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

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.”