Employers across the globe now recognize that protecting and supporting the mental health of employees is vital to the future of their business. This newfound awareness comes as the world enters the third year of the pandemic, and little is normal about the way we live and work. In 2021, the disruptions and mental health fallout from COVID-19, economic uncertainty, and social unrest continued, affecting even more of the workforce than in 2020. Meanwhile, more employees dealt with mental health challenges over the past year, from stress and burnout to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use problems. Mental health issues like burnout have contributed to many workers’ decisions to leave their jobs, if not the workforce entirely. “The pandemic has forced people to reflect on what really matters most to them, and if their employer does not support their ability to prioritize other values outside of work, then people may look elsewhere, or they may risk becoming burned out and frustrated,” said Joe Grasso, Lyra Health’s senior director of workforce mental health.

Regardless of which industry you’re in, mental health care has likely become one of the hottest topics in your workplace. While mental illness was a mounting global crisis before COVID-19, the pandemic has exacerbated those concerns, bringing mental health to the forefront of many work-related conversations. People are talking openly about mental health and seeking care to treat it, which is an essential step forward. At the same time, not all care is created equal. Too many people still lack care that helps them improve or recover from their mental health conditions. The mental health resource landscape is crowded, but not all services have the same impact. People-focused employers are looking to invest further in mental health options for employees; they know that, by addressing their workers’ mental health needs, they won’t only be supporting individuals but the collective workforce. When employees have access to effective mental health care, the returns are significant: lower turnover, lower absenteeism, a workforce that feels valued and engaged, and higher profitability.

Parents of children with mental health-related issues may find it difficult balancing time between work and a sick child.