Why employees need more ways to access mental health services
Mental ill-health is growing worldwide. In the last decade, mental health conditions and substance use disorders rose by 13% globally, (2007-2017) according to the World Health Organization.
In 2023, there were almost nine times as many interactions with Spectrum.Life’s employee mental health services than in 2022 – meaning more employees need mental health support and consumer advice.
Providing different communication channels and entry points into a mental health service is essential for breaking down barriers and enhancing accessibility.
More than half (57%) of people prefer telehealth services over in-person consultations for mental health appointments, according to JDPower.
In 2023, 12% of all consultations were for video counselling, an increase of 50% on 2022. A total of 8% of all consultations were for telephone counselling.
Offering multiple modes of entry into a service means individuals will feel more comfortable using services and it can enhance accessibility for individuals who may not typically use services – men, for example.
The cost-of-living crisis continues across all sectors, with many employees facing difficulty to meet ends meet or even stay motivated at work. For the past two years, financial consultations have been in the top 10 help requests, increasing by 83% between 2022- 2023.
These consultations help organisations provide expert advice and assistance so employees can make more informed decisions for their financial health.
Offering financial assistance can help tackle issues such as presenteeism and increased stress/anxiety. In 2023, 64% of workers in the UK had to go to work when they were unwell as they could not afford the time off, according to HR software provider Ciphr.
An employee will become disengaged with the business if they feel they are not getting the recognition or pay they deserve or think their wellbeing is not treated as a priority. Worldwide, employee stress has reached record levels in recent years. It is estimated by Gallup that disengaged employees cost the global economy 9% of the global GDP.
Stress and anxiety have remained in the top three presenting mental health issues for people calling for support through Spectrum.Life, accounting for 35% of total presenting issues in 2023. Prolonged periods of stress and anxiety lead to burnout, which remains a pressing employee wellbeing concern.
Employee burnout can show up in many different ways for those experiencing it - difficulty sleeping, irritability, struggling to focus, lacking appetite, difficulty finding joy in things.
A healthy organisation values worklife balance, employee wellbeing and open communication. Employees should feel supported and empowered to make better decisions and improve their overall health and wellbeing.
Anonymous reporting means employers can adapt and continually improve as wellbeing needs evolve and they adjust offerings to address any emerging challenges and trends specific to their organisation.
Spectrum.Life help employers provide always-on health and wellbeing support to support employees 24/7 regardless of their location or work settings.
In partnership with Spectrum Life
Supporting 4m+ lives in the corporate, education and insurance sectors with our health & wellbeing solutions.”
