Remote and hybrid work are associated with higher anxiety and depression

What’s going on:  

The Integrated Benefits Institute (IBI), a non-profit health and productivity research group, investigated the impact of the pandemic on mental health in order to assist employers in comprehending and aiding the psychological health requirements of their staff.  

Their findings revealed that those working fully remotely (40%) and hybrid (38%) were more likely to experience depression and anxiety symptoms than those working in-person (35%). Additionally, the percentage of individuals on mental health prescription drugs grew from 20% to 22%.   

Why it matters:  

Though there has been some improvement, the rate of anxiety or depression symptoms has still dropped significantly, going from 40% during the peak of the pandemic to 35% over the course of the study. 

IBI Director of Research Candace Nelson, ScD, MA, said “This research was conducted to provide employers comprehensive and timely facts, so they can better target programs and benefits addressing mental health.” 

The study found that: 

• Rates of anxiety and depression were higher in women (38%) than men (33%) 

• People with lower income and people who had difficulty meeting living expenses had higher rates of depression and anxiety  
• People who reported they were not currently working due to illness or caregiving responsibilities were more likely to report anxiety or depression

How it’ll impact the future:  

To combat these mental health issues, there are ways in which employers can help to ensure the health or their employees and their future success.  

IBI talked to HR executives at ArcBest and Boeing about workplace mental health support and found that the solutions to improving worker mental health include: promoting equal access to care, making virtual options available, assisting employees in synchronizing their mental healthcare with their physical healthcare, and transforming workplace culture and eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health through peer-support networks and knowledge.