In recent years, many U.S. employers have placed a stronger emphasis on supporting employee mental health, leveraging their role as purchasers of mental health benefits to drive meaningful change in the system.
However, the type of mental health support employees receive can significantly impact its effectiveness. On May 22, three analysts from the corporate well-being sector briefed Covering Workplace Mental Health journalism fellows on the key elements of a successful strategy for improving employee mental health.
Clare Miller, a strategy consultant with Workplace Mental Health LLC, led the discussion with Carrie Grogan, lead principal for client services at Mind Share Partners, and Pamela Rich, vice president at Business Group on Health. Both Mind Share Partners and Business Group on Health released surveys on workplace mental health in May, sharing important findings during the session.
“Addressing mental health is not only the right thing to do, but also a sound economic decision,” Miller stated. “Mental illnesses are prevalent and highly treatable. Unfortunately, stigma still exists, which affects individuals’ willingness to seek help and use available resources.”
Here are some key takeaways from the session:
- Mental health has become a top priority for employers, with nearly half of the surveyed companies identifying it as the primary focus of their well-being strategies.
- Employers are introducing various initiatives to support mental health, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), virtual counseling, caregiver support, and flexible leave policies.
- Creating a positive mental health culture is vital. This includes leadership engagement, manager training, and peer support programs to reduce stigma and encourage the use of available resources.
- Companies are increasingly recognizing the business benefits of investing in mental health. Supporting mental health improves productivity, employee retention, and overall company performance.
- Challenges remain in ensuring that mental health benefits are accessible and utilized, and addressing the root causes of workplace stress and burnout.
Rich also highlighted the growing importance of supporting caregivers in the workplace.
“There is significant research showing that unpaid caregivers are at higher risk for mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. The statistics also show a greater incidence of suicidal thoughts. Supporting caregivers is therefore a crucial part of any mental health strategy,” Rich explained.
Grogan emphasized the importance of flexibility in accessing mental health support, particularly for those facing severe challenges. “Having the flexibility to access mental health resources, especially during tough times, is essential for everyone,” she said. “Being able to plan your day, feel supported by colleagues and managers, and have autonomy in addressing your needs greatly benefits both mental health and job performance.”
These insights underscore the growing awareness of the critical role workplace mental health plays in both individual well-being and organizational success.
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