Few circumstances have shown us the connection between physical and mental health like the COVID-19 pandemic. Fewer still are the occurrences that have required employers, globally, to shift their priorities, protocol and expectations in what felt like a moment’s notice. The physical health and well-being of employees was elevated to top priority for most organizations, notably for healthcare employers since their employees were needed on the front lines.

As you may expect, healthcare employers still saw an increase in workers’ compensation claims in 2020 compared to recent years, according to research by Marsh McLennan. The physical health challenges presented during the pandemic were obvious and swiftly addressed, but the same cannot be said about the mental health challenges.

The U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey showed that 41.1% of adults had symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder. It’s been strongly suggested by several mental health organizations and professionals that this can be linked to a combination of the following:

• General isolation during the pandemic
• Loss of employment or pay
• Loss of loved ones
• Concern or worry over the uncertainty of present circumstances

Added to this list is the likelihood of experiencing depression post-injury or illness.

Dr. Les Boden, professor of Environmental Medicine at Boston University School of Public Health, said this in reference to the connection between physical injury and mental health:

“This is something I think that it’s time for all of us who are interested in occupational safety and health to take a closer look at, to prevent morbidity and mortality resulting from a workplace injury, but not directly from an injury, but indirectly from the mental health consequences.”

While workers’ compensation may not frequently cover “psyche” claims, organizations are now learning the importance of supporting the mental health of their employees to avoid elongated recovery times. Since healthcare industry produced an increase in workers’ compensation claims, this is specifically vital for healthcare employers to consider.

As much as the pandemic had an impact on workers’ compensation claims, employers have the opportunity to reduce the impact these claims have on their operations and, primarily, their employees’ overall well-being.