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 new Workplace Mental Health in 2025 Report, based on an analysis of 360 employers awarded the 2025 Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America. While not affiliated with Mental Health America or involved in the creation of the report, Zety, a leading resume templates service, is spotlighting the findings to help both candidates and employers understand what drives healthier, more productive workplaces.
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Collectively, the organizations included in the Mental Health America 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%.
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 pay transparency and flexible work are not perks, they’re the foundation of healthier, more productive workplaces.
“Job seekers increasingly want to work where their mental health matters,” added Jasmine Escalera, career expert at Zety. “These actions not only improve employee well-being, they also help companies attract and retain top talent.”
Top 5 Employer Actions Driving Mentally Healthy Workplaces, According to MHA’s Report:
1) 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) 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 offers 16 free therapy or coaching sessions for employees and household members, plus digital well-being tools.
3) Embedding 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.
- Managers are trained in stress management and burnout prevention to support employee well-being.
4) Tackling Financial Stress
- 83% provide financial education and planning resources.
- Examples: Riverside Healthcare implemented market-based salary structures; UR Medicine Thompson Health cut medical premiums while raising salaries.
5) Building 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 (digital accessibility), WebMD (Menopause Friendly accreditation), Garmin (support for lactating employees).
For more insights from Zety, please visit zety.com/blog/mental-health-america-report or contact Skyler Acevedo, at skyler.acevedo@bold.com.
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