$1 trillion lost as workers delay mental health care

Published February 12, 2026 2:30 PM EST Updated February 13, 2026 4:12 PM EST 4 Min Read

Infographic: 54% of employees are unaware or unsure FMLA covers mental health, while 46% know, according to a Renaissance Recovery study. — Visualization created with AI assistance based on original reporting.

Key Insight: Discover how mental-health stigma and benefits confusion are driving prolonged workforce disengagement.
What’s at Stake: Rising productivity losses and talent attrition could materially affect employer financials and competitiveness.
Supporting Data: Over $1 trillion in lost wages from 2021–2025 tied to mental-health and substance issues.
Source: Bullets generated by AI with editorial review

U.S. employees lost more than $1 trillion over five years due to mental health and substance use issues, according to a new nationwide survey.

Jimmy Nesbitt

Reporter

Jimmy Nesbitt is a reporter at Employee Benefit News, where he covers the evolving landscape of workplace benefits, healthcare, retirement, financial wellness and related policy issues. His career … Read full bio

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