Benenden Health , a provider of affordable healthcare in the UK has discovered a significant ‘expectation’ gap between employers and their employees.
Only 15% of respondents said that they had been asked. The study found that while 54% of employers claimed to have asked employees what mental health services they needed, only 15% actually responded. In a similar way, 45% said that counselling services were most valuable, followed by mental-health leave (40%), and workload reviews (32%).
Benenden Health conducted this research to gain insights into mental health experiences and workplaces in the United States. The goal was to help businesses bridge the gaps identified.
There was also a misalignment of the mental health support available to employees. In one example, while 47% of employers claim to offer regular workload reviews, only 14% of their employees say they do. This shows a gap of 33% in employee awareness.
It was the same for internal policies. Nearly half (44%) said that they offered mental health sick leaves, but only a fifth of employees reported receiving it.
Benenden Health discovered that the lack of awareness about these mental health services was caused by a communication gap between employers and employees. The study found that while 54% of employers claimed to have asked employees what mental health services they need, only 15% of those employees reported having been asked.
Rebecca Mian is the Director of People Services for Benenden Health. She says, “It’s reassuring that employers prioritize mental health as much as they do physical health support. There is still much work to do to close the communication gap so that employees are aware of the support available to them when they need it, just as signposting does.
There are many ways that business owners and managers can improve the conversation around mental health. You could, for example, include mental health questions in regular confidential employee surveys.
It could be helpful to include mental health discussions in regular reviews, planning sessions, and appraisals. Open questions such as “How do you feel today?” or “How manageable is your workload?” can encourage employees to open up.
Jemma Williamon, Corporate Mental Health practitioner at Vita Health Group, adds: “Creating a work environment that prioritizes mental health is crucial for creating a positive, productive atmosphere.
By being open about mental illness, providing the necessary resources and embedding this value into the organizational culture, companies can have a positive impact on their employees’ lives. This approach enhances not only individual wellbeing, but also contributes towards a more resilient workplace.
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