As awareness of the important connection between mental health and overall wellbeing grows, workplaces are realizing the importance of providing meaningful support to their employees and the value this brings to organizations. Given that individuals spend a significant amount of their lives at work, employers have a key role to play in supporting the mental health of their employees.
Teladoc Health Canada, a long-time provider of virtual healthcare services, recently commissioned Modus Research to conduct a mental health survey of over 1,600 Canadians. The survey delves into the unique needs of Canadians and the ongoing challenges they face in accessing mental health support. Not only does the survey highlight the urgent need for robust mental health resources, it also provides employers with strategic insights to better support their employees.
Key highlight: 71% of Canadians would stay with an employer that fully meets their mental health needs
The survey revealed systemic barriers in the mental health care journey. Difficulty accessing care, variable confidence in the quality of care, and disparities in access to care stood out as the most common issues. A shocking 78% of people who tried to get mental health support described the process of navigating the health care system as “somewhat difficult or very difficult.”
“This survey shows that while awareness of mental health issues is growing, there are still significant gaps in actual support. This isn't just about the availability of resources, it's about fostering an environment where employees feel safe and supported when seeking the care they need,” said Dr. Joby MacKenzie, managing director, Teladoc Health Canada.
Ample demonstration of the strength of a supportive environment, 71% of survey participants said they would be more likely to stay with an employer that fully supported their mental health needs.
“We recognize that each individual's healthcare needs are unique, and we work with employers to provide mental health services, from digital self-help and virtual therapy, to employee and family support programs and mental health navigators, who provide personalized guidance to help employees understand Canada's complex mental health system,” says MacKenzie.
Majority lack confidence in mental health diagnosis
More than half (53%) of survey respondents said they had difficulty finding a professional who could effectively help them, highlighting a major gap in accessible and effective mental health support. Similarly, among participants who had received mental health care, only 28% said they were very confident in their diagnosis. Reflecting a lack of confidence, 43% of respondents expressed interest in seeking a second opinion on their mental health treatment plan or diagnosis. These findings highlight the urgent need for improved mental health supports and resources.
“Though the stigma around mental health is decreasing, significant disparities in access to mental health care remain. Employees may be more willing to seek help from their employers, but the support they receive must be comprehensive and effective. Mental health has a significant impact on productivity and quality of life, so it is essential that employers simplify access to medically credible resources and create a supportive environment,” added Dr. Karolina Filipovska, Associate Medical Director, Teladoc Health Canada.
The impact of virtual care
The research also highlights the transformative potential of virtual care solutions in filling the mental health support gap: Virtual care offers an accessible, flexible and confidential option for employees who may be hesitant to seek help.
“Virtual care is revolutionizing mental health support,” MacKenzie added, “removing many of the traditional barriers, such as stigma and accessibility, and providing a way for employees to get the care they need privately and conveniently.”
Teladoc Health Canada research highlights the urgent need for improved mental health support in the workplace. By embracing diversity, equity and inclusion principles, strengthening communication and integrating virtual care solutions, employers can effectively address the mental health needs of their diverse workforce and foster a supportive and productive work environment.
To learn more about Teladoc Health Canada and its mental health solutions, please visit: https://www.teladochealth.ca/expert-care/mental-health/
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