Editor’s Note: May is National Mental Health Awareness Month!

According to recent studies, more than 42% of employees in the US have experienced anxiety and depression since the pandemic began. The picture is no different worldwide.

Studies and surveys also highlight young people, rather than older people, are most vulnerable to increased psychological distress. May being the National Mental Health Awareness Month, it is a good time to pause and reflect.
 

In this edition of Employee Benefits & Wellness Excellence, we have hand-picked a few informative articles with an aim to encourage you to prioritize mental health and increase awareness about mental illness.

As mental illness continues to play a large part in why employees are quitting their jobs at higher rates, HR leaders know there’s more to be done to make positive, sustainable change. If we listen to the needs of workers, the answer lies in company culture. So, what does a culture of mental health really look like? Unmind's Matt Jackson in his article, What Does A Culture Of Mental Health Really Look Like, points out how three organizations are going beyond the status quo to create a culture of mental health.

Mental health care may be experiencing a sea change, where telehealth is becoming the new standard. And there’s reason to believe this would be a change for the better. Springbuk's Jennifer Jones in her article, Mental Health Visits Will Never Be the Same — Here’s Why shares valuable insights.

Digital Wellness Center's CEO Dr. Mary Donohue in her article, The Five Mental-Health Triggers To Eliminate From Your Workplace, lists down top mental-health triggers to avoid for better mental well-being and a healthier culture all around.

It is common for people in a higher position of responsibility to forget or neglect their own well-being. Westfield Health's Vicky Walker in his article, Why Well-being In The Workplace Is An Essential Prerogative, offers self-care tips for managers. 

Choosing to invest in your employees' well-being is the best thing you can do for your company. Open and mindful employees tend to be more productive and are less likely to suffer from stress. We hope you use all the tips and strategies included in this edition as a launching pad for your mental health programs. Stay happy and healthy!
 

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