Workplace mental health challenges continue to evolve, and the Venbrook team is taking a closer look at what the latest research means for HR leaders.
Organizations that prioritize employee wellbeing are better positioned to build resilient and engaged teams. While burnout affects everyone differently, data helps identify common risk factors and early warning signs. Here's how HR leaders can take a proactive approach to protecting their workforce, along with practical strategies to help employees manage stress and preserve energy.
From mental health trends to workforce strategy
The Workers' Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) completed a comprehensive 10-year study analyzing nearly 13 million claims, revealing a 47% increase in primary mental health claims over the decade. Although the study focused on workers' compensation, the demographic findings offer insights for employers looking to strengthen their group health, disability, and retention strategies:
- The Mid-Career & Tenure Crunch: Claims peaked among employees with 4-8 years of tenure (ages 35–44). These employees represent the "sandwich generation" caught between rising leadership duties, young children, and aging parents.
- The Income Disparity: Workers in the top quarter of wages filed mental health claims at more than four times the rate of the lowest-paid 10%, accounting for 32% of all mental health claims.
- The Gender Gap: Women accounted for 59% of mental health claims and experienced claim rates twice that of men, with an even wider gap for extended absences.
How to turn insights into action
- Upgrade your behavioral health benefits: Upgrade behavioral health benefits from traditional employee assistance programs (EAPs) that have low utilization to newer services that offer immediate access to resources such as therapy, coaching, and specialized care.
- Address burnout at the source: Help prevent burnout by working with your teams to audit workloads, incorporate "no-meeting" focus blocks, and set clear boundaries around after-hours communications.
- Invest in long-term employees: Implement targeted check-ins, flexible recharge days, or sabbatical pathways for employees hitting that critical 4-to-8-year tenure window.
Spotting burnout in employees and ways to protect your energy
Chronic stress and mental fatigue can build up silently in the background. Research shows that burnout is most prevalent among high-performing employees across all job levels, proving that it’s not a testament to personal resilience but rather due to heavy workloads, competing priorities, and insufficient time for recovery. Check out these four tips on protecting your energy both at work and in your personal life.
- Review your schedule: Review your week and identify any opportunities to create dedicated focus time.
- Make the most of the benefits available to you: Utilize the resources available to you through your employer health benefits, including your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and digital mental health apps (like Headspace or Calm). Therapy and coaching aren't just for crises; they are tools for maintenance and resilience.
- Set boundaries: Start by setting a clear end to your workday. Give yourself permission to disconnect from emails, chat messages, and work notifications.
- Ask for support when you need it: If your workload is unsustainable, schedule a conversation with your manager. Re-prioritizing tasks together can prevent minor stress from turning into full-scale burnout.
Ready to learn more?
If you're an HR leader wanting to evaluate how your current benefits align with these high-risk workforce demographics, or an employee looking to learn more about your company’s mental health resources, contact everyonebenefits@venbrook.com.
Jennifer Carter Green, Vice President of Wellbeing & Engagement at Venbrook, specializes in workplace wellness, employee health and wellbeing, financial wellness, and benefits strategy. As a Certified Worksite Wellness Program Manager (CWWPM) and Financial Wellness Certified professional, Jennifer brings a human-centered, customer-focused perspective to helping employers build healthier, more engaged, and supported workforces.
Source: Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI), Mental Health Claims in Workers' Compensation: A Multistate Analysis (September 2026).
