In a world where mental health challenges continue to mount, employers are grappling with the pressing need to support their teams effectively. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing global crises, and economic uncertainties have exacerbated stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout among employees. The statistics are telling – a recent CNN and Kaiser Family Foundation poll revealed that 90% of adults in the U.S. believe we are in the midst of a mental health crisis.

While companies initially ramped up their mental health efforts in response to the pandemic, many have struggled to maintain these vital resources. According to our 2022 Workforce Attitudes Report, while 71% of employees reported an increased focus on mental health during the pandemic, only 25% believe their companies have sustained these efforts. The current mental health solutions are falling short of meeting the evolving needs of employees in a post-pandemic world. What are the key challenges facing benefits buyers today?

1. Complex solutions make care hard to navigate

‍The complexity of existing mental health offerings often adds to the confusion and stress faced by employees seeking help. Numerous disjointed solutions lead to a fragmented experience for those already grappling with emotional distress. Many existing programs treat mental health as isolated episodes, failing to recognize the full spectrum of the mental health journey.

In contrast, Headspace presents a unified, comprehensive solution that simplifies the mental healthcare landscape for employers and employees alike. By combining Headspace's trusted self-care offerings with evidence-based mental healthcare, we address a wide range of mental health needs – from prevention to clinical treatment to ongoing support.‍

2. Mental healthcare has an access problem

One of the biggest challenges in mental healthcare today is access, and it results in fewer individuals getting the care they need. Less than half of Americans with a mental health disorder are getting care, and that number only increases for marginalized groups. 

With Headspace, employees gain access to self-care content, behavioral health coaching, therapy, psychiatry, and mindfulness tools all under one roof. A human-centric support team assists members in finding the right resources for their unique situations.

We hire quality providers who match the diversity of our members, with 46% of our providers identifying as BIPOC, compared to the national average of 16%. Our team is a diverse group of individuals trained in culturally responsive care – ensuring that every employee can find care that supports their intersecting identities and mental healthcare needs.

3. Traditional workplace mental health tools see low engagement

Traditional mental health solutions often suffer from low engagement rates, with resources going unused and employees feeling unsupported. In contrast, Headspace leverages its beloved brand to drive engagement, boasting industry-leading rates of up to 30%. The suite of Headspace Culture services empowers clients to connect their employees with mental health support, normalizing conversations around mental health and reducing stigma.‍

4. Traditional mental healthcare is tough to measure 

With traditional mental healthcare, outcomes data isn’t typically collected, and individual therapists within a large network often use their own clinical assessments, making it difficult to see impact. Plus, less than 20% of mental healthcare providers practice measurement-based care (MBC), meaning it can be a challenge to systematically measure outcomes across a population.

Headspace also stands out in its commitment to MBC, ensuring that care is both informed by and results in improved mental health outcomes. With a plethora of peer-reviewed studies, Headspace Health has consistently demonstrated improved outcomes for members.

5. Traditional mental healthcare is costly – for employers and their teams

The World Health Organization estimates that anxiety and depression disorders cost the global economy $1 trillion in lost productivity each year. And according to the National Safety Council and NORC at the University of Chicago, employers spend an average of more than $15,000 annually on each employee experiencing mental health issues. This cost stems from days of work missed, employee turnover and replacement costs, and greater healthcare use by workers and family members. 

Headspace provides a cost-effective solution to the challenges posed by poor employee mental health. By offering a full spectrum of care options and reserving clinical care for those who truly need it, employers can save an average of $101,000 to $302,000 per 100 engaged employees compared to traditional care models.

Innovative Solutions for Employee Mental Health

Headspace is revolutionizing employee mental health by simplifying access to comprehensive and effective care. In a world where mental health concerns are on the rise, it’s critical that employees receive the support they need while employers save on costs and build healthier, happier teams. 

Interested in learning more about how we’re working to address the biggest challenges in employee mental health today? Read the full report here.