Remote work options, both fully and hybridized off-and-on site iterations have overtaken traditional office models, studies have shown that it can have adverse effects on some employees' mental health. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) conducted a comprehensive online survey in the spring of 2021 of 1,000 remote workers' self-reported mental health, and the majority reported negative impacts on their mental health. In fact, Since transitioning to a remote model; isolation and loneliness, in particular, were noted by nearly two-thirds of respondents.
According to the survey, only one in five participants had been offered additional mental health services from their employer, a decrease of nearly 35% from the year prior. Similarly, open communication about mental health with coworkers (56%) and supervisors (56%) is down as well, from 65% and 62% respectively, in 2020. These results seem to demonstrate a continued struggle for adequate mental healthcare in the remote sphere and the persistence of dissuasive stigma to accessing the support and care that remains available.
"It's not surprising that... mental health is on peoples' and employers' minds," says APA President Vivian Pender. "What's worrisome is that, given this discussion, many people, particularly younger people, are still worried about retaliation if they take time off for mental health." Indeed, almost half of the participating employees reported this very problem. And younger workers expressed the greatest concern; nearly 60 percent of 18 to 29-year-olds reported concern about retaliation or dismissal.
What Employers Can Do?
"As we shift back into our offices, or whatever alternatives are made available, I encourage business and organizational leaders to visit the APA Foundation's Center for Workplace Mental Health, which has resources on ensuring employees' mental well-being," says APA CEO and medical director Saul Levin. The Center for Workplace Mental Health offers resources and information, as well as toolkits, webinars, and e-trainings on remote work and related challenges.
Employers also need to understand the importance of progressive leadership in the larger conversation about mental health, healthy work-life balance, and creating environments that invite open communication. This form of leadership not only supports a happier, healthier employee, but a more productive, efficient business model, as well.
Finally, new online digital therapeutics platforms could help mitigate needs by providing private, evidence-based mental health support for workers who avoid or fear more traditional therapies. "Employees can access these programs whenever and wherever they need... regardless of geographical location, workday flexibility, or comfortability speaking about mental health issues," says Dennis Urbaniak, EVP of Digital Therapeutics at Orexo. "As organizations remain remote or move toward hybrid work models, we anticipate that they'll begin turning more and more toward technology to address these challenges for their employees. However, many employers may not understand the difference between digital health options, like apps, and true digital therapeutics, which offer unique and clinically proven benefits that are held to the same standards of efficacy, care, and oversight as traditional medical treatments."
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