According to the Mental Health Index Risk of PTSD Increases 51% Among U.S. Employees Ages 40-59
Manage HR Magazine | Thursday, April 22, 2021
Sandwich generation brings unique set of responsibilities and challenges to the workplace
SAN FRANCISCO and WASHINGTON – As Americans flock to vaccine sites nationwide, a collective sigh of relief is almost palpable. Yet, for some, despite the promise of protection from a deadly and unpredictable virus, the trauma of the past year is just now taking its toll. According to the Mental Health Index: U.S. Worker Edition, employeesages 40-59 are experiencing worrisome declines in mental health over the last few months. Risk of PTSD has increased 51% since January; and planning, which impacts decisiveness, is down 10% in March 2021. Further, risk of general anxiety is 86% higher than before the pandemic. Findings also reveal that these employeeshave increased feelings of panic (9%) and fear (12%) when compared to before COVID-19.
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Reason for Optimism
Conversely,the last two monthsof data from the Mental Health Index revealspositive mental health trends for working women across all age groups; giving employers some reason for optimism. Between February and March, women are showing notable improvements including:
• 24% decrease in anxiety
• 21% decrease in depressed mood
• 13% decrease in stress
• 7% decrease in conscious negativity bias
The Mental Health Index: U.S. Worker Edition, powered by Total Brain, a mental health and brain performance self-monitoring and self-care platform, is distributed in partnership with the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions, One Mind at Work, and the HR Policy Association and its American Health Policy Institute.
“The data reflects the brain’s adaptive fluidity amid ongoing uncertainty,” said Evian Gordon, MD, PhD, chief medical officer, Total Brain. “Mental health, like physical fitness, changes continually. Monitoring brain capacities regularly is a powerful lens to help target and manage brain performance – to magnify what works and reframe the challenges.”
Louis Gagnon, CEO of Total Brain, said, “The good news is great, but the bad news is very disconcerting for employees aged 40-59. This sandwich generation is tending to children and aging parents amid a pandemic, and an uncertain economic environment. These workers are likely holding middle and upper management positions; and they are responsible for maintaining business as usual at a time when business is anything but usual. Employers must be mindful of this group’s unique needswhen strategizing employee mental health benefits and initiatives.”
Colleen McHugh, executive vice president of the American Health Policy Institute and strategic advisor for HR Policy Association said, “The latest numbers demonstrate the continued strain on the mental health of America’s workforce and the complex nature of the pandemic-era fallout, which will continue to impact the country for years to come. Large employers, currently grappling with vaccine protocols and return-to-work strategies, continue to prioritize not just the safety of their employees, but also their overall wellbeing and mental health.”
Michael Thompson, National Alliance president and CEO, added, “The momentum of the vaccines and the gradual opening up of the economy appears to be making a difference in mental health and outlook of many employees. Unfortunately, many may feel lasting effects of the trauma from the past year and employers are working feverishly to help employees navigate this last mile of the COVID era.”
“With this variation of data, we can expect to see a period of emotional volatility, as people hold onto the promise of getting back to normal, albeit with the carryover impact of the 2020 experience,” said Daryl Tol, who joined One Mind as Executive President this past March and offers more than 20 years of healthcare leadership. “The best way for managers to support their employees is to get closer to your team—be open about your own experiences, talk through and understand what is going on.”
The full Mental Health Index results can be found here. For additional insights there will be a complimentary 30-minute webinar on Friday,April 16at 12 p.m. Eastern.Russell Meyerowitz, COO, Brand New, will join Gagnon, Thompson, McHugh and Tol. Register here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_InKxTvGyR06EdzbBse7F9g
For more information, Mental Health in the COVID-19 Era: A Year in Review providesa month-by-month overview of the Mental Health Index data juxtaposed against the state of COVID-19 in the U.S. and around the world. This report covers how COVID-19 has affected the mental health of U.S. employees over the past 12 months, including everything from job security and safety to changes at home and events in the news.
