The Hartford’s New Study Finds Nearly Half of LGBTQ+ Workers’ Mental Health At Work Affected By News, Current Events, Less Likely To Seek Care
June 21 2023 - 9:03AM
Business Wire
Study with the National Alliance on Mental Illness shows
barriers to equitable mental health resources still exist in many
U.S. companies
U.S. workers who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or
queer (LGBTQ+) report a significant need for mental health support,
yet experience obstacles to care that is offered in the workplace,
according to new research by The Hartford and the National Alliance
on Mental Illness (NAMI). Nearly half (47%) of LGBTQ+ working
Americans said their mental health at work is affected by news and
current events and 33% rate their mental health as fair or poor,
compared with non-LGBTQ+ workers (33% and 13%, respectively).
Survey findings also indicate 45% of LGBTQ+ workers would not
turn to workplace resources for help. Also, LGBTQ+ workers were
more likely to say aspects of their identity—specifically their
sexual orientation, age, and gender identity—make it hard for them
to discuss mental health in their workplace. Similar to The
Hartford’s previous research that found a majority of employers are
seeing negative financial impacts due to declining employee mental
health, the new data demonstrates the connection between mental
well-being, employer support, and the company’s bottom line.
“As we celebrate Pride month, we are also championing the need
for equitable, culturally appropriate mental health care that meets
the needs of the LGBTQ+ community,” said The Hartford’s Chairman
and CEO Christopher Swift. “We are sharing our data to raise
awareness about this important workplace issue and inspire
employers to join us in dispelling stigma, addressing disparities,
and supporting the mental health of all employees.”
The Hartford has a long history of proudly supporting and
advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. The insurer has been
recognized as a “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality” from Human
Rights Campaign Foundation for 14 years. Its LGBTQ+ employee
resource group (ERG) called PRIDE was founded more than 25 years
ago and champions the growth and development of its members by
providing the company with a center of expertise for LGBTQ+
awareness, networking, and business practices.
For the second consecutive year, the workers’ compensation and
employee benefits provider and the nation's largest grassroots
mental health organization partnered on national research centered
on intersectional aspects of people’s identities and mental health
at work.
“NAMI stands in solidarity with everyone navigating mental
health conditions, particularly those within the LGBTQ+ community,”
said NAMI Director of Communications Matt Raymond. “This month we
say ‘I Am NAMI Pride’ which is a powerful affirmation that
underlines our identity. The ‘I AM’ within ‘NAMI’ reflects our
collective dedication to mental health equity for every
individual.”
Employer Actions
A majority of LGBTQ+ workers (65%) in the 2023 survey said they
want to work for a company that prioritizes employee mental health.
The data revealed actions that employers could take to break down
stigma and foster inclusion:
- Enlist senior leaders to lead company initiatives to dispel
stigma and normalize talking about mental health.
- Provide company-wide mental health education so that all
employees can provide peer-to-peer support and know where to turn
for help.
- Make data-driven decisions to ensure benefits meet the evolving
needs of employees and their families.
- Create or sustain ERG for the LGBTQ+ community that will be a
safe accepting space.
NAMI’s ”Mental Health Without Conditions” website offers ways to
show support for the LGBTQ+ community, informative blogs and
videos, and a list of mental health resources, including how to
find a LGBTQ+ affirming mental health provider. The Hartford has
been a stigma-free partner of NAMI, providing educational programs
and mental health resources to business leaders and workers across
the nation since 2020.
“Employee wellbeing, particularly mental health, is a diversity,
equity and inclusion issue that is paramount in today’s workplace,”
said Lori Rodden, The Hartford’s chief human resources officer and
executive sponsor of PRIDE. “We are committed to maintaining an
inclusive company culture that embraces diversity, fosters
connection, and supports all employees as they bring their full
selves to work.”
Survey Methodology
In 2023, NORC fielded a general population omnibus survey for
The Hartford in April 13-17 and April 28-May 1, which included an
ethnicity oversample and LGBTQ+ oversample for a total sample size
of 2,360. Data was filtered to include only those who are currently
employed (total n=1,456 working adults). The margin of error is +/-
3.75% at a 95% confidence level.
About The Hartford
The Hartford is a leader in property and casualty insurance,
group benefits and mutual funds. With more than 200 years of
expertise, The Hartford is widely recognized for its service
excellence, sustainability practices, trust and integrity. More
information on the company and its financial performance is
available at https://www.thehartford.com.
The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., (NYSE: HIG)
operates through its subsidiaries under the brand name, The
Hartford, and is headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut. For
additional details, please read The Hartford’s legal notice.
HIG-C
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forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution investors that these
forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future
performance, and actual results may differ materially. Investors
should consider the important risks and uncertainties that may
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uncertainties include those discussed in our 2022 Annual Report on
Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Forms 10-Q, and the
other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Kelly Carter Kelly.carter@thehartford.com
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