Use FMLA to support employee mental health

Businesses couldn't predict the spread of COVID-19 in 2020 — or the mental health implications that followed. From lockdowns and remote work to economic uncertainty, Americans face severe stressors like never before. 

However, the prevalence of mental health conditions isn't new, as one in five Americans — 52.9 million people — report having a mental illness. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that nearly 12 billion working days are lost annually due to depression, accounting for $1 trillion in reduced productivity.

Taking care of your mental health is crucial for your overall health and well-being and workplace performance. Fortunately, many employees can utilize Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) benefits to seek help while protecting their job.

What's stressing American workers?
Several professional and personal stressors can negatively impact your mental health. According to a Pew Research Center study, 70% of Americans are most concerned about inflation, while 55% and 54% worry about healthcare costs and violent crime, respectively. Gun violence, climate change, racism, unemployment rates and the coronavirus also make people's lists of the country's leading problems.

Read more: Work is the main source of mental health strain in 2023

The American Psychological Association (APA) found that 68% of adults felt stress at work during the pandemic — primarily due to the transition to working from home, lay-offs, longer hours or having hours cut. Returning to the office has also induced severe anxiety for some.

With the employee burnout rate in today's professional landscape on the rise, the chance of reduced job performance and greater job dissatisfaction is much higher. 

Workers satisfied in their roles may generate 43% more revenue and deliver a 20% increase in productivity. With these advantages in mind, many employers are choosing to offer additional benefits for their employees' mental health, such as unpaid leave.

Mental health and FMLA
The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave annually for employees to address their or their family member's mental illness. FMLA ensures that workers have a job to return to once they finish their leave.

Read more: Why working parents would benefit from pediatric mental health benefits

You must meet specific eligibility requirements for FMLA, such as working for the government or a private entity. The criteria for employees seeking FMLA at a private company are as follows:

• The company employs a minimum of 50 people.
• The company employs 50 or more people within 75 miles of the job site.
• You've worked for the company for at least a year.
• You've worked 1,250 hours or more in the past year.

FMLA also designates specific mental and physical health conditions for eligibility, including if you require inpatient care or ongoing treatment from a medical provider — severe conditions might include a hospital stay or seeking help at a treatment facility. 
Often, employers require your medical provider — such as a psychologist or psychiatrist familiar with your mental health history — to furnish a letter explaining your condition's ability to hinder you. The letter may also indicate whether a chronic mental health condition necessitates immediate, ongoing treatment.

Read more: Aflac's CHRO leads by example to encourage work-life balance

If you're looking after a relative with mental illness, you'll need to follow the same procedure. However, you can rest assured your medical records stay confidential as, by law, employers must file FMLA documents separately from other employee records.

Prioritize your mental health under FMLA
If you or a loved one are facing a mental health crisis and would benefit from FMLA benefits, speak with your human resources department to find out the procedure for submitting your FMLA form. Prioritizing your mental health is a must and shouldn't be put off.