Employees need more support from employers to manage health during pandemic

The effects of the pandemic on well-being have been particularly pronounced for employees in Gen Z.

Although 57% say their employer offers mental and emotional well-being programs, fewer than one in five indicated that their employer currently offered any of the other programs they would like to see. (Photo: Shutterstock)

The ongoing pandemic is taking a toll on the physical and emotional health of employees, who say they are not getting the support they need from their employers.

Three-fourths (77%) of employees say the pandemic has had a negative impact on their well-being, according to a new survey, “The Pandemic Disconnect: Employee Well-being, Employer Response, and Opportunities for Change,” from WebMD Health Services. More than half (51%) cite increased stress, anxiety and feelings of isolation, while more than one-third say they are feeling depressed, frustrated or angry more often, are exercising less and not eating well.

Related: 6 steps to creating a workplace mental health & well-being strategy

The effects of the pandemic on well-being have been particularly pronounced for employees in GenZ (ages 18-25), with 90% reporting a negative impact on health and well-being. Older generations also have experienced challenges but to a somewhat lesser degree. More than 75% of millennials (ages 26-39), 74% of GenXers (ages 40-55) and 70% of baby boomers (56-74) say the pandemic is having a negative impact.

The pandemic also may be affecting productivity. More than two-thirds of respondents say they are working from home, compared with 21% who were doing so before the pandemic. Twenty-seven% are struggling with distractions and find it difficult, and nearly 60% miss their co-workers.

The majority of respondents say their employer is not doing enough to support their mental health (60%) or physical health (63%). More than one in four say they have considered quitting as a result of the pandemic. Most employees (70%) say employers should be offering well-being programs for mental and emotional health, with on-demand access to coaches or services that can help employees manage symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress. Employees also say well-being programs should include:

Although 57% say their employer offers mental and emotional well-being programs, fewer than one in five indicated that their employer currently offered any of the other programs they would like to see. Of those who do have access to these programs, GenZ and millennial employees are generally three to five times more likely to make use of them than GenXers or boomers.

“Our survey shows that employees are struggling with the negative impact of the pandemic,” said Christine Muldoon, vice president, strategy, of WebMD Health Services. “But despite the challenges, employers have an opportunity to evolve their well-being programs to incorporate solutions that can help employees get through these times. Rethinking well-being strategies and listening to what employees need in different generations can have immediate and lasting results both now and when the pandemic is behind us.”

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