"Workers are taking more mental health leavesnow than they were in 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic started. According to data collected by behavioral health services provider ComPsych, the percentage of workers taking a leave ofabsence increased by 30% from 2019 to 2024, while mental health leaves increased by 300% in the same time frame. ComPsych analyzed data from over six million global employees."
"ComPsych's Chief Clinical Officer Jennifer Birdsall told CNBC that mental health leaveshave increased "so tremendously" due to factors like uncertain economic conditions. In addition, the pandemic lessened the stigma around asking for mental health support and allowed people to understand their options better, she explained. The data showed that employers should rethink how they approach managing absences and handling employee well-being, said ComPsych CEO Paul Posey. "The pandemic fundamentally reset norms in absence management for employers," Posey said in a press release."
Data from ComPsych covering over six million global employees shows overall leaves of absence rose 30% from 2019 to 2024, while mental health leaves rose 300% in the same period. The rise reflects factors including uncertain economic conditions, reduced stigma around mental health after the pandemic, and greater awareness of support options. Leave rates jumped 33% from 2022 to 2023 then flattened from 2023 to 2024, suggesting stabilization. Employers are advised to rethink absence management and employee well-being. A Mercer survey found nearly 80% plan digital stress-management resources by 2026 and 20% ran anti-stigma campaigns.
Read at Entrepreneur
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