As the workforce changes year over year, the need for mental health services continues to rise. Mental health fears remain at the top of employers’ minds, as just over three out of four (77%) employers reported increased mental health concerns, according to data from the 2024 Large Employer Health Care Strategy Steps Survey: Executive Summary. Even something as simple as a younger workforce is helping to drive higher utilization in the commercial population over rates never experienced before.
From a financial perspective, people often want to but can’t or don’t access mental health services, and associated financial considerations flow back to the employer because of this. An analysis by the National Safety Council and NORC at the University of Chicago found that employees experiencing mental distress use, on average, nearly $3,000 more in healthcare services per year than their peers. Additional costs average $4,783 for days lost and $5,733 for turnover per employee per year.
