In general, workers are experiencing less depression than they were before the pandemic—except for younger employees ages 20 to 29. New research from ComPsych Corp., an employee-assistance programs (EAP) provider, found that among 80,000 cases of depression sampled over two years, 38% were among workers ages 20 to 29. Unfortunately, this number has grown since 2019, when the same age group accounted for 28% of cases sampled.
This surge in depression among young workers comes as it has dropped among other age groups in recent years. According to ComPsych research, depression was the third most common issue faced by workers in 2019, accounting for 13% of cases reviewed. Last year, the prevalence dropped to just 7% of cases reviewed. The fact that depression is plaguing Gen Z workers more than any other group is particularly concerning for many employers as younger people enter the workforce and the large baby boomer generation ages out.
While many employers have added mental health services to their benefits offerings, some experts believe that the availability of these services isn’t enough. The workforce must know what kind of support is available to them and how they can access it. Data shows that life satisfaction can improve 20% among workers who use the EAP services available to them.
How Vanderbilt Health Employer Solutions Can Help
Population health management programs managed by Vanderbilt Health Employer Solutions (VHES) can offer a faster, more convenient way for employees to get care when and where they need it. A nurse navigation model helps employees access and discover how to use their physical, mental and spiritual health benefits.
A partnership between Vanderbilt and Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) shows how this approach can help employees get access to vital mental health care when needed. This robust support includes:
- Dedicated care from a licensed clinical social worker who provides mental health assessments, access to short-term therapy, and connections to vital resources
- Behavioral health guidance to help address substance use disorder, suicidal ideation, and home and work relationships
- Emotional and spiritual guidance with spiritual health professionals to help with grief, loss and major life changes
- Educational events that boost whole-person health, addressing physical, mental and spiritual needs (learn more at this link)
- Referrals to other Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services and other related benefits
- Leadership training in pursuit of whole-person health and psychological safety in the workforce
These services have proven popular with MNPS employees, with more than 60% of patients receiving mental health assistance with depression, anxiety, caregiver support and other needs. Hundreds of patients have used the service for help with referrals to therapy and counseling. To learn more about Vanderbilt Health Employer Solutions, visit our website or email employersolutions@vumc.org.