The mental health benefits disconnect: While many workers struggle, they’re unaware of options
Employers have come a long way in their support of employees’ mental health, but for workers, there is a lack of awareness of the services provided by their health plan, says a new study.
The State of Workplace Health report, released by One Medical and Workplace Intelligence, said the complexity of health care benefits and lack of awareness of the options available play a role in the relatively low uptake on mental health services. The report suggested that a renewed emphasis on primary care would help employees become more engaged and informed as health care consumers.
“Employers have come a long way in their support of employees’ mental health, but workers aren’t making the most of the benefits available to them,” said Dan Schawbel, a managing partner at Workplace Intelligence. “It’s critical that companies focus on improving care navigation – including pointing people to primary care as a first step – if they want to move the needle on this issue. Those that don’t will continue to experience productivity losses and other negative outcomes that can result from poor workforce mental health.”
Demand, but a problem with supply
The study said there appears to be some disconnects between the needs of workers and their company-sponsored health plans. It found that although 64% of workers said they struggle with mental or behavioral health issues, only 19% were taking advantage of mental health services provided by their health plans.
Of those who struggle with mental and behavioral health issues, 91% said they are less productive because of those issues, and 45% reported a productivity loss of more than 5 hours a week. In addition, nearly half, 46%, said they have struggled with mental or behavioral health for more than 3 years.
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There has been an effort by employers to address such issues, but in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, workers report continuing concerns about both physical and mental health. The study found that one-third (34%) of workers said their physical health worsened in the past year; a similar number (32%) said their mental health worsened in the same time frame.
In contrast, 59% of HR leaders in the study said they believed their workers’ physical health had improved over the past year, and 60% said their employees’ mental health had improved.
A primary solution
One Medical, which is a membership-based primary care practice, noted that primary care providers can play an important role in addressing both mental and behavioral health issues.
“Mental and physical health are fundamentally linked, and employees need easy access to comprehensive primary care to help manage their whole health,” said Josh Dunsby, One Medical’s vice president of client advocacy and consultant relations. “As employers select their provider networks and employee health plans, they should ask about the integration of medical and behavioral health in their approach to care, as well as access and availability of providers. Also, it’s important to understand their approach to coordinating care and who is taking ownership of the member so that they receive holistic care they deserve.”
The report revealed that there are several reasons why employees feel overwhelmed by the health care system. Of those who say they felt overwhelmed, 39% said it’s difficult to find out what treatment options are available, 38% said it’s difficult to find out the costs of treatment, and 33% said it’s difficult to schedule an appointment with a health care provider.
Dunsby said primary care can act as a “front door” to the health care system, allowing access and guidance for consumers. At a time when as many as 100 million Americans say they do not have a primary health care provider, the report underlines the importance of a more coordinated approach.
“The health care experience in America is fragmented and difficult to navigate, and there is an opportunity to break down existing barriers and make health services easier for people to access,” Dunsby said. “Primary care helps by serving as a health care home base, providing comprehensive care that simplifies the patient experience.”