Study Highlights Growing Disconnect Between Employee Mental Health Needs and Workplace Support
A new study reveals a significant gap between the mental health support employees need and what organizations provide, underscoring the urgent need for better manager training and workplace cultures.
A recent study by the HR.com Research Institute, titled 'HR.com's State of Employee Mental Health & Stress in the Workplace 2025', sheds light on a concerning disparity between the mental health needs of employees and the support offered by their organizations. Despite 89% of organizations providing mental health benefits, only 28% of employees feel their organizations are effective in helping them manage stress. The study highlights a 15-point increase in dissatisfaction from the previous year, with 34% of respondents now disagreeing that their organizations adequately address mental health challenges.
Further findings reveal that only 15% of managers are prepared to guide stressed employees, and a mere 14% can recognize signs of stress. Additionally, just 35% of employees believe their work environment supports mental health. The lack of manager readiness and the absence of systems to measure employee mental health (present in only 9% of organizations) exacerbate the issue, leaving many employers without the necessary insights to improve support.
Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com, emphasizes the need for organizations to go beyond mental health programs, advocating for a focus on culture, manager training, and leadership accountability to bridge this gap. For more details, the research webcast presentation, Breaking the Silence on Employee Mental Health and Stress Issues 2025, is available for on-demand viewing.