Study: 1 in 5 Americans are Unable to Disconnect after Work Hours

On Apr 21, 2022

LifeWorks, a leading provider of digital and in-person total wellbeing solutions, released its monthly Mental Health Index™ that showed 21% of Americans are experiencing challenges disconnecting after regular work hours, with this group displaying a mental health score more than 10 points below the national average. Additionally, more than one-third of Americans report ending their workday feeling mentally and/or physically exhausted.

Marking two years since the launch of the Index, this month’s report found that American workers are still under strain with a mental health score lower than the pre-pandemic benchmark of 0.0 for the 24th consecutive month.

• The Mental Health Index™ score for March 2022 is -4.8, a slight improvement from February’s score of -5.3.

Many American workers are experiencing burnout, leading to lack of concentration and motivation

• 24% of Americans find it increasingly difficult to concentrate on their work. This group has a mental health score of -26.0, more than 21 points below the national average.
• 29% of Americans find it increasingly difficult to be motivated to do their work. This group has a mental health score of -21.8, 17 points below the national average.
• Of the 21% of Americans who are unable to disconnect after regular work hours, 28% report that this is due to their manager continuing to contact them.
• 37% of Americans report ending their workday feeling mentally and/or physically exhausted. This group has a mental health score of -19.7, nearly 15 points below the national average.
• Respondents younger than 40 are twice as likely to feel mentally and/or physically exhausted at the end of their workday than those older than 50.

“While many Americans have benefitted from the ability to work remotely during the pandemic, ensuring employees are able to achieve a healthy lifestyle remains the golden ticket to success at both organizational and individual levels,” says LifeWorks president and chief executive officer, Stephen Liptrap. “The reality is that while it can be challenging to establish clear boundaries between professional and personal lives, it is essential for employee wellbeing, and employers have a responsibility to implement the necessary policies, tools and resources to help make this possible.”

“The levels of stress and exhaustion we continue to see among American workers is extremely concerning but also not surprising given two years of upheaval, over and above typical life stresses,” says LifeWorks global leader and senior vice president, research and total wellbeing, Paula Allen. “With two full years of risk, uncertainty and higher levels of isolation, it is highly unlikely that we will see a quick improvement in the mental health of the population, and any improvement requires intentional action. Positive workplace relationships are important, as are tangible resources including access to counseling, coaching and self-help tools.”

The full American LifeWorks Mental Health Index™ report can be found here. This month, the report includes additional insights on Americans’ substance use and associated career stigma, workplace-sponsored addiction support programs and more.

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