COVID-19 takes a toll on employees’ mental health

Editor's Note

The most recent Mental Health Index produced by Total Brain and the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions finds that employee mental health has plummeted in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with workers reporting a 48% increased risk of depression in November and December, according to the February 2 Employee Benefit News. In addition, employee focus fell 62%.

Mental health is at an all time low for employees, and managers should learn to recognize warning signs of employees who may be struggling. Common symptoms of mental health disorders include, personality changes, irritability, fatigue, reckless behavior, and weight loss.

“This is a crisis that should alarm everyone in the business community,” Louis Gagnon, CEO of Total Brain, says.