The meQuilibrium study highlights a significant mental health crisis among frontline workers, revealing they face higher rates of anxiety, depression, and stress compared to their non-frontline counterparts. Despite the greater need for support, these workers are less likely to be aware of or utilize employer-provided mental well-being benefits. Frontline workers’ resilience improves more significantly than that of non-frontline workers, yet there’s a substantial gap in seeking help and benefit awareness. The research underscores the necessity for employers to enhance outreach and education about mental well-being resources, particularly for frontline staff in critical sectors such as healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, and hospitality.
Frontline workers shoulder greater burdens and are often unaware of well-being benefits, says meQuilibrium
BOSTON, Feb. 8, 2024 – Despite having more demanding roles tied to a higher degree of stress, frontline workers are less aware of employer mental wellbeing benefits, more likely to say they do not have a problem, and–even when they acknowledge a problem–are less likely to reach out for help than their non-frontline colleagues, according to a new meQuilibrium (meQ) study of frontline worker mental well-being released today. The study of 1,183 US-based workers revealed that rates of anxiety and depression among frontline workers are 33% and 61% higher, respectively, and when facing high stress, they are 30% less likely to seek out professional assistance, compared to their non-frontline counterparts.
Frontline workers are often unaware of well-being benefits, says new meQuilibrium study.