Despite mothers accounting for nearly one-third of working women, current workplaces aren't built to ... [+]
In the workplace, untreated—or incorrectly treated—preventable women’s health conditions lead to financial consequences for both employees and their employers. Untreated maternal mental health disorders are estimated to cost the U.S. $14.2 billion annually.
Monica Mo, Ph.D. is the CEO of WellSeek, a social enterprise dedicated to helping women thrive in their work and life. Mo explains, “Despite mothers accounting for nearly one-third of working women, current workplaces aren't built to support their life experiences and the inequities they face, often leading to higher risks of stress, burnout, and early resignation.” The connection between maternal mental health and employers is clear, but amidst our national mental health crisis, it’s become critical.
Working Mothers Want Therapy
Motherly’s 6th Annual State of Motherhood Report reveals an increase in the percentage of moms who have sought mental health therapy in the past year, to 46% from 43% in 2022. In addition, moms report using more sessions than last year, with 18% saying they have attended 11 or more therapy sessions this past year compared to 15% who reported 11 or more in 2022. The issues are the same as reported last year, with anxiety (32%), depression (12%), relationship (16%), and postpartum issues (15%) topping the list of reasons for seeking mental health support.
Relatedly, legislation continues to expand and extend telehealth services for rural health, behavioral health, and telehealth access options under the Covid Public Health Emergency, but primarily for Medicare beneficiaries. When the Covid Public Health Emergency expires on May 11, some mothers will once again have limited access to telehealth (as it will no longer be an excepted benefit).
Flexibility Brings Increased Optimism
Without question, the employer of a working mom plays a role in their mental health, and in 2023, remote work and job flexibility are table stakes. The State of Motherhood Report also shows a significant increase in positive mentality from mothers who work full or part-time from home, from 27% in 2022 to 42% in 2023. These women were optimistic, believing it’s possible to combine a career and motherhood creatively, even under current circumstances.
Employers Must Push Health Providers
It’s advantageous for employers to support maternal mental health. NSC and NORC at the University of Chicago found organizations spend an average of over $15,000 annually on each employee experiencing mental health issues. But companies that invest in mental health programs see an average return on investment of $4 for every $1 spent, according to the National Safety Council.
Unfortunately, The Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health estimates that 75% of women never get the treatment they were promised in healthcare coverage contracts. “Employers focused on gender equity need to be particularly focused on their childbearing-aged female employees, those who are pregnant, and those in the postpartum period experiencing maternal mental health disorders like postpartum depression,” adds Joy Burkhard, founder and executive director of The Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health.
This week, in collaboration with George Washington University, the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health will release the first-ever state report cards addressing maternal mental health. The U.S is largely failing with 42 states receiving Ds and Fs. Only one state received a high grade, a B where significant recent philanthropic, legislative, and advocacy efforts have occurred.
“As purchasers of health insurance plans, employers can push insurers to do more to address provider network adequacy, develop case management programs, and ensure employees in need get the health care they deserve (and are paying for),” Burkhard adds.
Dr. Mary Jacobson is Chief Medical Offer at Hello Alpha, an online healthcare option for employers nationwide. Dr. Jacobson adds: “With the best of intentions, employers often invest in specific healthcare solutions aimed at setting appropriate costs (rather than the right specialists). Still, instead, they end up contributing to the fragmented patchwork of difficult-to-navigate, disparate healthcare and wellness benefits. As a result, many employers face avoidable healthcare costs for their female employees and miss the opportunity to improve women's health outcomes.”
When left untreated, maternal mental health disorders can have lasting impacts. “The Great Resignation is not over for mothers, and feeling overwhelmed with how to make work and motherhood work in today’s structure is hurting mothers’ health,” stresses Jill Koziol, CEO of Motherly. “We continue to ask mothers to nurture in a society that is not nurturing them back — and depending on them to be breadwinners, too.”
