Employee mental health is a global issue that no organization should ignore. Half or more of workers report experiencing mental health issues caused or exacerbated by work issues. Increasingly companies are prioritizing mental health benefits for reasons including:
- It’s the right thing to do. Removing stigmas and encouraging people to seek help will result in more engaged, productive, and loyal employees.
- Mental illness has a huge price tag. The World Health Organization estimates that mental health problems such as depression and anxiety lead to $1 trillion in lost productivity. For every $1 invested in employee mental health, there is a significant return on investment in terms of health, job satisfaction, and efficiency.
Ways to incorporate mental health into your employee benefit plan include:
- Offering robust health insurance coverage.
- Coaching on conflict resolution and stress management.
- Offering and promoting employee assistance programs.
- Providing paid time off, parental leave, and work flexibility.
- Utilizing mental health-focused technology platforms.
