks in February and included speaking to about 500 employers and 1,000 workers. It also indicates 34% of workers reported feeling depressed or anxious at least once per week this year — up from 20% in 2020.

The survey also shows a disconnect between employers and workers on mental health services provided.

The data shows 82% of employers said their workforce had more access to mental health resources, while 50% of workers said they believed their employer fell short on access, flexibility and resources.

In addition, the study showed 80% of employers said their employees had flexibility in their schedule to get the mental health care they needed; while only 53% of workers felt that way.

The study also showed 79% of employers said mental health improved because of the company’s resources while only 35% of workers agreed with that statement.

Other stats from the survey showed the following: 82% of employers believed they have an open and inclusive atmosphere that encourages dialogue about mental health, compared to 48% of workers who agree. That breakdown was similar when respondents were asked whether leadership at their place of employment encourages conversations about mental health. Eighty-one percent of employers agreed with the statement compared to only 48% of workers.

The employers surveyed were human resources professionals and the workers surveyed were actively employed.

The Hartford’s Chairman and CEO Christopher Swift said the survey’s results are very clear.

“Our data shows an undeniable, direct correlation between employee mental health well-being, mental health support, and the impact to a company’s bottom line,” Swift said in a statement. “Employers who want a contemporary, inclusive workplace that supports its people should proactively invest in mental health, with an eye to empathy and equity. The need is real, and the time is now.”