New Mental Health America Report Reveals 5 Employer Actions Driving Healthier Workplaces

Nearly all U.S. employers recognized for exceeding national benchmarks in workplace mental health now prioritize fairness and flexibility: 94% disclose pay ranges and enforce fair performance reviews, while 99% provide remote, hybrid, or flexible work options.

The findings come from Mental Health America’s (MHA) new Workplace Mental Health in 2025 Report, based on an analysis of 360 employers awarded the 2025 Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by MHA. 

While not affiliated with MHA or involved in the creation of the report, Zety is spotlighting the findings to help both candidates and employers understand what drives healthier, more productive workplaces.

Collectively, the organizations included in the MHA report represent more than 5 million workers across 21 industries and 40 states, achieving an average mental health score of 89% compared to the national employer average of 51%.

Mental health in the workplace statistics reveal just how costly poor well-being can be. According to the World Health Organization, work-related stress costs the global economy $1 trillion each year in lost productivity. 

In unhealthy workplaces, 9 in 10 employees say stress impacts their mental health, more than double the rate in healthy workplaces. With burnout, inflation, and return-to-office debates shaping the workforce, these top-scoring employers are proving that companies with pay transparency and flexible work create a foundation for healthier, more productive workplaces.

Top 5 Employer Actions Driving Mentally Healthy Workplaces

According to MHA’s report, these are the top five actions employers are taking to promote healthier workplaces:

1. Offer transparency and fairness

• 94% publish transparent pay policies.
• 98% enforce fair performance reviews.
• 94% maintain internal plans to communicate major transitions.
• 95% run mental health awareness campaigns.
• 96% provide clear pathways and guidance for professional development.

2. Provide flexibility and responsive benefits

• 99% provide hybrid, remote, or flexible schedules.
• 91% changed a policy based on employee feedback.
• 97% help employees navigate complex benefits.

Example: Ally Financial incorporated mental health programs for employees by offering 16 free therapy or coaching sessions for employees and household members, plus digital well-being tools.

3. Embed mental health into strategy

• 99% integrate mental health into organizational priorities.
• 78% of leadership teams investigate structural causes of stress.
• 77% of leaders share lived experiences to reduce stigma.
• 95% encourage employees to take part in decision-making.

Example: Managers are trained in stress management and burnout prevention to learn how to improve mental health in the workplace and support employee well-being.

4. Tackle financial stress

• 83% provide financial education and planning resources.

Examples: Riverside Healthcare implemented market-based salary structures, while UR Medicine Thompson Health cut medical premiums and raised salaries.

5. Build inclusion and belonging

• 96% review hiring practices for fairness for people with mental health or substance use conditions.
• 86% ground their well-being strategy in fair and inclusive practices.

Examples: Southern New Hampshire University offers digital accessibility; WebMD has a Menopause Friendly accreditation; and Garmin offers support for lactating employees.

For press inquiries, contact Skyler Acevedo, Public Relations Specialist, at skyler.acevedo@bold.com.

Zety is not affiliated with Mental Health America and was not involved in the development of this report. 

Methodology for the Mental Health America report

The findings in this release are drawn from Workplace Mental Health in 2025: Trends and Best Practices of Top Employers, produced by Mental Health America. The report analyzed 360 U.S. employers that exceeded national benchmarks in workplace mental health and were recognized by MHA with the 2025 Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health. These organizations span 21 industries and 40 states, representing more than 5.1 million workers. Employers were evaluated against national standards across workplace culture, benefits, compliance, and wellness programs. On average, they achieved a score of 89%, compared with the national employer average of 51%. The MHA analysis highlights common practices, policies, and innovations among these high-performing organizations, with case studies drawn directly from employer submissions and follow-up interviews.

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