Key Takeaways
- Freelancers face unique challenges, including financial uncertainty, isolation, and a lack of consistent support.
- Gallup found that workers with poor mental health average 12 unplanned absence days annually, compared to just 2.5 days for others.
- The cost of a missed workday is conservatively estimated to be $340 per day for full-time workers and $170 per day for part-time workers.
- Benefits alone aren't enough; company culture must also support flexibility and normalize mental health conversations.
Listen: Why mental health benefits matter to freelancers.
Companies widely recognize the undeniable value freelancers bring, including flexibility, specialized skills, and deep expertise. Yet, in the rush for business outcomes, some overlook an important driver of success: mental health support. This type of support is more than just a perk, but is key for building stronger freelancer relationships and supporting productivity, creativity, and well-being.
In recent years, we’ve seen a growing movement to prioritize mental health in the workplace. A study by the American Psychological Association found that 71% of people say their employer is more concerned about mental health today than in the past.
Businesses that place an increased emphasis on mental health support and resources are well-positioned to attract top talent. This is especially important for attracting freelancers, who face unique stressors. From financial uncertainty to the emotional toll of working independently, they often carry a different mental load than traditional employees.
Understanding why mental health benefits and resources matter—and knowing what to ask a staffing agency about these benefits—can help you better care for the talent that support your business growth.
Freelancers are not immune to burnout
It’s easy to assume that freelancers have it all figured out. After all, many choose this path for its flexibility and autonomy. However, behind that independence often lies a reality that includes stressors like frequent self-promotion to land new gigs, unpredictable income, and, in some cases, isolation.
Hustle culture can take a toll, and freelancers may quietly struggle without proper mental health resources. This can impact not only the well-being of freelancers but also their productivity and quality of work. Gallup found that over a 12-month period, workers with fair or poor mental health are projected to have nearly 12 days of unplanned absences, compared to just 2.5 days for all other workers. The cost of a missed workday is conservatively estimated to be $340 per day for full-time workers and $170 per day for part-time workers.
That’s why it’s important to make sure that if you work with a staffing agency, they provide high-quality benefits, including support for mental health needs.
Culture must match the policy
Having access to mental health benefits is important, but equally important is that freelancers feel empowered to actually use them. For example, a staffing agency might offer generous perks. Still, if the company’s culture sends mixed signals, such as silence around mental health discussions, freelancers may feel uncomfortable stepping away from work when needed or asking for help.
Companies that normalize mental health conversations and support flexibility help build psychological safety. According to McKinsey & Company, “ Feeling psychologically safe allows people to perform their best at home, school, and work.” In other words, it encourages your freelancers to take time away when they need it and reassures them that it’s okay to do so.
Leaders also play an important role in creating this type of culture. They should model behaviors like taking time off without guilt and openly talking about well-being, which gives freelancers permission to do the same. For example, when someone requests time off and hears, “Take all the time you need, we’ve got it covered,” instead of “Finish this before you go,” it sends a much more supportive message.
From an ROI perspective, creating this type of culture can help improve freelancer retention. Top talent will want to work with you, and you can avoid the time and cost of constantly searching for new people, and help maintain consistency across projects.
A holistic approach matters
Mental health is shaped by more than just access to therapy or specialized wellness apps. Companies should consider the full range of support freelancers might need to stay healthy.
That might include:
- Physical wellness (e.g., fitness stipends, ergonomic support).
- Financial well-being (e.g., 401(k) match programs, retirement planning resources).
- Dependent care (e.g., flexible schedules or pretax savings accounts for child care).
- Time-off policies (e.g., paid sick days, personal leave, military leave).
It’s also important to look at how the staffing agency promotes these benefits. Is it truly part of the culture or just listed among the resources outlined in the welcome package?
For example, when it comes to mental health, there are both prevention and crisis intervention. You want to understand the kind of support available on each side and how freelancers can actually access it. Don’t just assume a wellness program or employee assistance line is enough. Look closely at what’s offered and how it’s delivered.
What to ask staffing agencies about mental health benefits
Companies that want to create a more supportive environment for their freelance talent can start by asking a few thoughtful questions of their staffing partners. This helps you move beyond asking, “Do you offer benefits?” and into details of mental well-being. Here are a few questions to consider:
- What mental health services are available to freelancers for prevention and crisis support?
- How do freelancers access these resources? Is the process easy and clearly communicated?
- What role does the staffing agency play in promoting these benefits? Do they help embed them into the culture?
- How are hiring managers encouraged to support freelancers in using these resources?
- What ongoing support is offered beyond the initial onboarding conversation?
These questions can help uncover not just what’s available, but also whether those offerings truly support freelancers in a way that aligns with your company’s culture and goals.
Looking at the bigger picture moving forward
Because of the nature of freelance work, these talent will always face some level of uncertainty and stress, whether lining up that next big project or wondering if the current one will be extended. But regardless of the situation, it’s important to remember that at the end of the day, we’re all human. The reality is, mental health support is not exclusive to traditional employees; freelancers need it just as much, and it's our responsibility to ensure they have it.
Ready to learn more about supporting freelancers by offering them high-quality benefits? Check out these seven key questions to ask your staffing agency.
About the authors
Den Mondejar is a marketing professional and change leader passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). For over 15 years, he has worked on developing teams, improving experiences, and increasing employer brand value. At Aquent, he leads our Diversity+ recruiting solution, helping small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and Fortune 100 companies achieve their workforce diversity goals in a meaningful way. Den also sits on Aquent's Diversity Council, is the BIPOC Employee Resource Group Co-Chair, and has completed Cornell University's Diversity and Inclusion certification program.
Nicki Howell is a freelance writer and content strategist with deep expertise in benefits, insurance, and technology trends. As a contributor to industry publications like BenefitsPRO and PC360, she covers topics ranging from pet insurance and workplace presenteeism to employee assistance programs and mental health. With over a decade of experience, Nicki specializes in translating complex industry concepts into engaging, accessible content for professionals.
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