Workers are taking more mental health leaves now than they were in 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic started.
According to data collected by behavioral health services provider ComPsych, the percentage of workers taking a leave of absence increased by 30% from 2019 to 2024, while mental health leaves increased by 300% in the same time frame. ComPsych analyzed data from over six million global employees.
ComPsych’s Chief Clinical Officer Jennifer Birdsall told CNBC that mental health leaves have increased “so tremendously” due to factors like uncertain economic conditions. In addition, the pandemic lessened the stigma around asking for mental health support and allowed people to understand their options better, she explained.