Employees' mental health is quickly becoming a top concern for companies as they try to hold on to workers through the pandemic. "These days

Mental health is the next big workplace issue

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2021-08-16 14:30:03

Employees' mental health is quickly becoming a top concern for companies as they try to hold on to workers through the pandemic.

"These days there are worker shortages everywhere," says Chris Swift, CEO of The Hartford, a financial services and insurance company. Mental health is a massive contributor to that, he says.

What's happening: The pandemic has dragged on, and people are dealing with even more loss and isolation — at the same time that America's opioid crisis has gotten worse. Burnout and addiction are seeping into the workplace.

Employers can help by providing resources, like mental health days and online therapy sessions. But middle managers must also play a key role, experts say.

But, but, but: Helping workers is not so simple. 72% of U.S. employers say stigmas associated with mental health and addiction are keeping workers from seeking help, per The Hartford's study. The more we talk about it, the faster the stigma goes away, Swift says.

What's next: As workforces transition to remote or hybrid, it'll be even more essential for managers to check in on employees' mental health, says Bryan Hancock, who leads McKinsey's global talent practice.