Several surveys have found that the pandemic has induced the employees to prioritise mental health which is one of the primary causes of the Great Resignation which is still continuing to disrupt the economy with the increasing number of vacancies all across the world.
The latest study conducted by leading learning solutions provider company Pearson has revealed that 85% globally (82% in the UK) expect their employers to address the mental health and wellbeing of employees. The study titled Pearson Global Learner Survey found that even with that expectation, a full one-third of respondents (32% globally/35% in the UK) say their employers have not taken any action to address mental health and wellbeing.
The study shows that employees are clear about their expectations of their employers and about 85% of the global workforce seeks mental health day-offs with 76% hailing from the UK. Additionally, a significant number (87% globally, 80% in the UK) of employees seek free mental health services.
Listening from the employees how employers are addressing mental health:
- Sharing mental health resources with employees (e.g., tips, information, helpline numbers, research, clinic locations, online therapy options, etc.) (24% globally, 22% in UK)
- Providing free mental health services to employees/staff (25% globally, 24% in UK)
- Enhancing or expanding employee assistance programs (21% globally, 17% in UK)
- Providing free or discounted services from wellness service partners, such as Headspace or Calm (18% globally, 15% in UK)
Addressing mental health is crucial to survive competitive talent short market:
- 90% globally (89% in the UK) think more highly of employers who actively address employee mental health and wellbeing issues.
- When considering their next job, 86% globally (77% in the UK) consider employee mental health and wellness benefits for themselves and their family to be important considerations.
"Work is where many of us spend much of our time. Employees are demanding more attention from employers to address the impact of the mental health crisis that has been exacerbated over the last two and a half years," said Kevin Lyons, Senior HR Manager at Pearson, UK in an official statement.
Lyons further added, "As we emerge from the pandemic, and we get accustomed to new ways of working, organizations will need to be strategic and innovative in incorporating wellness and wellbeing into their offerings to stay competitive and serve their workforces."
Among other findings of the survey:
- Of the UK respondents, 22% said their job negatively affects their mental health, with 18% saying it positively affects them (60% said it had no impact).
- The vast majority believe in training more people in the field of mental health care. 90% globally (87% in UK) agree it is important to train more people in the field of mental health.