Methodology: The Mental Health Index: U.S. Worker Edition contains data drawn from a weekly randomized sample of 500 working Americans taken from a larger universe of Total Brain users. The Index is NOT a survey or a poll. Data is culled from neuroscientific brain assessments using standardized digital tasks and questions from the Total Brain platform. Participants include workers from all walks of life and regions, job levels, occupations, industries, and types of organizations (public vs. private). The brain assessments used to compile the Mental Health Index were taken weekly from February 27 toMarch 31, 2021.
More in News
New microlearning series helps teams build stronger communication, sharper feedback, and better culture in minutes
CHATHAM, NJ, UNITED STATES -- The modern workplace moves fast, and so should learning. With hybrid schedules, constant change, and competing priorities, employees need development that fits how they work, not training that pulls them away from it.
SHIFT HR Compliance Training today announced the launch of SHIFT in Minutes , a new collection of 10-minute microlearning courses built for the pace and pressures of today’s workplace. Each course delivers practical, real-world skills employees can apply immediately to improve communication, strengthen feedback, and build healthier, more inclusive teams.
"Organizations want training that doesn’t just check a box but truly shifts behavior and culture. SHIFT in Minutes courses make an immediate impact employees can feel and organizations can measure.”
Katherin Nukk-Freeman, President
Power skills such as communication, feedback, and inclusion are the everyday behaviors that strengthen teams and deliver better results. SHIFT in Minutes brings these concepts to life through short, interactive lessons that fit naturally into the workday while inspiring real change.
“Our 10-minute microlearning courses are built for today’s workplace: flexible, engaging, and grounded in real-world skills,” said Katherine Nukk-Freeman, Co-Founder and President of SHIFT HR Compliance Training. “We know that organizations want training that doesn’t just check a box but truly shifts behavior and culture. SHIFT in Minutes courses are designed to make an immediate impact employees can feel — and organizations can measure.” Featured Courses in the SHIFT in Minutes Collection include:
• Conversations that Count: Giving and Receiving Feedback Training | Helps employees deliver constructive feedback with clarity and care and receive it in ways that build trust and growth.
• Belonging in Action: Inclusive Workplace Training | Provides practical tools for creating inclusive environments where all employees feel valued, respected, and able to thrive.
• Tuned In Teams: Effective Listening Training | Guides learners to listen with intention, recognize barriers, and practice strategies to improve everyday workplace conversations.
Together, these courses address some of the most critical skills employees and teams need to succeed in today’s dynamic work environments. With a focus on shifting mindsets and changing behaviors, SHIFT in Minutes is not only convenient but also transformative.
SHIFT HR Compliance Training is recognized as an industry leader for its innovative approach to workplace learning, offering programs that go beyond compliance to build stronger organizational cultures. The launch of SHIFT in Minutes reinforces that commitment by giving employees at every level practical tools they can start using right away.
SHIFT in Minutes is now available to organizations of all sizes, either as a standalone series or as part of broader employee development initiatives.
For more information about SHIFT in Minutes and SHIFT HR Compliance Training’s full suite of workplace training solutions, visit shiftelt.com .
...Read more
The landscape of retirement planning is evolving, with advancements in technology, financial strategies, and access to information playing crucial roles. Thanks to these innovations, individuals now have more power than ever to take control of their financial futures. This discussion will explore how integrating technology, diverse investment options, and enhanced educational resources transforms retirement planning.
In recent years, technology has revolutionized the way we approach retirement planning. Online financial tools and applications are now widely available, allowing users to create personalized retirement plans at their fingertips. Robo-advisors, powered by algorithms and machine learning, provide tailored investment advice based on individual risk tolerance and goals without the need for expensive financial advisors.
This democratization of financial advice means that even those with limited assets can receive guidance to optimize their portfolios. Moreover, data analytics has improved the predictions related to market trends and personal investment outcomes. Wearable technology that tracks health and wellness also contributes to retirement planning by offering insights into healthcare costs and longevity. By understanding patterns in health data, individuals can better prepare for future medical expenses that often take a significant bite out of retirement savings.
