Remote, hybrid employees experience higher rates of anxiety, depression

Rates of anxiety and depression were higher among people who worked remotely or in a hybrid setting compared with those who worked in-person, according to a press release.

The data come from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey and were analyzed by the health and productivity research nonprofit Integrated Benefits Institute (IBI). According to the release, the analysis revealed that 40% of remote employees and 38% of hybrid employees had anxiety and depression, compared with 35% of fully in-person employees.

Notably, mental health prescriptions and unmet need for counseling increased, while symptoms of anxiety or depression have decreased from 40% during the pandemic to 35% between July 2021 and August 2022.

Additionally, women had higher rates of anxiety and depression compared with men (38% vs. 33%), and people with lower income, with difficulty meeting living expenses and who were not currently working because of illness or caregiving responsibilities were more likely to report anxiety and depression, according to the release.

“This report is a thorough examination of a widespread mental health issue — experiences of anxiety and depression symptoms,” Candace Nelson, ScD, MA, director of research at IBI, said in the release. “Such experiences can range from mild to severe, and are an important cause of presenteeism, sickness absence and disability. This research was conducted to provide employers comprehensive and timely facts, so they can better target programs and benefits addressing mental health.”