Over half of U.S. workers continue to feel mentally unwell and require time away from work

Rhea-AI Summary

New research from Unum (NYSE: UNM) reveals that 56% of U.S. workers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, experienced mental health issues in the past year. Furthermore, 42% required time off work due to mental health concerns. The study indicates a significant stigma surrounding mental health in the workplace, with 70% of employees advocating for better support from employers. Unum's Behavioral Health program aims to address these challenges by providing accessible mental health resources and services, including immediate access to therapists and support through technology.

Positive

• Unum's Behavioral Health program offers tailored mental health solutions designed for employers, enhancing employee access to mental health resources.
• Research indicates a strong demand for mental health support, creating opportunities for business growth in this sector.

Negative

• 56% of employees report feeling mentally unwell, highlighting a significant ongoing mental health crisis.
• 30% of workers believe their employers poorly promote mental health resources.

Unum research highlights ongoing mental and behavioral health crisis

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., June 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- New research from employee benefits provider Unum (NYSE: UNM) shows over half (56%) of U.S. workers, primarily Millennials and Gen Z, felt mentally unwell in the previous year.

Additionally, 42% of employees said they needed to take time off from work to deal with their mental health.

Mental Health by the numbers
Employee mental health remains low. Experts say the combination of health concerns and work pressures during the pandemic caused widespread mental health problems that will reverberate far into the future.

Among U.S. workers, Unum research found:

• 70% of employees suggest there's room for improvement for their employers to reduce the stigma around mental health all year-round.
• Nearly one third (30%) say their employer does not do a good job of promoting mental health resources or offerings.
• 42% are more likely to seek mental wellbeing support only in a crisis, rather than seeking help proactively.
• 1 in 3 (35%) identify cost of services as the biggest deterrent when seeking mental health resources.
• One third (33%) are a part of the "Sandwich Generation," meaning they currently care for parents/elders and children/younger dependents, which often comes with more responsibility, greater financial burden, and, at times, devastating stress.

Digital Solutions offer employees reprieve
Swapnil Prabha, vice president of Workforce Wellness Solutions for Unum Group, shared this type of data continues to drive investments in mental health care by employers for their employees.

"The ongoing pandemic has further exacerbated the mental health crisis we were already in, but it also helped normalize the need for mental health support," said Prabha. "Despite the longstanding stigma and other challenges in mental health, the power of technology can make it possible for more people to get access to the right help when they need it."

Unum Behavioral Health is one of the only mental health solutions on the market specifically built as a partner to employers. It goes beyond the typical Employee Assistance Program (EAP), with a proven approach to maximize employee participation and engagement. It delivers a personalized and private web portal to guide the worker to the support right for them, including clinical treatment options, along with a robust library of mental health resources. Employees are matched with a coach or licensed therapist within three days.

Prabha remarked that HR teams are already strained, and mental health is a critical, but complex challenge. Unum brings nearly 175 years of expertise as a partner to employers to help take on this challenge together.

"The pandemic has accelerated virtual access. Care and support can be accessed at almost any time from nearly any location with no drive-time required," shared Prabha.

Visit Unum Behavioral Health on Unum.com to learn more.

Methodology: Consumer research administered April 2022 by Dynata, on behalf of Unum Group, among 1,200 working U.S. adults.

About Unum Group
Unum (NYSE: UNM), an international provider of workplace benefits and services, has been helping workers and their families for more than 170 years. Through its Unum and Colonial Life brands, the company offers disability, life, accident, critical illness, dental, vision and stop-loss insurance; leave and absence management support and behavioral health services. In 2021, Unum reported revenues of $12.0 billion and paid $8.2 billion in benefits. The Fortune 500 company is one of the 2022 World's Most Ethical Companies, recognized by Ethisphere®.

Visit the Unum newsroom for more information, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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SOURCE Unum Group

FAQ

What percentage of U.S. workers felt mentally unwell according to Unum's research?

According to Unum's research, 56% of U.S. workers felt mentally unwell in the previous year.

How many employees needed time off for mental health issues?

42% of employees reported needing to take time off from work to address their mental health.

What is Unum's strategy for addressing mental health in the workplace?

Unum's strategy includes its Behavioral Health program, which aims to provide accessible mental health resources and immediate access to therapists.

What do workers say about employer support for mental health?

70% of employees believe there is room for improvement in how employers address mental health stigma.

How has the pandemic affected employee mental health according to Unum?

The pandemic has worsened mental health issues among employees, necessitating improved support from employers.