The 2025 NAMI Workplace Mental Health Poll, an employee wellness survey, highlights a growing focus on mental wellbeing at work. While employees recognize its importance, there is a need for more information and support from leadership regarding mental health resources and policies. Stigma remains a significant barrier, with many workers unsure if their workplaces are safe for discussing mental health.
Conducted in January 2025, the employee wellness survey of full-time employees at companies with at least 100 workers revealed a strong desire for more resources and support. Employees are stressed and seek more information about available mental health resources. However, reducing stigma requires more than providing resources; it involves fostering a safe space for open discussions. Many workplaces are still seen as unsafe for these conversations, signaling the need for change.
To prioritize employee well-being, organizations must provide better information, reduce stigma, and ensure access to care, creating a more supportive and productive work environment. In this blog, we will discuss the findings of the survey mentioned above.
Why does Mental Health Matter in the Workplace?
Employee mental health and well-being are no longer a second thought. They are critical factors influencing not only employee well-being but also the success of the organization. Here’s why employers are prioritizing mental health:
- Enhanced Productivity and Performance: Studies have shown that employees who prioritize their mental health experience higher levels of focus, creativity, and productivity. When employees feel supported and less stressed, they can bring their best selves to work and achieve better results.
- Reduced Absenteeism and Presenteeism: Poor mental health can lead to increased absenteeism, as well as presenteeism, where employees are physically present but not fully engaged. Employers can reduce absenteeism and presenteeism by investing in mental health, leading to a more efficient and productive workforce.
- Improved Employee Retention and Recruitment: In today’s competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent is crucial. By offering mental health programs, employers can create a more attractive workplace culture and differentiate themselves from competitors.
- Reduced Healthcare Costs: Mental health conditions can be costly, both for employees and employers. By providing preventive care and early intervention through mental health programs, employers can potentially reduce healthcare costs associated with mental health issues.
- Positive Brand Reputation: Prioritizing employee mental health demonstrates that a company cares about its workforce and fosters a positive work environment. This can enhance the company’s brand reputation and attract talent who value a supportive and healthier work culture.
Also read: The State of Employee Mental Health and Wellbeing: Insights from Recent Surveys and Research
Mental Health Takes Center Stage
In this employee wellness survey, over half of the workforce believes their company prioritizes mental health or that senior leadership cares about their employees’ mental well-being. However, 22% of employees at the managerial level are unsure whether their employer offers mental health benefits, suggesting that many workplaces may not be effectively communicating the priorities.
Also read: 8 Effective Ways Managers Can Boost Employee Mental Health in the Workplace
The Culture of Support in U.S. Workplace
Creating a supportive environment in U.S. workplaces is essential for addressing mental health, though challenges like stigma and reluctance to discuss mental health issues still persist.
Discussing Mental Health
- Three out of four employees believe it’s acceptable to talk about mental health at work, but two out of five are still concerned about judgment.
- Over half are comfortable discussing mental health with close colleagues or managers.
Mental Health Focus
- More than half of employees feel their company prioritizes mental health, but improvements are still needed.
- Employees are stressed by finances, health, and global issues, with seven in ten feeling anxious about world events.
Sharing Personal Struggles
- Nearly three in four employees feel at ease discussing physical health, but fewer than six in ten are open about mental health.
- Main reasons for discomfort include stigma, fear of weakness, and job-related stress.
Availability of Services, Care, and Assistance
This employee wellness survey reveals key insights into the availability of services, care, and assistance:
- Mental Health Care Access: While 77% of employees are satisfied with their general health coverage, only 68% are satisfied with the mental health benefits, indicating room for improvement.
- Satisfaction Variations: Younger and entry-level employees report lower satisfaction with benefits compared to more senior employees.
- Awareness Challenges: Only 50% of employees know how to access mental health care through employer-sponsored insurance, highlighting a need for better communication.
- Training Gaps: About 20% of employees receive training on mental health, and many would benefit from more information on accessing resources and managing stress.
Improving communication, training, and access to mental health support, especially for younger and entry-level workers, is essential.
Addressing Stigma and Building Resilience
Addressing stigma and building resilience in the workplace is essential for supporting employees’ mental health. In this workplace wellness survey:
- 77% of employees are comfortable discussing mental health with coworkers; stigma continues to be an issue.
- Many employees fear judgment or career repercussions, with 42% concerned about negative effects on their careers and 48% fearing judgment.
To combat this, organizations should promote open communication and provide mental health training.
Building resilience involves offering access to resources and encouraging self-care. However, 45% of managers are unsure how to access mental health care through employer-sponsored insurance, highlighting the need for better communication. The high rates of burnout and overwhelm emphasize the importance of stress management resources.
To drive progress, organizations should regularly conduct a workplace wellness survey, establish supportive policies, and involve leadership. Despite challenges, 78% of employees feel supported by their managers, offering a strong foundation for improvement. By addressing stigma and fostering resilience, organizations can create a healthier work environment.
Understanding and Educating on Employee Mental Health
This workplace wellness survey also educates about mental health training and strategies offers several key advantages:
- Less Stigma: Training helps employees feel more at ease discussing mental health, reducing concerns about judgment by 10%.
- Enhanced Productivity: Employees in workplaces with mental health training report fewer productivity issues related to mental health (21% vs. 38%).
- Stronger Workplace Culture: More than 80% of employees agree that mental health training is crucial for creating a positive work environment, improving morale and job satisfaction.
- Increased Awareness of Resources: Training ensures employees are aware of available mental health resources, enabling earlier support and intervention.
Mental health training builds a supportive culture, lowers stigma, boosts productivity, and improves employee well-being.
Recommendations for Employers
To create a truly supportive and mentally healthy work environment, employers should consider these actions:
- Develop a Comprehensive Behavioral Health Strategy: Establish a framework for measuring outcomes and continuously improving mental health initiatives.
- Train Managers in Empathy and Awareness: Equip managers to identify and address mental health and substance use issues.
- Utilize Virtual Care and Digital Therapeutics: Integrate mental healthcare with primary care and explore innovative digital solutions.
- Conduct Mental Health Parity Audits: Ensure compliance with mental health parity regulations.
- Ensure Accessibility and Affordability: Make mental health services accessible and affordable for all employees.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Employee Wellness Survey underscores the importance of prioritizing mental health in the workplace. Although awareness is increasing, issues such as stigma, poor communication, and limited access to resources persist. To build a supportive work environment, companies must ensure employees have clear access to mental health resources, provide training, and encourage open conversations to reduce stigma. Managers should be trained to effectively support their teams, and regular wellness surveys will help organizations adapt to employees’ evolving needs. By implementing these strategies, companies can foster a healthier, more engaged workforce and enhance overall organizational performance.
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