The mental health of U.S. employees is on the rise – but will it stay that way?

World Mental Health Day is right around the corner and this year, there’s good news to share. The mental health of U.S. employees is finally on the rise nearly three years after the pandemic. A new study shared by Leapsome, a people enablement platform based in Germany, found that 88% of U.S. employees rate their mental health as being good or very good. 

The massive improvements in mental health took place largely over the past year, with 47% of U.S. workers reporting that their mental health had improved within the last 12 months, according to the study.

Improvements were especially significant among HR leaders – 98% of which rated their mental health as being good or very good. Additionally, 66% of HR leaders said their mental health had improved within the past year, the study revealed.

These large shifts in mental health trends are due in part to improved work life balance as well as increased fulfillment in work. The study found that 87% of employees reported having a good work-life balance and 79% said they felt fulfilled in their current position. 

However, it is essential that HR leaders stay conversant with employee wellness, as the study revealed that HR leaders frequently overestimate their workers’ wellbeing. These miscalculations often lead to unanticipated rises in employee turnover. 

Related: Employers should look deeper to address mental health

In the study, HR leaders estimated that 48% of employees had ‘very good’ mental health, while in reality only 39% of the workforce did. These miscalculations are becoming increasingly relevant as Leapsome revealed that there was a 63% increase in reported turnover over the past year. Additionally, the study shared that roughly 1 in 3 employees plan to change jobs in the next 12 months. 

In order to maintain the highest levels of mental health since the pandemic, HR leaders will need to stay in touch with the wellbeing of their workforce.