Employers are facing tough challenges with rising healthcare costs, which might hit record levels of 8% in 2025. A recent survey by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) highlights that mental health issues like stress and burnout are affecting workplace morale, productivity, and staff retention. When employees don’t understand or can’t access their mental health benefits, it wastes valuable healthcare spending.
In an interview, Darcy Gruttadaro, NAMI’s Chief Innovation Officer, shared strategies for employers to handle these mental health challenges effectively.
The key findings from NAMI’s 2025 survey, which focused on full-time employees at companies with over 100 staff, reveal some striking statistics:
- 80% of employees believe mental health support fosters a positive workplace culture.
- Only 26% know if their employer offers mental health support, and just 53% understand how to access it.
- More than 75% are seeking training on mental health topics like burnout.
Gruttadaro suggests five key strategies to enhance mental health benefits in the workplace:
- Start with the basics
Employers should first evaluate their mental health services by asking essential questions:
- What mental health services are available?
- Do employees know about these services?
- How hard is it for employees to get appointments with mental health providers?
Gruttadaro points out the stress that employees face when trying to access care, making it crucial to streamline this process.
- Engage employees
Gruttadaro emphasizes the importance of feedback. Employers should conduct employee engagement surveys and tap into discussions within Employee Resource Groups. She believes these feedback loops can uncover hidden challenges and needs in accessing mental health benefits.
- Offer diverse resources
Employees today expect businesses to prioritize mental health. Gruttadaro notes this expectation is particularly strong among younger workers. Employees should have access to a comprehensive package of resources, including traditional benefits, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and digital tools like online therapy and meditation apps.
Community organizations like NAMI also provide vital support, including educational resources and support groups, complementing what employers offer.
- Ensure health plan transparency
Employers often struggle to get data from health plans about their accessibility. Gruttadaro suggests that businesses should ask direct questions about their plans, especially regarding the order of service access. If an EAP is required before seeing a mental health provider, it may not appropriately meet employees’ urgent needs.
- Emphasize mental health as essential
According to NAMI, many employees worry about their mental health and the state of the world. However, only slightly more than half believe their employers value mental health as much as physical well-being. Gruttadaro stresses that investing in mental health resources isn’t just ethical; it’s essential for business success.
Supporting mental health can lead to increased productivity and satisfaction among employees. Investing in mental health means acknowledging that workplaces are communities where belonging and purpose are vital.
The message is clear: employers need to demonstrate that they care about the mental well-being of their staff just as much as their physical health. This focus can create a healthier, more engaged workplace, beneficial for everyone.
For more resources, check out the NAMI website. They offer support programs and valuable information for employees looking for mental health resources.
Check out this related article: Double Trouble for Public Health: Facing Two Major Challenges Head-On
Source linkbusiness, business strategy, communication, employees, healthcare access, mental health, payers, treatment
