The Evolution of Mental Health and Shifting Demographics
By Charlie E. Woosley IV, Vice President Analytics, Sedgwick
Mental health issues have long been a driver of short-term disability. As far back as 2013, mental health claims were the fourth leading cause of short-term disability behind pregnancy, musculoskeletal, and fractures/sprains.1 Current trends show mental health overtaking musculoskeletal as the top non-pregnancy diagnostic group, with the gap tightening between number one and number two. As of November 2023, mental health claims accounted for 12.6% of new short-term disability claims compared with 7% in 2013.1
To fully understand this change, we should step back and understand the larger workforce demographic shift that has occurred during the last 10 years. Baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, are retiring. Thousands of baby boomers are reaching retirement age each day, with the youngest turning 60 in 2024 and all reaching 65, the traditional retirement age, by 2030.2 Studies show that baby boomers put the lowest priority on mental health compared with all other generations in the workforce, while millennials, born between 1977 and 1995, put the highest priority on mental health when looking for jobs.3
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