AI Reshapes Workplace Mental Health Support Landscape

AI and evolving workplace dynamics reshape mental health support strategies as companies adapt to employee demands, according to a survey from Unmind.
By: | January 17, 2025
Man in office sad, tired or work stress

Employee well-being strategies are undergoing a significant shift, with AI-powered tools gaining prominence and traditional employee assistance programs (EAPs) struggling to meet evolving needs, despite mental health remaining a top priority for organizations, according to a new survey from Unmind.

Unmind’s fourth annual Workplace Mental Health Trends report tracks changes in how organizations approach workplace mental health support.

“We’re seeing unprecedented innovation in workplace mental health, driven by advancements in technology, shifting employee expectations, and the growing recognition that mental wellbeing is essential for business success,” says Dr. Nick Taylor, CEO and co-founder of Unmind, a provider of AI-powered workplace mental health tools.

Mental health continues to be a top priority for organizations, albeit with a slight shift in perspective, according to the report. While 99% of HR leaders viewed employee mental health as crucial to organizational success in 2024, this figure dipped to 91% in 2025. However, the overall sentiment remains strong, with 90% of all survey respondents agreeing on its importance.

Organizations have made significant strides in equipping managers with mental health training. The percentage of untrained managers has dropped to 16% from 28%, indicating a growing recognition of the need for mental health literacy among leadership.

Despite this progress, gaps in training quality persist. Nearly half (49%) of managers who received training only attended one-off sessions, potentially limiting the long-term effectiveness of these initiatives. Moreover, the lack of ongoing support is a concern, with only 35% of managers benefiting from continuous employee mental health training.

“Continuous training is essential for keeping managers’ mental health skills relevant and effective, whereas one-off sessions risk leaving knowledge outdated and support inconsistent,” the report stated.

AI’s Growing Role in Mental Health Support

As organizations recognize the importance of employee wellbeing, AI-powered tools are emerging as powerful allies in the quest for comprehensive mental health support, according to Unmind.

Nearly 60% of respondents view AI as a substantial factor in addressing mental health needs at work.

The most sought-after AI capabilities include regular training on empathy and emotional intelligence, with 52% of respondents expressing interest in this feature. Additionally, 48% of respondents desire AI-powered mental health check-in prompts and scripts, as well as AI-generated suggestions for improving team wellbeing.

The implementation of AI in mental health support offers several key benefits for organizations, the survey found. Cost-effectiveness tops the list, with 50% of respondents identifying it as the primary advantage. Real-time support is another significant benefit, cited by 44% of respondents. Data-driven insights, mentioned by 39% of respondents, represent another compelling advantage of AI in mental health support.

Transformation of Traditional EAPs

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) have been a staple of workplace mental health support for nearly eight decades, but are struggling to meet the evolving needs of today’s workforce, according to Unmind. Only 34% of respondents rate their EAPs as very effective, indicating a significant gap in service quality and relevance.

The primary barriers to EAP utilization paint a clear picture of the challenges these programs face. Stigma surrounding mental health and seeking help tops the list at 47%, followed closely by a lack of awareness about available services at 45%.

To address these shortcomings, employees are calling for substantial improvements to EAPs. The most sought-after enhancement is the inclusion of mental health support tools, such as stress management and mindfulness resources, with 64% of respondents expressing interest. Additionally, 47% desire on-demand therapy and coaching services, signaling a shift towards more flexible and accessible support options.

Rise of Therapy and Coaching Services

As traditional EAPs struggle to meet employee needs, therapy and coaching services are emerging as essential components of workplace mental health strategies, the survey found. A striking 73% of respondents value free access to therapy or coaching.

Interestingly, there’s a notable generational gap in the perceived importance of therapy and coaching. While 88% of 18-24 year-olds consider these services very or somewhat important, only 66% of 55-64 year-olds share this view. This disparity suggests that younger employees are more open to seeking mental health support and may drive future demand for these services.

Looking ahead, the integration of AI in therapy and coaching is gaining traction. A majority of respondents (57%) expect AI to become the default solution for most employees by 2030. The appeal of AI-driven alternatives lies in their potential to address current challenges in service delivery. Flexibility for employees to access support at any time (52%) and cost-effectiveness (49%) are cited as the primary advantages of AI-powered therapy and coaching solutions.

View the full survey report here. &

The R&I Editorial Team can be reached at [email protected].

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