Diverse Investment Opportunities
The investment landscape has expanded significantly, offering various options that cater to individual preferences and risk appetites. Options like target-date funds, real estate investments, and cryptocurrency are now part of the retirement investment conversation. Target-date funds automatically adjust the asset allocation as the target retirement date approaches, providing a hands-off approach for investors who prefer simplicity.
Historically, real estate is a hedge against inflation and can offer both rental income and potential appreciation. Cryptocurrencies have entered the mix, attracting younger investors looking for high-risk, high-reward opportunities. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are also gaining popularity as a dual-purpose investment vehicle. Contributions to HSAs are tax-deductible, withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free, and unused funds can be invested in future healthcare costs in retirement. This multi-faceted approach to investing provides opportunities to grow assets while preparing for inevitable expenses during retirement.
Enhancing Education for Greater Accessibility
Access to knowledge has never been easier, thanks to the rise of online courses, webinars, and financial literacy programs. Institutions, nonprofits, and even financial firms are investing in educational resources designed to raise awareness about retirement planning and investment options. Focusing on financial literacy is crucial, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their financial futures.
Social networks and forums provide platforms for individuals to share experiences and advice about retirement planning. These communities foster a collaborative environment where people can learn from one another, discussing various strategies to grow their retirement savings. This knowledge-sharing bridges gaps in financial literacy, particularly for younger generations who are just beginning to navigate their financial journeys. ...Read more
Ann Arbor, Michigan — Navigating the complex landscape of prevailing wage compliance is a growing challenge for contractors working on public construction projects. With constantly shifting wage determinations, certified payroll requirements, fringe benefit rules, and apprenticeship mandates, mistakes can lead to significant penalties, project delays, or even disqualification. HCM TradeSeal, a leader in construction compliance software, offers a purpose-built solution to help contractors manage these responsibilities with confidence.
Unlike generic payroll tools or spreadsheets, HCM TradeSeal is designed specifically to support prevailing wage and Davis-Bacon compliance both before and after payroll is processed. The platform enhances existing payroll systems instead of replacing them, providing end-to-end compliance functionality that ensures data accuracy, audit readiness, and operational efficiency.
Why Prevailing Wage Compliance Requires Specialized Software
Prevailing wage laws such as the Davis-Bacon Act require that workers on publicly funded projects are paid wages and benefits aligned with local standards. While these laws help protect workers, they introduce several administrative burdens for contractors, including:
• Worker classification and wage assignment
• Certified payroll reporting
• Accurate fringe benefit allocation
• Apprenticeship ratio tracking
• Ongoing recordkeeping for audits
To address these requirements, HCM TradeSeal offers robust compliance capabilities that integrate seamlessly with leading payroll providers like ADP, Paychex, Paylocity, Workday, UKG, Ceridian, Inova, and Paycor.
Essential Features of a Modern Prevailing Wage Compliance Platform
Contractors evaluating compliance software should look for the following features, all of which are central to the HCM TradeSeal platform:
• Pre-Payroll Configuration: Assign worker classifications, project-specific wages, and fringe allocations before payroll begins.
• Automated Certified Payroll Reports: Auto-generate WH-347 and other required reports based on real payroll data.
• Fringe Benefit Management: Track fringe contributions and cash payments accurately to control costs and ensure compliance.
• Apprenticeship Compliance Monitoring: Track apprentice-to-journeyworker ratios across crews and maintain documentation.
• Payroll System Integration: Sync effortlessly with payroll software, exporting setup data and importing payroll results.
• Scalability for Multiple Projects: Manage dozens of contracts across states with user role controls, project-specific settings, and cloud-based access.
• Audit-Ready Recordkeeping: Maintain secure, organized records for wage rates, logs, and submission history.
