Effective Strategies for Maximizing Mental Health Benefits

3 minute read

In fast-paced work environments, mental health is vital. Employees who are mentally well are more productive, engaged, and satisfied. Mental health treatment, including therapy and self-care, can help those experiencing mental illness. However, seeking help can be challenging. Employers can help employees overcome barriers to mental health care and support their recovery journey. This article explores how employers can break down these barriers and support employees holistically.

Importance of Mental Health Benefits

It’s important to understand why mental health benefits are so vital in the workplace.

• Improved employee well-being. Employees with mental health benefits to help them manage stress, anxiety, and other issues can lead to their overall well-being and happiness.
• Increased productivity. Employees can better manage work-related stress and challenges and are likely to be productive if they have access to mental health support.
• Reduced absenteeism. Mental health benefits can help reduce absenteeism caused by mental health issues, leading to employer cost savings.
• Talent attraction and retention. Robust mental health benefits can make an organization more attractive to potential employees and help retain current talent.
• Enhanced employee engagement. Employees who feel supported in their mental health are more engaged and committed to their jobs and the company.

Investing in mental health support has far-reaching effects. A recent study by Calm revealed that every $1 invested in employees’ mental well-being can save employers $2-$4 on other expenses, like healthcare costs. This creates a win-win situation in today’s economic climate, where employee mental health is increasingly significant, and employers have the opportunity to provide resources and support.

Removing Benefits Barriers

To address barriers to mental health care, employers can consider strategies to increase access and normalize support.

• Review benefits offerings. Address employee mental health by incorporating it into health care offerings. Popular benefits/policies include inclusive health insurance plans with mental health coverage, employee assistance programs, flexible work arrangements, paid caregiving leave, and mental health days.
• Educate about available benefits. In addition to educating employees about mental health benefits, employers can explain how to use other benefits to make mental health treatment more affordable. For example, health savings and flexible spending accounts can be used for mental health therapy expenses.
• Reduce the stigma. Employers can foster trust by openly discussing mental health, encouraging self-care, providing flexible scheduling for treatment, and offering in-office training on self-care, stress management, and mental health.
• Support caregiver responsibilities. The pandemic highlighted the mental health challenges faced by caregivers, who often prioritize others over themselves. They should also prioritize their own mental well-being.
• Support employee wellness. Exercise, healthy eating, and good sleep habits are crucial for employees' mental health and resilience. Employers can support their employees' mental health by promoting wellness programs, offering incentives like healthy lunches and free gym memberships, and providing employee assistance benefits for those struggling with mental health or other issues.
• Promote work-life balance. A healthy work-life balance is crucial for employees' health, happiness, and productivity. Organizations can support this balance by providing flexibility, encouraging unplugging from work, and offering flexible work schedules for employees to seek mental health services.

Summary

Employers can support and facilitate mentally healthy workplaces, boosting employee mental health and overall wellness through open and trusting environments, as well as providing mental health resources and support. Download the bulletin for more details.