Rethinking Intermittent Leaves: An Opportunity to Lead with Empathy

By Brian Murphy, CLMS, Director, Analytic Consulting, The Hartford; Joy Larochelle Gamboa, Assistant Director, Analytic Consulting, The Hartford

Supporting diverse healthcare needs and individual employee responsibilities is essential in the workplace. There is a strong argument to be made that employers could do more to embrace a culture of support and empathy, especially when it comes to intermittent leaves. Employers have started offering greater access to benefits that support mental health and whole-person wellness in the last decade as they pivoted to address the needs of millennial and Gen Z employees, who are more open about their mental health. 

The pandemic accelerated these discussions and solidified mental health as a sustained priority. Unfortunately, stigma surrounding mental health and leaves of absence persists. In fact, a 2023 study shows that 36% of U.S. workers believe there is a negative perception associated with taking leave, and 29% of U.S. workers are fearful of workplace repercussions if they take leave.¹   

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