HCM TradeSeal: Built for Compliance from Start to Finish
HCM TradeSeal is more than just a reporting tool. It is a comprehensive compliance engine that ensures accuracy from project setup to post-payroll reporting. Its centralized platform allows contractors to:
• Configure classifications and wage rates before payroll
• Automate certified payroll submissions
• Track fringe credits in real time
• Monitor apprenticeship ratios
• Maintain audit-ready documentation
• Integrate with existing payroll platforms
• Access expert support from construction compliance professionals
With HCM TradeSeal, contractors can eliminate guesswork, avoid costly compliance mistakes, and focus on delivering high-quality work on public projects.
A Proven Solution for Growing Construction Businesses
Designed to scale with the needs of mid-sized to enterprise-level contractors, HCM TradeSeal offers flexibility and ease of use. It is ideal for companies managing multiple government contracts across jurisdictions. The platform’s emphasis on pre-payroll validation ensures that errors are caught before they appear on reports, which helps save payroll teams time and reduces compliance risk.
HCM TradeSeal was recognized as the “Prevailing Wage Compliance Service of the Year 2025” by Manage HR magazine and continues to be the trusted choice for contractors nationwide.
To schedule a free demo or learn more about how HCM TradeSeal can support your compliance needs, visit www.hcmtradeseal.com
Company Information
Website: www.hcmtradeseal.com
Management Team:
Steve Fentriss , CEO and Co-Founder
Liz Everson , Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer
Contact for Media Inquiries:
Liz Everson , Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer
eeverson@hcmtradeseal.com ...Read more
Organizations may increase teamwork, communication, and leadership effectiveness using the well-liked personal development tool Everything DiSC. This assessment tool helps executives and employees better understand their own and their colleagues' tendencies by learning about individual behavioral styles. Beyond just team-building activities, putting Everything DiSC into practice at work is essential since it's a strategic endeavor that can significantly impact organizational performance and culture.
The most immediate and impactful benefit of Everything DiSC is improving team communication. The DiSC model categorizes people into four primary behavioral styles: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. Each style has distinct preferences in communication and decision-making, and conflicts often arise when individuals need to recognize or accommodate these differences. By implementing Everything DiSC, team members become more aware of these differences and can adjust their communication styles accordingly. This awareness reduces misunderstandings and helps people work together more effectively.
Emotional intelligence is vital to professional success, particularly in leadership roles. Everything DiSC helps individuals build emotional intelligence by increasing their self-awareness and understanding of how their behaviors affect others. The tool provides detailed feedback on individuals' behavioral tendencies, stressors, and motivators, allowing them to reflect on their workplace interactions. ThePEOPeople.com integrates Everything DiSC into their leadership development programs, helping leaders enhance communication and collaboration in the workplace. When communication improves, collaboration follows, as team members are more likely to engage openly and productively with one another.
When individuals understand their strengths and challenges, they can better regulate their behavior and make conscious decisions about responding to different situations. For example, a leader who recognizes that they tend to be overly critical under stress can take steps to mitigate this behavior, improving their relationships with team members. In this way, DiSC acts as a mirror, reflecting the nuances of one's behavior and providing a roadmap for personal growth. The feedback is invaluable for leaders looking to improve their effectiveness, as it highlights areas where they may need to adjust their approach to motivate better and inspire their teams.
Sapience Analytics supports organizations in building leadership effectiveness through data-driven insights and tailored behavioral assessments.
A leader with a strong "Dominance" style may be seen as decisive and driven but might struggle with creating a supportive team environment. Understanding different behavioral styles helps teams remain flexible and cohesive during times of transition, such as mergers, restructuring, or the adoption of new technologies. When people understand how they and their colleagues respond to stress, uncertainty, and change, they can offer better support to one another and work together to find solutions.
The significance of implementing Everything DiSC in the workplace is multifaceted, encompassing improved communication, emotional intelligence, leadership development, conflict resolution, and organizational agility. Everything DiSC fosters a more collaborative and productive work environment. It leads to enhanced team performance, more decisive leadership, and a more positive organizational culture—ultimately contributing to long-term business success. ...Read more
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