Age is a factor impacting employee mental health

The multi-generational workplace is managing their mental health in different ways during the pandemic.

Middle-age employees — those between 40-59 — are struggling the most with feelings of anxiety, according to the most recent Mental Health Index by Total Brain and the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions. However, younger and older workers and women have seen improvements in their mental health.

Since the start of the pandemic, anxiety has increased 86% for middle-age workers. This population has also seen a 51% increase in symptoms related to post traumatic stress disorder since the beginning of the year, the index found.

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“This sandwich generation is tending to children and aging parents amid a pandemic, in an uncertain economic environment,” Louis Gagnon, CEO of Total Brain, said in a release. “These workers are likely holding management positions — they are responsible for maintaining business as usual at a time when business is anything but usual.”

These feelings of fear and panic are causing middle-age employees to struggle with their focus and decision-making abilities, the index found. While there is hope for a return-to-normal, employees are grappling with how to balance the good with the continuous stress and uncertainty of the past year.

“We can expect to see a period of emotional volatility, as people hold onto the promise of getting back to normal, albeit with the carryover impact of the 2020 experience,” says Michael Thompson, National Alliance president and CEO. “The best way for managers to support their employees is to get closer to your team — be open about your own experiences, talk through and understand what is going on.”

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Employers have consistently supported employees with their mental health throughout the pandemic and certain workplace populations are reaping the benefits. Women have seen marked improvements with their feelings of anxiety, depression and stress, the index found.

Telehealth has also experienced an explosion of utilization, as employees flock to benefits that help them manage their stress and well-being. Eighty-eight percent of employers plan to continue to expand their virtual telehealth benefits even after the pandemic, according to a survey by benefits provider Wellable.

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Employers must continue the conversation around mental health and create open and inclusive environments for employees to share their challenges.

“Despite beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel, now is not the time for employers to pull back on mental health investments,” Gagnon says. “Employers must be mindful of employees’ unique needs when strategizing employee mental health benefits and initiatives.”