Research reveals a growing demand for mental health support among employees, expected to dominate workplace support needs in 2024.
- A survey of 500 HR professionals indicates that over 40% expect to see more requests for mental health assistance.
- Financial health concerns follow closely, with 34% of employers anticipating increased support requests.
- Over half of businesses are prepared to enhance mental health support, prioritising it highly among workplace initiatives.
- Employers are urged to balance support across mental, physical, social, and financial health to ensure employee wellbeing.
Mental health is increasingly at the forefront of workplace concerns, with new research highlighting its expected rise in demand among employees in 2024. According to the findings by Towergate Health & Protection, 41% of employers foresee an uptick in requests for mental health support. Debra Clark, head of wellbeing, emphasises the importance of addressing mental, physical, social, and financial support evenly to maintain a stable workforce.
A survey of 500 HR professionals has shown that mental health tops the list of expected support requests. Employers predict a higher need for mental health resources, aligning with broader trends of increasing workplace stress. Financial health follows, with 34% of employers noting it as a growing concern.
Responding to this anticipated demand, over half of the surveyed employers plan to boost their mental health support initiatives. Methods such as counselling services are being considered to meet these needs. Providing comprehensive support remains a significant priority, with 48% of businesses also focusing on financial health, 45% on social health, and 42% on physical health.
Debra Clark comments on the interconnectedness of health aspects: “It is short-sighted for a third of employers to not equate focusing on the health and wellbeing of employees with the success of the business. Healthy and happy employees are key to any business succeeding, and wellbeing is absolutely interwoven with productivity, loyalty, and lack of absenteeism, as well as supporting recruitment and retention.” This underscores the necessity for businesses to engage fully with all dimensions of employee wellbeing.
Despite the positive outlook on increasing support, a notable 34% of employers still prioritise other business areas over employee wellbeing. This is seen as a missed opportunity, with experts suggesting that integrating wellbeing as a core business focus could enhance productivity and retention.
Monitoring the use and effectiveness of these support systems is crucial. Employers are encouraged to utilise digital platforms to assess usage and value. As health and wellbeing demands evolve, so too must the support systems that address these needs, ensuring their relevance and efficacy.
In conclusion, the strategic enhancement of health and wellbeing support is not only beneficial for employees but integral to business success as organisations navigate evolving workplace demands.
The strategic enhancement of health and wellbeing support is not only beneficial for employees but integral to business success.
