Six in 10 employers are concerned about the mental health of their employees, according to research from Everywhen.
The employee benefits consultancy survey of 500 HR professionals found 59% of these employers ranked mental health of staff as their top concern.
Mental health has topped the list of concerns every year since Everywhen began conducting annual research in 2022.
The 2026 results showed mental health ranked above staff physical health and financial wellbeing (both 49%) and social health (34%) and ‘none of the above’ 13%.
Top priorities
In terms of areas employers are targeting to improve the health and wellbeing of staff, mental health (49%) polled top.
This followed by financial wellbeing (27%), health screening (26%), general fitness (25%), round the clock access to a virtual GP and preventative support (both 19%).
Other pressing priorities include planning for retirement, caring responsibilities, female issues (all 18%), serious illness (17%) ageing well and dental care (both 15%), neurodiversity, male issues and chronic health (all 14%), addiction (12%) and fertility (11%).
Debra Clark, head of wellbeing at Everywhen (pictured), said: “We carried out comprehensive research to find out employers’ priorities for this year, including asking about a wide range of important issues such as health screening, MSK support and access to virtual GPs.
“We know that these areas are a concern for employers, so the fact that mental health came so high above these other priorities shows just how significant the concern is at present and for the future.
“All areas of health and wellbeing have an impact on mental health, and the mental health of those around us can have an impact too.
“A full and rounded approach to supporting the whole health and wellbeing of all employees is likely to be the most effective option.”