Mental Health Options in the Workplace

Many employees are recognizing how good mental health is key for a solid work-life balance and are actively looking for wellness assistance in their workplace. No longer is it considered enough to have basic mental health benefits and more new hires are seriously considering how a potential employer has made mental health a priority. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association’s 2022 Work and Well-Being Survey, 71% of workers believe their employer is more concerned about their mental health than they were in the past.

How mental health benefits are changing

The way mental health has been discussed over the last few years has changed the benefits that are now offered. A national poll released in April of 2019 by the American Psychiatric Association found that a little over half of the 1,005 US adults polled, could openly discuss their mental health concerns with their supervisors. These responses varied by generations with 62% of Millennials being the most comfortable discussing mental health issues compared to 32% of Baby Boomers.

With the effects of the pandemic, the discussion expanded as a NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) 2021 survey indicated, with 52% stating they were more open in talking to others about their mental health since the pandemic began. The pandemic also highlighted a need for mental health solutions with a 25% increase in anxiety and depression worldwide according to the scientific brief released in March 2022 by the World Health Organization.

Mental health issues employees are facing in the workplace

According to the Corporate Wellness Magazine the top concerns of mental health in the workplace include:

• Stress – High levels of stress are often caused by unrealistic work expectations, poor work environment, and lack of support that can lead to physical health problems
• Burnout – Prolonged mental stress which can lead to feelings of fatigue, irritation, detachment and unmotivated to complete tasks
• Depression – A sadness and loss of interest due to a negative work environment that can affect changes in sleep, appetite, concentration, muscle pain and headaches
• Anxiety – Worry and unease about daily occurrences that can lead to increased heart rate, trembling, avoiding tasks, and perfectionism

In cases where it is determined that depression and anxiety disorders such as bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder that substantially limits a major life activity, could also be considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

The importance of mental health benefits for new hires

Ninety percent of employers are planning to invest in mental health programs according to the Wellable Labs 2022 Employee Wellness Industry Trends Report. Because of the effects of the pandemic and the new awareness regarding the importance of mental health, many companies are more focused on the issue. In the 2021, a Mental Health at Work report by Mind Share Partners’ along with Qualtrics and SeviceNow, found 67% of respondents said they had at least one symptom of mental health over that year.  This was an increase from the previous data of 59% in 2019. Three areas of focus include:

Cultural Change – Changing the stigma of mental health starts with educating all employees and showing how management supports mental health programs. This makes the conversation more transparent and establishes solutions that are available and are encouraged to be used if necessary.

More Sustainable Ways of Working – With many employees being required to work remotely during the pandemic, a flexible schedule became a necessity in order to manage other responsibilities such as childcare. Many companies recognize that mental health days and flexible schedules help employees more easily. Other strategies for in office work include no meeting days, focused work time and healthy boundaries such as no email communication after work hours.

Deeper Connection – Employers who engage in ongoing conversations with their employees will usually have a better understanding of any concerns could impact their mental health. By having regular one-to-one discussions and simply asking, “How are you?” will establish a rapport and show a proactive approach to addressing any concerns. Usually managers who take the time to establish a deeper connection will encourage employees to access available resources.

Voluntary Benefits Can Also Be Helpful

Voluntary benefits are programs that employees can sign up for at a discounted rate or through a payroll deduction in order to assist with various issues that can impact their mental health including:

Health and wellness – Benefits offered could be health insurance (which can include mental health counseling), vision care, dental, life, and disability insurance, or gym memberships

Financial wellness – Possible benefits can include financial counseling, repayment of student loans, or protection insurance for your mortgage

Personal benefits – May include car, travel, pet insurance, legal help, employee assistance programs, or other discounted services

Security – Options could include benefits such as ID theft protection, discount to purchase for home security system, and homeowner’s insurance

Benefits for employers who are addressing mental health

Good mental health usually has direct savings for an employer. A 2019 report by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans found North American employers saved between $1 to $3 dollars on overall health costs for every dollar invested in wellness programs. The amount saved came from both direct costs such as reduced worker’s compensation claims and indirect costs such as increased retention and productivity. According to an October 2022 Indeed article there are also other benefits of having happier employees including: 

Customer relationships are impacted – An employee that feels happy, tends to pass on that goodwill directly to the customer who feel more engaged with the company

Higher quality work – Employees who feel they are engaged and happy in their job will usually produced their best work because they want to support their company

Teamwork is enhanced – When someone is in a good mood it tends to be contagious and other team members will work better with a person who is cooperative and happy