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IBI's Research Roundup
"Research Roundup" presented by Integrated Benefits Institute is a podcast hosted by Dr. Sera-Leigh Ghouralal, that explores the latest trends and research in employee health, well-being, and workplace productivity. Each episode offers insightful analyses and actionable takeaways to help employers, benefits consultants, and vendors stay informed and ahead of the curve.
IBI's Research Roundup
Mind the Gap: Why Mental Health Benefits Only Work When Employees Use Them
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Employers across the country are investing heavily in mental health — but are those benefits actually working?
In this episode of IBI’s Research Roundup, we break down findings from the 2025 Mental Health Report: Mind the Gap, a new study based on responses from more than 1,200 full-time employees. The data reveals a critical truth: it’s not about access, it’s about utilization.
Employees who actively use mental health benefits show nearly 3x stronger links to wellbeing and productivity compared to those who only have access on paper. And when employees engage with six or more different benefits, the outcomes multiply — higher wellbeing, stronger psychological safety, and less presenteeism.
We explore:
- Which benefits deliver the biggest impact (hint: cultural supports outperform clinical services)
- How utilization patterns differ by gender, age, and parental status
- Why non-binary employees report some of the most concerning wellbeing scores
- How company size changes the equation for ROI
- Practical steps employers can take to drive engagement, awareness, and equity
The takeaway? A bigger benefits catalog isn’t the answer. Real change comes from building a culture where employees feel safe, supported, and encouraged to use the resources available to them.
👉 Download the full report at ibiweb.org.