After over two years of pandemic-related uncertainty, employee burnout has become a widespread mental health crisis. According to Total Brain’s Mental Health Index, mental health is at an all-time low due to the Omicron surge, with significant increases in PTSD, depression, and addiction.
Expanding Support Beyond Traditional Methods
While employee assistance programs remain crucial, companies are enhancing benefits with shorter workweeks, flexible schedules, financial health efforts, and mental health days. Empathy, listening, and flexibility, particularly in remote work environments, are also vital. Bevis emphasizes training managers to exercise compassion and actively listen to employees.
The Mental Health Crisis by the Numbers
Total Brain’s research reveals alarming trends: one in four American workers screened positive for PTSD recently, depression rates have surged, and men face an increased risk of addiction. The Mental Health Index, tracking these trends throughout the pandemic, shows that mental health fluctuates with COVID-19 developments.
Broader Implications for Employers
The Omicron surge has exacerbated mental health issues, with significant impacts on employee retention and productivity. The Great Resignation highlights the link between burnout and job departures. Employers must address these mental health declines to maintain a healthy, productive workforce.
Employers Acknowledge the Problem
A survey by Willis Towers Watson found that 86% of employers see stress and burnout as threats. However, many lack comprehensive well-being programs. Only a quarter have a defined well-being strategy, and just over a third have a behavioral health strategy.
Innovative Strategies to Combat Burnout
Experts believe the best plan of attack is to expand mental health coverage, increase time off, and create flexible work schedules. Some companies, like Hootsuite, Momentive, LinkedIn, and Mailchimp, have introduced company-wide wellness weeks to alleviate stress and prevent burnout. These approaches will be discussed at HRE’s Health and Benefits Leadership Conference in April.
Moving Forward
Understanding and addressing workplace trauma, normalizing mental health discussions, and supporting employees through flexible and empathetic strategies are essential. Employers must be proactive in creating supportive environments to mitigate the ongoing mental health crisis.
