Based on data from MHA’s employer recognition program, report reflects increasing commitment to adopting a strategic approach to worker well-being
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Mental Health America (MHA) today released its 2024 Workplace Mental Health Report, underscoring that top employers are leveraging industry best practices to address the specific wellness needs of their worker population. Highlights include: more leaders sharing their own lived experiences with mental health and substance use conditions; improved investment in mental health insurance benefits to achieve parity; and development of worker-led peer resource groups.
The report is based on data from recipients of MHA’s Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health, the first national program recognizing U.S. employers committed to supporting a mentally healthy workforce. Started in 2019, the recognition program evaluates eligible employers according to four components: culture, benefits, compliance, and wellness. In 2024, 87% of employers applying to receive recognition had qualified in 2023 or in years past.
Notable trends this year in workplace wellness include an increase in public sharing of mental health journeys. Three-quarters of Bell Seal employers had leaders at the executive, director, and senior management levels openly share their lived experiences with mental health or substance use conditions, addiction, and suicide loss—an increase from 71% in 2023. Such vulnerability helps normalize conversations about mental health in the workplace and encourage workers to seek support when needed.
“Normalizing mental health as a journey we are all on is a decades-long best practice in our world. Many leaders understand this, and are positively impacting worker health by leading the charge and investing in their own mental wellness,” said Suzi Craig, MHA’s Vice President for Workplace Mental Health. “It’s exciting to see employers adopting this, and several mental health best practices, into the strategic approach of their workplace wellness efforts.”
Ninety-three percent of employers encouraged the development of worker-led resource groups to facilitate peer connection and provide an alternative to employees with mental health concerns seeking help. Meanwhile, 94% of employers support workers in recovery from substance use or mental health conditions return to work successfully by providing reasonable accommodations, such as career transition services, or alternative positions.
Other notable findings from the report include:
- Employers are ensuring equitable access to mental health care beyond the traditional means of providing support. Sixty-five percent of recipients verified parity between the physical and mental health services offered in their health plans, an increase from 63% in 2023.
- Employers are improving policies to support workers and their families. Forty-two percent of recipients offered paid family leave for at least 12 weeks, an increase from 39% in 2023.
Access the full report here. Learn more about the Bell Seal Certification process or obtain additional tools at the MHA Workplace Wellness Resource Center.
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About Mental Health America
Mental Health America is the nation’s leading community-driven nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being, resilience, recovery, and closing the mental health equity gap. Mental Health America’s work is driven by its commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of whole person health, including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; and integrated care, services and supports for those who need them. Learn more at MHAnational.org.