Dual Approach to Mental Health Benefits: Employer-Sponsored and Employer-Supported

Employees are every company’s most important asset and they need to be cared for and treated as such. From a business perspective, employer attention to mental health is critical because it impacts every facet of the business. Healthy employees demonstrate higher productivity, engagement, and resilience, leading to reduced absenteeism and turnover. Furthermore, positive mental health fosters a supportive and inclusive workplace culture. By prioritizing mental health, businesses not only uphold ethical responsibilities but also promote a healthier bottom line. In the long run, mental health investments can improve company performance, employee satisfaction, and societal perceptions of the organization.

1+1=3 for Mental Health

Employer support for mental health is essential both in terms of tangible programs offered and the culture fostered. Programs provide direct resources for employees to manage their mental health, but without a supportive culture, utilization may be low due to stigma and fear of repercussion. A culture that encourages openness about mental health ensures these resources are utilized effectively. Moreover, such a culture fosters empathy, inclusivity, and productivity, ultimately leading to better team dynamics, lower employee turnover, and a healthier bottom line.

Step 1: Employer-sponsored

Benefits may differ from one organization to another, but some common types of mental health benefits offered by employers include:

1. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): EAPs are confidential services designed to help employees deal with personal issues that might adversely impact their work performance, health, and well-being. This could include mental health issues, substance abuse problems, major life events like the death of a loved one, and family or relationship issues.
2. Teletherapy/Online Therapy: With the rise of telemedicine, some employers offer benefits that include access to online mental health resources such as therapy and counseling services. These services can often be accessed anytime and anywhere, providing greater flexibility for employees.
3. Mental Health Education and Training: This can include workshops, seminars, or online courses on topics such as stress management, mindfulness, and     recognizing the signs of mental health issues. Some companies might also train managers to better support team members who are struggling with mental health issues.
4. Wellness Programs: These programs often focus on overall well-being and can include elements such as mindfulness or yoga classes, fitness membership     reimbursements, healthy eating options, and more.
5. Psychological Health and Safety Policies: Some companies have implemented policies specifically geared towards mental health in the workplace, such as anti-bullying and harassment policies, or policies to prevent overwork.
6. Access to Mental Health Apps: Some employers provide free or discounted access to mental health apps that provide resources for stress management,     mindfulness, and other mental health-related topics.

While these are common offerings, mental health benefits can vary widely based on the specific organization, its size, and its resources.

Step 2: Employer-supported

It is not what you say that matters, it is what you do. Promoting positive mental health in the workplace requires a comprehensive and proactiveapproach from employers. Here are some strategies:

1. Promote Awareness: Facilitate workshops and training on mental health to reduce stigma, promote understanding of common mental health issues, and     encourage help-seeking behavior.
2. Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage time off, limit after-hours work, and provide flexible work arrangements to prevent burnout.
3. Create a Supportive Culture: Foster an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health issues without fear of stigma or discrimination.
4. Regular Check-ins: Managers should regularly check in with their team members to discuss not just work-related matters, but also how they are coping     generally.
5. Create a Healthy Work Environment: This includes manageable workloads, clear communication, constructive feedback, and recognition for good work.

The full picture

A mission statement is only a piece of paper. It is what you do that matters. Culture is how people act when on their own on a daily basis. Offering great mental benefits is one big step but how a company creates a culture of mental health support is what can make those offerings and an employee’s daily mental health status at an optimal level. What is good for the employee’s mental health is good for the employer and facilitates lower absenteeism, lower turnover and higher productivity.