"Good mental health is the crux of all health & wellbeing and the positives to supporting it cannot be understated."
- David Williams, Head of Group Risk at Towergate Health & Protection
Of those surveyed (500), 57% of employers were most concerned about their staff’s mental health while remote or hybrid working, followed by physical health (49%), financial health (44%), and social wellbeing (44%). Notably, Towergate also found that 60% of employers believe the importance of providing support for mental health has increased in their respective workforces.
Towergate highlighted that mental health issues cover a wide spectrum, from low mood to severe depression and debilitating anxiety. The underlying causes of poor mental health are equally widespread, including financial pressure, grief, work stress, and physical ill-health.
Employee benefits often encompass a wealth of support for mental health via Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) or fast-track access to talking therapies & in-patient stays. Free apps and portals aimed at helping employees understand and manage their mental health are often included. Employees may also have access to services such as grief counselling and addiction support.
Towergate said mental health awareness courses are another good way to educate the workforce and also to help open up communication about mental health. Meanwhile, offering training to those wanting to become mental health first aiders would allow individuals in the workforce to signpost colleagues to relevant support.
“Our research shows that the move to hybrid & remote working has had a big impact on the mental health of employees. While the taboo around mental health is dissipating, and the matter is moving up the corporate agenda, there is still more that can be done,” explained David Williams, Head of Group Risk at Towergate Health & Protection.
He said: “Mental health support is vital in today’s working world and employers need to embrace the support available to keep their workforce healthy, happy, and productive.
“Whether provided through existing health & wellbeing support or as a standalone option, mental health support needs to be made easily available to all employees. Good mental health is the crux of all health & wellbeing and the positives to supporting it cannot be understated,” David concluded.
