Looking at mental health and well-being over the past year, a report from WebMD Health Services Center for Research, Workplace Well-Being in 2025, released last month, found that fewer employees feel that their organizations care about their well-being. There was a 14-point drop from 2024 to 2025 in the percentage of employees reporting "excellent" mental health.
Female employees rated their mental health lower than male employees, with the largest gaps seen among Gen Z and Millennial workers—differences of 21% and 19%, respectively.
"The decline in employee mental health over the past year is a clear signal that organizations must prioritize well-being and support systems more than ever," said Erin Seaverson, senior director of the Center for Research at WebMD Health Services, in a statement. "As the workplace continues to evolve, fostering an environment that values mental health is essential to not only support employees but also to drive organizational success."
Company success is tied to mental health as the survey showed that employees with better mental health reported higher levels of engagement, a stronger sense of belonging, and more positive perceptions of organizational care.
Additionally, mental health was found to be positively correlated with life satisfaction and negatively correlated with life stress. These findings highlight the need to view mental health as interconnected with both work and personal life.
Employee Perception of Organizational Support Remains Low
Only 25% of employees strongly agree that their organization cares about their well-being. The study found that this perception has declined by 5% from 2024 to 2025, signaling increased uncertainty or dissatisfaction with workplace well-being support.
Perceptions of care vary across industries, work arrangements, and roles, with senior leaders being 28 percentage points more likely than individual contributors to agree that their organization cares about their well-being. This disconnect is crucial to address, as leaders play a key role in shaping organizational culture. Identifying and addressing these gaps will help create a more consistent experience for all employees.
The Impact of Organizational Care Extends Beyond the Workplace
Employees who feel cared for are more likely to thrive—both professionally and personally. Those with a strong perception of organizational care report 56% higher engagement, 37% lower burnout, and greater retention compared to those who feel less supported.
Outside of work, they also experience higher overall well-being and life satisfaction. "Investing time and energy into building a strong culture of care is a smart strategic decision for any organization," said Seaverson. "The impact of organizational care is profound, both within the workplace and beyond. Care truly matters."