One in five workers considered leaving their job in 2023 due to their mental health and its impact on their ability to work. This finding is from the State of Workforce Mental Health Report, from LyraHealth.
“In 2023, the vast majority of workers across industries (87%) experienced at least one mental health issue, and most employees in the United States (65%) tell us their mental health interfered with their ability to work,” said Alethea Varra, senior vice president of clinical care at Lyra Health, in the report.
“The most common mental health conditions—depression and anxiety—continue to affect huge swaths of the workforce. And while fewer employees this year cited issues like stress and burnout among their top mental health challenges, more workers are experiencing severe, complex issues such as eating-related problems, substance use disorders, and suicidal ideation. The epidemiological data after large events like a global pandemic show that the true impact in terms of serious mental health issues is not during but usually a couple of years after, when we start to see people really experience a significant mental health impact.”
While the survey found that the percentage of U.S. workers cite stress as top mental health challenge was 40% in 20223, compared to 51% in 2022, serious mental health issues on the rise. “Employers have made great progress in curbing stigma around depression, anxiety, and stress. Severe conditions, however, are still heavily stigmatized and can be hiding in plain sight.” Dr. Joe Grasso, vice president, Workforce Transformation Lyra Health, in a statement.
The results of this are as follows:
- Suicidal thoughts 5% up from 3.4%
- Self-harm 3.3% compared to 1.4% in 2022
- Partner violence 3% up from 1.4%
Status of issues at Workplace
In 2023, 65% of U.S. workers reported that their mental health affected their ability to do their jobs, up from 60% in 2022. And the number of employees reporting a severe impact nearly doubled, from 4% in 2022 to 7% in 2023.
Our research also found that “work-related stress and burnout” is the second-biggest factor contributing to employees’ mental health concerns—28% of workers listed it as a top concern over the past year, second only to financial stress, which was cited by 33% of employees. Employees said their mental health challenges make them feel less focused (46%), less engaged (42%), and less productive (36%) at work. And 1 in 5 say they’re considering leaving their company due to their mental health’s impact on their ability to do their job.
Access to Care
In the U.S., just over 40% of workers surveyed received mental health care in 2023, a 24% hike from 2022. Still, many people with acute mental health needs are struggling to find appropriate support. Fewer than half of those who got care (49%) stayed with the same provider, and 12% switched three or more times. Each time an employee changes providers through their health insurance, it adds to health care costs for employers. Most importantly, it often results in delays in recovery.
Most common sources of mental health support last year are as follows:
- 1-on-1 therapy (44%)
- Prescription medication (34%)
- Self-care resources -- stress reduction apps, meditation) (29%)
- On- demand content and courses (23%)
- 1-on-1 mental health coaching (20%)
6 steps for employers to advance workforce mental health in 2024 and beyond.
Make sure your mental health strategy embraces the full spectrum of needs.
Expand medical health support for working parents and children.
Build trust with actions that support worker well-being.
When it comes to workforce mental health, think systematic vs. individual change.
Give managers resources to lead mentally healthy, engaged teams.
Prioritize access to quality mental health care across global workforces.