We asked: Are employers meeting workers mental health needs?

Well-being and mental health.

It’s been a hot topic of discussion ever since the pandemic began. Many workers felt more overworked even before the health crisis as they found themselves working longer hours – and then finding it harder to disconnect from work. The last few years have given people opportunity to reflect on their mental health as nations were cast into unusual lockdown and working patterns. The question for many organizations as we emerge into the new normal is: “How can we support our workers to help them reconnect?”

For our survey, Disconnect to Reconnect, we reached out to our top customers and trusted current and former associates from around the globe. We wanted to hear what they’re experiencing and what they’re prioritizing in their workplaces and home life.

Workers told us that well-being remains a key issue – now more than ever, even during the pandemic. In fact, the level of support workers feel from their company is playing a major role in whether they decide to stay in their jobs or leave for better conditions.

Download the full survey, or read below for the key insights.

Well-being the key for worker retention

According to Adecco’s research, a majority of workers did not report an increase in stress and workload since the pandemic began. But 45% of participants still felt their employer was not doing enough to support their well-being (for US workers, that drops to only 37%). 7 out of 10 of those that experienced anxiety and stress during the pandemic reported feeling a lack of support from their employer.

Workers have been leaving their jobs during the Great Resignation for a number of different reasons, including a lack of recognition and toxic work cultures. Companies seem to understand that well-being is crucial to worker satisfaction, especially in light of the pandemic. Our survey showed that 74% of employers have made changes to their policies and work environments in the hope of increasing worker engagement and satisfaction while reducing turnover.

How can workers disconnect?

Everyone has their own ways of disconnecting from work. The workers we surveyed indicated that a flexible work location and schedule are most helpful in allowing them to disconnect after a busy workday and reduce their stress levels overall.

Many companies provided this benefit for their workers during the pandemic, even offering additional days off to overworked and overstressed workers. But even in light of burnout, some companies have begun to call back their workforce to the office.

Our survey suggested that workers in want more support, including sports activities, recreational activities, mental health support, and more. But only 1/3 of the companies surveyed offer these additional types of benefits.

How companies can support well-being

The Great Resignation may have made headlines at the start of 2022, but workers continue to re-evaluate their professional and personal lives. Companies seem to have anticipated and expected high turnovers and increased sick leave in the coming 6 months. This is why it’s so important that employers and leaders better understand what workers both want and need. Empathy and understanding for their workers’ unique situations can help reduce turnover.

Still, 23% of surveyed workers plan on leaving their jobs in the upcoming 2 years. In fact, our data shows that workers reporting higher levels of stress also report higher likelihoods of leaving their roles within two years or less. One of ten of those workers plan to leave in the next 12 months.

What can companies do to make sure that they are providing optimal benefits for worker well-being?

They can start by considering existing gaps in their benefits offerings and make sure that there is clear communication to workers with all available opportunities. For some companies, it may simply be a matter of miscommunication. Asking for worker feedback about what matters most to them and rethinking company initiatives addressing sick leave, productivity, and more, could also stem the tide of high turnover. One thing is for sure: workers across the globe are exhausted, burned out, and reconsidering their roles in light of their wellbeing and stress levels. Companies have the power to support their workers’ well-being and ensure they cultivate a positive and engaged professional environment.