News: Mental health access is key priority of employers, survey shows

The Business Group on Health’s annual look found that 76% of employers are making increased access to mental healthcare a priority in 2022. Additionally, 57% of respondents to the survey noted they had plans to focus on reducing the stigma surrounding mental health needs in the upcoming year as well. This makes 2022 the first year where the majority of employers (more than half) plan to conduct an anti-stigma campaign.

Employers are considering a variety of conditions in these efforts, including care for autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit disorder, and social anxiety, according to Business Group on Health. For example, some employers noted plans for training programs to help managers recognize signs of mental health distress in employees. Such training is geared towards offering help for struggling employees more readily.

In addition, 36% of respondents noted ensuring workers access to appropriate mental health treatment as a plan for 2022, and 35% specifically mentioned combatting burnout as a top priority. According to the survey, 29% of employers noted focusing on the quality of mental health care, and 26% expressed extending their efforts to other family members.

Editor’s note: The survey brief from the Business Group on Health can be found here. Additional ACDIS coverage of social determinants of health can be found here.