How to bridge the mental health expectation gap in the workplace: Rebecca Mian

Recent research by Benenden Health has highlighted a significant ‘expectation gap’ between employers and employees regarding mental health support. This gap highlights the low employee awareness of mental health provisions provided by employers, as well as pointing at gaps in sentiment and culture around supporting mental health in the workplace.

Ultimately, our research shows the urgent need for better communication and alignment between what employers believe they are offering and what employees perceive they are receiving.

Benenden Health’s research reveals a stark contrast between employer intentions and employee experiences. While 54 per cent of employers claim to have asked their employees about their mental health needs, only 15 per cent of employees reported being asked.

This discrepancy is alarming and points to a fundamental communication breakdown.

Furthermore, 76 per cent of business leaders said mental health is a high priority issue for them, but only 45 per cent of employees feel their employers treats it as such.

The employees we surveyed aren’t making excessive demands; almost half of those we surveyed said counselling services would be most valued. When we take a look at a lot of the corporate healthcare packages in the market today, including low-cost options such as Benenden Health’s, counselling and mental health support are always included.

The research also uncovered a major misalignment in the availability and awareness of mental health support services. For instance, 47 per cent of employers stated that they offer regular workload reviews, yet only 14 per cent of employees acknowledged receiving them.

Workload reviews not only benefit the employee’s mental health by avoiding things such as burnout, but can benefit the health of the business by avoiding sinking time into unprofitable projects.

Mental health policies are just as important as regular workload reviews. In our research we found that 44 per cent of employers claimed to provide mental health sick leave, yet only 19 per cent of employees were aware of this benefit. This 33 per cent gap in awareness is a clear indication that employers need to improve how they communicate the availability of mental health resources.

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful workplace mental health strategy, and it doesn’t lie solely with internal communications and HR teams.

The disconnect identified by Benenden Health can also be attributed to a lack of clear and consistent communication between line managers and direct reports, too.

Creating a workplace that prioritises mental health is not just about compliance or ticking boxes; it is about fostering a positive and productive environment where employees can thrive. When employees feel supported and valued, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and loyal to the organisation. This, in turn, leads to higher productivity, lower absenteeism, and a more resilient workforce.

Moreover, by being open about mental health and providing the necessary resources, companies can make a significant positive difference in their employees’ lives. This approach enhances individual wellbeing and contributes to a more resilient and thriving workplace.

Rebecca Mian is Director of People Services at Benenden Health.