The World Health Organization has said that anxiety and depression can cost the global economy up to $1 trillion every year when it comes to productivity that is lost. If this is the case, then it means that how successful an organization is can depend on the mental health of its employees.
Organizations that actively support the mental health of their employees are likely to perform better. It should be noted that employees recognize how important it is to invest in mental health benefits for their employees. However, finding the right solution for a workplace that is diverse, can still be difficult. There are five key mental health benefits that employers can consider if they want to help their employees.
1. Going Beyond Traditional Therapy
People have different preferences as well as needs when it comes to what kind of mental health therapy would suit them. There are traditional plans for health benefits as well as employee assistance programs that offer therapy that is one or one. However, not every employee will enjoy or even benefit from such sessions.
To better understand what kind of mental health benefits would suit an organization, consider looking at how many modalities are offered. Aim to go beyond traditional therapy or even care that is self-guided. There should be a wide range of supportive measures that employees are offered with. This gives employees the autonomy to choose what career suits them best.
2. Coverage That Is Full Spectrum
Employees should be provided with access to mental health care that best suits what needs they have. Some individuals have higher acuity needs. They can be supported using programs that are self paces, or even with the help of coaching. There could be other employees whose needs are more moderate. They could need modalities that are more blended. This is why full-spectrum coverage doesn’t meet the needs of every employee.
When selecting the right mental health benefits, employers should consider whether the solution for mental health being offered is based on evidence or not. This way, organizations can save money should therapy as well as medication not be necessary for the situation.
3. The Workplace Culture
Discussions centered around mental health sometimes are stigmatized by organizations. The mental health of the global workforce is becoming more and more a priority that employers are focusing on. The mental health benefits that are being chosen should enable the creation of a culture centered around well-being in the workplace.
Organizations should consider whether the mental health solutions being offered can also help employees who work remotely. Can organizations offer support that de-stigmatizes how mental health is perceived in the workplace?
4. Global Provider Network
The workforce today is increasingly distributed, as well as diverse. Think about whether the mental health benefits of being selected to support a global team, in the language they prefer. Mental health solutions should be able to support employees irrespective of where they are located.
It should be considered whether the solutions being offered have protocols in place. These protocols should enable partnering with licensed therapists, who can then use evidence-based practices. Certified coaches can also be selected for the job. Know what the wait time is for an employee to be matched with one of the providers. Also, check whether providers are up to date on mental health practices. If you’re struggling to build a proper framework for how mental health support should be handled for employees, you can look online for more information to get a better idea. For example, you can learn more at Thrive’s website on how to support someone with depression and anxiety and apply this knowledge to various parts of your mental health plan.
5. Returns On Investment
The benefits being offered should be used by employees, otherwise, it could be an expensive waste. This is why organizations should opt for mental health solutions that employees can actively engage with.
Conclusion
Mental health benefits can help employees be more productive, while also caring for their mental health. When selecting the right mental health benefits, consider how likely your employees are to use those benefits. Mental health solutions that are more engaging are likely to be used more by employees, and they can benefit more from them.