Outcomes associated with workplace mental health program before, during COVID-19

Editor's Note

This study from Spring Health, New York City, and Yale University, New Haven Connecticut, finds that an employer-sponsored mental health benefit was associated with reduced symptoms for employees and positive financial return on investment (ROI) for employers.

This cohort study included 1,132 employees participating in a workplace mental health program by 66 US employers in 40 states from January 1, 2018, to January 1, 2021.

Among the findings:

• Participants reported clinical improvements in depression and anxiety. After treatment, 69.3% of participants showed improvements in depression, and 68.7% showed improvements in anxiety
• The COVID-19 pandemic was not associated with reduced treatment effectiveness. Patient recovery was similar before and after the onset of the pandemic.
• By the end of treatment, participants missed fewer days at work and reported higher productivity.
• ROI was favorable at every income stratum including the federal minimum wage. Workplace salary savings at 6 months at the federal median wage was $3,440.

The findings suggest that employer-sponsored workplace mental health programs may be beneficial for employers and employees, the researchers conclude.