Despite employers’ and consumers’ mutual interest in mental health support, it’s unclear whether they are aligned when it comes to the strategies necessary to address it. Consumers continue to voice a desire for mental health support that deals with issues like work-life balance, burnout, etc. The research reflects their desire for a shift in broader organizational culture and environment as a means of supporting mental health. However, HR decision-makers and health plan leaders prioritize tools and resources that allow members to achieve mental health independently.
This trend may give plan sponsors pause. It indicates a divide between the cultural changes that employees want, and the concrete, tactical behavioral health benefits being offered. Perhaps more alarming, however, is employees’ apparent lack of understanding when it comes to the behavioral health support tools that are part of their employer-provided benefits.