Spring Health has released its 2026 Workplace Mental Health Report, revealing a troubling rise in mental health-related leaves among employees. The report, which surveyed over 2,000 HR leaders and employees in five countries, indicates a significant challenge in the workforce characterized by "silent burnout."
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According to the study, while 89% of HR leaders believe their mental health benefits provide a competitive edge, nearly two-thirds have reported an increase in mental health leaves of absence over the past year. Alarmingly, one in six organizations noted a spike of 25% or more in these leaves. Moreover, 40% of burned-out employees admit to being physically present at work but mentally disengaged.
Karishma Patel Buford, Chief People Officer at Spring Health, commented on the findings, stating, "The data tells two stories at once. HR leaders are more invested in mental health than ever — and yet leaves are rising, burnout is spreading quietly, and too many employees still don’t know what support is available to them." She emphasized the need for organizations to enhance communication between benefits and employees who need assistance.
The report also highlights early indicators of workforce risk beyond traditional burnout metrics. Sleep issues rank as the top mental health challenge for 36% of employees, yet only 21% of HR leaders recognize it as a primary concern, resulting in a 15-point perception gap that can delay necessary interventions. Additionally, almost 60% of employees report increased financial stress over the past five years, which correlates with a lack of adequate mental health support.
Dr. Mill Brown, Chief Medical Officer at Spring Health, stressed the importance of proactive measures, stating, "The next era of workplace mental health is about precision prevention — a model where technology and clinical expertise work together to find people before they reach a crisis."
To assist HR leaders in addressing these challenges, the report outlines a 90-day strategic roadmap that includes assessing concentrated risk areas, removing obstacles to care, and developing a performance evaluation scorecard for executive leadership.
Spring Health is a global mental health platform designed to connect members, providers, and organizations. The platform offers personalized mental health support, including therapy and medication management, and is utilized by leading employers and health plans worldwide.