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.

In Episode 3 of the IBI Team Podcast Series, researcher Carole Bonner shares how she bridges academic rigor with real-world business needs. From data modeling and design to grandkids and graphic storytelling, Carole reflects on the evolving role of research, the power of empathy, and how a good infographic (or a great focus group) can re-energize your work.

We chat about:

• How Carole blends data, design, and storytelling in her research
• What she's learned from diving into focus groups and field insights
• Why the best career advice she ever got was to “find the question behind the question"

In this episode of the IBI Team Podcast Series, we sit down with Zoram Blancas-Ruiz, IBI’s Director of Benchmarking & Analytics. Zoram shares his path from disability insurance to data leadership, how he’s redeveloping IBI’s benchmarking program, and why he believes collaboration and persistence are key to success.

We also talk Excel tips, pickleball, softball coaching, and what it’s like to wear many hats on a small but mighty team.

In the kickoff episode of the IBI Team Podcast Series, host Sera-Leigh Ghouralal, PhD, sits down with IBI’s Chief Operating Officer, Brandon Roberts. Brandon reflects on his career journey—from government intern to COO—and shares what it takes to lead operations, HR, and finance at a mission-driven organization like IBI.

They talk about:
✔️ The evolution of IBI’s regional meetings and annual forum
✔️ Creative strategies to improve meeting engagement
✔️ The unique team culture at IBI
✔️ Personal highlights, leadership lessons, and future goals

Whether you're part of the IBI community or just curious about what goes into building a high-performing, human-centered workplace, this episode is full of insights and energy.

Discover groundbreaking new workplace research revealing how DEI statements affect hiring outcomes, medical cannabis laws reduce insurance premiums, and remote work creates unique challenges for working parents. Learn how income inequality influences financial behavior, why disability status affects retirement withdrawals, and how workplace hazards disproportionately impact minority communities. Join IBI's Research Roundup podcast for expert analysis on creating healthier, more equitable workplaces in today's evolving business landscape.

Explore some of the latest cutting-edge workplace research with IBI's Research Roundup. Discover how anti-obesity medications impact cardiovascular health, the effects of job insecurity on employee well-being, and evolving preferences for hybrid work. Gain valuable insights on leadership during crises and potential healthcare cost savings for employers. Essential listening for HR professionals, benefits managers, and business leaders focused on enhancing employee health, productivity, and organizational performance in today's dynamic work environment.

Dive into the latest workplace health research with IBI's Research Roundup. Explore how obesity affects employee productivity, the impact of leadership on remote work success, and future health insurance trends. Gain valuable insights on managing chronic conditions, fostering inclusivity, and implementing new technologies in the workplace. Essential listening for HR professionals and business leaders aiming to enhance employee well-being and organizational performance.

This episode covers research on ghosting in recruitment, cost-effective obesity management, workplace factors affecting back pain, and the link between gynecological conditions and mental health. Tune in for key insights to boost employee well-being and productivity.