Staff focus drops by 62% & depression risk soars 48%

New Data from the Mental Health Index has revealed a dangerous decline and all-time low in employee mental health and focus. 

According to the latest Mental Health Index (US Worker Edition), there was a 48% increase in the risk of staff depression; a perilous risk level not seen since the height of the pandemic this past spring. Employee focus also dropped 62% – a record low since the inception of the research back in February 2020. 

The study, carried out by Total Brain, in partnership with the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions, One Mind at Work, HR Policy Association and American Health Policy Institute, reveals a worrying trend for employers. It warns of another pandemic; this time a mental health one, for which “there will be no vaccine”.

According to the study, women showed a 46% rise in risk for general anxiety disorder act the end of 2020. Additionally, women’s stress levels were 22% higher than their male counterparts. 

WORRYING TREND FOR EMPLOYERS

After a prolonged period of stress, “the concerns about the mental health of our workforce are reaching new peaks”, stated Michael Thompson, President and CEO of National Alliance. “Moving the vaccination strategy forward cannot come fast enough in our efforts to get back to normal.”

Colleen McHugh, Executive Vice President of the American Health Policy Institute and Strategic Advisor for HR Policy Association, shares his sentiments. “While these results are clearly going in the wrong direction, our greatest hope is that Americans can begin to experience some relief with increased vaccine production, distribution and through the ongoing safety guidelines focusing on wellbeing from their employers,” stated McHugh. “We hope that these measures will start to advance better mental health results over the weeks and months to come.”

MENTAL HEALTH PANDEMIC

However, the US workforce’s state of mind does not reflect the optimism and mental health relief hoped for with the availability of the Covid-19 vaccines. Quite the opposite, in fact, reveals the study. 

“Heightened stress during the holidays is anticipated, especially for women who often bear the brunt of holiday planning,” noted Louis Gagnon, CEO of Total Brain. “However, the Mental Health Index numbers are disconcerting just the same. We are seeing an unprecedented rise in risk of mental health conditions. At the same time, we are witnessing a sharp decline in cognitive functions. This is a crisis that should alarm everyone in the business community. Business policies designed to support the mental health of employees are essential. There is another pandemic going on, the mental health pandemic for which there will be no vaccine.” 

Garen Staglin, Chairman of the workplace wellbeing coalition One Mind at Work, agrees: “More than ever before during the pandemic, employees are struggling; and employers have an obligation to identify new ways to support the mental health of their workforce.” 

The full Mental Health Index results can be found here. In fact, another recent study revealed similar results, where 80% of global organisations admit that staff mental health has been negatively impacted by 2020 events. Click here to read more.