The answer to that question is yes, according to research from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) 2023 State of Mental Health & Well-being in the Workplace Study.
Talking with over 1,000 workers between March 15 and March 28, many workers are “experiencing low energy and exhaustion at the end of the workday, affecting their capacity to participate in activities outside of work.” Looking at the specific activities the survey found:
- One-third of the workers sampled in this study said it was difficult for them to unwind after work.
- 2 in 5 U.S. workers in the study said they avoid tasks that require high focus or concentration after work.
- Over 1 in 3 U.S. workers (38%) said they miss out on nonwork activities due to exhaustion from work.
And the numbers are somewhat surprising in that 47% say that they have little energy to participate in nonwork activities.
These findings are a call to action for employers according to Wendi Safstrom SHRM Foundation president. “Employers have the opportunity to provide mental health resources and inclusive environments that support and encourage their employees in their work lives and beyond. This discussion is critical to understanding the existing gaps and how workplaces can be a change agent.”
SHRM is trying to address the issue from a number of angles and here are some resources:
Workplace Mental Health Ally certificate
