Nearly one-in-five Americans report that work hinders their mental wellbeing

LifeWorks Mental Health Index™ reveals workplace relationships have deteriorated since before the pandemic

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–LifeWorks, a leading provider of digital total wellbeing solutions, today released its monthly Mental Health Index™, revealing a negative mental-health score among Americans for the 19^th consecutive month.

Key findings:

Overall mental-health score of -5.8 compared to the pre-pandemic benchmark, a two-point decline from the previous month (-3.8 in September).
Nearly one-in-five (18 percent) Americans reported that work has hindered their mental wellbeing during the pandemic, a slight increase from 16 percent before the pandemic. This group has a mental-health score more than 10 points below the national average.
Twenty percent of respondents reported that they feel in crisis or have concerns about their ability to cope. These groups have mental-health scores more than 20 points below the national average.

Younger Americans, parents and managers are experiencing feelings of crisis and inability to cope with mental health concerns at a disproportionate rate:

Thirty-four percent of individuals under 40 indicate that they feel in crisis or have concerns about their mental health and their ability to cope, while only eight percent of individuals 50 and older report the same.
Parents are nearly three times more likely than non-parents to indicate that they feel in crisis or have concerns about their mental health and their ability to cope.
Managers are nearly twice as likely as non-managers to report the same concerns.

Comments from president and chief executive officer, Stephen Liptrap

“Organizations are only as strong as their employees. We also see some groups having a more difficult time than others. Organizations can play a strong role in offering support and destigmatizing mental health issues to reduce the strain people feel. As we enter the next phase of the pandemic, increased attention to employee wellbeing is more critical than ever.”

Deteriorating workplace relationships have impacted mental health, isolation productivity:

Eight percent of respondents report their experiences with work peers have not been positive since the onset of the pandemic, an increase of three percent since before the pandemic. This group has the least favorable mental-health score (-20.6).
Respondents who indicate their experiences with their work peers have not been positive since the pandemic began also report an isolation score more than four times lower than those who have had positive experiences with colleagues.
Nine percent of respondents report their experiences with their manager have not been positive since the pandemic began, an increase of two percent since before the pandemic. This has resulted in a productivity score more than 10 points below the national average.

Comments from global leader and senior vice president, research and total wellbeing, Paula Allen

“Deteriorating workplace relationships add to feelings of stress and isolation. This ultimately shows itself in decreased work productivity and propensity to leave the organization. It is important for employers to recognize that the current situation will have significant business consequences if left unaddressed. More than ever, people need to see their work situation as positive with respect to their mental health and wellbeing. Meaningful support, positive relationships and an overall culture that prioritizes employee wellbeing are key.”

The full American LifeWorks Mental Health Index™ report can be found here. This month, the report includes additional insights on the impact of work on mental wellbeing, deteriorating physical wellbeing and more.

About the Mental Health Index™

The monthly survey by LifeWorks was conducted through an online survey from October 6 and 12, 2021, with 5,000 respondents in the United States. All respondents reside in the United States and were employed within the last six months. The data has been statistically weighted to ensure the regional and gender composition of the sample reflect this population. The Mental Health Index™ is published monthly, beginning April 2020, and compares against benchmark data collected in 2017, 2018, 2019.

About LifeWorks

LifeWorks is a world leader in providing digital and in-person solutions that support the total wellbeing of individuals. We deliver a personalized continuum of care that helps our clients improve the lives of their people and by doing so, improve their business.

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