APA poll shows workers value mental health support in workplace

Eight of 10 workers in the United States said mental health support from employers is a top consideration during future job searches, according to a new survey from the American Psychological Association.

APA’s 2022 Work and Well-being Survey was conducted online by The Harris Poll between April 22 and May 2, receiving answers from more than 2,000 working adults.

Respondents were prompted to select from a list of a dozen possible supports they would like to see employers offer. Flexible work hours were the most commonly chosen support (41%), followed by a workplace culture that respects time off (34%), the possibility of remote work (33%) and a 4-day work week (31%). In addition, 71% of those polled believed their employer is more concerned about the mental health of employees now than in the past.

“These findings underscore the importance of mental health support in the workplace to workers across all industries,” APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, said in the release. “Though these efforts have been helpful, it is important to recognize many workers continue to struggle and need additional supports.”

According to the poll, the biggest workplace stressor was compensation. A total of 71% of respondents expressed worry that their pay has not kept up with inflation, while 24% reported that they do not feel they receive adequate compensation. Regarding the latter, 52% believed their pay does not reflect their workload.

Those worried that their compensation has not kept up with inflation were also significantly more likely to report negative impacts of work on their psychological well-being than their counterparts. Nearly two in five (39%) workers polled said their work environment has negatively impacted mental health compared with 21% of those who were not worried about compensation, and more than half of those who were worried about inflation’s impact on their compensation (54%) revealed feeling tense or stressed compared with 34% of those who were not worried.

“It’s the responsibility of the employer to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees while at work,” Evans said in the release. “There is always more that can be done.”