The State of Workplace Mental Health in 2025: What Employees Need from Leadership

In today’s fast-paced work environment, employees are prioritizing mental health more than ever. A 2025 NAMI-Ipsos poll reveals that while workers recognize the importance of mental well-being, many still struggle to access the resources and support they need. The findings show that stigma, lack of awareness, and gaps in leadership-driven initiatives continue to create barriers in the workplace.

Let’s explore the key takeaways and how employers can create healthier, more supportive work environments.

While employees are increasingly open to discussing mental health at work, personal concerns about stigma persist:

• 77% of employees say they feel comfortable supporting a coworker experiencing mental health struggles.
• However, 42% worry that discussing their own mental health could negatively impact their career.
• Nearly half of employees fear being judged if they disclose their struggles.
• 1 in 4 workers have considered leaving their job due to mental health concerns, with 7% following through on quitting for this reason.

The disconnect between support for others and fear for oneself underscores the need for workplaces to actively normalize discussions around mental health.

Many employees don’t know what benefits their employer provides or how to access them:

• 22% of managers are unaware if their employer offers mental health benefits.
• 45% of managers don’t know how to access mental health care through their insurance.
• Nearly one-quarter of employees are uncertain whether their workplace provides mental health benefits, flexible work arrangements, or employee assistance programs (EAPs).

At the same time, more than 80% of employees believe these benefits are essential to a positive workplace culture. Employers can close the gap by clearly communicating available resources and actively encouraging their use.

Providing mental health education and training significantly impacts employee well-being:

• Workplaces that offer mental health training see a 10% decrease in employees’ fears of judgment for discussing mental health.
• Employees in organizations with mental health training are less likely to report their productivity has suffered due to mental health concerns.
• Despite these benefits, only 11% of workplaces require employees to complete mental health training.

By investing in education and fostering an environment where mental health conversations are normalized, employers can help reduce stigma and support their workforce more effectively.

Even when mental health resources are available, employees often struggle to access them:

• Only 50% of employees know how to access mental health care through employer-sponsored insurance.
• Younger employees and entry-level workers report lower satisfaction with mental health benefits than their more senior colleagues.
• Around 80% of employees say they would benefit from information on:
  • Employer-sponsored mental health insurance
  • Managing stress and burnout
  • Recognizing and responding to mental health crises

The 2025 NAMI-Ipsos poll highlights a clear need for greater transparency, education, and proactive leadership in workplace mental health. Employers who invest in open conversations, better training, and accessible resources will not only improve employee well-being but also enhance productivity, retention, and overall workplace culture.

As behavioral health professionals, we play a crucial role in helping organizations implement evidence-based strategies that foster a mentally healthy workforce. By advocating for comprehensive mental health support, we can help transform workplace culture—one conversation at a time.