What's Happening?
A recent report by PAM Group highlights a significant increase in employee demand for workplace mental health counselling, rising from 45% in 2021 to 57% in 2025. Despite this growing demand, access to these services has decreased, with only 22% of employees currently having access, down from 25% in 2021. The report also notes a decline in the actual use of counselling services, with only 11% of employees utilizing them in the past year compared to 14% in 2023. Experts suggest that concerns about confidentiality and perceptions of therapy as a sign of weakness may deter employees from seeking help. Grace Mansah-Owusu from Oxford HR emphasizes the need for employers to communicate the value of these services openly to improve uptake.
Why It's Important?
The findings underscore a critical gap between the demand for mental health support and the availability of services in the workplace. This gap can have significant implications for employee wellbeing and productivity. As mental health issues continue to rise, the lack of accessible support could lead to increased absenteeism and decreased productivity, affecting overall business performance. Employers are encouraged to adopt more flexible models, such as pay-as-you-use, to make mental health support more approachable and tailored to employee needs. Addressing these issues is vital for fostering a supportive work environment and enhancing employee retention.
What's Next?
Employers may need to reassess their mental health support strategies to better align with employee needs. This could involve implementing more personalized and accessible counselling options, such as preventative one-off sessions and peer-to-peer counselling. Additionally, organizations might consider measuring the impact of mental health on productivity and absenteeism to build a stronger business case for investing in employee emotional health. As awareness grows, companies could see increased pressure to provide comprehensive mental health support to maintain a competitive edge in employee satisfaction and retention.
Beyond the Headlines
The report highlights a broader cultural challenge in addressing mental health in the workplace. The stigma associated with seeking mental health support can prevent employees from accessing necessary services, potentially exacerbating mental health issues. Employers have a role in shifting this narrative by promoting mental health as a critical component of overall wellbeing and productivity. Long-term, this could lead to a cultural shift where mental health support is normalized and integrated into standard employee benefits, fostering a healthier and more productive workforce.
