Mental health leaves of absence are surging in 2024

Published Updated 4 Min Read

A woman with her hand on her temple looks at her desktop computer in frustration.
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Despite the influx of new wellness apps and employee benefits, workers are still struggling — to the point that they need to take a medical leave of absence.

According to mental health services provider ComPsych, mental health-related leaves of absence have increased by 300% between 2017 and 2023; by 2024, they increased by 22%, with one in ten of all leaves of absence now due to mental health. Notably, employees who need this time off aren’t guaranteed full pay.

Deanna Cuadra
Senior Reporter

Deanna Cuadra is a senior reporter at Employee Benefit News. Her work covers healthcare, U.S. policy and reform, challenges faced by women and parents in the workplace and innovation in work culture … Read full bio


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